Movies
Its success in its first week in cinemas comes after a year of controversy for the actor-turned director. He has been widely condemned for making anti-Jewish comments and being arrested for drink driving.
The film, set in the ancient Mayan civilisation and told in the native language, has made $14.2 million (£7.3 million).
Chuck Viane, head of Apocalypto distributor Disney, said: "The movie obviously succeeds on its own level. I think people probably are a bit on the surprised side."
At second on the US chart is The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz and Jude Law, having taken $13.5 million (£6.9 million).
Penguin cartoon Happy Feet, which topped the chart last week, was pushed into third place.
1. Apocalypto - $14.1m
2. The Holiday - $13.5m
3. Happy Feet - $12.7m
4. Casino Royale - $8.8m
5. Blood Diamond - $8.5m
6. Unaccompanied Minors - $6.2m
7. Déjà Vu - $6m
8. The Nativity Story $5.4m
9. Deck the Halls - $3.9m
10. The Santa Clause 3 - $3.3m
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Box Office Charts
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