The final film in Peter Jackson’s series took $21.9 million according to early studio estimates.
Disney’s new release, the musical Into the Woods, was at number two with $19.1 million in its second week of release.
The fairytale drama stars Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Emily Blunt.
Angelina Jolie’s World War II tale Unbroken, took third spot with $18.4 million.
The weekend’s only major new release, horror sequel The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death, landed in fourth place with $15.1 million.
Sony’s controversial film The Interview, about a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, took an estimated $1.1 million in its second week of limited release.
Last week, Sony announced the film had taken $15 million in its first four days of online streaming.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb rounded out the top five with takings of $14.5 million.
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