LOS ANGELES — The superhero saga “The Avengers” lived up to its blockbuster buzz with $178.4 million in overseas ticket sales days before it opens in U.S. theaters.

Domestic audiences generally passed on a bunch of new flicks as fans seem to be in anticipation mode for “The Avengers,” which debuts Friday in the United States after launching in 39 other countries a week earlier.

The huge overseas launch will help fan the frenzy already in place for “The Avengers,” the superhero mash-up of Marvel Comics idols.

The Sony Screen Gems ensemble comedy “Think Like a Man” was No. 1 domestically for the second-straight weekend with $18 million.

United States

1. “Think Like a Man,” $18 million.

2. “The Pirates! Band of Misfits,” $11.4 million ($5.5 million international).

3. “The Lucky One,” $11.3 million ($4.8 million international).

4. “The Hunger Games,” $11.25 million ($7.4 million international).

5. “The Five-Year Engagement,” $11.2 million.

International

1. “The Avengers,” $178.4 million.

2. “Battleship,” $22.5 million.

3. “Titanic” in 3-D, $18.5 million.

4. “American Reunion,” $14.5 million.

5. “The Hunger Games,” $7.4 million.