The sequel sees Johnny Depp return as Captain Jack Sparrow

The film, starring Johnny Depp, raked in $62.2m (�34m) during its second weekend in cinemas, bringing the film's earnings to $258.2m (�141m) so far.

"It's really fun when you're riding a comet like this," said Chuck Viane, Disney's head of distribution.

Pirates has shot past the year's next biggest earner, X-Men: The Last Stand.

NORTH AMERICAN BOX OFFICE 1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - $62.2m 2. Little Man - $21.7m 3. You, Me and Dupree - $21.3m 4. Superman Returns - $11.6m 5. The Devil Wears Prada - $10.5m Source: Exhibitor Relations. Figures for Fri-Sun.

That took $232m (�126m) in eight weeks.

The Pirates sequel, which also stars Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, has made an additional $125m (�68.5m) overseas.

Elsewhere on the North American box office chart, slapstick comedy Little Man, about a tiny thief masquerading as a baby, opened as at number two with $21.7m (�12m).

Universal's comedy You, Me and Dupree, starring Owen Wilson as a house guest causing chaos for his friend and his new bride, debuted at number three with $21.3m (�11.7m).