Crossing the $2 billion mark at the global box office is a rare and extraordinary feat achieved by only a select few films in cinematic history. These films not only captivated audiences worldwide but also set new benchmarks for speed and scale in theatrical earnings. Here’s a look at every film that reached this monumental milestone, ranked by how quickly they achieved it.
1. Avengers: Endgame (2019) – 11 Days
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame holds the all-time record for the fastest film to gross $2 billion globally, accomplishing the feat in just 11 days. Released in April 2019, this climactic conclusion to over a decade of Marvel storytelling was a global phenomenon, breaking numerous records and ultimately earning over $2.79 billion worldwide.
2. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) – 40 Days
James Cameron’s highly anticipated sequel Avatar: The Way of Water took around 40 days to cross the $2 billion threshold. Despite releasing post-pandemic, the film demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Avatar universe and became the highest-grossing film of 2022, earning over $2.3 billion worldwide.
3. Avatar (2009) – 47 Days
The original Avatar, also directed by James Cameron, was a box office revolution upon its release in December 2009. It pioneered 3D cinema and offered a visual spectacle that drew audiences for weeks. It took 47 days to reach $2 billion and remained the highest-grossing film for a decade, with earnings exceeding $2.9 billion.
4. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – 48 Days
The predecessor to Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, built immense hype with its crossover storyline and cliffhanger ending. The film reached the $2 billion mark in 48 days and became the fourth highest-grossing film at the time, earning over $2.05 billion globally.
5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – 54 Days
Star Wars: The Force Awakens revived the iconic franchise for a new generation. Released in December 2015, it combined nostalgia with fresh storytelling, leading to massive box office success. It crossed $2 billion in 54 days and remains one of the most successful Star Wars films with $2.07 billion worldwide.
6. Titanic (1997, re-releases) – 14 Years
James Cameron appears once again with Titanic, the first film ever to cross the $2 billion mark. Originally released in 1997, it was re-released in 3D in 2012 and again in later years, eventually pushing its total to over $2.26 billion. It took approximately 14 years (5,000+ days) to hit the milestone, demonstrating its long-term appeal and cultural significance.
Conclusion
While box office numbers reflect commercial success, the speed at which films reach major milestones like $2 billion is a testament to their cultural impact and global fan base. From superhero sagas to epic sci-fi and historical romance, these six films have not only made history but also reshaped the landscape of global cinema.