"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1," has become the highest-grossing installment in the Harry Potter franchise in international markets, Warner Bros. said on Wednesday.

The film is the first part of a two-episode epic fantasy film produced by Heyday Films and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

It has earned 657.24 million U.S. dollars outside of North America, topping the previous record of 657 million dollars set by "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" released in 2001, said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president of International Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures.

"These numbers speak to the phenomenal and enduring strength of this property, which has captivated audiences across all borders, regardless of age or culture," Kwan-Rubinek said.

"It's tremendously gratifying to reach this benchmark as we enter the final stretch of this remarkable journey," said Jeff Robinov, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Group.

He added, "We share this achievement with Jo Rowling, whose books are the foundation of this rich and vibrant world, as well as the talented people who brought her vision to life on the screen."

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1," which debuted on Nov. 18, 2010 in the international market, has earned 951.8 million dollars worldwide, according to the studio.

The Harry Potter series had already achieved the distinction of being the top-grossing film franchise of all time, with a combined worldwide gross of 6.37 billion dollars, Kwan-Rubinek said.

The final film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," is slated to hit the screen July 15 in 3-D and 2-D.

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