"The Dark Knight Rises," one of the most hotly anticipated films in recent memory, took the top spot at the box office this past weekend, earning $160.9 million in its debut according to Film.com.
The film's release, of course, was overshadowed by the horrific shootings in Aurora, Colo., during a midnight screening. Out of respect for the victims, Warner Bros. chose to delay releasing box office figures, a move that was followed by other studios.
"The Dark Knight Rises" was initially expected to gross closer to $185 million, but the $160.9 million take is still good for the third highest debut in film history, behind only "The Avengers" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2."
For a full review of the weekend box office, including figures for returning hits "Ice Age: Continental Drift" and "The Amazing Spider-Man," head to Film.com.
