The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first of three films by director Peter Jackson adapting author J.R.R. Tolkien’s popular novel, topped U.S. movie theater ticket sales over the December 14-16, 2012 weekend. The Lord of the Rings trilogy director saw his film bring in more than $84.6 million, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.

Rise of the Guardians ($7.1 million), Lincoln ($7 million), Skyfall ($6.5 million), and Life of Pi ($5.4 million) rounded out the top five spots.