‘Avengers: Endgame’ Reclaims Box Office Crown From ‘Avatar’ as Russo Brothers Celebrate
The title of the highest-grossing film of all time has seen quite a few changes over the years. The competition has primarily been between two cinematic giants, with each re-release feeling like a new showdown.
After dominating the box office for nearly a decade since its 2009 release, ‘Avatar’ was overtaken by ‘Avengers: Endgame’ in 2019. However, ‘Avatar’ reclaimed its title in 2021 following its own re-release. For a time, it seemed that Marvel’s epic conclusion might remain in second place.
That all changed on October 4, when ‘Endgame’ surged back to the top with a worldwide total of $2.9255 billion. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo expressed their gratitude to fans through a heartfelt video message. Marvel Studios also shared a post on X, thanking audiences for making ‘Avengers: Endgame’ the biggest movie of all time, ending with the iconic line fans cherish.
Thank you for assembling to make Avengers: Endgame the biggest movie of all time. We love you 3000. https://t.co/eZFbN1x724
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) October 4, 2026
This resurgence was fueled by the release of ‘Avengers Endgame: Encore’, an extended version that hit theaters on September 25. This re-release features additional footage and four new scenes during the credits, along with a sneak peek at ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.
In its second weekend, ‘Endgame: Encore’ earned $4.4 million in the U.S. and $14.4 million internationally, pushing its global total to $2.9255 billion, just ahead of ‘Avatar’ at $2.9237 billion. The Encore version has added approximately $126 million to ‘Endgame’s’ overall earnings.
The Russo brothers shared a 52-second video thanking viewers for returning to theaters and making the film the top movie of all time. They concluded with a heartfelt message to fans who have supported them over the past seven years, reiterating their love with the phrase, ‘We love you 3000’, a nod to Tony Stark’s memorable quote.
In their video, the brothers reflected on their favorite moments from making ‘Endgame’, particularly the experience of watching it with audiences. They noted that the Encore release allowed them to relive that joy, calling it one of the most special experiences of their careers, as fans brought along new viewers who hadn’t seen it before.
The Encore was not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It topped the U.S. box office during the weekend of September 27, earning $26 million and becoming the first re-release to secure the number one position since ‘The Lion King’ in 3D back in 2011.
This victory aligns with a broader trend for Disney, which has produced seven of the ten highest-grossing films ever. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has now surpassed $35 billion globally, solidifying its status as the highest-grossing film franchise in history.
The timing of this achievement is no coincidence. The Russo brothers are at the helm of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, with ‘Doomsday’ set to hit theaters on December 18. It has already made history by being the earliest film to reach $50 million in domestic advance ticket sales.
The Russo brothers’ connection with Marvel dates back to 2014’s ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’. In 2019, they initiated the ‘We Love You 3000’ tour to celebrate the home release of ‘Endgame’, making this latest acknowledgment feel like a full-circle moment.
Reassemble the team & relive the experience as Avengers Endgame: Encore returns to theaters September 25. Tickets now available for IMAX and Infinity Vision screens: https://t.co/pZZ4PiOyQb https://t.co/2wKSVG4FLz
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 25, 2026
While ‘Endgame’ currently holds the record, the competition is fierce. ‘Avatar’ has previously reclaimed the title, and the margin is razor-thin, sitting at around $1.8 million. For now, however, the Avengers reign supreme.
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