LOS ANGELES — The fright flick "The Last Exorcism" and the heist thriller "Takers" were in a photo finish for the top spot at the weekend box office, according to estimates.

Lionsgate's "The Last Exorcism" had a thin lead with a $21.3 million debut, closely followed by Sony's "Takers" with a $21 million opening. They were close enough that rankings could change after final numbers are released today.

After two weeks in the No. 1 spot, Lionsgate's "The Expendables" slipped to third place.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood. com:

1. "The Last Exorcism," $21.3 million.

2. "Takers," $21 million.

3. "The Expendables," $9.5 million.

4. "Eat Pray Love," $7 million.

5. "The Other Guys," $6.6 million.

6. "Vampires Suck," $5.3 million.

7. "Inception," $5.1 million.

8. "Nanny McPhee Returns," $4.74 million

9. "The Switch," $4.7 million.

10. "Piranha 3D," $4.3 million.