Seth MacFarlane’s potty-mouthed ‘Ted’ dominating in Australia

Big-budget tent poles dominated the international box office this weekend, but there was one country that Spider-Man and the prehistoric “Ice Age” mammals couldn’t conquer: Australia.

Down Under, the potty-mouthed “Ted” ruled the multiplex, grossing a surprisingly strong $6.9 million during its second weekend in Australian theaters, according to an estimate from distributor Universal Pictures. After debuting in the No. 1 position in the country last weekend, Seth MacFarlane’s raunchy comedy saw its ticket sales fall only 22% and has now collected a total of $24.5 million.

By comparison, “Ice Age: Continental Drift” sold $4.1 million worth of tickets in Australia during its third weekend in theaters there, while “The Amazing Spider-Man” took in $3.8 million in its second weekend in the country.

So far, Universal has only released “Ted” in four foreign countries, which also include New Zealand, Iceland and Taiwan. So far, the movie has grossed $31.3 million internationally and won’t debut in some major markets such as Germany and Russia until August.

While the humor of R-rated comedies doesn’t always translate well overseas, many perform better in English-speaking Australia. Last year, “The Hangover Part II” grossed over $35 million in the country, while “Bridesmaids” took in $28 million. In 2012, “21 Jump Street” did particularly well, though “Ted” has already surpassed its $15-million gross.

Meanwhile, “Ted” is keeping an impressive hold at the U.S. box office. This weekend, the film brought in an additional $22.1 million, raising its overall domestic tally to $159 million after three weekends in theaters.

ALSO:

‘Ted’ stuffed with classic Seth MacFarlane

After Seth MacFarlane’s ‘Ted,’ more furry films?

‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ has solid U.S. debut, but stuns abroad

Follow Amy Kaufman on Twitter @AmyKinLA