Beauty and the Beast Unleashes the “Beast” Breaking Records Opening Weekend

2017 has been the year of movies. Most recently, Disney's Beauty and the Beast movie opened with an estimated $170 million in North American ticket sales setting a new high mark for family movies. The film also brought in $180 million overseas, including $44.8 million in China, Disney said.

The Disney classic stormed past the previous record holder for G- or PG- rated movies. Thus far B&B has racked up many accolades. It is the year’s top opening so far, a new best for March releases, and its ranks seventh of all- time not accounting for inflation.

The box office favorite brought in fans of all ages and generations who fell in love with the 90’s classic to fill theater seats. "Nostalgia is a very powerful driver for these films," said Dave Hollis, head of distribution for Disney. "What's exciting here is there is an opportunity to see these beloved stories in a way that's never been seen before, but you get to build that on the foundation of something that's very familiar.” With this film breaking down walls, fans are sure there is more to come from Disney in the future.

-Erin Napoleon