'Mission: Impossible 4' Becomes Tom Cruise's Top-Grossing Film

In a career high for Tom Cruise, Paramount's Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol crossed $400 million at the international box office on Friday for a global total of $603.5 million, the actor's biggest number yet.

our editor recommends

Box Office Report: Tom Cruise's 'M:I 4' Hits $571 Mil, Franchise Best

Oscars 2012: Tom Cruise Added to List of Presenters

Why Are Critics Loving the Preposterous 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol'? (Opinion)

That bests the $591.7 million earned by Cruise starrer War of the Worlds, directed by Steven Spielberg.

PHOTOS: 20 Top Grossing Movies of 2011: THR Year in Review

Ghost Protocol, directed by Brad Bird in his live-action feature debut, has done much to restore Cruise's star status, particularly in North America, where his more recent films have lagged. The fourth outing in the espionage franchise has earned $203.5 million domestically.

In addition to being Cruise's top grossing film, Ghost Protocol also is the highest grossing title in the marquee franchise. The previous best was Mission: Impossible II, which grossed $546.4 million globally.

Ghost Protocol is doing massive business in China, where it has earned $36 million in less than a week, pushing the international cume over the $400 million mark.