"American Sniper" had a record-breaking opening weekend.
Based on the true-life story of US Navy Seal Chris Kyle, the Oscar-nominated film starring Bradley Cooper made an estimated $93.6 million at the box office over the course of three days. That makes it the highest-grossing opening weekend ever in January at the box office.
Director Clint Eastwood's movie, nominated for six Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor, is expected to hit north of $100 million after the MLK holiday Monday.
"American Sniper" has more than doubled the previous record set for the month of Jan. by Kevin Hart's "Ride Along," which debuted to $41.5 million last year.
Here's a quick look at the highest-opening weekends in Jan.
| Movie | Release Date | Opening Weekend | Worldwide Gross | Estimated Budget |
| "American Sniper" | 1/16/2015 | $93.6 million | $109.9 million (so far) | $58.8 million |
| "Ride Along" | 1/17/2014 | $41.5 million | $154 million | $25 million |
| "Cloverfield" | 1/18/2008 | $40 million | $170.7 million | $25 million |
| "Taken 3" | 1/9/2015 | $39.2 million | $127.5 million | $48 million |
| "Lone Survivor" | 1/10/2014 | $37.8 million | $149.3 million | $40 million |
| "Star Wars" (Special Edition) | 1/31/1997 | $35.9 million | $579.6 million | n/a |
SEE ALSO: All the Oscar nominees
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