Finding Dory [Official Pixar Photo]
According to studio estimates, “Finding Dory” earned a massive $136.2 million at the US box office this weekend. Enough for a dominant #1, the tally also ranks as the greatest ever posted by an animated film.
“Dory” takes the record from “Shrek The Third,” which earned $121.6 million in in its first weekend.
The “Finding Nemo” sequel actually grossed slightly less than “Shrek The Third” on its first Saturday and Sunday of availability. It was a mammoth Friday performance (with late Thursday screenings included) that powered “Dory” to the record-setting opening weekend total.
An opening weekend gross of $34.5 million slots “Central Intelligence” at #2 on the US box office chart. While solid — especially given the hefty competition from “Finding Dory” — the gross does not suggest the film’s pairing of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart was perceived as a special one. Both of Hart’s “Ride Along” films, which featured Ice Cube as the co-lead, had stronger opening weekends.
“The Conjuring 2,” last weekend’s winner, takes #3 this weekend. It earned $15.6 million.
“Now You See Me 2” follows at #4 with $9.7 million, while “Warcraft” grabs #5 on the strength of its $6.5 million weekend.