"Real Steel," starring Hugh Jackman, came in first for the second straight week, pulling in $16.3 million. Last weekend the movie debuted at No. 1 with $27.3 million.
The re-make of "Footloose" opened with a close $16.1 million, which means it could push ahead once final figures are released Monday.
"The Thing" about Antarctic researchers stalked by a shape-shifting alien, opened at No. 3 with $8.7 million.
The top 10 movies of the weekend were:
1. "Real Steel," $16.3 million ($23.3 million international).
2. "Footloose," $16.1 million.
3. "The Thing," $8.7 million ($1.5 million international).
4. "The Ides of March," $7.5 million.
5. "Dolphin Tale," $6.3 million.
6. "Moneyball," $5.5 million.
7. "50/50," $4.3 million.
8. "Courageous," $3.4 million.
9. "The Big Year," $3.3 million.
10. "The Lion King," $2.7 million ($5.2 million
international).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.