Doc box office: 'The Biggest Little Farm' overtakes 'Amazing Grace' for No. 1

Filmmaker-turned-farmer John Chester turned camera on his adventure in organic agriculture

"The Biggest Little Farm." Photo courtesy NEON

A film co-starring a pig and a rooster rules the roost at the documentary box office.

The Biggest Little Farm, directed by John Chester, took the number one spot over the weekend, collecting $276,446, according to audience measurement firm comScore. In two weeks of release the film from distributor NEON has earned more than $400,000. 

The documentary "chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature," according to the film's website. "Featuring breathtaking cinematography, captivating animals, and an urgent message to heed Mother Nature’s call, The Biggest Little Farm provides us all a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet."

The film earned an impressive $6,143 per screen, the highest average of any documentary in the top 10.

Amazing Grace, last weekend's number one film, fell to number two. The documentary about Aretha Franklin's recording of her 1972 gospel album has spent seven weeks in theaters now, making a total of $3.7 million, according to comScore.

A scene from "Amazing Grace" featuring Aretha Franklin. Photo courtesy NEON

Third place over the weekend went to Penguins, the latest from The Walt Disney Company's Disneynature division. In five weeks of release it has made just under $7.3 million.

Rounding out the top five were Hail Satan? from director Penny Lane and Ask Dr. Ruth, the documentary about sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, directed by Ryan White.