Transformers 3 Dark of the Moon Grosses $410 Million Worldwide, Makes Paramount 1st to Hit $1 Billion Mark In Domestic Receipts

With the stellar performance of Transformers Dark of the Moon this weekend domestically and abroad, Paramount Studios has hit the $1 billion milestone in domestic box office receipts.

This marks Paramount's fifth consecutive year in hitting this momentous milestone first. Transformers Dark of the Moon made an estimated $181.1 million through Monday, including the Tuesday night previews.

When comparing just the Friday to Monday gross, Dark of the Moon edged out the nearest competition Spider-Man 2 with $116.4 million versus $115.8 million to claim the top-grossing spot of all-time for the July 4th weekend.

While the film originally was far behind Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, it picked up through the tail end of the weekend and is only 6% behind that film's gross at the same point, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Overseas, the third installment of the giant robot franchise lit up the screens and smoked everything in sight.

Through Sunday, the film grossed $217 million, giving Paramount Pictures its best international launch ever. Unlike domestically where the film is behind, Dark of the Moon is a whopping 55% ahead of Revenge of the Fallen at the same point in time, reports THR.

With expected International estimates, the film will top $410 million.

These impressive numbers place Transformers Dark of the Moon as the third best global launch of all time, despite the film just coming out of the gate.

With the $181.1 million domestic grab, it is not surprising that this gives Paramount the honor of reaching the $1 billion in domestic box office money, its fifth year to claim such a title.

The film was also aided by other strong releases such as Thor ($178 million), Kung Fu Panda 2 ($157.3 million), and Rango ($123.2 million), reports THR.