'American Sniper' is the top-grossing 2014 domestic release, earning $337.2M in North America

LOS ANGELES, March 9 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures say their Chris Kyle biopic American Sniper has emerged as the top-grossing domestic release of 2014, with $337.2 million in receipts at the North American box office.

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper as Kyle, the big-screen drama also has earned more than $500 million worldwide to date.

The milestones were announced Sunday by Dan Fellman, WB's president of domestic distribution; Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing and international distribution; Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, president of international distribution; and Greg Silverman, president of creative development and worldwide production.

"From its record-breaking Christmas opening, American Sniper has been a box-office phenomenon," Fellman said in a statement. "The film's A+ CinemaScore in every category has translated into enthusiastic word-of-mouth that continues to generate both first-time and repeat business. We could not be happier for Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and everyone on the incredible filmmaking team on this remarkable achievement."

"American Sniper has become a cultural touchstone that people want to share, discuss and remember," Kroll added. "We are thrilled that the movie is still filling theatres, not only in the United States but around the globe, as filmgoers everywhere experience the power of the story of Chris and Taya Kyle."