The fourth "Paranormal Activity" fright flick crept into the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office with 30 million dollars (USD) in U.S. and Canadian ticket sales.

Low-budget "Paranormal Activity 4" opened short of distributor Paramount's projection for at least 35 million in domestic receipts during the movie's leadoff weekend. The film also trailed its predecessor in the haunted house series. The third "Paranormal" rung up 53 million in its debut last October.

But with millions more from international markets, the fourth installment already had grossed far more than its tiny production budget of 5 million.

The Iran hostage thriller "Argo" earned 16.6 million and took second place, studio estimates released on Sunday showed.

"Argo" is based on the real-life rescue of U.S. government employees from Iran in 1979 under the guise of a fake movie production. Ben Affleck directs and stars in the film.

In the No. 3 slot, family movie "Hotel Transylvania" pulled in 13.5 million at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters. Global sales for the animated film reached 119 million through Sunday.

Two-time box office leader "Taken 2" fell to the No. 4 spot with 13.4 million. The film stars Liam Neeson as a former spy who is kidnapped in Istanbul. The action film has grossed $105.9 million through three weekends.

"Alex Cross" starring Tyler Perry debuted in fifth place with 11.7 million domestically, a mark that was in line with expectations.

The movie features Perry outside of the popular comedic role of Madea that the actor is best known for.