Fez — The third chapter of the “Avatar” film series has officially crossed the $1 billion global box office threshold, further cementing director James Cameron as one of the most commercially successful filmmakers in cinema history. Titled “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the film marks Cameron’s fourth feature to exceed the billion-dollar milestone.

The Walt Disney Company announced on Sunday that the film has generated $1.03 billion worldwide, returning audiences once again to the bioluminescent landscapes of Pandora. Released during the year-end holiday season, the film recorded $306 million in ticket sales across the United States and Canada, alongside $777.1 million from international markets.

A franchise that continues to expand

“Fire and Ash” is the third entry in the “Avatar” saga, which has now amassed a combined global revenue of $6.35 billion. The film continues the narrative arc established in Avatar: The Way of Water, focusing on Jake Sully and Neytiri as they grapple with grief following the loss of their son, while navigating new threats and alliances on Pandora.

According to the analytics firm Comscore, the original Avatar remains one of the most successful releases of all time, having earned approximately $2.9 billion globally. While it ranks first in raw box office revenue, inflation-adjusted calculations place it second, behind the 1939 classic Gone with the Wind.

Cameron’s enduring formula

Cameron’s ability to combine technological innovation with large-scale storytelling continues to resonate with global audiences. “The Way of Water,” released in 2022, surpassed $2.3 billion worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, reinforcing the franchise’s reputation for pushing cinematic boundaries.

With “Fire and Ash,” Disney appears to be benefiting once again from Cameron’s long-term vision for the series, which was conceived as a multi-film saga designed to unfold across several decades of in-universe storytelling.

North American box office rankings

In North America, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” led the box office conversation over the holiday period, while Disney’s animated sequel Zootopia 2 ranked second with $19 million in weekend revenue and a global total nearing $1.6 billion.

The remainder of the top five included “The Housemaid” with $14.9 million, “Marty Supreme” at $12.6 million, and “Anaconda” in fifth place with $10 million. Other films rounding out the top ten ranged from family-friendly titles to genre releases, reflecting a competitive and diverse holiday slate.

A benchmark for modern blockbusters

As “Avatar: Fire and Ash” joins the billion-dollar club, the film underscores the continued global appetite for large-scale cinematic experiences. Its performance not only extends the legacy of the “Avatar” franchise but also highlights the enduring power of theatrical releases at a time when the industry continues to balance streaming growth with box office recovery.

For Cameron and Disney, the milestone serves as yet another affirmation that Pandora remains one of the most bankable worlds in modern cinema — with future chapters already poised to build on its remarkable commercial and cultural impact.