'Harry Potter Deathly Hallows: Part 2' sets 2011 box office record

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 has grossed $1.146 billion (£704.8 million) at the worldwide box office to become the most successful movie of 2011.

JK Rowling's Harry Potter finale, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, has also become the third highest-grossing movie of all time behind James Cameron's Avatar ($2.782 billion) and Titanic ($1.843 billion).

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 can truly be called a global phenomenon," said Warner Bros president of international distribution Veronika Kwan-Rubinek.

"The filmmakers and cast, who dedicated their talents to the success of these films for over a decade, share in this piece of cinema history. We congratulate and thank them all."

Warner Bros Pictures president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman called the film's success "another incredible milestone for the last chapter of this historic film series, and for the Harry Potter franchise as a whole".

"In a crowded and very competitive summer, it is a tribute to both the film and the people behind it that moviegoers are still turning out to enjoy it - whether for the first time or for a repeat viewing," Fellman said.

More Harry Potter coverage:
> 'Harry Potter' poll: Vote for your favourite movie
> 'Harry Potter Deathly Hallows: Part 2' world premiere: In Pictures
> 'Harry Potter': What is the secret to the boy wizard's success?
> 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' final trailer

Watch Hollywood stars - including Tom Hanks, Vanessa Hudgens and Russell Brand - pay tribute to Harry Potter below: