Harry the greatest of them all

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" has smashed more box office records.

10:05 08 June 2004

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" has smashed more box office records.

The latest film about the boy wizards has taken 23.8 million in its opening weekend, a record for the UK.

This is the third time the film adaptations of JK Rowling's wildly successful books have broken the record.

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" took the record with takings of 16.3 million, this record was then broken by the second film in the franchise "Harry Potter an the Chamber of Secrets", on which cinema goers splashed 18.8 million in its first week.

However the latest offering, an adaptation of what many fans consider the best book, left both its predecessors (along with the best Hollywood had to offer) in its wake with takings of 23,882,688 from 535 cinemas in the UK and Ireland.

"Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" received 15 million during its first weekend - and after the three Harry Potter films is the next biggest opener.

"Prisoner of Azkaban" also broke the UK record for its takings on its first day, with more than 5 million.

The Harry Potter films are traditionally released in December, however takings in the latest offering were boosted by a release date that coincided with the Spring bank holiday and the start of half term in schools.