DHAKA: Horror sequel ‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ has topped the US box office with takings of $41m.

The weekend’s haul is triple that of its predecessor, released in 2010.

‘Chapter 2’ arrived in cinemas on Friday the 13th, which analyst Paul Dergarabedian of Hollywood.com called ‘a perfect release date’.

Director James Wan had ‘cracked the code’ on horror movies, he added, says the BBC.

Crime caper ‘The Family’ opened in second place with Riddick falling to third.

The Insidious franchise stars Patrick Wilson as a husband and father to a young son to whom ghosts and demons are attracted.

FilmDistrict’s president of distribution, Jim Orr, said Chapter 2’s ticket sales nearly doubled studio expectations, calling the creative team ‘just ridiculously talented’.

‘The Conjuring’, another haunted-house thriller starring Patrick Wilson and helmed by Australian director Wan, also topped the US box office in July.

Top Five

Insidious: Chapter 2 - $41m
The Family - $14.5m
Riddick - $7m
The Butler - $5.58m
We’re the Millers - $5.4m

BDST: 1941 HRS, SEPT 16, 2013
RoR/GCP