'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' still leads box office after Christmas

Tom Cruise continues to rule the U.S. box office with "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," which made an estimated $46.2 million in four days over the Christmas holiday in the United States.

The film, the fourth in the spy series, sees the actor's character, American agent Ethan Hunt, embark on a dizzying mission in Dubai with team members played by Paula Patton, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg. The movie has made more than $78.6 million domestically since it was released last week.

"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" has so far earned $218.6 million worldwide. The first "Mission: Impossible" film, released in 1996, made $457 million, the second movie earned $546 million and "Mission: Impossible III" grossed $397 million worldwide since its 2006 release. All together, the "Mission: Impossible" film franchise starring Cruise has made more than $1.62 billion so far.

"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" is in second place at the U.S. box office, earning $31.8 million in the past four days and $90.5 million in total domestically since its December 16 release. The half-animated movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" is No. 3 with $20 million in domestic box office earnings over the past four days. The film has made a total of $56.9 million in the United States since it was released on December 16.

David Fincher's U.S. adaptation of Stieg Larsson's book "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" is No. 4 with $19.4 million grossed over the past four days. The R-rated movie has made $27.7 domestically since its December 21 release. It stars Rooney Mara as troubled but gifted investigator Lisbeth Salander, who helps a disgraced journalist, played by Daniel Craig.

Steven Spielberg's animated film "The Adventures of Tintin," a U.S. adaptation of a European cartoon and comics franchise, is in fifth place with $16.1 million in domestic holiday earnings and $24.1 million in total since its December 21 release. Meanwhile, the director's live-action movie "War Horse," a World War I-themed film, is No. 7. It made an estimated $15 million in the United States on the day of its release - December 25, Christmas Day.

Cameron Crowe's romantic drama movie "We Bought A Zoo," which stars Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon and Elle Fanning, is in sixth place with $15.6 million. The film was released in most U.S. theaters on December 23.

"The Darkest Hour," a thriller starring Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby and Max Minghella, has made $5.5 million domestically since its December 25 release and is in eighth place at the U.S. box office. "New Year's Eve" is No. 9 with $4.95 million. The celebrity packed romantic comedy stars the likes of Katherine Heigl, Jon Bon Jovi, Hilary Swank, Abigail Breslin, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Lea Michele and Ashton Kutcher.

Finally, in 10th place is "The Descendants," which made $3.4 million over the past four days in the United States. The drama film earned George Clooney his 12th Golden Globe nomination. He is up for three awards at this year's ceremony. This is his only acting nod. Check out a full list of Golden Globe nominations.

(Copyright ©2011 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.)

View the original article here