Cars 2 Tops Predecessor, Bad Teacher Surprises at Box Office

Cars 2 and Bad Teacher both beat box-office expectations in their first weekend of release, Box Office Mojo reports.

Cars 2 grossed an estimated $68 million and surpassed the opening weekend of the first Cars, which took in $60.1 million in 2006. Not only did Cars 2 outpace early projections, which were about $50 million, but kept Pixar's hit streak alive.

Green Lantern fails to light up box office

Bad Teacher, starring Cameron Diaz, was an even bigger surprise with a $31 million debut to land at No. 2. The raunchy R-rated comedy follows the success of last month's female-led Bridesmaids, which has gone on to gross $146.7 million domestically.

Last weekend's top film, Green Lantern, fell 65 percent to take in $18.4 million and rank third. Super 8 followed in fourth place, drawing $12.1 million. Mr. Popper's Penguins completed the top five, with $10.3 million.

At No. 6, X-Men: First Class attracted $6.6 million, bringing its total to $132.8 million. The Hangover Part II grabbed $5.9 million and came in seventh; its take so far: $242.9 million.

Rounding out the top 10: Bridesmaids (No. 8, $5.4 million), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides(No. 9, $4.7 million, for a total of $229 million) and Midnight in Paris (No. 10, $4.5 million). With $28.6 million so far, Midnight in Paris is now Woody Allen's second highest-grossing film — behind only his 1986 classic Hannah and Her Sisters, which earned $40.1 million.