It is third in the five day opening sweepstakes in the US behind The Matrix Reloaded and Spiderman. In the US the film earned $125 million in the last Wednesday-to-Sunday period. Internationally, the film broke all-time opening records in numerous key territories, including the UK, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain, Switzerland and New Zealand, earning $125 million in 28 territories over the five day period.

New Line's worldwide distribution and marketing COO Rolf Mittweg added, "Audiences have connected with the emotional storytelling in these films and are invested in the fate of these characters. Anticipation has been high since the first film in the trilogy, making this film's release an event in every country where we have taken it. It's tremendously rewarding to see the artistry, dedication and vision that Peter Jackson and his team have poured into these films be recognized and embraced around the world."

The movie runs for three hours and 20 minutes. In the US The Return of the King surpassed its predecessor The Two Towers' five day start by 23 per cent. The film was the highest Wednesday opening of all time.

It has received four Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture (Drama) and Director. Come Oscar time it will face competition from Mystic River and Cold Mountain.