The Magnificent Seven ride to the top of the box office

Chris Pratt and Denzel Washington were a wild and winning combination this weekend at the box office, as their new film scored with audiences. Here’s what went down:

The Magnificent Seven proved to big a hit, debuting in first place at the box office with a strong $35.4 million. This showing is director Antoine Fuqua’s biggest opening ever, and the second best western debut after Cowboys and Aliens $36 million (and you could argue that that film was more science fiction than western). The Magnificent Seven had a budget of $70 million and should wind up a profitable endeavour by the time its run is complete. 

As for the rest of the top five, family film Storks debut in second place with $21.2 million. While certainly not a dud, that number is far from stellar and demonstrates that the marketing wasn’t strong enough to get families into theatres this weekend. Sully was in third place with $13.9 million, while Bridget Jones’ Baby hit fourth place with $4.8 million. Snowden closed things out in fifth place with $4.05 million.

So, to recap, here were our predictions:

1) The Magnificent Seven – $48 million
2) Storks – $32 million
3) Sully – $14 million
4) Bridget Jones’ Baby – $5 million
5) Snowden – $4.5 million

And here’s how the weekend is estimated to turn out:

1) The Magnificent Seven – $35.4 million
2) Storks – $21.2 million
3) Sully – $13.9 million
4) Bridget Jones’ Baby – $4.8 million
5) Snowden – $4.05 million

Next weekend sees the release of Deepwater Horizon, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Masterminds. Be sure to check back on Friday to see our predictions.