Avatar’s budget and earnings
For financial success “Avatar” was certainly influenced by high ticket prices, which were justified by the higher production costs in 3D technology. This significantly increased the margins of studios, which began to show companies using the new technology by storm. “Avatar” cost between $250 million and $350 million to produce. However, the film paid for itself many times over, earning $2.92 billion since its release.
The highest-grossing films in history
The podium of the highest-grossing films is closed by productions from recent years. The second one is “Avengers: Endgame”which grossed a total of $2.8 billion in theaters. Right behind him is the sequel to Cameron’s 2009 film, entitled “Avatar: The Way of Water” (all data comes from Box Office Mojo).
At the top of the list there is only one film made before 2000. This is “Titanic”, which grossed a total of $2.26 billion. I guess you shouldn’t be surprised that it was directed by James Cameron himself. Clearly, this guy knows what it takes to make money for studios.
CGI domination
After taking a look at the top highest-grossing films in history, a strong trend immediately emerges – all productions (“Titanic” in the least) are based on computer special effects (CGI).
The most profitable films are parts of large universes. For years, superhero films from the Marvel and DC universes (the two largest and competing comic book studios) have been ruling the screens. The Star Wars universe, revived after decades of oblivion, is also extremely strong. Pixar animations were also among the highest-grossing films.
They round out the top grossing films “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($2.07 billion), “Avengers: Infinity War” ($2.05 billion), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” ($1.95 billion) and “Inside Out 2” ($1.7 billion).
The ranking has not been adjusted for inflation, which strongly favors contemporary productions. In the ranking taking into account price increases (US market only), “Gone with the Wind” from 1939 still dominates.
