This weekend The Avengers set a new record by taking in $200.3 million on its opening weekend, far surpassing the $150 million expected. It’s certainly impressive, but it actually isn’t that surprising when you look back at the other films in the top 10 for the biggest debut weekends.
Every movie in the top 10 is a sequel, with the exception of The Hunger Games. Since The Avengers is essentially the sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Iron Man 2, and The Incredible Hulk, the film has four times the draw of a regular sequel. Plus, the movie was written and directed by Joss Whedon, who has a devoted cult following. Here’s a look at the other films rounding out the top 10:
Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Opening: $169,189,427
Release Date: 7/15/2011
Film: The Dark Knight
Opening: $158,411,483
Release Date: 7/18/2008
Film: The Hunger Games
Opening: $152,535,747
Release Date: 3/23/2012
Film: Spider-Man 3
Opening: $151,116,516
Release Date: 5/4/2007
Film: The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Opening: $142,839,137
Release Date: 11/20/2009
Film: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Opening: $138,122,261
Release Date: 11/18/2011
Film: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
Opening: $135,634,554
Release Date: 7/7/2006
Film: Iron Man 2
Opening: $128,122,480
Release Date: 5/7/2010
Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Opening: $125,017,372
Release Date: 11/19/2010
It’s likely there will be another entry to the list this summer. 2008’s The Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, had the third biggest opening weekend ever, and The Dark Knight Rises, may join The Avengers in the over $200 million club on July 20, 2012.
More:
‘The Avengers’ Assemble For a Record Summer Kick-Off!
‘Avengers’: How it Fares vs. Other Superhero Films
The Hulk Problem: Lou Ferrigno on Marvel’s Struggles to Bring the Hero to Screen
