LOS ANGELES — Audiences were in a rebellious mood, lifting the action tale "V for Vendetta" to the top spot at the weekend box office with a $26.1 million debut.

The Warner Bros. film, which stars Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving in a story of revolution against a totalitarian British government, bumped off the previous weekend's box-office leaders.

Paramount's romantic comedy "Failure to Launch," which debuted at No. 1, slipped to second place with $15.8 million, raising its 10-day domestic total to $48.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

"V for Vendetta" was adapted by Andy and Larry Wachowski, creators of "The Matrix" franchise, from a graphic novel about a masked freedom fighter battling British fascism in the near future. The film was produced by Joel Silver, who also made "The Matrix" flicks, and directed by James McTeigue, a protege of the Wachowski brothers.

Critics generally gave thumbs up to "V for Vendetta," calling it a smarter-than-average, visually impressive action thriller. The movie touches on disturbing notions in a post-Sept. 11 world, raising questions about when violence is justified and examining definitions of freedom-fighting vs. terrorism.

1. "V for Vendetta," $26.1 million.

2. "Failure to Launch," $15.8 million.

3. "The Shaggy Dog," $13.6 million.

4. "She's the Man," $11 million.

5. "The Hills Have Eyes," $8.1 million.

6. "16 Blocks," $4.7 million.

7. "Eight Below," $4.2 million.

8. "Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion," $3 million.

9. "The Pink Panther," $2.5 million.

10. "Aquamarine," $2 million.