New York  - US cinema goers got some humour therapy to send Couples Retreat to the top of the box office over the weekend.

The comedy about a group of unwilling couples forced into therapy on a tropical island stars Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Kristin Davis and Kristen Bell. It earned 35.3 million dollars in its opening weekend.

Horror-comedy Zombieland earned 15 million dollars at second place, while the flying food in animated family comedy Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs took third place. The 3D film about an inventor who makes hamburgers, pizza and pancakes fall from the sky earned 12 million dollars in its fourth week in cinemas.

Another 3D film aimed at children took fourth place. A revamped double-feature of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 earned 7.7 million dollars.

Independent horror flick Paranormal Activity was a surprise in fifth place and 7.1 million dollars. (dpa)