Harry Potter, Deathly Hallows Part 2 Breaks Twilight Opening Day Record

(Reuters/Lucas Jackson)
Cast members (L-R) Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson arrive for the premiere of the film "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" in New York July 11, 2011.

By Daniel Blake , Christian Post Contributor

July 16, 2011|2:15 pm

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” had a record-breaking first day at the box office, taking in $92.1 million on Friday.

Distributor Warner Bros. has reported the amazing figure, which smashes the previous record-holder, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” by almost $20 million (New Moon having taken $72.7 million).

Commentators are saying that the massive increase in box office takings can be, at least in part, attributed to the fact that this is the first 3-D release in the Harry Potter series.

The popularity of the final installment in the Harry Potter stories has exceeded all expectations, with the movie taking more in its first day than the previous four Potter films did in their entire opening weekends.

The record-setting figure did not stop there; the latest movie has also set a new record for the highest grossing midnight screening, taking in $43.5 million. The previous record-holder again came from the Twilight series – “Eclipse,” which had previous taken $30 million.

The next record in Harry Potter’s sight is for opening weekend box office, which “The Dark Knight” currently holds with $158.4 million. Critics are already predicting “The Dark Knight” will follow Twilight in succumbing to Harry Potter and will be forced to give up that crown.