The F. Gary Gray movie, which documents the rise of the groundbreaking rap group in the 1980s, was initially projected to gross around $25 million (£15.6 million) in North America upon its launch, but the film started off strong with just under $5 million (£3.1 million) in previews on Thursday (13Aug15), and added another $24.3 million (£15.2 million) on Friday (14Aug15), making it the fourth-highest opening day gross ever for an August release, according to Deadline.com.

Straight Outta Compton, co-produced by N.w.a. icons Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, was made on a budget of just $29 million (£18.1 million).

Celebrating the news on Twitter on Sunday (16Aug15), Ice Cube, who was played onscreen by his son, O'Shea Jackson, Jr., writes, "Thank you for making us #1 this weekend!"

Meanwhile, Guy Ritchie's $80 million (£50 million) movie adaptation of classic 1960s spy series The Man from U.N.C.L.E. failed to impress - the Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer action thriller took a disappointing $13.5 million (£8.4 million) to debut in third place, behind Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation at two with $17 million (£10.6 million).

The Fantastic Four reboot and The Gift round out the new top five.