Put on a happy face. "Joker" is No. 1 again.
Todd Phillips' R-rated comic-book hit regained the top spot at the weekend box office in its fourth week of release, narrowly besting "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil." The Warner Bros. sensation, starring Joaquin Phoenix, took in $18.9 million in ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.
That came in just above the $18.6 million haul for the Walt Disney Co.'s "Maleficent" sequel, which slid to second after a disappointing No. 1 debut last weekend of $36 million. "Mistress of Evil," starring Angelina Jolie, is performing better overseas, where it grossed $64.3 million over the weekend.
With such a close race at the top, the order could switch when final figures are released.
"Joker" became the most successful R-rated moved ever, not accounting for inflation, in worldwide release. It's made $849 million globally, including $47.8 million internationally over the weekend. Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" remains the R-rated domestic leader, with $370.8 million.
The best-performing newcomer was the horror thriller "Countdown." It grossed $9 million. Sony Screen Gems' "Black and Blue," a police thriller starring Naomie Harris, opened with $8.3 million.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters:
1. "Joker," $18.9 million.
2. "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil," $18.6 million.
3. "The Addams Family," $11.7 million.
4. "Zombieland: Double Tap," $11.6 million.
5. "Countdown," $9 million.
6. "Black and Blue," $8.3 million.
7. "Gemini Man," $4 million.
8. "The Lighthouse," $3.1 million.
9. "The Current War," $2.7 million.
10. "Abominable," $2 million.
Associated Press
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