Liam Neeson once again reigns supreme at the box office as part of a very strong top 3.
The number 1 film this weekend is, as expected, Non-Stop (read our review) with $30 million. That's the best opening weekend this side of Taken 2 ($49 million) out of Neeson's more recent releases.
Although it might have seemed like audiences weren't as keen on the Taken 2 star after said film failed to pass its predecessor's total gross, the 61-year-old star has shown he can still open a film, even a mostly generic one. And with The Nut Job, LEGO Movie, and now this having done well at the box office – not to mention the potential success of A Million Ways to Die in the West – it might be fair to call 2014 the year of Liam Neeson
Son of God comes in at number 2 with $26 million, well above what most analysts projected for the biblical film. While Son of God's debut is nowhere close to the likes of Passion of the Christ's ($83 million), it's still an impressive showing nonetheless. And considering the film is a re-cut segment from The History Channel's The Bible miniseries, that total should be mostly profit.
After three weeks at the top spot, The LEGO Movie drops to the number 3 spot this weekend with $21 million. Now at $209 million, The LEGO Movie is the first member of the $200 million club for 2014 and has more than earned a follow-up. Unfortunately, as we have now learned, that film is a full three years away.
In at number 4 is The Monuments Men with $5 million. George Clooney's latest directorial effort has been holding well since release, and with $65 million after 4 weeks, the film should surpass its $70 million budget based on domestic receipts alone. Not to mention, Monument's Men is the number 3 highest grossing film for 2014 so far.
Rounding out the top 5 is 3 Days to Kill with $4.9 million, which brings its domestic total up to $20 million. A huge drop-off in its second weekend hurt any momentum this Kevin Costner action flick might have generated, but it should make its $28 million budget after all is said and done.
The number 6 film this weekend is Robocop (2014) with $4.5 million. While $51 million after two weeks isn't bad, it's a far cry from the film's reported $100 million production budget. That being said, the film has earned an impressive $187 million worldwide, which could keep any potential sequel alive.
Coming in at number 7 is Pompeii with $4.3 million. With only a measly $17 million earned off a $100 million budget, Pompeii looks to be another major flop for 2014. However, a continued strong showing from international markets, where the film has tallied $47 million thus far, might save Paul W.S. Anderson yet again.
Frozen holds steady at number 8 with $3.6 million, bringing its domestic total up to $388 million. Disney Animation's latest is one of tonight's sure Oscar bets, a clear favorite to win both Best Animated Feature and Best Song. Frozen has also become the latest release - and the second animated film - to join the $1 billion club.
In at number 9 is About Last Night with $3.4 million, which brings its domestic total up to $43 million. While the '80s remake has been in steady decline since its solid debut over Valentine's Day weekend, it has more than tripled its $12.5 million budget.
Rounding out the top 10 is Ride Along with $3 million. The Ice Cube and Kevin Hart comedy is now up to $127 million after a strong 7 weeks in the top 10.
Outside the top 10: the R-rated extended cut of Anchorman 2 made $1.3 million during its limited, one-week run. Combined with the original version's gross that brings Anchorman 2 up to $126 million total.
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[NOTE: These are only weekend box office estimates - based on Friday and Saturday ticket sales coupled with adjusted expectations for Sunday. Official weekend box office results will be released on Monday, March 3rd - at which time we'll update this post with any changes.]
Source: Box Office Mojo