Moviegoers flocked to theaters over the weekend to see the end of the world ... or rather, the global-disaster film about the end of days called "2012," which opened at #1.

The Sony Pictures action flick earned a whopping $65 million over the weekend, and $225 million worldwide. Sony says its the best global total ever for an original movie not based on an established franchise, brand or best-selling novel.

"2012" tells the story of a scramble to save remnants of humanity aboard giant arks, as the earth's crust shifts and flood waters pour over most of the planet. It stars John Cusack, Danny Glover and Chiwetel Ejiofor, and was directed by doomsday specialist Roland Emmerich ("Independence Day," "The Day After Tomorrow").

Roland is that type of filmmaker that casts his net really wide," said Rory Bruer, head of distribution for Sony. "The story is something people could really relate to. It's a story of the survival of humanity."

In at #2 is last weekend's winner, "A Christmas Carol," earning $22.3 million in its second weekend, taking its total to $63.3 million.

"The Men Who Stare at Goats" held steady at #3 with $6.2 million, while "Precious" skyrocketed to #4 with $6.1 million in just 174 theaters, raising its 10-day total to $8.9 million.

Rounding out the top 5 was "Michael Jackon's This Is It", taking in another $5.1 million to bring its total to $68.2 million.

The last of the new releases was Focus Features' rock 'n roll comedy "Pirate Radio," landing at #11 with $2.9 million. However, it was only released to 882 theaters.

That wraps things up this weekend. Next weekend, look out for new releases such as the sports drama starring Sandra Bullock called "The Blind Side," the animated "Planet 51," and the highly anticipated release of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon". Also, "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans", starring Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes and Xzibit, will be released to limited theaters.

This weekend's top 10 is as follows:

1 - "2012," $65 million.
2 - "Disney's A Christmas Carol," $22.3 million.
3 - "The Men Who Stare at Goats," $6.2 million.
4 - "Precious," $6.1 million.
5 - "Michael Jackson's This Is It," $5.1 million.
6 - "The Fourth Kind," $4.7 million.
7 - "Couples Retreat," $4.3 million.
8 - "Paranormal Activity," $4.2 million.
9 - "Law Abiding Citizen," $3.9 million.
10 - "The Box," $3.2 million.