Maybe it's that time of the year, or perhaps there was a strong nationwide desire to see a scary movie, but whatever the reason, horror flick Prom Night [1] was crowned queen at the box office this weekend. Variety reports that the movie's $22.7 million marks the best opening for a horror picture so far this year [2], possibly due to the teen-friendly PG-13 rating.

Though Street Kings [3] is loaded with bloodshed and big names like Forest Whitaker and Keanu Reeves, it was still no match for the teen screamfest, earning second place with an estimated $12 million. 21 [4], on the other hand, is still performing well, taking the third spot with $11 million. It was followed by Nim's Island [5], Leatherheads [6], and Horton Hears a Who [7].

Little family comedy Smart People [8] starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page, and Dennis Quaid came in No. 7 earning about $4.2 million. The overall box office is still experiencing a slump compared to last year [9]. I wonder if Forgetting Sarah Marshall [10] will get more folks to the theaters next weekend?

And if you're curious about Prom Night, head over to movies.ivillage.com [11] for the trailer and video clips.

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures [12]