Avatar: Fire and Ash Crosses $1.33 Billion: Unstoppable Global Hit

James Cameron’s third Pandora epic, Avatar: Fire and Ash, continues its box office dominance, crossing the $1.33 billion mark globally as of January 22, 2026. The film, released December 19, 2025, has held the No. 1 spot at the domestic and worldwide box office for five consecutive weeks — a rare feat matched only by a handful of blockbusters in recent decades.

The latest figures show $369.7 million in North America and $959.8 million internationally, totaling $1.329 billion to $1.33 billion worldwide (depending on final Sunday estimates). This places it among the top 25 highest-grossing films ever, surpassing titles like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II ($1.312 billion) and closing in on Star Wars: The Last Jedi ($1.32 billion). It’s the third film in the Avatar franchise to cross $1 billion — joining the original (now at $2.9 billion) and The Way of Water ($2.3 billion) — cementing Cameron’s record as the only director with three billion-dollar films from the same series.

Fire and Ash opened strong with $347 million worldwide in its first weekend, including $89.2 million domestically. It maintained momentum through the holidays, benefiting from IMAX/3D premium formats, strong word-of-mouth, and repeat viewings driven by superfans urging multiple theater trips. Cameron’s signature visuals, emotional family story, and new “Ash People” clan have kept audiences hooked despite a steeper drop-off than its predecessors.

Box Office Breakdown and Momentum

In its fifth weekend (January 16-20, 2026), the film earned $13.3 million over three days and $17.2 million over the four-day MLK frame — a solid hold for a five-week-old release. Domestic total stands at $367-370 million, international at $955-960 million. Key markets include China ($155 million), France ($99 million), and Germany ($80 million), where Cameron’s spectacle resonates strongly.

Compared to the franchise:

Avatar (2009): $2.92 billion (longest legs, multiple re-releases)
The Way of Water (2022): $2.32 billion (strong holiday legs, seven weeks at No. 1)
Fire and Ash: On pace for $1.5-1.6 billion final, per projections — impressive but trailing due to competition from Zootopia 2 ($1.7 billion+), Ne Zha 2 (China’s $2.2 billion+), and others.

It’s the third-highest grosser of 2025 so far (behind animated juggernauts) and has earned its spot as one of the year’s biggest hits. Budget estimates range $350-400 million, making it hugely profitable for Disney/20th Century.

Why It’s Still Unstoppable

Cameron’s formula works: groundbreaking visuals, immersive 3D, epic storytelling, and emotional depth. Fire and Ash introduces fiery new clans, deepens Jake and Neytiri’s family struggles, and escalates Pandora’s conflicts — drawing both longtime fans and new viewers. Superfans have organized “multiple viewing” campaigns on social media to push totals higher, though some debate the strategy.

The film has also benefited from limited major competition during its run, though recent releases like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple ($31 million global debut) and Mercy ($12 million projections) haven’t dethroned it yet. Positive critical reception (strong Rotten Tomatoes scores) and awards buzz (Golden Globe noms) keep momentum alive.

Can It Beat the Prequels?

Unlikely to reach $2 billion+. Projections see it topping out around $1.5-1.6 billion — a massive success but short of the first two’s marathon runs. Factors include shorter legs (steeper weekly drops), heavier competition in 2025/2026, and audience fatigue after two long Avatar films. Still, $1.33 billion cements it as a triumph and likely greenlights Avatar 4 (2029) and Avatar 5 (2031), though Cameron has hinted at cost-cutting needs.

Disney celebrates the milestone: all three Avatar films over $1 billion, a franchise record. As Cameron told fans: “The Na’vi journey continues — thank you for believing in Pandora.”

This box office beast shows no signs of slowing soon. With re-releases possible and strong international hold, Fire and Ash remains an unstoppable hit in the Cameron canon.