Dawn of the Planet of the Apes confirmed itself as one of the biggest cinematic success stories of 2014 this weekend, holding off three new releases to top the box office for a second successive week with £36 million. The critically acclaimed movie swatted away competition from all corners, with horror The Purge: Anarchy, children's animation Planes: Fire and Rescue and comedy Sex Tape all failing to land significant blows.

Dawn of the Planet of the ApesAndt Serkis [R] shoots 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes'

Following on from 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, 'Dawn' benefitted from hugely positive reviews to take around half of its opening weekend haul of $72.6 million. The movie has grossed $138.9 million so far.

The Purge: Anarchy, a follow-up to the 2013 horror, took second place with $28.4 million, more than three times its budget. 

Planes: Fire and Rescue and Sex Tape opened soft, with $18 million and $15 million respectively. Disney won't be overjoyed given the original Planes took $22.2 on its way to $90.3 million, while Sony will have hoped for more from a movie boasting the apparent pulling power of Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes will need some special to hold onto the No.1 spot for a third week, with the Dwayne Johnson starrer Hercules opening on Friday (July 25, 2014). Family movie Earth to Echo is also set to open on the back of heavy marketing. Animated adventure House of Magic is another new release. 

Watch a clip from 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes':