Avatar 3 Hits Theaters with a Massive Opening
Fans packed cinemas worldwide this weekend as Avatar 3, the latest from director James Cameron, launched with huge excitement. The movie, titled Avatar: Fire and Ash, opened on Friday, December 19, 2025, and quickly became the talk of the box office. Early numbers show it raked in over $175 million domestically in its first three days, topping charts and beating out holiday competition.
Studio estimates from Box Office Mojo put the North American debut at $178.2 million, including $52 million from Friday alone. That’s a strong start, though a bit below the $192 million that Avatar: The Way of Water grabbed back in 2022. Globally, the film soared past $350 million by Sunday, with big hauls from China and Europe boosting the total.
Why the buzz? Stunning visuals in IMAX and 3D drew crowds, just like the first two films. The story dives deeper into Pandora’s conflicts, introducing new Na’vi clans and fiery action. Critics gave it solid reviews, with a 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes, praising the effects but noting familiar plot beats.
Compared to past blockbusters, Avatar 3 holds its own. The original Avatar still rules with $2.9 billion worldwide, and its sequel hit $2.3 billion. If legs hold up over the holidays, this one could chase those records. Families and sci-fi lovers filled seats, helping it claim the top spot over holdovers like Wicked 2 and new releases.
International markets shone bright too. China alone delivered $85 million, per reports from Deadline Hollywood, where Pandora fever remains hot. Europe added $60 million, and IMAX screenings worldwide pulled in $45 million of the global take.
Disney, the distributor, celebrated the win at their investor call, hinting at more sequels ahead. Theater chains reported sellouts in premium formats, proving the franchise’s grip on audiences three films in.
Sources
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1757678/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/avatar_fire_and_ash
https://deadline.com/2025/12/avatar-3-box-office-opening-weekend-1236405123/
https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/avatar-3-global-box-office-1236405210/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/avatar-3-weekend-box-office-1236405300/
