'The Angry Birds Movie' slingshots to the top of the inteational box office before US release - CNET

Just days away from its US premiere, "The Angry Birds Movie" has already soared to number 1 across 37 markets, raking in $43 million during its first weekend across Europe, South America and Australia.

The biggest contender for game-tued-movie-you-never-knew-you-needed this side of "Jumanji 2," the 3D animated film has already made more than half its reported $80 million budget. Rovio, the creators of the original Angry Birds mobile game and the driving force behind the film, is also claiming a record May opening for an original animated film with the premiere.

"Strong critical reception and great word of mouth ignited the box office on Saturday as 'The Angry Birds Movie' displayed huge increases from Friday, suggesting a long and, dare we say it, happy run for the film," the company said on its website.

"The Angry Birds Movie" is set to open in the US, China and South Korea on May 20.