New Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises has topped the U.S. weekend box office charts, opening with receipts of just over $160 million, Digital Spy said.

The film's opening takings confirm its position as the most successful 2D opening in since records began, exceeding the $158 million opening gross for The Dark Knight.

The Dark Knight Rises also grossed $88 million in 17 territories worldwide, earning global takings of $249 million.

The figures for The Dark Knight Rises were held back until July 23 out of respect for the victims of shooting at a Dark Knight Rises screening in Aurora, Colorado. The suspected gunman James Holmes appeared in court for the first time July 23 afternoon.

Elsewhere, the top ten sees little change bar the re-entry of To Rome With Love in tenth place.