The Incredibles is the sixth release from Disney/Pixar

The Incredibles tells the story of a family of retired superheroes.

Horror movie The Grudge, starring former Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar, fell to number three after topping the box office last weekend.

And Oscar hopeful, Ray, starring Jamie Foxx as singer Ray Charles, was in second place with $13.8m (�7.4m).

TOP FIVE US FILMS 1. The Incredibles - $70.7m 2. Ray - $13.8m 3. The Grudge - $13.5m 4. Saw - $11.4 m 5. Alfie - $6.5m

Disney said The Incredibles had been widely expected to take the number one spot, but the well-reviewed film had surpassed most expectations.

"This is one of those movies where the public sentiment and the critical sentiment is coming together," said Chuck Viane, head of film distribution at Disney.

The three-day weekend total for The Incredibles was the best so far for a film released by Disney.

The film was preceded by the latest Star Wars trailer for the latest film, Revenge of the Sith, which is out in May.

It is the sixth release from Pixar and Disney in a contract that has also included Toy Story and Monsters Inc.

The contract - which sees Pixar make the films and Disney distribute them - is due to end next year.