LOS ANGELES (AP) – Audiences had their pick of genres over the Christmas weekend, but despite a host of fresh arrivals, splashy holiday fare like Unbroken and Into the Woods proved no match for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
The final instalment in Peter Jackson’s trilogy marched to the top spot once again with an estimated $41.4 million take across the weekend ($54.5 including Christmas day earnings), according to studio estimates today.
Universal’s World War II epic Unbroken, took second place with $31.7 million from the weekend, bringing its domestic total to $47.3 million from its first four days in theatres.
“We’re all thrilled,” Nikki Rocco, Universal’s president of domestic distribution said of the Angelina Jolie-directed drama. “It’s a testament to how great this movie is. I’m so happy that America found out about it.”
Added Rentrak’s senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian: “The story of Louis Zamperini really offered a nice alternative for moviegoers who weren’t looking for a fantasy world, a musical or a family film.”
Disney’s musical Into the Woods, boasting a star-packed cast and a PG rating, came in a close third with $31 million, and $46.1 million across the four days. It replaced Mamma Mia as the biggest opening for a screen adaptation of a Broadway musical ever.
The rest of the top five was populated by holdovers Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and Annie which earned $20.6 million and $16.6 million, respectively, in their second weekend in theatres.
Sony’s The Interview, which was also available for rental and purchase online, ultimately took in $2.8 million from 331 theatres since its opening on Thursday, with $1.8 million of that coming from the weekend.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theatres, according to Hollywood.com.
1. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, $41.4 million ($89.2 million international).
2. Unbroken,” $31.7 million ($2.7 million international).
3. Into the Woods, $31 million ($1.6 million international).
4. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, $20.6 million ($30.3 million international).
5. Annie, $16.6 million ($5.9 million international).
6. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, $10 million ($7.9 million international).
7. The Gambler, $9.3 million.
8. The Imitation Game, $7.9 million ($400,000 international).
9. Exodus: Gods and Kings, $6.8 million ($31 million international).
10. Wild, $5.4 million.
