"Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," about the hazards of industrialized society, topped the North American box office on its debut weekend, taking a stunning $70.2 million, industry data showed Monday.
The animated movie, featuring the voices of Danny DeVito, Zac Efron and Taylor Swift, set a record for the highest non-sequel animated film debut, ahead of "The Incredibles."
"Project X," a coarse comedy about a high school party that gets out of control, opened in second place with $21 million, according to Exhibitor Relations.
"Act of Valor," a war film starring active duty US Navy SEALs, slipped from the top spot to third place with $13.6 million.
CIA-based thriller "Safe House," starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds, was fourth with $7.4 million in weekend receipts.
The comedy-drama "Tyler Perry's Good Deeds," was fifth with $7 million, followed by "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," a family-friendly 3D adventure starring former wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, with $6.5 million.
In seventh spot was romantic drama "The Vow," with just over $6 million, followed by "This Means War," ($5.6 million) and "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" ($4.6 million).
Rounding out the top 10 was "Wanderlust," a comedy starring Jennifer Aniston about a New York couple experimenting with alternative lifestyles after losing their jobs, which earned $3.8 million in its second week.