Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" took in nearly $37 million in ticket sales, after opening last week with $84.4 million.
"The Hobbit" beat out several holiday newcomers, including Tom Cruise's action thriller "Jack Reacher," which debuted in second place with $15.6 million.
Judd Apatow's comedy "This is 40" came in third with $12 million. "Rise of the Guardians" and "Lincoln" also made it into the top five, with over $5 million each.
The top 10 films of the weekend were:
1. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," $36.7 million ($91 million international).
2. "Jack Reacher," $15.6 million ($2.5 million international).
3. "This Is 40," $12 million.
4. "Rise of the Guardians," $5.9 million ($13.7 million international).
5. "Lincoln," $5.6 million.
6. "The Guilt Trip," $5.4 million.
7. "Monsters, Inc." in 3-D, $5 million.
8. "Skyfall," $4.7 million ($9 million international).
9. "Life of Pi," $3.8 million ($23.2 million international).
10. "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2," $2.6 million.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
