The Seuss movie, featuring the voices of Danny DeVito, Zac Efron and Taylor Swift, set a record for the highest non-sequel animated film debut, ahead of "The Incredibles."
"Project X," a coarse comedy about a high school party that gets out of control, opened in second place with $20.8 million, according to initial data from Exhibitor Relations.
"Act of Valor," a war film starring active duty US Navy SEALs, slipped from the top spot to third place with $13.7 million.
CIA-based thriller "Safe House," starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds, was fourth with $7.2 million in estimated weekend receipts.
The comedy-drama "Tyler Perry's Good Deeds," was fifth with $7 million, followed by "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," a family-friendly 3D adventure starring former wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, with $6.9 million, the romantic drama "The Vow," with $6.1 million, "This Means War," ($5.6 million) and "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" ($4.7 million).
"The Artist," riding its Oscars' success, jumped back up the ratings from 13th to 10th, earning $3.9 million at the weekend.