The circus animals of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted led the Hollywood weekend with a $60.4 million debut domestically, followed by a big opening for Ridley Scott's alien saga Prometheus at No. 2 with $50 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar 3 was the family favorite for the weekend, reuniting voice stars Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer as the zoo animals continue their travels by joining a circus.

"Madagascar 3" outdid the $47.2 million debut of the 2005 original, though it came in behind the $63.1 million opening of the first sequel, 2008's "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa." Europe's Most Wanted had the added benefit of today's higher ticket prices and a bump from fans who caught 3-D shows, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D screenings.

Still, fans remain loyal to the franchise, and "Madagascar 3" received generally better reviews than the previous two installments. "It's the beloved characters and their comic adventures. And 'Madagascar 3' is critically the best-reviewed of the franchise. Both audiences and critics really love this one the most," said Anne Globe, head of marketing for DreamWorks Animation.

"Madagascar 3" also took in $75.5 million internationally for a worldwide debut of $135.9 million. "Prometheus," from 20th Century Fox, stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron in an offshoot of director's Scott's 1979 sci-fi horror tale "Alien." ''Prometheus" did big business despite an R rating, which can limit a movie's audience since fans under 17 must see it with an adult.

1. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted - $60.35
2. Prometheus - $50.00
3. Snow White and the Huntsman - $23.02
4. MIB 3 - $13.50
5. Marvel's The Avengers - $10.80
6. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - $3.23
7. What to Expect When You're Expecting - $2.71
8. Battleship - $2.28
9. The Dictator - $2.15
10. Moonrise Kingdom - $1.58
11. Dark Shadows - $1.36
12. The Hunger Games - $1.05