LOS ANGELES, March 25 – Stone-age cartoon "The Croods," DreamWorks Animation's latest family crowd pleaser, opened at the top of North America's box office this weekend, industry data showed Monday.

The feelgood film, about a pre-historic family battling with fire and other new inventions, took $43.6 million on its debut, the Exhibitor Relations tracking agency said.

That was easily enough to beat action thriller "Olympus Has Fallen" into second place, with $30.4 million in takings for a tale of terrorism and a kidnapped president, starring Morgan Freeman.

In third was 3D fantasy adventure flick "Oz the Great and Powerful," which slipped from the top spot on its third week in theaters, making $21.6 million at the weekend box office.

"The Call," a thriller starring Halle Berry as a 911 operator trying to rescue a young girl who has been abducted, earned $8.9 million in its second week, for fourth spot.

In fifth was another new entry, romantic comedy "Admission" starring Tina Fey, with $6.2 million in takings, followed by timely US vacation movie "Spring Breakers" on $4.9 million.

"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone," a comedy starring Steve Carell as a washed up magician who joins forces with street performer Jim Carrey, earned $4.3 million on its third week on release, for seventh place.

In eighth was "Jack the Giant Slayer," starring Nicholas Hoult as a young farmhand battling giants to save a princess, with $2.9 million, followed by "Identity Thief" on $2.6 million.

Rounding out the top 10 was action film "Snitch," starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, on $1.9 million at the weekend box office.