Update (February 16): The hype surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey catapulted the film to an $94.4 million opening weekend in the United States, making it the biggest opening ever for a female director.

Universal says that Fifty Shades of Grey made $94.4 million over the 4-day weekend, meaning that the film now holds the record for highest-grossing February opener (the previous record holder was Passion of the Christ). It’s made $266 million worldwide.

—

Original story (February 15): Fifty Shades of Grey easily beat other book-to-film domestic openings. Divergent made $54 million and Twilight made $69 million, but Fifty Shades didn’t come close to The Hunger Games’ $152 million.

The fact that Fifty Shades beat Twilight is particularly interesting because the erotic story was originally a fan-fiction following Edward and Bella.

Fifty Shades of Grey is the second highest grossing February film in U.S. history. Passion of the Christ still holds the #1 position with the $83 million it made in 2004.

Expect the film’s box office total to take another step up after Monday thanks to the President’s Day holiday.

Given the movie’s impressive box office, it’s safe to assume that at least one sequel, which would be based on E.L. James’ Fifty Shades Darker, will be going forward. Actors Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are signed on for three films in total should the studio choose to continue with the franchise.

Hypable has shared lots of thoughts about Ana and Christian’s “romance” over the past few days:

– Tit for tat: Hollywood’s disturbing male gaze problem
– Hypable’s complete, overly-detailed guide to the sex scenes in Fifty Shades
– Fifty Shades review: Come for Christian, stay for Ana
– I read Fifty Shades and it was more horrifying than I ever imagined

Sex: It sells.