(L-R) Dug (voiced by Bob Peterson), Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner), Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai) in a scene from 'UP'

The movie, starring Ed Asner as an elderly man who travels the world on a homemade balloon craft, narrowly beat out new release The Hangover, which defied critics' expectations with earnings of $43.27 million (£28.8 million).

Will Ferrell's Land of the Lost was the big weekend loser, taking a disappointing $19.5 million (£13 million) in its first weekend.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and Star Trek round out the top five.

Source: WENN