‘Transformers’ Sequel Blasts Off on First Day
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen shattered the Wednesday record, raking in $60.6 million on approximately 9,700 screens at 4,234 sites (including a record 169 IMAX venues) in its first day. The former Wednesday champ, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, had mustered $44.2 million in its 2007 debut.

Among all opening days, the Transformers sequel ranks second behind The Dark Knight, which boasted $67.2 million in its first day on over 9,000 screens at 4,366 sites. Adjusted for ticket price inflation, though, Revenge of the Fallen would slot in fourth place, behind Spider-Man 3 and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

The previous Transformers movie holds the record for biggest Tuesday gross. It made $27.9 million in its Tuesday opening on around 7,600 screens at 4,011 sites (not including $8.8 million from Monday night previews), followed by $29.1 million on its first Wednesday, which was its single day peak. In two and a half days, it had generated $65.7 million, which the sequel has nearly matched in only one day. However, with such a massive start and lacking the Independence Day holiday boost of the first movie, it would be unrealistic to expect Revenge of the Fallen to come close to its massive Wednesday haul on Thursday and beyond.

Revenge of the Fallen's first day included an estimated $16 million from its midnight opening at around 3,000 sites. Only The Dark Knight and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith had bigger midnight debuts, pulling in $18.5 million and $16.9 million, respectively.

Related Charts

• All Time Wednesday Grosses

• All Time Opening Days