Box Office: New Moon Breaks Records

As expected, The Twilight Saga: New Moon was number one at the box office this weekend with a smashing debut of $140 million. Opening on Friday the sequel to 2008′s Twilight broke the single day record previously held by The Dark Knight. Including its record breaking midnight debut New Moon earned $72.7 million on Friday besting the previous record of $67 million held by The Dark Knight. Challenging The Dark Knight for top three day opening, New Moon failed to defeat the superhero film from 2008 which still holds the record with $158 million. It also was unable to surpass Spider-Man 3′s opening weekend of $151 million set in 2007. However, sitting at the number three spot with $140 million isn’t too bad. Continue reading for a full breakdown of the weekend box office.

In 2008 Twilight opened to an impressive $69 million. Just one year later the Twilight madness has gone completely crazy and Twihards (as they are so affectionately called) have doubled the opening set forth from the first film. Even with a 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes this blockbuster sequel completely demolished the weekend box office.

Also opening this weekend was the Sandra Bullock flick The Blindside. Based on the inspirational true story, The Blindside was a huge hit opening with $34.5 million. With a rating of 71% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes this feel good drama about professional football player Michael Oher attracted an audience that wanted something different than teenage vampires in love.

This Thanksgiving welcomes the kids comedy Old Dogs starring Robin Williams and John Travolta. Also opening is Ninja Assassin and The Road. Check back with us next week as we bring you the weekend box office report.

Box Office numbers courtesy of Box Office Mojo