BEIJING, Oct. 11(Xinhuanet)-- The clay-animated comedy"Wallace& Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" took in$16 million during its debut weekend, tops at the North American box office.

The British-born animated hit, starring a whacky inventor and his ultra-intelligent pet dog, tells of the pair's adventures when faced by a fluffy but terrifying were-rabbit that greedily ravages the village's prize vegetables.

The film, directed by"Wallace and Gromit's" British creator Nick Park and co-produced and distributed by Hollywood giant Dreamworks, knocked last two weeks' leader"Flightplan" into second place.

"Flightplan," which headlines Hollywood star Jodie Foster, fell to second place in the weekly rankings, taking in some 10.7 million dollars.

It was followed by the debut of"In Her Shoes" which earned 10 million dollars, and two more debuts:"Two For The Money," which came in fourth place with 8.4 million dollars, and"The Gospel" in fifth, earning 8 million dollars.

Rounding off the top ten, director Tim Burton's animated"Corpse Bride," starring the voices of Johnnie Depp was ranked in sixth spot with takings of 6.5 million dollars, followed by the opening of"Waiting" with 5.7 million.

"A History of Violence" netted 5.1 million dollars in sales, while"Serenity" came in ninth with 4.9 million followed in tenth spot by"Into the Blue" with 4.8 million dollars in sales.

(Agencies)