LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 -- Black Phone 2,a horror sequel starring Ethan Hawke, captured the top spot at the North American box office with US$26.5 million (RM112 million) as spooky season shifts into high gear in the run-up to Halloween, industry estimates showed yesterday.

The film from Universal and low-budget horror specialists Blumhouse has excellent critical and audience scores, said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

"This is an excellent opening for the second episode in a horror series," Gross said.

Tron: Ares,the latest instalment in the Disney sci-fi franchise, followed up a disappointing debut with US$11.1 million in its second week for second place in the United States and Canada, Exhibitor Relations r...