LOS ANGELES — The Sandra Bullock-George Clooney space drama “Gravity” rocketed to the top of the box office and into industry record books during its opening weekend.

The Warner Bros. adventure debuted with $55.55 million in North American ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday — the biggest October opening ever and the biggest openings for Bullock and Clooney. The film also dominated the international box office, adding another $27.4 million overseas.

“It’s all good news,” said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros.

He credited director and co-writer Alfonso Cuaron, who takes viewers into orbit with a story set almost entirely in space that explores challenges faced by two astronauts during a spacewalk. Cuaron’s team developed equipment and technology to replicate the weightlessness of space.

“It’s never been seen before, visual effects like this,” Fellman said. “Just the space shots are mind-boggling. It looks like you’re right there.”

Last week’s top movie, Sony’s “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2,” rolled into second place with $21.5 million. The animated sequel features the voices of Bill Hader and Anna Faris.

1. “Gravity,” $55.55 million ($27.4 million international).

2. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2,” $21.5 million ($8.1 international).

3. “Runner Runner,” $7.6 million ($7.6 million international).

4. “Prisoners,” $5.7 million ($5.7 million international).

5. “Rush,” $4.8 million ($7.5 million international).

6. “Don Jon,” $4.16 million ($350,000 international).

7. “Baggage Claim,” $4.12 million.

8. “Insidious: Chapter 2,” $3.87 million ($9.3 million international).

9. “Pulling Strings,” $2.5 million.

10. “Enough Said,” $2.15 million.