The movie adaptation of comic book series “Watchmen” did not manage to set debut Friday records but nevertheless registered an impressive first showing at the boc office, as the Zack Snyder-helmed production grossed an estimated $25.1 million on Friday, consistent with figures in trade reports.

 

Variety reports that “Watchmen” saw one of the highest opening days ever for an R-rated film, behind only Friday debuts for “The Matrix Reloaded” and “300,” which represents another picture directed by Zack Snyder. In addition, the second “Matrix” flick registered an opening day of $37.5 million, while “300” took in $28.1 million, according to figures released on the Web site for Box Office Mojo. The R-rated “Passion of the Christ” registered an impressive opening day as well, bringing in $26.6 million on a Wednesday, as reported by the Web site.

 

On the whole, Box Office Mojo explains, “Watchmen” had the fifth-highest opening for an R-rated production, since “Sex and the City” saw a summer opening better than the results obtained by “Passion of the Christ” at $26.8 million. As for superhero films, “Watchmen” had the eighth-highest opening day.

 

A couple of years ago, Zack Snyder’s “300” managed to gross $70.9 million throughout its first day in theatres and eventually earned more han $210 million in tickets in North America.

 

“Watchmen,” however, saw an outstanding showing during its Friday midnight shows, since the film opened with a $4.55 million gross, which marks a great result compared to recent midnight openings of franchise pictures such as “Quantum of Solace” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” according to Hollywood Reporter.