'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1' Becomes Highest Grossing 'Potter' Film Internationally

Warner Bros. Pictures' Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 has just become the highest grossing installment of the Harry Potter franchise in international markets, Deadline reports.

The film has earned $657.24 million internationally, pushing it past Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001), which grossed $657 million.

"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. "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."

Sue Kroll, the president of Worldwide Marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures, added, "We are also incredibly proud of our teams around the world who have brought a consistent level of excellence, passion and ingenuity to the campaigns for these films."

The Harry Potter series became the highest earning film franchise of all time after the release of the sixth installment, with a combined worldwide gross of $6.37 billion.

The final chapter in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, will hit theaters on July 15.