Hunger Games takes $155m

The Hunger Games opened with a staggering $155 million (Dh569.16 million) at US and Canadian box offices, beating Hollywood's lofty expectations and making history as the third-highest US film opening. Internationally, the drama about an oppressive society's teen death match added $59.3 million from 67 markets for a global haul of $214.3 million. The massive US and Canadian debut for the film ranked behind only last summer's Harry Potter finale and 2008 Batman movie The Dark Knight, Lions Gate said on Sunday. The movie's success brings the first blockbuster franchise to Lions Gate. Hunger Games set records for highest opening of a non-sequel film and biggest debut outside the summer blockbuster season. "The first movie in a franchise, to post a number like this, is really insane. There is no other word for it," said Phil Contrino, editor of Boxoffice.com.