Avatar: Fire and Ash has arrived in theaters, and audiences around the world showed up in force. The latest chapter in James Cameron’s epic saga opened to an estimated $347.1 million worldwide, proving that Pandora remains one of the most powerful cinematic draws of the modern era. As of Christmas week (December 26, 2025), the film has continued to build momentum.
The film debuted at No. 1 both domestically and internationally, earning $89 million in North America and $258.1 million overseas during its opening weekend. Through Christmas, Avatar: Fire and Ash has earned approximately $153.7 million domestically and $390.6 million internationally, pushing its worldwide total to about $544.3 million. Once again, Cameron demonstrated that immersive, large-format storytelling still brings audiences back to theaters.
Avatar: Fire and Ash | The Creatures of Fire and Ash: The Matriarch
A Franchise That Keeps Raising the Bar
Written, directed, produced, and edited by James Cameron, Avatar: Fire and Ash pushes the franchise’s total global box office to $5.6 billion across three films. That milestone places Avatar among the most successful film franchises of all time.
Internationally, the film topped the box office in nearly every major market. Its performance in China stood out in particular. There, the film earned $57.6 million, making it the second-highest Motion Picture Association opening of 2025, behind only Zootopia 2.
Audiences Are Responding to the Experience
Strong ticket sales were matched by strong audience reactions. Early scores reflect broad approval across platforms:
- 91% Rotten Tomatoes Verified Moviegoers score
- 4.5 out of 5 on PostTrak
- An “A” CinemaScore
These reactions reinforce the idea that Avatar remains a theatrical experience designed for the biggest screens available.
That preference showed up clearly in viewing choices. Premium formats accounted for 66% of opening weekend ticket sales, while 3D screenings delivered 56% of the total box office. Audiences didn’t just go to the movies. They sought out the most immersive presentations possible.
December Dominance for Disney
With this opening, the Avatar films now represent three of the top ten December openings of all time. At the same time, The Walt Disney Studios now account for five of the top ten domestic opening weekends of 2025.
That momentum extended beyond Avatar. Zootopia 2 continued its historic run, passing $1.276 billion worldwide. The animated sequel remains the No. 1 Motion Picture Association global release of 2025 and has earned an estimated $539 million in China, ranking second all-time in that market behind Avengers: Endgame.
Zootopia 2 is also now the fifth-highest global animated release ever, with Disney holding four of the top five spots on that all-time list.
Avatar: Fire and Ash | The Ash People
From the Screen to the Parks
For Disney fans, the Avatar experience does not end when the credits roll. Guests can step into Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the film’s themes of nature, connection, and exploration come to life through immersive attractions and environments.
James Cameron has often described the Avatar films as aspirational worlds. Pandora is not just a place audiences enjoy watching. It is a place they want to visit.
With Avatar: Fire and Ash burning bright at the global box office and Disney’s broader slate continuing to dominate, this opening weekend reinforced one key truth. When spectacle, storytelling, and technology align, the big-screen experience still matters.
