2009 Movie Releases Top Ten

1. Star Trek ($194 million)
I still believe Star Trek is the film most easily compared to last year’s The Dark Knight. It has a built-in fan base, a groundswell of sci-fi excitement, an IMAX release and phenomenally solid reviews. Plan on lots of repeat viewers and a long life in theaters.

2. Monsters vs. Aliens ($193 mil.)
After nine weeks, this fair-to-middlin’ Dreamworks entry is still on over 1400+ screens, making over $3.5 million this week.

3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine ($166 mil.)
The year’s strongest opening weekend — and the kickoff of yet another franchise series.

4. Fast and Furious ($153 mil.)
The year’s biggest financial surprise is just about ready to close up shop after two months. This past week, the film earned about $800,000.

5. Paul Blart Mall Cop ($146 mil.)
This Kevin James vehicle may speed along on a Segway, but it just keeps going and going… While James is off shooting the new Adam Sandler comedy, his giant hit debuts on DVD and is still sitting in 200-or-so theaters.

6. Taken ($144 mil.)
Liam Neeson was not the most obvious choice to play a revenge killer. Maybe that’s why Taken has captured such curiosity.

7. Watchmen ($107 mil.)
Never really thought Paul Blart would come out first, last in theaters longer, and make lots more cash. Watchmen suffered the serious sci-fi mega-microscope, if you ask me.

8. He’s Just Not That Into You ($93 mil.)
There have been few romantic comedies released this year, and there’s not another anywhere close on the list. Proof that success can sometimes really be about timing.

9. Angels & Demons ($91 mil.)
The opening weekend had to be a disappointment for Sony ($46 mil.) and the business has dropped off sharply. However, this one will play in every blessed corner of the world — and lead to a third film.

10. Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail ($90 mil.)
This is one of the most impressive entries on the list, considering it maxed out on only 2,203 screens. Madea’s opening weekend had a huge $20,000 per screen average. This is the only film on this list that’s officially left theaters (after nine weeks).