'F9/11' Torches Documentary Box Office Record

In its premier weekend, the scathing Michael Moore anti-Bush documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" became the highest grossing documentary film of all time.

"F9/11" took in an estimated $21.8 million from only 868 theatres—the most theatres ever for a documentary, but just a quarter of what top summer blockbusters play in. As the only R-rated entry in the top 10, "F9/11" averaged a scorching $25,115 per location. By comparison, other movies with similar opening weekend averages this season include "Shrek 2" ($25,952), "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" ($24,303) and "The Day After Tomorrow" ($20,071).

Earning $22 million since its Manhattan debut on Wednesday, "F9/11" has already surpassed the $21.6 million that the former top-grossing documentary, Moore's Oscar-winning "Bowling For Columbine," grossed during its entire 11-month theatrical run.

With its box office clout, "F9/11" is sure to add locations, perhaps expanding to a total of 2,000-plus screens.