Hulk is directed by Ang Lee

The movie, starring Eric Bana as the genetically-modified human who transforms into a green giant, knocked Charlie's Angels 2 off the top spot.

Hulk, directed by Ang Lee, has already held the number one position in the US but has received mixed reviews.

Jim Carrey's latest comedy caper Bruce Almighty, in which he gets to play God, remained at number two in the chart.

Its three-day total of �1.2m takes its total receipts to �18.6m since its release four weeks ago.

UK/ IRELAND TOP FIVE 1. Hulk 2. Bruce Almighty 3. Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle 4. Daddy Day Care 5. Piglet's Big Movie Source: Screen International

The sequel Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle was at number three with takings of �1.1m over the weekend.

At number four was Eddie Murphy's comedy Daddy Day Care, with the cartoon Piglet's Big Movie rounding off the top five.

Historical epic

The biographical crime thriller Veronica Guerin, starring Cate Blanchett as the murdered journalist, slipped down from four to six. It is only on release in Ireland, and will not appear in cinemas in Great Britain and Northern Ireland until 1 August.

The second highest new entry, Buffalo Soldiers, could only manage ninth position, taking �113,664 in its opening weekend, although it is only showing in 34 screens.

And musical romance Brown Sugar, starring Taye Diggs and Queen Latifah, scored a new entry at number 11.

But it was a disappointing opening weekend for Heath Ledger's 19th Century drama Four Feathers, taking just �61,800 from 143 screens.