Weekend Box Office: ‘Harry Potter’ Is King in Record-Breaking Performance

In news that will surprise exactly no one, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2′ completely dominated this weekend’s box office. The final film in the Potter franchise banked a record-breaking $168.6 million opening weekend, with $92 million on Friday alone.

That number surpasses the previous record holder, ‘The Dark Knight,’ which opened to $158.4 million in 2008.

“I’m too old for cartwheels, but it’s close,” said Dan Fellman, Warner Bros.’ president for domestic distribution. “At the same time it’s bittersweet. It’s also the end of a great franchise, and we’ve watched these talented kids grow up.”

The movie bumps ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ to second place after two weeks in the top spot.

Here’s a recap of all five of this weekend’s best box-office earners.

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2′ – $168.6 million (4,375 screens), new release

‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ – $21.2 million (3,917 screens), $302.8 million total

‘Horrible Bosses’ – $17.6 million (3,134 screens), $60.0 million total

‘Zookeeper’ – $12.3 million (3,482 screens), $42.3 million total

‘Cars 2′ – $8.3 million (3,249 screens), $165.3 million total