“Deadpool & Wolverine” once again dominated the North American box office this weekend, pulling in an estimated $15.2 million. This impressive haul has significantly contributed to domestic August box office totals, which have soared well above pre-pandemic levels, signaling a robust finish to the summer season, according to analysts on Sunday.

The Disney and Marvel superhero comedy has consistently led domestic ticket sales nearly every weekend since its release six weeks ago. Much of its success can be attributed to the star power and chemistry of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, who are not only popular actors but also good friends in real life.

The film’s domestic earnings now stand at a staggering $603.8 million. This achievement places it among an elite group of only 16 films that have crossed the $600 million mark in domestic box office history. Remarkably, 11 of these films were produced by Walt Disney Studios, as reported by industry tracker Exhibitor Relations.

In second place this weekend was the sci-fi horror film “Alien: Romulus,” produced by Disney-owned 20th Century Studios. The movie brought in a solid $9.3 million in its third weekend. Set several decades after the original “Alien” film, this latest installment stars Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson as space colonists who face terrifying encounters with deadly xenomorphs.

Sony’s romantic drama “It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel of the same name, secured the third spot with $7.4 million in ticket sales during the traditionally quieter US Labor Day weekend. The film stars Blake Lively, who also co-produced it.

“Reagan,” a biographical film about the 40th US president, produced by ShowBiz Direct and MJM Entertainment, earned $7.4 million as well. Despite mixed reviews, analyst David A. Gross noted that it had a “good domestic opening for a political biography.” The film, which coincides with the intensifying race for the 47th presidency, is based on Paul Kengor’s book “The Crusader” and features Dennis Quaid portraying Ronald Reagan from his early years to his time in the Oval Office.

In fifth place, Universal’s “Twisters,” a sequel to the popular 1996 film “Twister,” garnered an estimated $7.2 million in ticket sales. The movie stars Glen Powell as a charming storm chaser who becomes fascinated by a mysteriously prescient rival played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, as they navigate a series of catastrophic tornadoes.

The North American box office has experienced a remarkable turnaround this summer after being initially hampered by COVID-19 and subsequent industry strikes. Strong performances from films like “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Alien: Romulus,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Twisters” have driven this resurgence. Additionally, Tim Burton’s upcoming “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is expected to further boost box office numbers next weekend.

Completing the top 10 for this weekend were:

1. “Blink Twice” with $4.7 million
2. “The Forge” with $4.6 million
3. “Despicable Me 4” with $4.1 million
4. “Afr AId” with $3.7 million
5. “Coraline” (15th anniversary re-release) with $3.2 million

This varied slate of films has helped to revitalize the North American box office, ensuring a strong finish to a challenging summer season.