UK terrestrial broadcaster Channel 5 has struck a multi-million pound deal to acquire Columbia TriStar's 2002/3 slate of films, including Men In Black II, Spider-Man, Terminator 3 and XXX.

Reportedly worth $31.1m (£20m), the deal also includes Black Hawk Down, Charlies Angel's 2, Stuart Little 2 and The Panic Room. In a separate deal, C5 bought CSI: Miami, the spin-off from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, from Alliance Atlantis. Last month it also acquired controversial US cop show The Shield from Columbia TriStar

The film deal continues a long relationship between C5 and Columbia TriStar International Television, which in recent years has seen the channel acquire terrestrial rights to films such as Erin Brockovich, Snatch and The Patriot.

The deal was struck between C5 head of acquisitions Jeff Ford and Columbia TriStar International Telelvision's vice-president sales Danny Goldman.

"C5 got a great package of films", said a Columbia spokesman.

Ford commented: "This validates Channel 5's position as a key player in the acquisition's market."

Channel 5, which since its launch has been renowned for downmarket programming, has in recent months been looking to move more upmarket under new director of programming Kevin Lygo.

The expensive new package of films and mini-series from Sony offshoot Columbia looks to be a key part of the plan to fulfil this ambition. Sony is currently enjoying a hugely successful box-office year domestically and internationally thanks to films like MIIB and Spider Man.