The highly anticipated film, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," has exceeded expectations and emerged as the clear winner at the weekend box office. The latest installment in the long-running franchise managed to secure higher returns than initially predicted, further cementing its success.

Directed by Jason Reitman, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" brought in an impressive $45.2 million in ticket sales across 4,345 theaters in North America alone. This figure surpassed the initial estimate of $42 million, proving the film's strong hold on audiences. The action-packed adventure teamed up new crew members McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, and Paul Rudd with veteran stars Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts, creating an enticing blend of old and new for fans.

Adding to its success, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" also made a significant impact at the international box office, earning $16.4 million. This propelled its global weekend debut to a noteworthy $61 million. As a sequel to 2021's "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," the film follows the Spengler family as they uncover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and unite with the veterans in their quest to save New York City.

In comparison to its predecessor, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" managed to outperform "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," which brought in $44 million on its opening weekend. This accomplishment solidifies the franchise's enduring appeal and demonstrates the continued enthusiasm of audiences for the iconic Ghostbusters saga.

While "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" dominated the box office, "Dune: Part Two" claimed the second spot with $17.6 million in ticket sales. The highly anticipated science fiction film, featuring an ensemble cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh, has now accumulated $233 million in North America and $574 million globally after three weeks of release.

In third place, the beloved animated film "Kung-Fu Panda 4" dropped from its top spot after two weeks, amassing $16.8 million. With a domestic total of $133 million and a global tally of $268 million, the film continues to captivate audiences with its heartwarming story and impressive visuals.

Another notable mention goes to Sydney Sweeney's horror film "Immaculate," which garnered $5.3 million in fourth place across 2,354 theaters. The film delivered a stronger performance than expected, proving its appeal to fans of the genre.

Rounding out the top five was Mark Wahlberg's action movie, "Arthur the King," which earned $4.4 million in box office receipts. Despite facing competition from other releases, the canine-led film has managed to generate $14.6 million in just two weeks, surpassing its $19 million budget.

With "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" leading the pack, the weekend box office showcased a diverse range of films captivating audiences worldwide. The success of these films indicates the enduring popularity and excitement that the cinema experience continues to bring to audiences of all ages.