Thor: The Dark World
"Thor 2" edged out "The Best Man Holiday" at the box office. Marvel

"Thor: The Dark World" retained the box office crown for the second week but faced some stiff competition from "Best Man Holiday." "Thor 2" earned $38.4 million in its second week while "Best Man Holiday" scored an impressive $30.6 million in 2,024 theaters and was a big hit with audiences.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, "Thor 2" earned $38.4 million domestically, bringing its total to $150 million. Nikki Finke, formerly of Deadline, reports a slightly higher number for "Thor 2," $38.5 million. The sequel to 2011's "Thor" has already surpassed the first movie's entire theatrical run. "Thor" earned $181 million domestically, $269.3 foreign, for a worldwide total of $449.3, reports Box Office Mojo."Thor 2" has been in theaters overseas for three weeks, earning $332.8 million, for a worldwide total of $479.8 million, notes THR.

The success of "Thor 2" is due to better audience reception, the success of 2012's "The Avengers" and the strong foreign box office. The movie stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman and breakout star Tom Hiddleston. The success of "Iron Man 3" in 2013 was expected, due to the success of the previous two movies, and it will be interesting to see if the next Marvel movie, "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," to be released on April 4, 2014, will receive a similar box office bump. "Captain America" earned $370.6 million globally, $176.7 domestically, in 2011.

"The Best Man Holiday," despite coming in second place, should also be considered a big winner this weekend. The sequel to 1999's "The Best Man" had a modest budget, a reported $17 million, and was a huge hit with audiences, guaranteeing strong word of mouth that could entice moviegoers in the film's second week. THR reports "The Best Man Holiday" earned an "A+" CinemaScore rating with audiences.

"Thor 2" may not have long before it relinquishes its box office crown, as next week sees the release of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." The sequel, starring Jennifer Lawrence, is expected to win the box office in its debut.