Directed by Sam Mendes and marking Craig's third turn as the iconic spy, the movie reached the milestone yesterday when its worldwide tally hit USD 1 billion, by far the best showing of any Bond picture, not accounting for inflation, the Hollywood Reporter said.

"It is truly thrilling to reach this incredible milestone," said MGM chairman-CEO Gary Barber.

'Skyfall' is also the third movie of 2012 to cross USD 1 billion in worldwide ticket sales after Disney and Marvel's 'The Avengers' (USD 1.51 billion) and Warner Bros' 'The Dark Knight Rises' (USD 1.08 billion). Only 14 films have grossed USD 1 billion or more so far.

'Skyfall' has grossed USD 289.6 million domestically and USD 710.6 million internationally, becoming the highest grossing film in Sony's history and the first to jump USD 1 billion.

"To see a film connect with audiences is always gratifying, but the success of this film is nothing short of extraordinary. After 50 years of entertaining audiences all over the world, Skyfall is the most successful James Bond film of all time," Sony'S vice chairman Jeff Blake said.