Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby debuted at the top of the US box office chart, enjoying a convincing lead on fellow new entry Barnyard.

With an opening weekend figure of $47.0m, the film's success has made it the highest opening comedy this year, and the second highest ever behind Jim Carrey's Bruce Almighty.

Also opening last week were The Descent and The Night Listener.

The top ten in full:
1. (-) Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby - $47.0m
2. (-) Barnyard - $16.0m
3. (2) Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - $11.0m
4. (1) Miami Vice - $9.7m
5. (-) The Descent - $8.8m
6. (3) John Tucker Must Die - $6.1m
7. (4) Monster House - $6.0m
8. (5) The Ant Bully - $3.9m
9. (-) The Night Listener - $3.6m
10. (7) You, Me and Dupree - $3.6m