AceShowbiz -

Three new releases battled it out this weekend for the top spot of North American Box Office and "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" came out as a champion. The third and final "Hobbit" film took in $56.2 million this weekend, according to studio estimates.

"The Battle of the Five Armies" opened on Wednesday, December 17 in over 3,000 theaters. It has since accumulated a total cume of $90.6 million. "This weekend marks the triumphant beginning to the end to this incredible franchise, which has been so consistent for over a decade since 'Lord of the Rings'," said box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian. "It's rare to see this kind of audience excitement, which has not diminished one bit."

Yet the final film could not beat the records made by its predecessors. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" had an $84.6 million three-day opening in December 2012. Its sequel "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" opened with $73.6 million over the December 2013 weekend.

Nevertheless, "Battle of the Five Armies" separated itself from the competitors by winning over double this weekend. "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb" took the second place with an estimated $17.3 million. The musical "Annie" landed at the third place by a close call with approximately $16.3 million. Last week's winner "Exodus: Gods and Kings" fell to the fourth place with an estimated $8.1 million. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1" managed to remain in the top 5 with around $7.8 million.

1. "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" - $56.2 million
2. "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb" - $17.3 million
3. "Annie" - $16.3 million
4. "Exodus: Gods and Kings" - $ 8.1 million
5. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1" - $7.8 million
6. "Wild" - $4.2 million
7. "Top Five" - $3.6 million
8. "Big Hero 6" - $3.6 million
9. "Penguins of Madagascar" - $3.5 million
10. "PK" - $3.5 million