'Contagion' takes first place at box office

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:

1. "Contagion," $23.1 million. ($2.1 million international.)
2. "The Help," $8.7 million.
3. "Warrior," $5.6 million.
4. "The Debt," $4.9 million. ($1.5 million international.)
5. "Colombiana," $4 million.
6. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," $3.8 million. ($12.5 million international.)
7. "Shark Night 3D," $3.5 million. ($500,000 international.)
8. "Apollo 18," $2.9 million. ($425,000 international.)
9. "Our Idiot Brother," $2.7 million.
10. "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World," $2.5 million. ($425,000 international.)

The Associated Press contributed to this report.