(The Associated Press, Los Angeles). "The Avengers" continues to muscle out everything else Hollywood throws at it, easily sinking naval rival "Battleship" and other new releases.

With $55.1 million domestically, Disney's superhero sensation remained No. 1 for a third-straight weekend and took in more than the three big newcomers combined. Overseas, "The Avengers" added an additional $56 million.

The film is approaching the $1.2 billion mark worldwide, totaling $457.1 million domestically and $723.3 million internationally.

"'The Avengers' is dominating the marketplace so profoundly that the newcomers are having a tough time breaking in now," said Paul Dergarabedian, analyst for box-office tracker Hollywood.com.

Universal's "Battleship" opened a distant No. 2 with $25.4 million domestically, well below industry expectations.

But the board-game adaptation starring Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch and Rihanna already has grossed $226.8 million overseas since launching in April, giving it a worldwide total of $252.1 million.

At $1.18 billion worldwide, "The Avengers" climbed to the No. 4 spot on the all-time charts, trailing only "Avatar" ($2.8 billion), "Titanic" ($2.2 billion) and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" ($1.3 billion).

"I would be glad to be No. 2 if we opened to a better number. But given the presence of an absolute juggernaut in the marketplace, there's nothing you can do," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal. "Not to have a shot at being No. 1 this weekend is disappointing. But it's a challenge with 'Avengers' out there."

Domestically, "The Avengers" at $457.1 million is No. 6 all-time but will quickly pass "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" ($474.5 million) and the original "Star Wars" ($460.9 million) to take the No. 4 spot.

"Avatar" is No. 1 domestically at $760.5 million, followed by "Titanic" at $658.5 million and "The Dark Knight" at $533.3 million.

Factoring in today's higher admission prices, many older movies sold more tickets than "The Avengers," which also has a price advantage because of the extra few dollars it costs to see the 3-D version.

But the Marvel Comics superhero ensemble has proved an overwhelming lure, drawing in all audience segments and packing in some fans who are seeing it over and over.

"It's a contagious thing that gets not just them back, but their friends back to see it again," said Dave Hollis, head of distribution for Disney. "I'm always happy to see a friendly competition among friends to see who can see the movie the most times."

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Where available, latest international numbers are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. "The Avengers," $55.1 million ($56 million international).

2. "Battleship," $25.4 million ($6.5 million international).

3. "The Dictator," $17.4 million ($30.3 million international).

4. "Dark Shadows," $12.8 million.

5. "What to Expect When You're Expecting," $10.5 million.

6. "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," $3.3 million.

7. "The Hunger Games," $3 million.

8. "Think Like a Man," $2.7 million.

9. "The Lucky One," $1.8 million.

10. "The Pirates! Band of Misfits," $1.5 million.