In keeping with the much anticipated sequel to Avatar, we’re analyzing the highest-grossing sequels and what the science fiction movie needs to do to top the list (again).
The science fiction blockbuster Avatar debuted in theaters 13 years ago and brought in $2.89 billion. The 2009 sci-fi movie, which James Cameron co-wrote, co-directed, co-edited, and co-produced, broke box office records almost immediately after its winter release and won praise from critics.
The cutting-edge movie showcases life on the affluent extraterrestrial planet of Pandora while simultaneously tackling contemporary themes like racial tensions, a brewing revolt, and the degradation of natural habitats. When Avatar debuted in theaters on December 18, 2009, it dominated the box office and continues to hold the record for the most money produced by a movie ever globally. Cameron, a Canadian who wrote and directed the first Avatar film, returned to the production team for the sequel.
Avatar: The Way of Water, the eagerly anticipated sequel to Avatar, eventually opened in theaters on December 16—nearly 13 years after Avatar’s release—allowing fans to finally relax. Avatar, prepare yourself, The Way of Water lasts for three hours and twelve minutes.
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Will Avatar: The Way of Water surpass its predecessor as the highest-grossing sequel, like it did with its predecessor? Here is a brief analysis of the sequel film’s rivals.
The 10 highest-grossing sequels of all time with worldwide box office results, per :
- Avengers: Endgame (2019): $2.79 billion
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015): $2.06 billion
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018): $2.04 billion
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021): $1.91 billion
- Jurassic World (2015): $1.66 billion
- Furious 7 (2015): $1.51 billion
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022): $1.48 billion
- Frozen II (2019): $1.44 billion
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015): $1.39 billion
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017): $1.33 billion
According to critics, Avatar: The Way of Water will make about $550 million in its opening weekend at theaters worldwide. The movie made $435 million worldwide during the weekend, which is much less than the $600 million that Spider-Man: No Way Home made worldwide during its opening weekend last year and more than $100 million less than expectations. The Batman and Avatar: The Way of Water shared fifth place for the greatest opening weekend of 2022.
Avatar: The Way of Water made $134 million domestically over the weekend, outpacing Avatar, which only brought in $77 million on its first weekend.
Avatar: The Way of Water needs to earn at least $2 billion to be included in discussions about the highest-grossing sequel. According to reports, the sequel to Avatar cost between $250 and $350 million to make, but director James Cameron would only say that the movie is “extremely fucking expensive.”
Avatar: The Way of Water still has plenty of time to rise to the top despite having large shoes to fill as the follow-up to the most successful film in history. Over the following few weeks, we’ll be crunching the figures to see how the movie compares.
