January usually isn't the month to expect big things [1] at the box office, but Cloverfield [2] just changed all of that. JJ Abrams' monster flick was No. 1 at the box office [3] this weekend, earning an estimated $41 million and setting an all-time January record [4], Variety reports. Katherine Heigl's 27 Dresses [5] came in a respectable No. 2 earning $22.4 million — another great opening for this time of year.

On the other hand, the ladies of Mad Money [6] didn't fare well at all over the weekend, coming in low down the list at No. 7. The Bucket List [7] took the third slot while audiences continued to enjoy the little comedy that could, Juno [8], which came in No. 4.

Despite this weekend's huge numbers, we might not be done yet: Studios could gross even more today if moviegoers head to the theaters on their day off.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures [9]