The Avengers and Batman reach new heights at international box office

The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises respectively passed worldwide earnings thresholds of $1.5 billion and $1 billion over the weekend. In the US, the weekend is extended through Monday, September 3 for Labor Day, and the promise of a workfree Monday proved very lucrative for both super-hero flicks.

The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises respectively passed worldwide earnings thresholds of $1.5 billion and $1 billion over the weekend.

In the US, the weekend is extended through Monday, September 3 for Labor Day, and the promise of a workfree Monday proved very lucrative for both super-hero flicks.

Nineteen weeks in, Marvel's Avengers is consolidating its status as the third highest-grossing film in history, behind Titanic and Avatar, with earnings of $1.501 billion worldwide.

Lurking in its shadow, Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises just joined the prestigious billion dollar film club after raking in $1.005 around the world, making it a more lucrative venture than its forebearer The Dark Knight ($1.003 billion).