Director Peter Jackson's return to Middle Earth, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," is No. 1 at the North American box office, receipts show.

ADVERTISEMENT

The first of three prequels to Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" blockbusters grossed $36.7 million at U.S. and Canadian theaters this week, Box Office Mojo reported.

Coming in at No. 2 is "Jack Reacher" with $15.6 million, followed by "This is 40" at No. 3 with $12 million, "Rise of the Guardians" at No. 4 with $5.9 million and "Lincoln" at No. 5 with $5.6 million.

Rounding out the top tier are "The Guilt Trip" at No. 6 with $5.39 million, "Monsters, Inc. [3D]" at No. 7 at $5.04 million, "Skyfall" at No. 8 with $4.7 million, "Life of Pi" at No. 9 with $3.8 million and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2" at No. 10 with $2.6 million.