The film beat the record previously held by Star Wars: Episode III

Dead Man's Chest also generated more money in its first three weeks than its predecessor managed in six months.

It has remained the top film, taking $35m (�19m) over the weekend.

Spooky tale Monster House made its debut at number two, followed by another new entry, Lady in the Water.

Water nymph

Also entering the top 10 were Clerks II and My Super Ex-Girlfriend. Monster House, which follows a group of children on an adventure around the scary home of a mysterious neighbour, generated $23m (�12m).

Lady in the Water - from the man behind The Sixth Sense, M Night Shyamalan - stars Paul Giamatti as a property manager who discovers a water nymph living underneath a swimming pool.

NORTH AMERICAN BOX OFFICE 1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest 2. Monster House 3. Lady in the Water 4. You, Me and Dupree 5. Little Man 6. Clerks II 7. My Super Ex-Girlfriend 8. Superman Returns 9. The Devil Wears Prada 10. Cars Source: Exhibitor Relations

It earned $18m (�10m), less than the debuts of any of his other releases over the past seven years.

You, Me and Dupree, with Owen Wilson and Kate Hudson fell one place to four, while Little Man, which stars Marlon and Shawn Wayans, was down from two to number five.

Clerks II is the story of two lazy workers and the sequel to Kevin Smith's low-budget breakthrough film from 1994.