Santa was good to the box office this year, with “Marley & Me” bringing in a record number of moviegoers.

The family-friendly flick starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston took in about $14.8 million, setting a new one-day record for a movie opening on Christmas.

The previous mark was set by 2001’s “Ali” with $10.2 million.

“Marley” wasn’t the only movie to break that record on Thursday. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” starring Aniston’s ex-husband Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, opened with $11.8 million to take the runner-up spot, while “Bedtime Stories” starring Adam Sandler grossed about $10.5 million.

Also getting a solid opening was the Tom Cruise-starring historical thriller “Valkyrie,” which took in about $8.5 million.






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