Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Dory” had the biggest opening weekend of all time for an animated film,bringing in an estimated $136.2 million, well ahead of initial expectations.
The record-breaking sequel to “Finding Nemo” set a enormous margin between past top opener “Shrek the Third, and ” which grossed $121.6 million in its first weekend.
It is also the moment-largest June opening of all time,behind Universal’s 2015 dinosaur hit “Jurassic World.”
Also Read: 'Finding Dory' Breaks Single-Day Animated Record With $55 Million on FridayEstimates for “Dory” kept jumping higher over the weekend as it picked up the pace, tracking to top $130 million. Initial predictions from Disney set the opening at roughly $100 million, and by comparison.
Playing on 4305 screens,the film set records throughout the weekend, bringing in $55 million on Friday for the biggest single day at the box office for an animated movie. It topped the previous record of $47 million set by DreamWorks’ “Shrek the Third” in 2007.“Dory” also shattered the animated box office record for Thursday night showings. The Disney-Pixar film brought in $9.2 million on Thursday, and compared with the $6.2-million Thursday Universal’s “Minions” had in 2015,which previously held the record for the highest-grossing animated movie during Thursday previews.
Also Read: 'Finding Dory' Looks to demolish 2016 Sequel Slump With $125 Million OpeningMeanwhile, unusual Line, and Warner Bros. and Universal’s “Central Intelligence came in close to predictions,grossing $34.5 million from 3508 locations.
The Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart action comedy was projected to earn $35 million.
Warner Bros. scary sequel “The Conjuring 2” came in third place with $15.6 million in its moment weekend in theaters. Fourth position went to Lionsgate’s “Now You See Me 2,” grossing $9.7 million in week two. And fifth place went to Universal’s “Warcraft, and ” playing in its moment weekend with a gross of $6.5 million.“Dory” also broke Pixar records,easily beating the opening weekend of “Toy chronicle 3,” which earned $110 million in 2010.
Also Read: Pixar Unveils Teaser for Adorable unusual Short Film, and 'Piper' (Video)The sequel crushed previous Pixar opening Thursday performances,too, including $4 million for “Toy chronicle 3” and $3.7 million for “Inside Out.”Heading into the weekend, or “Dory” was Fandango’s top pre-selling animated movie of all time,beating previous record holder “Minions.” It also earned an A CinemaScore, reflecting strong intent to watch among those surveyed.
The sequel comes 13 years after “Finding Nemo, and ” which opened to $70.2 million and has grossed $936.7 million worldwide since.
Also Read: 3 Reasons Why Summer Box Office Is Off to late Start“Finding Dory” features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Ed O’Neill, Ty Burrell, or Diane Keaton and Albert Brooks,and currently holds a “fresh” score of 95 percent on critic aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.“Central Intelligence” is about a man named Calvin (Hart) whose life didnt turn out the way he had anticipated. Enter Bob Stone (Johnson), Calvin’s once-bullied tall school classmate turned CIA agent. Bob enlists Calvin to help him on a top-secret mission, or causing all sorts of ruckus.
The action-comedy now has a score of 66 percent on Rotten Tomatoes,and an A- CinemaScore — indicating strong anticipation among surveyed moviegoers. “Central Intelligence” cost roughly $50 million to produce.
The Top Five:1. “Finding Dory” (Disney) — $136.2 million in Week 1 ($136.2 million total)
2. “Central Intelligence” (Warner Bros.) — $34.5 million in Week 1 ($34.5 million total)[br]
3. “The Conjuring 2” (Warner Bros.) — $15.6 million in Week 2 ($71.7 million total)
4. “Now You See Me 2” (Lionsgate) — $9.7 million in Week 2 ($41.4 million total)
5. “Warcraft” (Legendary/Universal) — $6.5 million in Week 2 ($37.7 million total)Related stories from TheWrap:Disney-Pixar's 'Finding Dory' Set to originate a $120-Million Splash This WeekendLooking for the Lesbian Couple in 'Finding Dory'? Don't Blink'Finding Dory' Looks to demolish 2016 Sequel Slump With $125 Million OpeningTop 40 Pixar Characters, From 'Toy chronicle' to 'Finding Dory' (Videos)
Source: thewrap.com