Universal’s Despicable Me returned to the top of the international chart after being supplanted by Paranormal Activity 2 last week.

Despicable Me, now in its 17th week, took a formidable $21.6m from 4511 screens in 44 territories, for a cumulative total of $234.6m.

Pierre Coffin’s family-comedy is now globally the 22nd biggest animation and the 87th biggest feature since records began. Having all but completed its prolonged rollout it will now be a waiting game to see how long the film can hold onto first spot.

Paranormal Activity 2 posted a strong holdover performance of $15.1m from 27 territories. Todd Williams’ chiller hits Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Greece this weekend.

Saw 3D was the week’s highest new arrival, entering the international box office chart in third position. The seventh instalment in Lionsgate’s horror franchise took $14.2m from 1,755 screens and scored a strong screen average of $8,074. Saw 3D is currently only playing in 23 territories but is still to open in a host of countries, including France (Nov 10), Germany (Dec 2) and Italy (Nov 19).

Paramount’s family-comedy Megamind made an impressive debut, entering the chart in eighth despite only playing in two territories. Starring the voices of Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt and Tina Fey, DreamWorks’ latest is about a superhero who realizes he has nothing to live for after vanquishing his nemesis.

Megamind put in an excellent performance in Russia debuting at number one after taking $6.9m. It should continue posting big numbers as it rolls out during November and December.

Toho’s cop-drama Sp: The Motion Picture got off to a good start in Japan, grossing $6.6m from 394 screens and a week-high screen average of $16,653. The sequel to Takafumi Hatano’s directorial debut is already in post-production.

Meanwhile, RAI’s Maschi Contro Femmine debuted in 14th position after opening top in Italy on $4.7m.

One spot below was Paramount’s slapstick-comedy Jackass 3D, which took $4.6m in six territories. Jeff Tremaine’s prank-laden documentary starring Johnny Knoxville and crew took over $50m on its US opening. Expect a surge as the film reaches France, Australia, Spain and UK this week.

Huayi Bros.’ crime-thriller Wind Blast entered in 18th after taking $4.3m from 285 screens across China.

The week’s final top 20 opening was CJ Entertainment’s cop-thriller The Unjust, which took $4.3m in South Korea.