The Peter Jackson-directed film only had its franchise predecessors for true competition. 2013's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug had a $73.6 million three-day opening weekend last December.
The first in the franchise, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, opened with $84.6 million in December 2012.This weekend marks the triumphant beginning to the end to this incredible franchise, which has been so consistent for over a decade since Lord of the Rings," says Rentrak analyst Paul Dergarabedian. "It's rare to see this kind of audience excitement, which has not diminished one bit."
Another final chapter to a successful franchise opened as well. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb finished in second place with $17.3 million.
Musical Annie, starring Quvenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz, opened in third place with $16.3 million.
Jeff Bock, analyst for Exhibitor Relations, says both Night at the Museum and Annie will continue to perform over the holidays.
"It's a little disappointing for both films. But they are competing for the same family market," says Bock. "And these are films that will pick up through the Christmas holidays, especially with kids out of school."
Annie had to overcome stinging reviews, scoring 29% critical approval on RottenTomatoes.com, faring better with audiences at 60% approval.Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings took fourth with $8.1 million. The biblical tale starring Christian Bale as Moses has pulled in $38.9 million since winning the box office last weekend.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay— Part 1 remained in the top five, with $7.8 million in its fifth weekend, bringing its domestic total to $289.2 million. It remains the second-highest-grossing film of the year behind Guardians of the Galaxy ($332.5 million).
Reese Witherspoon's Wild continued to impress as it expanded to 1,061 theaters. The film took in $4.2 million, enough for sixth place (and $7.2 million total).
