After a successful opening weekend, Pennywise the Clown will continue his stay at the top of the box office. The hit movie "IT" starring Bill Skarsgard as the freakish clown is expected to make over $50 million in its second weekend running at theaters around the nation. Right behind the horror flick is the new action film "American Assassin" starring Michael Keaton, and the drama/thriller "mother!" starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem. Here's the latest on the top films at the box office for the current weekend.

"IT" still scaring up millions

In the opening weekend for the horror film "IT," over $123 million was made at the box office to make a major record for the highest opening total for an R-rated horror film. The movie is looking to follow up with another great weekend to the tune of $50 million-plus.

The movie is adapted from the novel by horror author Stephen King. "IT" follows the saga of a group of kids who band together to fight a common enemy: a strange shapeshifter who takes over the look of a clown to wreak havoc on kids in the town of Derry, Maine.

The big screen adaptation is the first time the book has been brought to movie theaters. Previously, "IT" was a miniseries on ABC starring Tim Curry.

A sequel is expected for the movie in 2019 which will follow the kids, now as grown-ups, as they return to the town to fight the evil clown again.

Other films in top five

A new action film called "American Assassin" is offering those who aren't interested in the scares a movie to check out. It stars newcomer Dylan O'Brien and Michael Keaton in an adventure flick based on a Vince Flynn 2010 novel of the same name.

It follows a Cold War veteran (Keaton) who takes a CIA black ops recruit under his wing as they try to stop a nuclear missile launch in the Middle East. "American Assassin" is rated R, checks in at just under two hours, and is expected to take in a bit over $14 million for its first weekend.

Coming in at the third spot is the new Darren Arlovsky movie "mother!" starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem.

The movie plot involves a young woman (Lawrence) who finds her quiet, peaceful life with her husband (Bardem) in their country home soon disrupted as a mysterious couple arrives. The psychological/horror is expected to take in $12 million at the box office.

"Home Again" starring Reese Witherspoon will take the fourth spot with $4.6 million, while action/comedy "The Hitman's Bodyguard" starring Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds is looking to take in $2.8 million.
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