Was this one such an unexpected journey?

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey brought in the most money ever for a December box office release, according to Box Office Mojo.

In its debut weekend, The Lord of the Rings prequel earned $84.8 million, beating previous record holder I Am Legend, which earned $77.2 million, in 2007.

Rise of the Guardians came in a distant second with $7.4 million.

1. Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ($84.7 million)
2. Rise of the Guardians ($7.4 million)
3. Lincoln ($7.2 million)
4. Skyfall ($7 million)
5. Life of Pi ($5.4 million)
6. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 ($5.2 million)
7. Wreck-It Ralph ($3.3 million)
8. Playing for Keeps ($3.2 million)
9. Red Dawn ($2.4 million)
10. Silver Linings Playbook ($2.1 million)