Hollywood continues to captivate global audiences with its innovative concepts, masterful productions, and groundbreaking technological advancements.
In today’s cinematic landscape, compelling narratives alone are no longer sufficient; cutting-edge visual effects have become an indispensable element. As the world’s preeminent filmmaking hub, Hollywood consistently churns out blockbusters backed by colossal budgets, often achieving unprecedented success at the global box office.
Remarkably, seven films have now crossed the astonishing $2 billion revenue threshold, an equivalent of over 25,000 crore Bangladeshi Taka. Leading this exclusive club is James Cameron’s “Avatar,” which is nearing a staggering $3 billion in worldwide earnings. While the list of all-time top-grossing films has historically been dominated by superhero sagas from DC and Marvel, a notable shift has occurred with the recent emergence of the Chinese animated film, “Ne Zha 2,” making a noteworthy impact on this Hollywood-centric domain. Film critic Majed Hossain Tutul’s recent analysis sheds light on these cinematic giants that have redefined box office success.
The Elite seven: Breaking down the Billion-Dollar Films
- Avatar ($2.93 Billion)
Released in 2009, James Cameron’s epic science fiction creation, “Avatar,” revolutionized cinematic visual effects. This visionary film enthralled viewers worldwide, shattering all previous box office records to become the highest-grossing film in history. Depicting a profound conflict between a human corporation and the indigenous inhabitants of Pandora, “Avatar” amassed an astounding $2.93 billion, approximately 35,000 crore Bangladeshi Taka. The lead roles were portrayed by Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, and Michelle Rodriguez.
- Avengers: Endgame ($2.81 Billion)
Marvel’s superhero universe continues to command immense popularity and generate substantial revenue across the global film industry. The 2019 installment of the “Avengers” series, “Avengers: Endgame,” became an international sensation upon its release, swiftly ascending to the pinnacle of highest-grossing films. With $2.81 billion, it currently holds the second position. The film’s plot revolves around the Avengers superhero team reuniting to thwart Thanos’s devastating plan to eradicate half of all life in the universe.
- Avatar: The Way of Water ($2.32 Billion)
James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” offers an extraordinary visual feast built upon a straightforward narrative. This film, which grossed $2.32 billion, showcased visual effects that established a new standard for Hollywood. Its global debut in 2022 captivated moviegoers with its fresh portrayal of the Pandora inhabitants’ fight for survival. The story follows Jake, alongside Neytiri and the Na’vi army, as they strive to guard their family and community, inviting audiences into the breathtaking world of Pandora.
- Titanic ($2.26 Billion)
The very mention of “Titanic” evokes a sense of nostalgia for countless individuals, immediately bringing to mind the poignant love story of Rose and Jack. This timeless romantic drama, first released in 1997, holds the distinction of being the first film to surpass the $2 billion mark, earning $2.187 billion at the time. Directed by the celebrated James Cameron, it starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. This powerful narrative of love and emotion stands as the fourth-highest-grossing film of all time.
- Ne Zha 2 ($2.20 Billion)
The Chinese animated phenomenon, “Ne Zha 2,” is presently generating significant buzz within the film industry. Despite a modest pre-release profile, it has secured a spot among the world’s highest-grossing films, accumulating $2.199 billion to date. This animated feature draws inspiration from Chinese mythology, specifically the 16th-century Chinese novel “The Investiture of the Gods.” Industry projections suggest that its planned releases in Europe and Japan could potentially propel it to become the highest-grossing film globally.
- Star Wars-7: The Force Awakens ($2.07 Billion)
The epic science fiction film “Star Wars 7: The Force Awakens” premiered in 2015. J.J. Abrams played a multifaceted role in its creation, serving as director, screenwriter, and co-producer. This seventh installment in the beloved franchise garnered widespread global acclaim, collecting $2.07 billion in revenue. The collective cast featured Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, and Daisy Ridley, amongst others. The film depicts a formidable battle against the First Order, the Galactic Empire’s successor, led by the enigmatic Kylo Ren.
- Avengers: Infinity War ($2.05 Billion)
The enduring allure of superheroes remains incredibly potent. This Marvel Studios production, centered on the Avengers superhero team, was distributed by Walt Disney Motion Pictures. Released in 2018, it made a remarkable $2.048 billion worldwide. The film unites iconic characters like Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and other Avengers as they confront their formidable adversary, Thanos.
Comparative financial performance:
1. Avatar-2009 (Year) -237 million (Budget USD)-2.932 billion (Gross Revenue in USD)
2. Avengers Endgame-2019 (Year)- 356 million (Budget USD)- 2.801 billion (Gross Revenue in USD)
3. Avatar the Way of Water-2022 (Year)-460 million (Budget USD)- 2.322 billion (Gross Revenue in USD)
4. Titanic-1997 (Year)-200 million (Budget USD)-2.257 billion (Gross Revenue in USD)
5. Ne Zha 2-2025 (Year)-80 million (Budget USD)-2.199 billion (Gross Revenue in USD)
6. Star Wars-7-The Force Awakens-2015 (Year)-447 million (Budget USD)-2.071 billion (Gross Revenue in USD)
7. Avengers: Infinity War-2018 (Year)-316 million (Budget USD)-2.048 billion (Gross Revenue in USD)
