Teen horror movie When A Stranger Calls has slashed its way to the top of the US box office, making $22 million in its opening weekend.

The thriller, about a young babysitter who is stalked by a psychopath, knocked comedian Martin Lawrence's Big Momma's House 2 out of the top spot in its second week of release.

Family favourite Nanny Mcphee fell one notch to number three, while Oscar hopeful Brokeback Mountain and Hoodwinked rounded out the top five.

Interracial romantic comedy Something New, starring Simon Baker and Sanaa Lathan, was also a new entry in the top 10.

US box office takings were typically low during the Superbowl weekend, with most film fans preferring to stay home and watch the championship game.