Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2009 sci-fi blockbuster has even surpassed $1 billion in box office sales worldwide.
It is, however, dangerously followed by an unexpectedly successful horror film which places itself in second place at the North American box office as soon as it is released.
It is the thriller "M3GAN" from Universal studios and Blumhouse which made a remarkable entrance, raking in 30.2 million dollars in one weekend, well beyond analysts' expectations.
"M3GAN" tells the story of a creepy humanoid robot designed - but obviously not very reliable - to be the perfect companion for a young orphan girl.
Horror films continue to enjoy great success at the box office, judge David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research estimating that "young moviegoers want to see them with their friends, on the big screen, for maximum thrills".
"Puss in Boots 2: The Final Quest" took third place on the podium with $13.1 million in revenue for its third weekend in theaters.
In this children's film from the universe of the "Shrek" saga, the feline embarks on an epic adventure to restore its nine lives.
In fourth, we find the film "The Worst Neighbor in the World" from the Sony studio, which recorded 4.2 million dollars in revenue two weeks after its release.
Adapted from the novel "Old, Grumpy and Suicidal: Life According to Ove" by Swedish author Fredrik Backman, actor Tom Hanks plays the role of a grumpy pensioner who softens up by meeting his optimistic neighbors.
Finally, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," the sequel to the 2018 smash-hit Afro-futuristic Marvel film, reached No. .4 million in North America.
Here's the rest of the top 10:
6. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" ($2.4 million)
7. "The Whale" ($1.5 million)
8. "Babylon" ($1.4 million)
9. "Violent Night" ($740,000)
10. "The Menu" ($713,000)
© 2023 AFP