For the first time in maybe 15 years, I was in Washington, D.C. this weekend, visiting friends and running the Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon under a pseudonym, when I spotted a one-picture movie theatre playing "300: Rise of an Empire." Aware of the film's subpar reviews, I took it as a sign of the post-Oscar times.

On those times, "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" is capitalizing. The animated film in its second week out-performed "300" (also second week) and the much-anticipated debut of the poorly reviewed "Need for Speed" at this weekend's box scores, USA Today reported.

After making around $40 million its opening weekend, "Mr. Peabody" earned $21.2 million this past one. Worldwide, its total is around $148 million, or $3 million above operating budget with ample time to increase profits.

"If anything, this is exceeding" expectations, Chris Aronson, Fox's president of domestic distribution, told the Associated Press. "It's a combination of likable characters and it's a nostalgia play for those who are familiar with the show."

The show to which Aronson's referring is from the 1950s and 60s, meaning it's appealing to both children and their parents.

Also bringing in parents was St. Patrick's Day, according to one analyst.

"The St. Patrick's Day effect could be at play here, where families had to exercise their options at the theater rather than the pub," Rentrak senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian told the AP. "That may have paid off for 'Mr. Peabody.' "

Everything has seemed to go "Mr. Peabody's" way these past few weeks, even if "Need for Speed's" Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad") and advertising team tried their best to better the $17.8 million they made in their debut (operating budget: $65 million).

"Need for Speed did not struggle due to lack of advertising," David Mumpower, analyst for Box Office Prophets, told USA Today. "Starting with the Super Bowl, Disney pushed the title hard. In addition, Paul did everything he could."

"Peabody" should stay near the top of the box office next week, but fade out once "Noah" is released on March 28.