After a lengthy run as the #1 movie at the box office, Marvel’s The Avengers will finally give up that spot to Sony’s Men in Black 3, but Walt Disney Pictures announced today that the global blockbuster has crossed the $500 million mark domestically in a record 23 days (the previous record of 32 days was held by Avatar), making it only the fourth movie in history to cross that mark. “The Avengers” is currently the #4 film of all time globally with $1.295 billion and trails only Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 ($1.328 billion), Titanic ($2.185 billion) and Avatar ($2.782 billion). The film added $37 million domestically for the three days and is expected to take in $47.1 million for the four-day holiday. Internationally, it added $26.3 million for the Friday-to-Sunday period. “The Avengers” has earned $513.7 million domestically (#4 of all time) and $781.6 million overseas (#5 of all time). The film received an A+ CinemaScore from audiences.
Men in Black 3 began its run with $202 million worldwide for the first few days of release in 106 territories. Of that, an estimated $70 million will come from 4,248 North American theaters during the Memorial Day weekend. The film received a B+ CinemaScore from general audiences and an A- from moviegoers under 18. For the Friday-to-Sunday period, Men in Black 3 took in $55 million, which is ahead of both Men in Black ($51 million) and Men in Black II ($52 million). The film took in $17.925 million on Friday, was up 8% Saturday to $19.445 million, is expected to do $17.630 million today and another estimated $15 million on Monday. IMAX sales contributed approximately $12 million to the worldwide total, which is 20% higher than their previous record for a worldwide memorial day release.
Look for our four-day Memorial Day weekend box office report with final studio estimates for the weekend tomorrow.
