“American Sniper” has been knocked off the top of the U.S. box office by “SpongeBob Movie.”

    The second animated film based on the anarchic* TV series, it took US$56m in its opening weekend.

    Subtitled “Sponge out of Water,” it follows the character as he leaves his home on the ocean floor and attempts to recover a stolen burger recipe.

    Clint Eastwood’s “Navy Seal” drama fell to second place after taking US$24.2m in its fourth week.

    Since its release, “American Sniper” has raked in US$282m. Based on the memoirs of U.S. soldier Chris Kyle, it has received six Oscar nominations, including a best actor nod for Bradley Cooper in the title role.(SD-Agencies)