Los Angeles, Nov. 21 (Reuters): Harry Potter cast a spell over filmgoers during the weekend, as the fourth film in the fantasy series about a young wizard smashed sales records around the world.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire sold an estimated $181.4 million worth of tickets, including $101.4 million in North America, where it easily eclipsed the first three films and ranks as the fourth-largest opening ever, distributor Warner Bros. Pictures said.

It also enjoyed a wide lead over the No. 2 in North America, the Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line, which rang up a better-than-expected $22.4 million in its first three days.

Potter’s foreign haul of $80 million was led by Britain with $24.6 million, a new record for a three-day opening; Germany with $19.8 million, a new record for a four-day opening; and Mexico with $6.8 million, the third-best opening.