Filmgoers were told: Don't try this yourselves

Police patrolled cinema car parks in some areas to prevent drivers trying to repeat the dangerous stunts after leaving the film.

Distributor Universal put a warning at the start of the movie:

"All of the racing stunts in The Fast And The Furious were performed in a staged environment by professionals with years of training and experience.

"Please do not try any of these yourself. Be smart. Drive safe. Be legal."

Director Rob Cohen told USA Today: "We show what happens when a car goes out of control. We show the consequences. It doesn't tell kids to go out and race. If that's the message they take from my movie, then they weren't paying attention."

In the number two slot is Dr Dolittle 2, starring Eddie Murphy as the doctor who can talk to animals.

Lara Croft - raiding tombs at number three

Tomb Raider, based on the videogame with Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, dropped to third place.

Critics have mauled the movie, describing it as a "tedious bore" although Jolie has been praised for her performance.

It is followed by Atlantis: The Lost Empire in fourth, and Shrek - an animated tale of ogres and princesses - at number five.

The top 10:

1. The Fast and the Furious
2. Dr. Dolittle 2
3. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
4. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
5. Shrek
6. Swordfish
7. Pearl Harbor
8. Moulin Rouge
9. Evolution
10. The Animal