Moviegoers were definitely in the mood for fantastic fairy-tales as they crowded in theaters across North America to see “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” the eagerly anticipated sequel to 2005’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” and bought tickets worth a cool $56.6 million.

The magical worlds imagined by Irish author C. S. Lewis in his children’s series “The Chronicles of Narnia” have been transported once more to the big screen, to the evident joy of moviegoers.

This is the second novel to be made into a film and cinematic success endures. “Prince Caspian” raked in $56.6 million between Friday and Sunday, according to studio estimates, opening at the very top of the box office. Its predecessor took in $65.5 million on its opening weekend.

“Prince Caspian” has managed to oust box office champ “Iron Man,” another fantasy story but this time from the realm of comic books, off the top spot, where it rested comfortably for two weeks. The Marvel entertainment film took in another $31.2 million.

“Iron Man” continues to fascinate overseas, with $25.6 million in its third week. Its foreign total now reaches $206 million. “Prince Caspian” had a more modest welcome outside North America, with ticket sales worth $20.7 million.

Raking third is romantic comedy “What Happens in Vegas,” starring Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher, with $13.9 million. Though critically reviled, the film has fared decently at the box office.

“Speed Racer,” another film critics found unsatisfactory, was fourth this weekend, with $7.6 million. Directed by the Wachowski brothers, the generously colorful film is an adaptation of 1960s Japanese cartoon “Speed Racer,” and stars Emile Hirsch and Christina Ricci.

Placing fifth was the comedy “Baby Mama,” starring “Saturday Night Live” stars Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The film made $4.6 million in its fourth week.