10 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time and Their Record-Breaking Runs

Published 11/18/2025, 1:19 AM EST

The cinematic experience is a universal language, spoken in a multitude of genres from gripping historical dramas to spectacular science fiction adventures. Each year, thousands of new releases cater to diverse tastes and demographics, offering fleeting moments of escapism or profound introspection. Yet, amidst this continuous flow of storytelling, a rare few films manage to resonate so deeply with global audiences that their financial success transforms into a cultural phenomenon. Such exceptional films include ten titans of the box office, starting with the visionary tale of humanity's expansion into a distant world.

This groundbreaking film demonstrated the immense power of immersive 3D technology and a deeply human story to captivate viewers.

Avatar (2009)

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

A paralyzed former Marine, Jake Sully, is dispatched to the moon Pandora, where he operates an 'avatar,' a hybrid body combining human and native Na'vi DNA. Tasked with infiltrating the Na'vi to facilitate resource extraction, Jake finds himself torn between following orders and protecting the indigenous inhabitants and their lush ecosystem. The film is the undisputed leader, holding Rank 1 with an unprecedented Lifetime Gross of $2,923,710,708, a testament to its enduring visual impact and cultural reach across the globe.

Following the devastating snap, the next movie is the culmination of over twenty interconnected stories brought an emotional conclusion to a major saga.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

The surviving Avengers unite in a final, desperate attempt to reverse the catastrophic actions of the villain Thanos, who decimated half of all life in the universe. Utilizing time travel, the heroes retrieve the Infinity Stones, leading to an epic, climactic battle involving virtually every major character in the franchise. This monumental superhero event achieved Rank 2, securing a staggering Lifetime Gross of $2,799,439,100 worldwide, reflecting the immense anticipation and audience investment in the overarching narrative.

Not only this visually fascinating film but the long-awaited continuation of the Na'vi saga scored big

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Jake Sully and his family are forced to flee their forest home and seek refuge with the oceanic Metkayina clan when the militaristic humans, known as the Sky People, return to Pandora. The family must learn the ways of the sea to survive and fight a new, even more ruthless threat. Securing Rank 3 on the all-time chart, the film generated a massive Lifetime Gross of $2,343,096,253 globally, proving the enduring financial appeal of Pandora's universe.

The next movie’s historical epic blended high-stakes disaster with an unforgettable romance, ensuring its place as a cultural touchstone for generations.

Titanic (1997)

The film recounts the ill-fated maiden voyage of the magnificent Titanic in 1912, centering on the passionate but forbidden love affair between impoverished artist Jack Dawson and aristocratic Rose DeWitt Bukater. Their tragic story unfolds against the backdrop of the ship's collision with an iceberg and subsequent sinking. A remarkable achievement decades after its initial release, Titanic holds rank 4 with a Lifetime Gross of $2,264,812,968, demonstrating timeless narrative power.

Next is the powerful surge in animated global cinema; the sequel continues the fantastical journey of a beloved mythological figure.

Ne Zha 2 (2025)

Continuing the tale from the first film, the mischievous but heroic Ne Zha must confront new, formidable challenges that threaten the balance between the mortal world and the celestial realm. He grapples with his destiny while harnessing immense power to protect his family and the people from dark forces. This animated blockbuster, released in 2025, achieved rank 5 on the worldwide gross list, earning a strong estimated Lifetime Gross of $2,150,000,000.

Continuing the list is the highly anticipated return to a galaxy far, far away successfully introduced a new generation of heroes and villains to the iconic franchise.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

Decades after the defeat of the Empire, a new threat called the First Order rises. The film introduces Rey, a scavenger, and Finn, a former stormtrooper, who join forces with classic heroes like Han Solo and Chewbacca to find the missing Luke Skywalker and restore peace. This revitalization of the saga secured rank 6 on the chart, concluding its run with a stellar Lifetime Gross of $2,071,310,218.

Next is the devastating precursor to Endgame that saw the largest assembly of superheroes yet, all scrambling to prevent a cosmic catastrophe.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

The powerful intergalactic warlord Thanos begins his quest to collect all six Infinity Stones, believing he must extinguish half of all life to ensure the universe's survival. The combined forces of the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and their allies mount a desperate, globally spread resistance that ultimately fails to stop him. The film stands at Rank 7, earning a formidable Lifetime Gross of $2,052,415,039 worldwide, cementing its status as a pivotal franchise moment.

Moving on the next film is the unprecedented blend of parallel universes and fan-favourite characters proved the enduring appeal of the friendly neighbourhood hero.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Peter Parker seeks assistance from Doctor Strange to make the world forget he is Spider-Man, but the spell goes awry, ripping open the multiverse and bringing former adversaries from other realities into his own. Peter must confront these villains while learning the true meaning of great responsibility. This multiverse adventure is listed at Rank 8, culminating in a spectacular Lifetime Gross of $1,921,426,073.

Next on the list is the delightful return to the mind of a young person, exploring the complex and often overwhelming emergence of entirely new emotional states.

Inside Out 2 (2024)

Now a teenager, Riley's mind headquarters undergoes a sudden demolition to make room for new, unexpected emotions like Anxiety, Envy, and Ennui, who challenge the established group of Joy, Sadness, and Anger. The original emotions must learn to navigate this turbulent new landscape of adolescent feelings to help Riley cope. This vibrant animated film reached Rank 9 with a remarkable Lifetime Gross of $1,698,863,816.

Last but not least is the dinosaur franchise that brought audiences back to Isla Nublar to witness a fully operational but ultimately doomed theme park.

Jurassic World (2015)

Twenty-two years after the original disaster, Jurassic World is a fully functioning dinosaur park until the creation of a genetically modified hybrid, the Indominus rex, breaks loose and causes widespread destruction. It is up to park staff Owen Grady and Claire Dearing to contain the threat and save the visitors. The thrilling spectacle holds the final spot on this list at Rank 10, having earned a robust Lifetime Gross of $1,671,537,444.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

These ten films, diverse in their storytelling and spectacular in their execution, definitively prove that compelling visual narratives can transcend language and culture to achieve monumental global success.

Counting Ryan Reynolds on Netflix: 5 Must-Watch Movies and the Highest-Rated Gem

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What is your favourite movie on the above highest-grossing movies list? Let us know in the comments below. 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Soma Mitra

556 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK