New York - US audiences fell in love with the vampire romance film Twilight, which knocked off James Bond to top the US box office over the weekend.

The film based on the bestselling book by Stephenie Meyer earned 70.6 million dollars in its opening weekend with its tale of a young girl who falls in love with a vampire. Twilight was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, and it was the best start ever for a film directed by a female director.

The James Bond thriller Quantum of Solace fell to second place with 27.4 million dollars. Daniel Craig's 007 has grossed 109 million dollars so far.

Disney's animated dog with supernatural powers, Bolt, took third place with 27 million dollars. Another animated feature, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, landed in fourth place with 16 million dollars in itsthird weekend. Comedy Role Models with Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd rounded out the top five at 7.2 million dollars. (dpa)