Globalism reigns at box office, while 'Furious' passes US$1b

A South India sensation, a Hispanic-focused comedy and the highest-grossing film ever directed by an African American, made up the top three films in North America on a culturally diverse box office weekend. As expected, it was another runaway weekend for The Fate of the Furious, which took number one for the third straight week with $19.4 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The Universal Pictures release also throttled past $1 billion globally and passed its predecessor, Furious 7, to become the highest-grossing imported film in China with $361 million.

Here are estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US, and Canadian theatres, according to comScore:

1. The Fate of the Furious, $19.4 million ($68.4 million international).

2. How to Be a Latin Lover, $12 million.

3. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, $10.1 million ($3.7 million international).

4. The Circle, $9.3 million.

5. The Boss Baby,

$9.1 million ($15.5 million international).

6. Beauty and the Beast, $6.4 million ($17.2 million international).

7. Going in Style,

$3.6 million ($3 million international).

8. Smurfs: The Lost Village, $3.3 million ($11.7 million international).

9. Gifted, $3.3 million.

10. Unforgettable,

$2.3 million.

-AP