The film, which follows the Thriller legend as he prepared for his ill-fated London concerts, premiered worldwide on Wednesday (28Oct09).

Within five days This Is It has earned a massive $32.5 million (£20.3 million) in the states and $101 million (£63.1 million) worldwide - prompting Sony bosses to extend its run in the U.S. until Thanksgiving weekend (begs27Nov09), and add showtimes in other territories on a country-by-country basis.

However, its success still falls short of last year's $31.1 million (£19.4 million) U.S. opening weekend for Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.

This Is It bumped low-budget horror film Paranormal Activity from number one to the second spot, with $16.5 million (£10.3 million) in earnings; however, moviegoers proved they were seeking a thrill over the Halloween weekend, helping Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler's crime drama Law Abiding Citizen land at number three with $7.3 million (£4.6 million) in earnings.

Rounding out the top five is Vince Vaughn's comedy Couples Retreat and horror film Saw VI, earning $6.1 million (£3.8 million) and $5.6 million (£3.5 million) respectively.