Los Angeles  - Cinema goers got an early taste of Halloween this weekend, flocking to the horror films that led the US box office.

Paranormal Activity earned 22 million dollars to take top place with its tale of a couple who move into a haunted house. It has grossed 62.5 million.

It beat out Saw VI, the latest installment in the popular series about a twisted killer, which earned 14.8 million dollars in its opening weekend.

Spike Jonze's artistic take on Maurice Sendak's classic children's book Where the Wild Things Are took in 14.4 million dollars for third place.

The thriller Law Abiding Citizen earned 12.7 million at fourth place followed by comedy Couples Retreat with 11.1 million dollars.

There were disappointing results for science fiction cartoon Astro Boy, which earned just 7 million dollars at sixth place, and biopic Amelia, starring Hilary Swank as aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, with just 4 million dollars for 11th place. (dpa)