LOS ANGELES — To say that the force is strong is an understatement.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” brought in a galactic $238 million over the weekend, making it the biggest North American debut of all time according to studio estimates on Sunday.

The Walt Disney Co. earnings destroy the previous opening record set by Universal’s “Jurassic World,” which drew $208.8 million this summer.

This is just the latest in a laundry list of records set by J.J. Abrams’ film, the seventh in the franchise, which had analysts anticipating a debut from $150 million to $300 million.

The “X-factor” was quality. While “The Force Awakens” drew huge pre-sales, the film was kept under lockdown from the press and critics until mere days before it was released to the public. Reviews turned out to be stellar (95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes), as did early audience reaction, which gave it an “A” CinemaScore.

Media analyst Paul Dergarabedian said that’s the key element that may push the film to the $2 billion mark by the end of its run.

“It feels historic. The marketing team has embarked on a two-plus year journey to create this event feel,” said David Hollis of Disney.

Males overwhelmingly drove the astronomical earnings, comprising 58 percent of the audience.

The film also drew mainly adults, who made up 71 percent of the audience. Teens accounted for only 9 percent, but those numbers may go up over the holiday vacation.

IMAX, 3D and other premium formats further helped drive the massive earnings. Nearly half of moviegoers — 47 percent — chose to see the film on the generally pricier screens. Estimated weekend sales:

1. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” $238 million

2. “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” $14.4 million

3. “Sisters,” $13.4 million

4. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2,” $5.7 million

5. “Creed,” $5.1 million

6. “The Good Dinosaur,” $4.2 million

7. “Krampus,” $3.8 million

8. “In the Heart of the Sea,” $3.5 million

9. “Diwale,” $1.9 million

10. “Bajirao Mastani,” $1.7 million.