New Moon's Fang-Tastic Opening

TWILIGHT sequel NEW MOON has shot to the top of the U.S. box office, sucking the competition dry and earning a staggering $140.7 million (£87.9 million) in its opening week of release.

The vampire adventure achieved the third highest American debut of all time - taking $258.8 million (£161.75 million) worldwide, after opening in 26 countries.

New Moon isn't the only box office success story, Sandra Bullock's The Blind Side - the true story of American football prodigy Michael Oher - opened with an impressive $34.5 million (£21.5 million).

John Cusack's disaster film 2012 followed with $26.5 million (£16.5 million).

Planet 51 and Disney's A Christmas Carol round out the top five with $12.6 million (£7.8 million) and $12.23 million (£7.6 million) respectively.