Even with the crystal-clear DVD bootlegs of “American Gangster” that has reportedly been on the streets of most major cities for nearly two weeks, American Gangster opened at No. 1 at the box office this weekend.
The film, starring Denzel Washington as New York drug kingpin Frank Lucas, took in $46.3 million to top Jerry Seinfeld’s family cartoon “Bee Movie,” which earned $39.1 million to place second.
“American Gangster” was the biggest opening ever for Washington. His previous best was $29 million for “Inside Man.”
The following are estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released later today.
1. “American Gangster,” $46.3 million.
2. “Bee Movie,” $39.1 million.
3. “Saw IV,” $11 million.
4. “Dan in Real Life,” $8.1 million.
5. “30 Days of Night,” $4 million.
6. “The Game Plan,” $3.85 million.
7. “Martian Child,” $3.65 million.
8. “Michael Clayton,” $2.9 million.
9. “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?”, $2.7 million.
10. “Gone Baby Gone,” $2.4 million
