Spider-Man aficionados could take this as a personal achievement (or at least take pride vicariously): “Spider-Man 3” has done the unthinkable, i.e. it has beaten the “Pirates of the Caribbean 2” box office record.

When Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” managed its $135.6 million during its first three days of availability in American theaters, it was deemed an all time record. Captain Jack Sparrow/ Johnny Depp became a hero in more ways than one.

This weekend though a new record was set. The third installment in the Spider-Man series (and apparently not the last one), raked in an astounding $148 million in the Friday through Sunday period.

A glorious opening in North America indeed. Three years after Spider-Man was on the big screen, it’s obvious fans have been waiting avidly for him.

As a result, the opening day gross, on Friday, amounted to $59 million. This once again bested Pirates of the Caribbean’s previous record of a $55.8 million first day in theaters.

Second place to Spider-Man 3 this weekend, and miles behind, was “Disturbia” with $5.7 million, while “Fracture” came in third, with $3.4 million.

“The Invisible” raked in a modest $3.1 million, “Next” gathered $2.8 million and the newly released “Lucky You” earned $2.5 million.

The other movies on offer this weekend had no chance with the release of “Spider-Man 3.” The embarrassing result: “Meet the Robinsons” with $2.4 million, “Blades of Glory” with $2.3 million, “Hot Fuzz” with $2.1 million and “Are We Done Yet?” with $1.7 million.