LOS ANGELES, USA (AP) — Turns out zombies and Superman are no match for monsters.

Disney’s Monsters University is the weekend box-office winner, according to studio estimates released yesterday. The animated family film, which reunites stars Billy Crystal and John Goodman and their characters from the 2001 hit Monsters Inc, debuted in first place with US$82 million, beating out swarming zombies in World War Z and Superman himself in Man of Steel.

“The diversity of this weekend is part of what makes this business so great,” said Dave Hollis, Disney’s head of distribution. “It’s a really extraordinary weekend for the industry.”

Especially for Monsters University, Pixar’s 14th consecutive film is to open in first place. Such expectations of excellence put a “healthy pressure” on filmmakers, Hollis said: “To deliver that kind of quality consistently is a differentiator in the marketplace.”

Still, the film exceeded studio expectations with its domestic totals, he said.

Below are estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theatres, according to Hollywood.com. Where available, latest international numbers are also included. Final domestic figures will be released on Monday.

1. Monsters University, US$82m.

2. World War Z, US$66m.

3. Man of Steel, US$41.2m.

4. This Is the End, US$13m.

5. Now You See Me, US$7.87m.

6. Fast & Furious 6, US$4.7m.

7. The Internship, US$3.43m.

8. The Purge, US$3.41m.

9. Star Trek: Into Darkness, US$3m.

10. Iron Man 3, US$2.2