NEW YORK – The shirtless warriors of the "300" sequel "Rise of an Empire" ravaged the post-Oscars box-office weekend with a domestic debut of $45.1 million.

Seven years after the original "300" became an unlikely, ultra-stylish, blood-soaked sensation, the 3-D follow-up showed considerable might at the box office, yet "300: Rise of an Empire" didn't come close to the North American debut of Zack Snyder's 2007 original.

The week's other new wide release, the animated "Mr. Peabody & Sherman," opened in second with $32.5 million. The film is based on the cartoon about a time-traveling boy and his brilliant dog from "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show." Some of the family film market was likely taken by "The Lego Movie," which added $11 million in its fifth weekend. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday:

1. "300 : Rise of an Empire," $45.1 million.

2. "Mr. Peabody & Sherman," $32.5 million.

3. "Non-Stop," $15.4 million.

“Mr Peabody & Sherman” came in at No. 2.

4. "The Lego Movie," $11 million.

5. "Son of God," $10 million.

6. "The Monuments Men," $3.1 million.

7. "3 Days to Kill," $3.1 million.

8. "Frozen," $3 million.

9. "12 Years a Slave," $2.2 million.

10. "Ride Along," $2 million.

Associated Press