Hollywood films released in 2007 have contributed to an industry turnaround, with the summer blockbuster season rated the best on record.

This weekend saw box office receipts since May 1 top the £2 billion mark for the first time, thanks to a handful of trilogies and children’s films.

Sony’s Spider-Man 3 was the top picture, followed by Paramount’s Shrek the Third and Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

Paul Dergarabedian, of box office tracking firm Media By Numbers, said: 'Whether sequels, originals, comedies or action movies, this particular mix brought in record audiences.'