Directed by Lee Daniels and starring Forrest Whitaker in the title role, the historical drama pulled in over $25 million over the weekend, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said.
That performance eclipsed science-fiction thriller "Elysium," last week's top earner, which fell to third place behind "We're the Millers," a Jennifer Aniston comedy.
"We're the Millers" held the number two spot with a box office take of nearly $17.8 million on its second weekend in theaters.
"Elysium," which stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, brought in $13.6 million.
In its first week in theaters, "Kick-Ass 2," the superhero action comedy sequel, ranked fourth with $13.5 million in weekend sales.
"Planes," a spin-off of the hugely successful "Cars" franchise, landed in fifth place on its second weekend out, raking in $13.1 million.
"Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters," an adaptation based on the book series by Rick Riordan about a schoolboy who is the son of the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, made an estimated $8.4 million, dropping to sixth place from fourth last week.
"Jobs," the biopic with Ashton Kutcher in the role of Apple founder Steve Jobs, opened over the weekend in 7th place, with $6.7 million in box office receipts.
The Denzel Washington-Mark Wahlberg action comedy "2 Guns" slid to eighth place after three weeks in theaters, making $5.6 million.
Ninth went to "The Smurfs 2" with $4.6 million in ticket sales, while "The Wolverine," with Hugh Jackman, clung to tenth, making $4.4 million. (AFP)
