'Hunger Games' Mania: Tweens and Teenagers Are Driving the Box Office Hit

While Lionsgate's The Hunger Games is playing to all age groups and demos, teens and tweens are fueling the box office monster.

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According to CinemaScore exit data collected Friday, those under the age of 18 made up the largest portion of the audience, or 39 percent. They also gave the film a glowing A+ CinemaSocre, virtually assuring repeat business.

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That's not to say Hunger Games is a one-quadrant movie. Moveigoers of all ages are flocking to see the big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' dystopian young adult novel, which headlines Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.

Of those turning out to see the film on opening day, 21 percent were between the ages of 35 and 49 (a fair share were likely parents), while 18 percent were over the age of 50. Among younger generations, 14 percent were between the ages of 18 and 24, while 13 percent were between the ages of 24 and 35, according to CinemaScore.

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Hunger Games is doing record business at the domestic box office, grossing an eye-popping $68.3 million on Friday, the best opening day ever for a nonsequel and the fifth biggest opening day overall. Translated: Hunger Games is showing the same strength as the Harry Potter and Twilight franchises, likewise based on young adult book series.

And, unlike Twilight, Hunger Games is luring males, and particularly young boys. Of those turning out on Friday, 39 percent were males, while 61 percent were females.

Hunger Games drew an overall A CinemaScore after those over the age of 25 gave it an A-.