"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" was the U.S. box-office champion this weekend, opening with an estimated $30.2 million.

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That figure was well above industry expectations, Daily Variety reported, and gave the thriller the third biggest opening ever in the month of September. "Sweet Home Alabama" opened with $35.6 million in 2002 and "Rush Hour" took in $33 million in 1998.

The weekend's only other wide release -- the Samuel L. Jackson-Eugene Levy comedy "The Man" -- took in just $4 million to finish at No. 6.

"The 40 Year-Old Virgin" took in $7.9 million in its fourth weekend in theaters, and has reached $82.3 million overall -- while finishing either No. 1 or No. 2 in each week in release.

"Transporter 2" was No. 3 with $7.2 million. "The Constant Gardener" was No. 4 with $4.8 million in its second week -- running its overall total to $19.1 million.

"Red Eye" was No. 5 with $4.6 million, and has taken in $51.3 million overall.

"Wedding Crashers" hit the $200 million mark, taking in $3.2 million in its ninth weekend in theaters.