Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" topped the box-office weekend with an $84.8 million opening, shattering the record-openings of the three previous "Lord of the Rings" films. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, "The Hobbit" also broke December box-office records previously set by Will Smith's "I Am Legend" which opened with $77.2 million in 2007, and James Cameron's "Avatar" which debuted with $77 million. 

Internationally, "The Hobbit" was also king with $138.2 million for a global total of $223 million. Some critics did not think "The Hobbit" was precious, but moviegoers gave the film an "A" CinemaScore which meant this "Hobbit" has long legs, or hairy feet. ("The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" movie review) 

"Rise of the Guardians" followed at No. 2 with $7.4 million, "Lincoln" at No. 3 with $7.2 million, "Skyfall" at No. 4 with $7 million, and "Life of Pi" completed the Top 5 with $5.4 million.

Here's the estimated Top 10 box-office films for weekend of Dec. 14th:

1. “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” $84.8 million ($138.2 million international).

2. “Rise of the Guardians,” $7.4 million ($20.1 million international).

3. “Lincoln,” $7.2 million.

4. “Skyfall,” $7 million ($12.2 million international).

5. “Life of Pi,” $5.4 million ($11.5 million international).

6. “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2,” $5.2 million ($13 million international).

7. “Wreck-It Ralph,” $3.3million ($4.7 million international).

8. “Playing for Keeps,” $3.2 million ($1.4 million international).

9. “Red Dawn,” $2.4 million.

10. “Silver Linings Playbook,” $2 million ($370,000 international).