Barely a month after its release, James Cameron’s sci-fi blockbuster Avatar has overtaken Titanic to become the highest-grossing movie of all time.

The estimated worldwide box office takings have reached $US1.8 billion after Avatar continued to be the top attraction in US theatres for the sixth successive weekend,

It is taking more that $US2 million each week day in the US and has passed what Titanic, also made by Cameron, earned over the course of about 10 months.

Avatar has beaten box office records in New Zealand and before last weekend became the fifth largest grossing film of all time with $10.9 million.

It is also the fastest film to achieve $10 million, which it did in just 31 days.

The next fastest, Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, took 33 days. It is the top all-time box office film with $14,5 million.

The movie, which uses modern 3D technology, went home with trophies for best drama and best director at last week’s Golden Globe awards.The New Zealand-based special effects production team also won an award.

If Avatar is among the 10 nominees for Best Picture when the Oscar lists are unveiled Febuary 2, the coming Academy Awards could help boost the movie even more.