Box Office: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ pushing newcomers aside to stay no. 1 Friday

The summer box office is coming to an end and Hollywood won't find much relief over the labor day weekend. Two new films entered the fray on Friday, but “Guardians of the Galaxy” will still rule the day.

The Marvel Studios franchise maker pulled in another $3.8 million on its 29th day of release for $262.1 million to date.  “Guardians” is expected to win the Labor Day box office frame and should be close to $280 million by end of day Monday.  With no major films opening next Friday “Guardians” will continue to inch closer and closer to that now rare $300 million mark.

Debuting at no. 2 as Universal Pictures and Legendary Picture's “As Above/So Below.”  The horror film took in $3.2 million for what could be a $10-12 million debut over the four-day frame.  Horror movies tend to have big drops from Friday to Saturday so it will be curious to see where this one ends up tomorrow.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” dropped to no. 3 with another $2.6 million and $153.3 million so far.  The Michael Bay produced reboot should also cross the $100 million mark overseas this weekend.

Warner Bros.' “If I Stay” took the fourth slot with another $2.6 million and $23.1 million in just eight days. With a reported budget of just $11 million, “Stay” will eventually be profitable for a studio that needs it after a very tough summer.

Relativity's “The November Man” was hoping to find adult audiences looking for a throwback Pierce Brosnan thriller, but a $2.2 million Friday proves those ticket buyers are few and far between.  The Roger Donaldson directed flick should find $8-10 million by Monday.

Look for continuing box office updates all weekend long on HitFix.

×