Many more people decided to see how the story ended opening weekend at the box office instead of how the story began.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" made $73.6 million in its opening weekend, according to studio estimates, bringing its five-day total to a record $125.1 million opening.

That was a lot more than "The Fellowship of the Ring," which grossed just $47.2 million on its opening weekend for a $75 million five-day opening. "The Two Towers," which was released last year, made $62 million on its opening weekend, and $102 million over its first five days.

Even worldwide, the third installment kicked ass. Globally, it maded $246.1 million, well more than the $202.8 million madee during "The Matrix Revolutions" five-day opening last month.

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