Nothing else stood a chance.
A number of factors played a role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ never before seen record-breaking opening weekend of $238 million: the huge following and sheer dedication fans have to the brand, the massive marketing campaign embarked launched on behalf of the film, no fellow blockbuster to contend with in its opening weekend, but the reasons it did the number it did aside, the question now remains: can it keep going?
Currently, James Cameron’s Avatar holds the all-time domestic box-office crown with $760 million. Are there enough dedicated Trekkies and curious moviegoers out there to give The Force the legs it needs to contend with Avatar? Fun fact: Avatar only opened to a $77 million weekend but through word of mouth and literally becoming part of pop culture in the midst of its run, the movie was able to extend its theater life.
The Force will soon know where it may stand when it faces its Christmas Day test by going against a number of highly anticipated star-driven films set to open that weekend, including Concussion, Daddy’s Home, Joy, Point Break, and The Big Short.
In the meantime, it can enjoy its view from atop the box-office throne as its $238 million haul was by far enough to top the week’s other two big openers, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Club and the Tiny Fey/Amy Poehler buddy comedy, Sisters, that fell in line at No. 2 and 3 with $14.4 million and $13.4 million earned, respectively. All this week’s activity easily knocked the reigning The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 2 out of the top spot and down to No. 4 with an additional $5.6 million. And rounding out the top five is Michael B. Jordan’s star-making performance in Creed, which took in another $5 million.
For the full weekend top 10, check out the list below:
1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens – $238M
2. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Club – $14.4M
3. Sisters – $13.4M
4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 2 – $5.6M
5. Creed – $5M
6. The Good Dinosaur – $4.2M
7. Krampus – $3.7M
8. In The Heart Of The Sea – $3.4M
9. Dilwale – $1.875M
10. Bajirao Mastani – $1.6M
