Marvel’s blockbuster *Avengers: Endgame* has reclaimed its position as the highest-grossing movie of all time, overtaking James Cameron’s *Avatar* following a successful return to theaters.
A Record-Breaking Comeback
Originally released in 2019, *Avengers: Endgame* brought together some of Marvel’s most popular superheroes for the final battle against Thanos. The movie became a worldwide sensation, attracting millions of fans and delivering one of the biggest theatrical runs in cinema history.
However, James Cameron’s *Avatar*, released in 2009, reclaimed the top position after returning to theaters in China in 2021.
Now, the latest *Endgame* re-release has changed the rankings once again, giving Marvel the worldwide box-office record.
How Much Has ‘Endgame’ Earned?
The film’s *Encore* release has generated approximately $126 million in additional ticket sales, including about $36.2 million in North America and $89.8 million from international markets.
These earnings have pushed its reported worldwide total to roughly $2.92 billion, allowing it to move ahead of *Avatar*.
Disney reported the updated figures on October 4, placing *Endgame* at an estimated $2.9255 billion compared with *Avatar* at approximately $2.9237 billion.
The difference is relatively small, but it is enough to return the record to Marvel’s biggest superhero adventure.
Why Is ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Back in Theaters?
The re-release gives longtime fans another chance to experience the movie on the big screen. It also arrives ahead of *Avengers: Doomsday*, the next major Avengers film, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.
The upcoming installment has generated considerable interest among Marvel fans. Bringing *Endgame* back to cinemas offers audiences an opportunity to revisit the story before the franchise moves into its next chapter.
For Disney and Marvel Studios, the re-release also demonstrates the continued commercial power of established superhero franchises.
What Does This Mean for ‘Avatar’?
Although *Avatar* has lost the top position, its success remains remarkable. Cameron’s science-fiction epic introduced audiences to the world of Pandora and became a major milestone in modern filmmaking.
Both films have benefited from theatrical re-releases, showing that popular movies can continue earning substantial revenue years after their original debuts.
The competition between *Endgame* and *Avatar* also highlights how worldwide box-office rankings can change over time as studios bring successful films back to theaters.
The Battle for the Biggest Movie Ever
The latest development adds another chapter to the competition between two of the most successful films in cinema history.
*Avengers: Endgame* has once again reached the top thanks to renewed audience interest and its latest theatrical release. Meanwhile, *Avatar* remains a major force in global cinema.
Whether the rankings change again will depend on future theatrical releases and additional box-office earnings. For now, Marvel fans have another reason to celebrate as *Endgame* reclaims the worldwide crown.
**Source:** Deadline, The Walt Disney Company, and TheWrap, reporting published October 4, 2026.
