Transformers Turn into No 1 in The Box Office

As expected, the sci-fi flick co-produced by DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures was the highest grossing movie of this weekend. The modern screening of the 1980's Hasbro toys has debuted with $67.6 million in its first weekend, which makes for a total of $152.5 million in seven days.

With that grossing for its first week, Transformers have earned the largest sum of money in the history of non-sequel films. The previous record was held by the first "Spider-Man" movie that grossed $151.6 million in its first seven days. "Transformers" also managed to get in seventh spot on the list of the biggest ever first week openings, a list that is topped by "Dead Man's Chest" with over $196 million.

"Transformers" has also opened in 23 countries since June 28 and has grossed another $93.6 million.

This week has also seen the release of Warner Bros' "License To Wed", which could only get to forth place with $10.4 million this weekend and $17.8 million this week.

Last week's no 1, "Ratatouille", has dropped to second place with $29 million, but it has a 10-day grossing of $109.5 million. That would make a 38% drop since last weekend, which is pretty reasonable, considering how other big name summer movies bombed by more than 50% from their opening weekend to the next.

Bruce Willis' "Live Free or Die Hard" weekend gross of $17.4 million ensures him the third place. "Evan Almighty" continues its disappointing descent with only $8.1 million, just $1 million over Stephen King's "1408". "Knocked Up" lies in seventh place with $5.2 million, while the second installment of the "Fantastic Four" has earned $4.15 million, which is enough for the eighth place. Michael Moore's "Sicko" is in ninth place with $3.65 million. The final spot in this week's box office is claimed by "Ocean's Thirteen" with $3.5 million.

However, last week's overall domestic box office earnings took a drop. The movies from the Top 12 earned $161.5 million, which is 23% less than the same weekend last year. The situation may improve, seeing how this weekend will see the release of "Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix", which is expected to make big money just from his opening alone. The financial experts are confident that the staying power of the fifth installment of "Harry Potter", alongside that of the "Transformers", will ensure a massive boost to the box office.