The Harry Potter movie, which has been casting a spell on audiences around the world for three months, has become the second most successful film to date.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, as it is known in most countries, has overtaken Star Wars: Episode I in the all-time box office chart.

Most successful films ever

1. Titanic 2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 3. Star Wars: Episode I 4. Jurassic Park 5. Independence Day

It has earned more than $926m (�649m) at cinemas around the world - but that is still a long way off the number one film, Titanic, which took more than $1.8bn (�1.3bn).

The Harry Potter film - based on the first of JK Rowling's successful books - is also set to generate millions more dollars in merchandising, DVD and video sales.

And more films are on the way, with analysts predicting that the series could be worth as much as $10bn (�7bn).

"This is a remarkable achievement," Alan Horn, president of film studio Warner Bros, said.

A new Star Wars film is due in May

"We're extremely proud that audiences around the globe have embraced Harry Potter so enthusiastically, and we thank all of the fans for their passion and support."

The film overtook Star Wars' total of $922m (�646m) at the weekend.

It was named Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States, and was based on Rowling's first book.

When first released in November, it was met with an almost unprecedented level of hype and expectation and immediately broke a string of box office records.

Second film

As well as in the UK and US, records were smashed in countries like Japan, South Korea, Italy and Venezuela.

The second Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, is due to be released in November.

The Lord of the Rings is also in the all-time top 10, but its total worldwide takings still lag about $250m (�175m) behind Harry Potter.