The Steven Soderbergh-directed pandemic thriller earned $23.1 million in its first weekend, exceeding studio estimates.
Despite the big opening weekend for "Contagion," it was a slow weekend at the movies.
"The Help" fell to No. 2 with $8.7 million after being at the top for three weeks in a row.
The mixed-martial arts drama, "Warrior," took the third spot with a $5.6 million debut.
The top 10 movies of the weekend were:
- "Contagion," $23.1 million. ($2.1 million international.)
- "The Help," $8.7 million.
- "Warrior," $5.6 million.
- "The Debt," $4.9 million. ($1.5 million international.)
- "Colombiana," $4 million.
- "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," $3.8 million. ($12.5 million international.)
- "Shark Night 3D," $3.5 million. ($500,000 international.)
- "Apollo 18," $2.9 million. ($425,000 international.)
- "Our Idiot Brother," $2.7 million.
- "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World," $2.5 million. ($425,000 international.)
The Associated Press contributed to this report.