1. “Avatar” (2009) – $2.92 billion

James Cameron’s Avatar remains the highest-grossing film of all time. Released in 2009, it amazed audiences with groundbreaking 3D visuals and an immersive alien world. Thanks to strong word of mouth, multiple re-releases, and international appeal, the film steadily climbed the box office charts. Its environmental themes and innovative technology drew a wide audience. Moreover, its long theatrical run gave it a major advantage. Over a decade later, Avatar continues to shape blockbuster filmmaking.

Image at Avatar (2009) – IMDb

2. “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) – $2.8 billion

Avengers: Endgame came incredibly close to breaking Avatar’s record. As the grand finale of over a decade of Marvel storytelling, it generated enormous anticipation. Fans around the world rushed to theaters, making it the fastest movie to cross $1 billion. It brought closure to beloved characters and delivered epic action. Additionally, Marvel’s global popularity helped the film perform well in nearly every major market. Its success marked a peak for superhero cinema.

Image at Avengers: Endgame (2019) – Affischer — The Movie Database (TMDB)

3. “Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) – $2.32 billion

Thirteen years after the original, Avatar: The Way of Water proved that James Cameron could still draw huge crowds. The sequel expanded the world of Pandora, focusing on the ocean and family bonds. Stunning visuals and new technology once again played a key role. Although some doubted it would match its predecessor, the film surpassed expectations. With strong performance in international markets, especially China, it secured its spot as the third-highest-grossing film ever.

Image at Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) by James Cameron

4. “Titanic” (1997) – $2.2 billion

Also directed by James Cameron, Titanic reigned as the top box office film for over a decade. Combining historical tragedy with a romantic storyline, it appealed to a broad audience. Its iconic scenes and unforgettable soundtrack helped drive repeat viewings. In addition, the film gained global attention due to its massive scale and production. Several re-releases further boosted its total. Even decades later, Titanic continues to rank among cinema’s greatest commercial successes.

Image at Titanic (1997) – Affischer — The Movie Database (TMDB)

5. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) – $2.07 billion

The Force Awakens marked the return of Star Wars to the big screen after a decade-long break. With new characters and familiar faces, it reignited excitement in the franchise. Disney’s marketing campaign created huge anticipation worldwide. The film broke records upon release, especially in North America. Despite mixed reactions to the sequels that followed, this entry’s massive debut helped it secure a spot in the all-time top five.

Image at Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – Affischer — The Movie Database (TMDB)

6. “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) – 2.05 billion

Before Endgame, Infinity War thrilled audiences with a darker tone and unexpected twists. As Marvel’s first crossover to bring nearly all major heroes together, it became a major cinematic event. Thanos, the villain, left a lasting impact with his dramatic snap. With huge box office numbers from both domestic and international markets, Infinity War paved the way for Endgame. The film’s high stakes and ensemble cast made it a standout in the MCU.

Image at AVENGERS INFINITY WAR Movie Poster 15×21 in.

7. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021) – $1.92 billion

No Way Home surprised many by becoming one of the biggest films of all time—especially during a pandemic. The return of past Spider-Men (Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield) thrilled longtime fans. Nostalgia, fan theories, and viral buzz fueled its success. Although it had limited release in China, it still soared past expectations. In fact, it became the highest-grossing Spider-Man film ever. Its success showed the enduring popularity of the character across generations.

Image at Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – Affischer — The Movie Database (TMDB)

8. “Jurassic World” (2015) – $1.67 billion

Jurassic World revived the dinosaur franchise with fresh energy. Featuring a modern park and bigger dinosaurs, it drew in both new fans and longtime viewers. Chris Pratt’s leading role and thrilling action helped the film perform exceptionally well. Additionally, the nostalgia of returning to the Jurassic universe added appeal. Released in summer, it benefited from repeat viewings and strong international turnout. It remains the highest-grossing film in the Jurassic series.

Image at Jurassic World (2015) – Affischer — The Movie Database (TMDB)

9. “The Lion King (2019) – $1.66 billion

Disney’s photorealistic remake of The Lion King drew audiences with stunning visuals and the appeal of a beloved classic. Directed by Jon Favreau, it retold the 1994 story with updated technology and a star-studded cast. Strong branding, family-friendly themes, and international appeal helped it dominate the box office. Despite mixed reviews, it attracted millions globally. The remake ultimately became Disney’s highest-grossing animated film (by technical classification).

Image at Lejonkungen (2019) – Affischer — The Movie Database (TMDB)

10. “The Avengers” (2012) – $1.52 billion

The Avengers was a major milestone in cinematic history. As the first major crossover film in the Marvel Universe, it brought together heroes from multiple franchises. Its release changed how studios approached shared universes. With strong performances, witty dialogue, and big action scenes, it thrilled audiences around the world. The film set records at the time and helped Marvel establish a winning formula. It also cemented superhero films as global box office powerhouses.

Image at The Avengers Official Movie Poster

This top list shows the top 10 highest-grossing movies of all time.