'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' opened bigger than anyone could have expected as it took in an estimated $140.7 million domestically and a whopping $258.8 million worldwide.
But it wasn't just a solid opening, it was a record setting one. In fact, 'New Moon' now ranks as the third-biggest opener in Hollywood history -- behind only last year's $158.4 million opening weekend for 'The Dark Knight' and the $151.1 million for 'Spider-Man 3'.
And 'New Moon' was demolishing estimates right from the start, the film rung up $72.7 million on Friday after a record $26.3 million from midnight screenings alone.
To compare, the first 'Twilight' grossed $384 million worldwide over the course of its entire run. The sequel has taken in $258.8 million in just three days. The movie had a relatively poultry budget of $50 million.
Fortunately for Sandra Bullock, it wasn't all 'Twilight'. Her football drama 'The Blind Side', based on the real-life story of Baltimore Ravens tackle Michael Oher, opened with $34.5 million for second. Experts had predicted that the feel good movie would fall by the wayside on the same weekend as 'Twilight' but its contrasting demographic helped fuel bigger than expected numbers.
Animated 'Planet 51' placed fourth with $12.6 million while last weekend's topper, '2012', slipped to third with $26.5 million.
Here's the complete rundown for the weekend box office:
1. The Twilight Saga: New Moon, $140.7 million. 2. The Blind Side, $34.5 million. 3. 2012, $26.5 million. 4. Planet 51, $12.6 million. 5. Disney's A Christmas Carol, $12.2 million. 6. Precious, $11 million. 7. The Men Who Stare at Goats, $2.8 million. 8. Couples Retreat, $2 million. 9. The Fourth Kind, $1.7 million. 10. Law Abiding Citizen, $1.6 million.
'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' opened bigger than anyone could have expected as it took in an estimated $140.7 million domestically and a whopping $258.8 million worldwide.
