The animated movie reclaimed the number one slot in its second week on the chart, making $22.1m (£14.3m), according to studio estimates.
Brad Pitt's Moneyball opened at number two with $20.6m (£13.3m), while family film Dolphin Tale was close behind with $20.3m (£13.1m).
The re-release of the Lion King has seen it so far make $61.7m (£39.9m)
The original film came out in 1994 and was re-released for the first time in 2002.
The 3D version has surpassed expectations, according to Disney. Its head of distribution, Dave Hollis, said the studio will leave the film in cinemas longer than its planned two-week run.
