International box office: 'Unstoppable' races to top spot

The action thriller Unstoppable, starring Denzel Washington and Star Trek's Chris Pine, proved unstoppable around the world, taking the number one position with an $18.2 million opening weekend in 40 countries.

Director Tony Scott's story about a runaway train is his fifth film with Washington. Unstoppable premiered at number one in China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Hong Kong. It came in second place in North America and Germany.

It was followed closely by Robert Downey Jr.'s comedy Due Date, which rolled into second place at the international box office with $17.4 million in 40 territories, according to the The Hollywood Reporter. Directed by Todd Phillips and costarring Zach Galifianakis, it ranked first in the UK for the second weekend and number three in France.

At third overall, the 3D animated comedy Despicable Me drew $9.5 million in 40 markets.

In the fourth position is Jackass 3D, opening in 22 territories and remaining at number one in Australia for the second round.

The spy saga RED, costarring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren and in theaters in 42 countries, came in fifth. It opens in four more markets this week, including France.

Other films opening near the top included the sci-fi film Skyline, opening in second place in the UK. And The Social Network, director David Fincher's drama about the founding of Facebook, made $7.2 million in 58 territories.

RC