Los Angeles, Dec 15 (IANS): "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" ruled the foreign box office during the weekend, picking up a massive $117.6 million.

The final instalment in Peter Jackson's six-film Middle Earth series debuted in 38 foreign territories, including major markets like Japan, Russia and Mexico. It opens in the US Wednesday, reports variety.com.

Imax screenings accounted for $6.4 million of the film's opening. Among the notable territories, Germany accounted for $19.5 million, Britain contributed $15.2 million, France added $14.5 million, and Russia amassed $13.4 million, making it to be the biggest Warner Bros opening ever.

Sliding in at number two on the foreign charts, "Exodus: Gods and Kings" earned $18.8 million from 6,096 screens in 27 markets.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" and "Penguins of Madagascar" were the third and fourth highest-grossing films overseas, picking up $16 million and $14.7 million, respectively. The "Hunger Games" sequel has earned $611.4 million worldwide, while the "Madagascar" spin-off has picked up $175.5 million.

Fifth place finisher "Interstellar" blasted past $600 million globally last week. The space adventure earned $11.4 million overseas, pushing its worldwide total to $621.8 million. Chinese audiences were a boon to "Interstellar," delivering $122.9 million in ticket sales.