'Rings' tops a billion at box office

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring has passed the magical figure of $1 billion at the box office worldwide.

The $217 million film, the first in Peter Jackson's $650 million trilogy, has earned $1.03 billion - nearly five times the cost of making it.

The film, which was named best picture of last year by the American Film Institute, now sits in 31st spot in the all-time world box office list, just behind Pearl Harbor and ahead of Pretty Woman.

A week ago it was in 80th place.

The Lord of the Rings is at the top of the US box office for the third successive week, followed by A Beautiful Mind and Ocean's Eleven.

If the film earns more than $1.15 billion ($US500 million) it will leap into the top 20 earners of all time, ahead of blockbusters including Saving Private Ryan, Jaws, The Matrix and Gladiator.

However, it's a long way from reaching the giddy heights of Titanic, which pulled in more than $4 billion worldwide.

The Lord of the Rings has taken $482.3 million in the US and $548.8 million in the rest of the world.

Takings in New Zealand are estimated at more than $7 million.

The success of the film will be helping to fill Jackson's pockets. The 40-year-old director is said to be guaranteed about 5 per cent of the profits.

- NZPA

Feature: Lord of the Rings

Special report: A long expected party

Best Lord of the Rings websites