UPDATE: In a stunning box office performance, Avatar: Fire and Ash has surged past the $100 million mark domestically in just under one week since its release. This phenomenal achievement has allowed the film to overtake two major Denis Villeneuve movies—Arrival and Dune—in a mere two days.
Released on December 19, 2025, director James Cameron‘s latest installment in the Avatar franchise has already crossed the $400 million threshold at the global box office. Despite a muted critical reception, audience ratings have been overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong word-of-mouth potential that could see it exceed initial expectations.
In a remarkable feat, Avatar: Fire and Ash first eclipsed the lifetime earnings of Arrival, which grossed $100 million, followed closely by Dune, which earned $111 million. Both films, directed by Denis Villeneuve, have been critically acclaimed, with Arrival holding a 94% “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The budget for Avatar: Fire and Ash was an astonishing $400 million, and analysts suggest it needs to reach the $1 billion mark to begin turning a profit. Currently, it is projected to hit $200 million domestically by this Sunday, with the Christmas holiday expected to boost ticket sales significantly.
Despite initial critiques, audience engagement has been strong, with a CinemaScore rating of A and a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This suggests a burgeoning positive reception that could propel the film’s box office performance in the coming weeks.
As James Cameron continues to develop his vision for the Avatar franchise, he faces the challenge of living up to the staggering success of the first two films, which grossed nearly $3 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively. The anticipation surrounding Avatar: Fire and Ash is palpable, and its trajectory at the box office will be closely monitored.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Avatar: Fire and Ash continues to make waves in theaters around the world.
