Box Office Recap & Watchmen Predictions

Apparently there are some people out there who are really excited to watch the "Watchmen", so much that they are purchasing tickets in advance. Like any comic book film, there is an established fanbase, "Watchmen is no exception. Said fans are taking the report from www.movietickets.com as a sign that "Watchmen" is on its way to becoming a box office success.

MovieTickets.com just issued a press release claiming that Watchmen is outpacing 300 in advance ticket sales at 4-to-1 right now. But 300 sold more than 80 percent of its advance tickets on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to its release, so it’s too early for Zack Snyder and crew to celebrate. Also interesting is that IMAX ticket sales currently account for one-third of all ticket sales for Watchmen. This is shocking because only 124 IMAX screens will be showing Watchmen. 300 grossed $70.9 million in its first weekend, and went on to make over $210 million domestically, of which, $20 million was made via 62 domestic IMAX theaters. A couple dozen Thursday midnight shows are already sold out in New York and California.

Slashfilm: Watchmen Outpacing 300 In Ticket Sales

Personally I think "Watchmen" is going to pull in somewhere between 50-60 Million on its opening weekend blowing away the competition but will end up with 155-165 Million when it is all said and done. I think the 2nd weekend is going to see a significant drop and the legs are going to be like lead unfortunately. I think fans like myself are going to love it and it is going to be hit or miss with the general public due to the subject matter and length.

Weekend Actuals (Feb. 27 - Mar. 1)

1 Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail $16,175,926
2 Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience $12,510,374
3 Slumdog Millionaire $12,026,343
4 Taken $9,864,197
5 He's Just Not That Into You $6,011,405
6 Paul Blart: Mall Cop $5,602,392
7 Coraline $5,261,129
8 Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li $4,721,110
9 Confessions of a Shopaholic $4,634,534
10 Fired Up $3,701,562

Weekend Actuals (Feb. 20 - Feb. 22)

1 Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail $41,030,947
2 Coraline $11,432,124
3 Taken $11,281,262
4 He's Just Not That Into You $8,558,225
5 Slumdog Millionaire $8,384,680
6 Friday the 13th $7,942,472
7 Paul Blart: Mall Cop $6,821,377
8 Confessions of a Shopaholic $6,742,778
9 Fired Up $5,483,778
10 The International $4,463,916

Update on Fri, March 6, 2009 by Jamie Williams

Variety reports that Watchmen has already pulled $4.6 million from the midnight screenings out-earning 300 which nabbed some $2.5 million.

However before everyone starts shitting their pants in joy, it should be noted that 300 only had some 600-700 midnight showings compared to the 1595(!) that Watchmen had last night.