Los Angeles ? Fear has taken hold at the box office with a $41.5 million debut for scary movie “Paranormal Activity 2,” according to studio estimates Sunday.

Paramount Pictures’ follow-up to last year’s micro-budgeted hit “Paranormal Activity” got a jump on Halloween as fans packed theaters for another documentary-style thriller about a household plagued by a menacing spirit.

“Paranormal Activity 2” did nearly half its business on Friday, following the pattern of many fright-flick franchises, which often draw big crowds on opening day then drop off sharply. The movie took in $20.1 million Friday, with receipts falling to $13 million Saturday and $8.4 million Sunday.

The first “Paranormal Activity” rolled out gradually from city to city in a stealth-marketing campaign that built the buzz for the independently produced thriller that was shot for less than $15,000.

By the time the movie went into nationwide release, it had turned into a horror sensation that went on to become a $100 million hit.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood .com. Final figures will be released today.

1. “Paranormal Activity 2,” $41.5 million.

2. “Jackass 3D,” $21.6 million.

3. “Red,” $15 million.

4. “Hereafter,” $12 million.

5. “The Social Network,” $7.3 million.

6. “Secretariat,” $6.9 million.

7. “Life as We Know It,” $6.2 million.

8. “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole,” $3.2 million.

9. “The Town,” $2.7 million.

10. “Easy A,” $1.8 million.