The animated sequel cost a reported $80m (�46.3m) to make

The cartoon comedy, set in prehistoric times, took $70.5m (�41m) in its first weekend, according to studio estimates.

In contrast, the Basic Instinct sequel opened in joint 10th place with US takings of just $3.2m (�1.8m).

But it fared better internationally, earning $10.2m (�5.9m) in 29 markets according to Screen Daily.

Combined takings for the top 12 films in the USA and Canada were up 40% on the same weekend last year.

Ice Age: The Meltdown - which will be released in the UK this Friday as Ice Age 2 - easily surpassed its predecessor's $46.3m (�26.8m) opening weekend in 2002.

British actor David Morrissey (r) co-stars in the Basic Instinct sequel

"No one had any idea it would do this kind of business," said Paul Dergarabedian of box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

The film also performed well internationally, taking $43.4m (�25.1m) in 29 territories.

Spike Lee's Inside Man, last week's top film in North America, dropped to two, while ATL - a roller-skating story starring the rapper Tip Harris - opened at three.

The only other new entry in the Top 10 was horror movie Slither, which entered the chart at eight with a $3.7m (�2.1m) haul.