LOS ANGELES — The “Hunger Games” finale spoiled an early Christmas for the holiday horror comedy “Krampus” to maintain its top spot at the North American box office for the third week running.

The Jennifer Lawrence-led film took in an estimated $18.6 million in the U.S. and Canada, bringing its domestic total to $227 million, according to Rentrak estimates Sunday.

Unbeknowst to Max, as played by Emjay Anthony, Krampus knows who’s naughty or nice, and treats them accordingly.

The anti-Santa Claus thriller from Universal, the only film to debut in the top 10 this week, brought in $16 million.

The normally slow weekend following Thanksgiving was up 26 percent from a year ago thanks to the fresh fodder from Universal, which slipped in between the release of two huge franchise movies – “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2,” and “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” which is due out Dec. 18.

“Even though it’s horror at its base, you needed to have enough time for the film to open and lead up to Christmas,” said Nicholas Carpou, a Universal Pictures executive.

Modestly budgeted for under $15 million, “Krampus” is likely to add to the profits of what has been a record year for Universal following the release of movies like “Jurassic World,” “Furious 7” and “Minions.”

Meanwhile, the final movie installment for bow-wielding Katniss pushed past $500 million worldwide, another hit for Lionsgate.

“Creed,” the boxing film, came third, and the Disney/Pixar animated tale “The Good Dinosaur” came fourth.

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