Only 6 Movies in History Have Crossed the $2 Billion Mark at the Worldwide Box Office
According to Box Office Mojo (without adjusting for inflation), only six Hollywood films have ever grossed more than $2 billion at the worldwide box office. Interestingly, legendary filmmaker James Cameron directed half of them, while Marvel Studios accounts for two more entries.
Here's a closer look at these historic blockbusters.
6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Worldwide Box Office: $2.052 billion
Marvel Studios raised the stakes with Avengers: Infinity War, bringing together nearly every hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for an epic battle against Thanos. Audiences expected a traditional superhero victory, but instead witnessed one of the most shocking endings in blockbuster history as Thanos succeeded in wiping out half of all life with the Infinity Gauntlet.
The film became a global event, breaking numerous box-office records. It crossed $1 billion in just 11 days and reached the $2 billion milestone in 48 days, making it one of the fastest movies ever to achieve the feat.
5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Worldwide Box Office: $2.071 billion
After a decade-long break from the big screen, Star Wars returned with The Force Awakens. Disney successfully revived one of the world's most beloved franchises by bringing back iconic characters like Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker while introducing a new generation of heroes and villains.
The film generated enormous anticipation and shattered opening weekend records. It reached $1 billion worldwide in just 12 days and eventually crossed $2 billion in 53 days, proving that the Star Wars legacy remained as powerful as ever.
4. Titanic (1997)
Worldwide Box Office: $2.265 billion
James Cameron's Titanic is one of the most iconic films ever made. Blending romance, historical tragedy, and groundbreaking visual effects, the film captivated audiences across the globe.
When it was released in 1997, Titanic became the first movie in history to earn $1 billion worldwide. Years later, thanks to its successful 3D re-release in 2012, it also became the first film to cross the $2 billion mark.
Nearly three decades after its original release, Titanic remains one of the most influential and beloved films in cinematic history.
3. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Worldwide Box Office: $2.334 billion
More than a decade after the original Avatar, James Cameron returned with Avatar: The Way of Water. Many questioned whether the sequel could live up to the enormous success of its predecessor, but it exceeded expectations.
The film became the first movie released after the COVID-19 pandemic to surpass $2 billion at the worldwide box office. It achieved the milestone in just 39 days, making it one of the fastest films ever to do so.
Its breathtaking visuals, immersive underwater world, and premium-format appeal helped make it a massive global success.
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Worldwide Box Office: $2.799 billion
Avengers: Endgame was more than just another superhero movie—it was the culmination of over a decade of storytelling across the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Following the devastating ending of Infinity War, audiences around the world flocked to theaters to discover whether Earth's mightiest heroes could undo Thanos' snap. The excitement was unprecedented.
The movie opened to more than $1.2 billion worldwide during its opening weekend, setting a record that still stands. Even more impressively, it crossed the $2 billion mark in only 11 days, making it the fastest film ever to reach that milestone.
For a brief period, Endgame also became the highest-grossing movie in history before Avatar reclaimed the title through a later re-release.
1. Avatar (2009)
Worldwide Box Office: $2.924 billion
Sitting at the top of the list is James Cameron's groundbreaking science-fiction epic, Avatar. Released in 2009, the film introduced audiences to the breathtaking world of Pandora and revolutionized modern filmmaking with its pioneering use of 3D technology and visual effects.
The movie crossed $1 billion in just 19 days and eventually surpassed $2 billion in 47 days, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time.
More than fifteen years later, Avatar continues to hold the worldwide box-office crown, demonstrating the lasting appeal of Cameron's vision and the global popularity of the franchise.
The Bigger Picture
A closer look at this exclusive list reveals several interesting trends. James Cameron directed three of the six films—Titanic, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of Water—an achievement unmatched by any other filmmaker. Meanwhile, Marvel Studios secured two places with Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, highlighting the immense popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe during its peak. Star Wars: The Force Awakens rounds out the list, proving the enduring power of one of cinema's most iconic franchises.
Crossing $2 billion isn't just about ticket sales. It requires worldwide appeal, repeat viewings, strong international markets, and the ability to become a cultural event. These six films achieved exactly that, setting records that many future blockbusters will attempt—but may struggle—to surpass.
Which of these six movies is your favorite, and do you think any upcoming film has the potential to join this exclusive $2 billion club?
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