The global box office has seen major shifts heading into late February 2026, with fresh 2025 releases cementing their places among the all-time greats. Animation continues to dominate, led by massive successes from China and Disney, while James Cameron’s classics hold strong at the top. Re-releases and strong international runs keep pushing totals higher in this evolving landscape.
This refreshed ranking of the Top 10 Highest-Grossing Movies Worldwide captures the latest figures, showing how diverse storytelling—from mythic Chinese epics to heartfelt family adventures—is reshaping record books.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Movies Worldwide (All-Time as of February 2026)
- Avatar (2009) – $2.924 Billion James Cameron‘s groundbreaking sci-fi adventure stays unbeatable. Strategic re-releases keep Pandora alive for new viewers, inching it toward the historic $3 billion milestone.
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) – $2.799 Billion Marvel’s epic conclusion delivered unmatched emotional highs. It held the top spot briefly and set speed records to $2 billion, powered by its interconnected universe and worldwide fan devotion.
- Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) – $2.334 Billion Cameron’s oceanic sequel matched the original’s magic with stunning visuals. Its extended theatrical stay showcased incredible staying power at the box office.
- Titanic (1997) – $2.265 Billion The romantic tragedy endures through generations. Periodic anniversary screenings in premium formats prove timeless stories still draw crowds.
- Ne Zha 2 (2025) – $2.260 Billion (approx.) This Chinese animated fantasy shattered expectations, becoming the highest-grossing non-English film and the first animation to top $2 billion. Its explosive run, especially in China, highlights the growing global influence of international cinema.
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – $2.071 Billion J.J. Abrams revived the saga with perfect nostalgia. It crushed records in North America and stands as the franchise’s commercial peak.
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – $2.052 Billion The bold cliffhanger and massive hero lineup created huge buzz. It opened the door for Endgame and showed crossover events could deliver record results.
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – $1.922 Billion Multiverse reunions sparked massive excitement during uncertain times. Three Spider-Men together made it a post-pandemic theater triumph.
- Zootopia 2 (2025) – $1.850 Billion (approx.) Disney’s sharp-witted sequel soared, especially overseas. It claimed the title of highest-grossing Hollywood animated film, driven by clever writing and wide family appeal.
- Inside Out 2 (2024) – $1.699 Billion Pixar’s sequel delved into teen emotions with real insight. It became a family favorite before newer animations edged it lower.
What These Numbers Really Show
Animation’s rise stands out clearly—with three spots in the top ten, it’s now a serious global earner beyond just children’s entertainment. Familiar franchises and sequels fill most of the list, reflecting how audiences prefer known worlds in uncertain times.
Looking at current industry trends, the breakthrough of Ne Zha 2 feels particularly significant. From an audience perspective, it proves viewers everywhere are open to fresh cultural stories when they’re told with heart and spectacle.
As we head deeper into 2026, upcoming releases like major Marvel entries and potential Cameron projects could shake things up again. The Billion-Dollar Club keeps growing more inclusive, and that’s great news for movie lovers. Which one surprises you most?
Note on Inflation: While these are the “nominal” figures, if we adjusted for inflation, the 1939 classic Gone with the Wind would still be the #1 film with an estimated gross of over $4 billion in today’s money.
