MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has taken a record-breaking opening, earning a worldwide box office gross of $394 million.

The film brought in $158 million from the US and Canada, and $236 million internationally, making it the highest-grossing international opening of any film ever.

It was also the widest global release for any Harry Potter film to date, with 54 international markets opening concurrently with North America.

Warner Bros president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman said, "The popularity of Harry Potter, beginning with the extraordinary books and continuing with the films, is truly a worldwide phenomenon. This is just the beginning of another successful chapter in the franchise, and we look forward to the film continuing to play throughout the summer."

Warner Bros president of international distribution Veronika Kwan-Rubinek added, "Fans around the world make each new Harry Potter movie a global event, proving that the appeal of Harry Potter knows no borders or cultural barriers. It is a privilege for us to have a part in bringing the latest movie to audiences everywhere."

The movie stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson along with Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Helen McCrory, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright. It has been directed by David Yates.