‘Avengers: Endgame’ Reclaims Box Office Crown From ‘Avatar’ Once Again

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
avatar avengers endgame 3
Share:

The long-standing rivalry between ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and ‘Avatar’ continues as both blockbusters vie for the title of the highest-grossing film ever. Each re-release has turned into a significant event for box office enthusiasts, with fans eagerly tracking the latest developments.

This latest twist feels almost predestined. ‘Avatar’ held the record for a decade until ‘Avengers: Endgame’ took the lead in 2019. However, James Cameron’s film regained its position after a re-release in China.

Now, Marvel’s 2019 finale has reclaimed the box office crown once more. According to shared figures, the second weekend of ‘Avengers Endgame: Encore’ generated $18M, with $13.5M coming from international markets and $4.5M from domestic sales. This brings the re-release total to $126M and elevates the film’s worldwide gross to $2.926B, surpassing ‘Avatar’ at $2.924B, making it the highest-grossing film of all time again, although these totals are still preliminary.

Different outlets report slightly varying figures. Variety has ‘Endgame’ at $2.925B globally, just ahead of ‘Avatar’ at $2.923B after five re-releases. The margin is incredibly tight, so expect these numbers to fluctuate as more studio reports come in.

This re-release was not just a simple re-issue. It featured several new end-credits scenes and included a special thank-you message to fans from Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans. The ‘Encore’ version also added four new scenes that connect to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.

The opening weekend demonstrated a strong appetite for the film. ‘Endgame’ returned to theaters, earning $86M globally, which included $26M from North America and $60M from overseas. IMAX screenings contributed $13.7M to that total.

When placed in context, these numbers are impressive for a re-release. Only the 1997 re-release of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ ($35.9M) and the 2011 return of ‘The Lion King’ ($30.2M) have opened higher domestically. ‘Encore’ also achieved the second-best international opening weekend for a re-release, following the $67M overseas debut of the 3D ‘Titanic’ in 2012.

Typically, re-releases see a significant drop in numbers. Projections for ‘Encore’ had it ending up between $116M and $160M worldwide. Domestic earnings did take a hit, with the second Friday bringing in about $1.1M, reflecting a steep decline that one report noted as approximately a 90% drop.

The international share of the second weekend, $13.5M of the $18M, played a crucial role in closing the gap. This international strength has been a key element of the film’s success since its opening weekend. ‘Endgame’ also became the second film ever to surpass $2B at the international box office.

Screenshot 2026 09 29 at 15 24 02 Avengers Endgame Rotten Tomatoes

The timing of this re-release was strategic. It launched on September 25, coinciding with a special preview of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, set to hit theaters on December 18. Directed by the Russo brothers, this will mark the 39th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The success of the re-release has theater owners buzzing about ‘Doomsday’, which is anticipated to be one of the year’s biggest films. The record remains within the Disney family, as the studio is behind seven of the ten highest-grossing movies of all time.

Whether ‘Endgame’ can maintain its crown remains to be seen. ‘Avatar’ has shown it can reclaim its position through re-releases, and the lead is only a couple of million dollars. For now, Marvel fans can celebrate their record, with an exciting new Avengers movie on the horizon.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!

Share: