'Hunger Games' Sets Opening Day Record of Sorts

MARCH 25, 2012 - Boxoffice Mojo has reported that The Hunger Games had one of the best opening days ever at an estimated US$68.25 million. That ranks fifth on the all-time list behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (US$91.1 million), New Moon (US$72.7 million), Breaking Dawn Part 1 (US$71.6 million) and Eclipse (US$68.5 million). It wound up slightly ahead of The Dark Knight (US$71.6 million), and also topped Alice in Wonderland (US$40.8 million) to set a new record for a non-sequel.

That is by far the best opening day ever for a non-sequel. The Hunger Games looks even more impressive when subtracting its US$19.74 million midnight gross—throughout normal business hours, the movie earned US$48.5 million, which is actually more than Deathly Hallows Part 2 made in that time (US$47.57 million).

In fact, The Hunger Games only ranks behind Spider-Man 3 (US$49.8 million) and The Dark Knight (US$48.7 million) in non-midnight opening day grosses. Made at US$78 million, it should cover its costs within its opening week - in sharp contrast against John Carter which costs US$250 million to make and another US$200 to promote.