CHRISTIAN BALE - DARK KNIGHT TOPS FILM OF THE YEAR POLL

DARK KNIGHT TOPS FILM OF THE YEAR POLL

The Dark Knight has topped a film of the year poll conducted by cinema experts Perl & Dean.

More than a third of those who took part in the poll voted for Christopher Nolan's second Batman film, which has broken box office sales records worldwide, and is rapidly closing in on the $1 billion mark.

The film, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Michael Caine, has been tipped for Oscar success next year, with the late Ledger having already picked up a Golden Globe and Critics' Choice film award nomination for his portrayal of the Joker.

More than 3,000 people were surveyed for Pearl & Dean's poll, with 32 per cent voting for the Dark Knight. Abba-inspired Mamma Mia was voted the second most popular, receiving 18 per cent of the vote.

In joint third were Iron Man and the latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

Kathryn Jacob, chief executive at Pearl & Dean, commented on the poll's results, stating: "2008 has been a big year for blockbuster movies. The Dark Knight was the heavily-anticipated film of the year, without a shadow of a doubt, but it's had some fierce competition from Quantum Of Solace and not forgetting the smash hit of the year - Mamma Mia."