'Doctor Strange' at the Box Office: How Does It Compare to Other Marvel Movies?

Marvel's Doctor Strange, a fresh-flavored film starring a character new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, pulled $84.9 million on its opening weekend. That's Marvel Studios' 10th-biggest opener, just behind Thor: The Dark World's $85.7 million in November 2016 (the only other movie Marvel has premiered in November) and well ahead of the original Thor's $65.7 million in 2011. Forbes writes that the 14th MCU movie is also the 14th consecutive box office–leading debut, plus the 14th consecutive $50 million+ opener.

Doctor Strange takes a more impressive rank in terms of films introducing new lead superheroes. Consider:

1. Iron Man (May 2, 2008): $98.6 million
2. Doctor Strange (Nov. 4, 2016): $85 million
3. Thor (May 6, 2011): $66 million
4. Captain America: The First Avenger (July 22, 2011): $65 million
5. Ant-Man (July 17, 2015): $57.2 million
6. The Incredible Hulk (June 13, 2008): $55.4 million

Guardians of the Galaxy, a 2014 franchise introduction featuring a variety of heroes, cooked up $94.3 on its opening weekend.