‘Dark Knight’ Blows Away Box Office

It wasn’t easy being the competition this weekend. Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight,’ shot past ‘Spider-Man 3’s’ record debut to claim the spot of highest weekend opening ever, the film earned $155.4 million domestically. It wasn’t hard, as the ‘Dark Knight’ also played in a record breaking 4,366 theaters. Also, the film seemed to exceed everyone’s expectations as the critical reception has been positive.

Despite the competition, ‘Mama Mia!’ which also opened this weekend broke a record of its own. The film grossed $27.5 million, the highest for a movie musical. The Meryl Streep starrer provided a lighter faire for audience goers, and took the second place spot.

It wasn’t all success stories, ‘Meet Dave,’ fell off the top 10 in its Sophomore session, taking in $1.6 million, bringing it to a total of $9.37 million. ‘Space Chimps,’ another new release for the weekend came in 7th place, bringing in only $7.3 million.

1. The Dark Knight - $155M
2. Mamma Mia! - $27.6M
3. Hancock - $14M
4. Journey to the Center of the Earth - $11.9M
5. Hellboy II: The Golden Army - $10M
6. WALL-E - $9.81M
7. Space Chimps - $7.35M
8. Wanted - $5.1M
9. Get Smart - $4.08M
10. Kung Fu Panda - $1.75M

*Update: Final numbers are out, and Dark Knight grossed $158 million…epic win.