Burlington Arcade in London launches 007 installation to welcome the delayed release of 'No Time to Die'. Photo: Courtesy of Burlington Arcade

 No Time to Die, the latest installment in the James Bond movie franchise, shot straight to No.1 in North America's box office on its opening weekend, netting $55.5 million, according to industry watcher Exhibitor Relations.

The United Artists film, the last to feature British actor Daniel Craig as 007, sees Ian Fleming's spy hero dragged out of retirement to face off against old foes Blofeld, the criminal network SPECTRE and Safin, played by Rami Malek.

Last week's leader Venom: Let there Be Carnage, was knocked down to second place with a haul of $31.7 million, making a total of $141 million for its first two weeks.

The Sony film stars Tom Hardy as investigative journalist Eddie Brock whose symbiotic bond with an alien named Venom gives him superpowers. The duo must stop serial killer Cletus Kasady, played by Woody Harrelson, who has broken out of prison after merging with another alien.

Third place was held by The Addams Family 2, which brought in $10.1 million at the box office. 

The animated feature by United Artists follows the iconically creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky family as they go on vacation. 

In fourth position was Disney's blockbuster Marvel superhero film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings which netted $4.3 million.

The film stars Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu, Disney's first Asian lead, as a former assassin in the shadow of an evil father (Hong Kong legend Tony Leung). 

Fifth place was held by The Many Saints of Newark, the Warner Bros prequel to cult television series The Sopranos, which took in $1.4 million in its second week.

The prequel was followed by comedy action movie Free Guy starring Ryan Reynolds.