Cinemas in the US are enjoying a record-breaking period with box office receipts up 20% on last year, according to latest figures.

Takings have already crossed the $4bn (�2.6m) mark in the US suggesting the industry will reap large profits, according to trade magazine Variety.

Blockbusters such as Spider-Man and Star Wars: Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones have ensured audiences flock to the cinema.

More big films are released in the next few weeks, including Disney's Lilo and Stitch and 20th Century Fox's Minority Report, and the blockbuster momentum looks set to continue.

One of the big successes of the year so far is Spider-Man which has already taken $382.5 (�255. 6m) in the seven weeks since its release.

Record breaker

Scooby-Doo holds the record for the best June debut

It took the record for the biggest debut ever when it netted $114m (�77.5m) in its first three days, overtaking the record set by Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in November 2001.

Live action comedy Scooby-Doo is currently topping the US box office, taking $56.7m (�38.4m) in its opening weekend.

It also managed to break a record - this time it was the for the biggest June opener, overtaking Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

"The strong business we've seen recently creates a momentum for audiences to keep responding well to new product," Dan Marks of box office trackers Nielsen EDI told Variety.

"And the marketplace is showing a real ability to expand when there are good commercial pictures."

Some of the 20% rise in takings can be attributed to ticket price increases.

Expectation

Many of the summer films - such as Attack of the Clones and Spider-Man - have an established fan base, almost guaranteeing good business for the studios.

The film companies have also had the confidence to plough money into marketing

And there is the weight of expectation behind yet more summer releases, including Men in Black 2, Stuart Little 2 and Austin Powers: Goldmember.

And later in the year there will be the next instalments in the adventures of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.