Dakota Johnson [NBC]
For the second consecutive week, “50 Shades of Grey” is the hottest film at the North American box office.
The erotica drama repeats as #1 on the strength of an estimated $23.2 million weekend gross. That tally trails last week’s opening mark by a whopping 73%, but it remained the figure to beat on the cinema circuit.
“Kingsman: The Secret Service” came closest to beating the total. The film retains its #2 position with $17.5 million in ticket sales.
Fourth on Friday, “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” leverages its Saturday matinee boost to claim #3 for the weekend. It added $15.5 million to its total.
New release “McFarland, USA” failed to top “The DUFF” on Friday, but estimates show it pulled ahead as the weekend progressed. It debuts at #4 with approximately $11.3 million in receipts, while the debuting teen comedy opens at #5 with approximately $11.0 million.
“American Sniper” earned $9.7 million and places sixth, while flop “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” begins at #7 courtesy its $5.8 million.