THANKSGIVING BOX OFFICE HISTORY

Looking back to 1990 indicates that the Thanksgiving marketplace has soared over the years, becoming one of Hollywood's happiest holidays. From their 1990 level of about $112 million, Thanksgiving ticket sales peaked at over $238 million in 2000. They slipped back in 2001 by about 13 percent to a still sizable $207 million. This year they were up about 1.7 percent from 2001 with an ESTIMATED $210.8 million.

On a year-by-year basis, here's a look at how Hollywood has sliced its Thanksgiving box office pie:

In 2001 key films -- those grossing $500,000 or more for five days -- took in $207.2 million.

Warner Bros. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was first with $82.4 million. Buena Vista/Disney and Pixar's Monsters, Inc. was second with $32.5 million. Universal and Beacon Pictures' Spy Game opened in third place to $30.6 million. 20th Century Fox's Black Knight opened in fourth place to $15.4 million. Fox's Shallow Hal was fifth with $12.1 million.

In 2000, key films -- those grossing $500,000 or more for five days -- took in $238.7 million.

Universal's Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas was first with $73.5 million. Buena Vista's opening of Unbreakable was second with $46.0 million. Buena Vista's 102 Dalmatians opened in third place with $26.2 million. Paramount's Rugrats in Paris: The Movie was fourth with $22.5 million. Columbia's Charlie's Angels finished fifth with $13.5 million.

In 1999, key films took in $218.9 million. Buena Vista/Disney and Pixar's animated sequel Toy Story 2 led the pack with $80.1 million. MGM/UA's James Bond sequel The World Is Not Enough was second with $34 million. Universal's Arnold Schwarzenegger epic End of Days opened in third place to $31.5 million. Paramount's Sleepy Hollow from director Tim Burton was fourth with $26.9 million. Warner Bros.' animated Pokemon rounded out the Top Five with $9.1 million.

In 1998, key films grossed $176.9 million, led by Buena Vista's A Bug's Life with $45.7 million.

In 1997, key films took in $147.2 million, led by Buena Vista's Flubber with $35.9 million.

In 1996, key films did $146.5 million, led by Buena Vista's 101 Dalmatians with $45.1 million.

In 1995, key films collected $154.3 million, led by Buena Vista's Toy Story with $39.1 million.

In 1994, key films earned $134.8 million, led by Buena Vista's The Santa Clause with $27.4 million.

In 1993, key films grossed $106.8 million, led by 20th Century Fox's Mrs. Doubtfire with $27.6 million.

In 1992, key films took in $134.2 million, led by 20th Century Fox's Home Alone 2: Lost in New York with $39.0 million.

In 1991, key films did $97.7 million, led by Paramount's The Addams Family with $27.8 million.

In 1990, key films took in $111.7 million, led by 20th Century Fox's Home Alone with $28.7 million.

WEEKEND COMPARISONS

Key films -- those grossing more than $500,000 -- took in approximately $210.76 million for the five day Thanksgiving holiday period, up about 1.73 percent from last year's five day Thanksgiving weekend when they totaled $207.17 million. Comparisons to last weekend of this year are not valid because last weekend was a normal three-day weekend.