'Kong' outmuscles 'Logan' to become king of the box office

LOS ANGELES -- It was a battle of the beasts at the box office this weekend, and King Kong emerged as the definitive victor over Wolverine.

According to studio estimates Sunday, "Kong: Skull Island" amassed $61 million in its first weekend in theaters, surpassing expectations and easily beating "Logan," which is in its second weekend.

Warner Bros. and Legendary's "Kong: Skull Island" stars Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday. Final domestic figures will be released today.

1. "Kong: Skull Island," $61 million ($81.6 million international).

2. "Logan," $37.9 million ($70 million international).

3. "Get Out," $21.1 million.

4. "The Shack," $10.1 million.

5. "The Lego Batman Movie," $7.8 million ($5.1 million international).

6. "Before I Fall," $3.1 million ($265,000 international).

7. "Hidden Figures," $2.8 million ($5.1 million international).

8. "John Wick: Chapter Two," $2.7 million ($2.5 million international).

9. "MET Opera: La Traviata," $1.8 million ($1.8 million international).

10. "La La Land," $1.8 million ($6.8 million international).