“Avatar” (2009) remains the highest‑grossing movie of all time, earning roughly $2.92 billion worldwide.
- **Avatar** (2009) – ≈ $2.92 B worldwide gross
- **Avengers: Endgame** (2019) – ≈ $2.80 B
- **Avatar: The Way of Water** (2022) – ≈ $2.34 B
- Inflation‑adjusted record belongs to **Gone with the Wind** (1939) ≈ $3.44 B
- Figures reflect data up to 2025 from Box Office Mojo, Wikipedia, Statista
- All models state that “Avatar” (2009) is the highest‑grossing film, with a worldwide total near $2.92 billion.
- The top three movies are consistently listed as Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Avatar: The Way of Water with similar figures.
- Only the Gemini response mentions that inflation‑adjusted, Gone with the Wind holds the record, a point not covered by the other models.
Highest‑Grossing Movies of All Time (Worldwide)
| Rank | Film (Year) | Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avatar (2009) | ≈ $2.923 billion |
| 2 | Avengers: Endgame (2019) | ≈ $2.799 billion |
| 3 | Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) | ≈ $2.343 billion |
Sources: Wikipedia list of highest‑grossing films1, Box Office Mojo lifetime grosses2, Statista 2025 data5.
Why “Avatar” Still Leads
- Re‑releases (including 2022 3‑D version) have added to its total.
- Strong global appeal across markets, especially China and the U.S.
- No subsequent film has matched its cumulative earnings despite strong competition.
Inflation‑Adjusted Perspective
When box‑office receipts are adjusted for inflation, Gone with the Wind (1939) tops the list with an estimated ≈ $3.44 billion in today’s dollars8. This adjustment is not reflected in the nominal figures above but provides historical context.
Quick Facts
- The top three films are all released after 2009 and belong to the science‑fiction/fantasy genre.
- All three have benefited from multiple theatrical re‑releases.
- The gap between the #1 and #2 films is roughly $124 million, a relatively narrow margin in box‑office terms.
How the Rankings Might Change
Future releases with massive global marketing (e.g., upcoming sequels or major franchise events) could potentially overtake “Avatar,” but as of the latest 2025 data, it remains the leader.
Key Takeaway: “Avatar” (2009) holds the current record for the highest nominal worldwide box‑office gross, while “Gone with the Wind” retains the inflation‑adjusted title.