Harry Potter gives the Dark Knight a SECTUMSEMPRA!

As predicted by most, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince marched to the top of the opening night box office records. Having raked in an estimated (but still quite impressive) $22.2mil last night with it's midnight showings, do not be surprised to see other records getting the boot as well. With Goblet of Fire, the fourth in the series, being the highest weekend earner so far at $102mil, The Dark Knight's $158mil will be a tall order to fill. But if the reviews are any indication, many of the people who sat in line last night will find themselves back again this weekend and probably for even more viewings than that.

The numbers however are not quite solid just yet. They are only estimates, and whether or not 3 and 6am showings are included in that particular number has yet to be determined. But the fact that most theaters had to open several 3am showings, it's a good sign that HBP will still be sitting on top for a while...or at least until next November.

Source: Variety | Boxofficemojo.com