3-D 'Lion King' reigns at top of movie box office

A 3-D release of animated classic "The Lion King" ruled the domestic weekend box office by trouncing virus thriller "Contagion" and three newcomers, according to studio estimates compiled by Reuters on Sunday.

"The Lion King 3-D" sold a stronger-than-expected USD 29.3 million over three days at US and Canadian theaters. Originally released in 1994, the Walt Disney Co film is one of the top-grossing animated movies of all time. Thriller "Contagion," about the race to stop a deadly virus as it circles the globe, finished second with USD 14.5 million. Third place went to action flick "Drive," starring Ryan Gosling, with USD 11 million. Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc, released "Contagion." "Drive" was released by FilmDistrict.