'Dark Knight Rises' -- Set to Rake in $160 MILLION

"Dark Knight Rises" is on track to pull in north of $160 million for the 3-day opening, despite the tragedy surrounding the flick ... this according to reports.

The major Hollywood studios aren't reporting official box office numbers yet out of respect for those affected by the massacre in Aurora on Friday ... but The Hollywood Reporter is estimating the film will take in a solid $160 million.

Prior to Friday's theater shooting, the film was estimated to pull in around $170 million, according to THR.

Despite the lower number, it will still make Christopher Nolan's third "Batman" installment the highest grossing 2D release of all time ... and will beat the opening of last year's "Dark Knight", which capped out at a $158.4 million in its first weekend.

"The Avengers" still takes the crown for best opening ever ... raking in $207.4 million.