LOS ANGELES - Many Christians made "The Passion of the Christ" a part of their Easter weekend, lifting the crucifixion saga back to the top box-office spot with $17.1 million.

"The Passion" easily fended off a rush of new movies. Disney's costly historical epic "The Alamo" opened weakly with $9.2 million, tying for No. 3 with Cedric the Entertainer's comedy "Johnson Family Vacation," according to studio estimates Sunday.

Finishing ahead of "The Alamo" was the previous weekend's top movie, "Hellboy," which came in at No. 2 with $11.1 million.

1. "The Passion of the Christ," $17.1 million.

2. "Hellboy," $11.1 million.

3 (tie). "The Alamo," $9.2 million.

3 (tie). "Johnson Family Vacation," $9.2 million.

5. "Walking Tall," $8.3 million.