The Weekend Box Office: “Hunger Games’ On Top for 3rd Week in a Row, ‘American Reunion’ Debuts in 2nd

Despite a 42 percent drop from last week and two formidable new releases, Lionsgate Studio’s “The Hunger Games” finished in first place for the third weekend in a row in this past weekend’s box office results. Universal’s “American Reunion” debuted in second place this Easter weekend and the 3D rerelease of “Titanic” debuted in third place, though both of those films could be considered minor disappointments from their respective studios.

Hit the jump to see a full rundown of this week’s box office results and the latest trailer for Sony Picture’s “The Pirates! Band of Misfits.”

As expected, “The Hunger Games” once again came in at number one this weekend, with an estimated $33.5 million. According to Box Office Mojo, the film’s $302 million dollar total through 17 days in theaters is the sixth-fastest pace of all time and is only behind 2009’s “Avatar” in terms of non-sequels. With another solid weekend, “The Hunger Games” should easily finish with an estimated $350 million at the domestic box office.

Despite its second place showing with roughly $21.5 million, “American Reunion” debuted somewhat disappointingly, at least compared to previous entries in the raunchy comedy film franchise. “American Pie 2” debuted at $45.1 million in 2001 and 2003’s “American Wedding” debuted with $33.4 million. A poorly timed release (an R-rated comedy debuting Easter weekend and in the wake of “The Hunger Games” juggernaut) and a decline in the brand probably contributed to “American Reunion’s” weak performance. Still, “American Reunion” is apparently the highest debut for an R-rated film during Easter weekend since “Panic Room” in 2002.

The only other new film to debut in the top ten this week was James Cameron’s “Titanic 3D,” the 3D rerelease of 1997’s epic boat romance. While the 15 year old film made just over $17 million, this total ranks last among the four big 3D rereleases from the past year, though for a five-day opening “Titanic 3D” sits only behind “The Lion King” for 3D rereleases. With the success of “Titanic 3D” and the relative ease of the process, look for this trend of releasing classic films in 3D to continue.

Last week’s previous runner up, “Wrath of the Titans,” finished in fourth this weekend, with just over $15 million. The film has performed well domestically, but has made an even bigger splash overseas, making over $151.6 million (72 percent of its lifetime gross) at the foreign box office.

With no new Sony Pictures releases upcoming look for animated feature “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” to make a splash when it releases April 27. Check out the latest trailer after this week’s top five.