Brave, an animated film about a Scottish princess, dominated the box office with a weekend debut of $66.7 million. Another family film, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, came in a distant second with earnings of $20.2 million.
I think animated films are doing so well because they can ultimately appeal to a broad audience," Dave Hollis, Disney's executive vice president of distribution told the Los Angeles Times. "But you have to be able to play at night and have something that is as entertaining for kids as it is for adults."
Brave is the story of a headstrong Scottish princess who must undo a curse placed upon her family. The film features the voice talent of Kelly Macdonald, Julie Walters, Billy Connolly, and Emma Thompson.
New release Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter came in third with a box office take of $16.5 million. The film is based on a 2010 novel by the same name and stars America’s 16th president as a man who also hunts the undead.
Prometheus and Rock of Ages round out the list of top five box office performers with respective earnings of $10 and $8 million. Prometheus opened in theaters on June 8, while musical Rock of Ages debuted last week.
Next up is Snow White and the Huntsman which also earned $8 million. The film starring Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth has so far grossed around $137 million worldwide. That’s My Boy came in seventh with earnings of $7.9 million, while The Avengers placed eighth with earnings of $7 million. Men in Black 3, or MIB 3, pulled in $5.6 million.
Last but not least is new release Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. The film starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightley earned a paltry $3.6 million its opening weekend, approximately $5 million less than expected.
This Friday will bring the release of four new films – male stripper flick Magic Mike, drama People Like Us, and comedies Ted and Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection. Check back next to learn how the newcomers fare!
Box Office Mojo