Avatar: Fire and Ash” continued its strong theatrical run by claiming the top spot at the New Year’s Eve box office, earning an estimated $8.1 million domestically. The latest chapter in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise has once again proven to be a holiday powerhouse for Disney, reinforcing the enduring global appeal of the Avatar universe.
Since its release two weeks ago, the film has generated over $250 million in domestic revenue and has performed even better in international markets. With overseas ticket sales accelerating, industry analysts expect Avatar: Fire and Ash to cross the $1 billion global milestone in the coming days.
2025 Domestic Box Office Ends Below Expectations
Despite Avatar’s success, the broader movie industry had a more subdued finish to the year. U.S. and Canadian theaters closed 2025 with approximately $8.87 billion in ticket sales, reflecting a modest 1.5% increase compared to 2024. However, this figure fell short of the $9 billion benchmark that many analysts had forecast.
Before the pandemic, annual domestic box office revenues frequently approached or exceeded $11 billion, but attendance levels have yet to fully recover. While rising ticket prices and premium formats such as IMAX and large-screen experiences have helped boost revenue, fewer moviegoers are visiting cinemas overall.
Other Films Perform Solidly Over the Holiday Frame
Disney’s animated sequel “Zootopia 2” maintained its momentum, securing second place with $4.6 million and lifting its domestic total to an impressive $337.9 million.
In third place, A24’s indie standout “Marty Supreme” added $2.4 million, bringing its U.S. total close to $39 million. Starring Timothée Chalamet, the critically praised drama has emerged as one of the year’s few breakout independent films, despite its hefty production and marketing costs.
Angel Studios’ “David” matched that performance with $2.4 million, pushing its domestic earnings to $58.5 million, while Sony’s horror-comedy “Anaconda” rounded out the top five with $2.2 million.
Alternative Content Gains Momentum
Beyond traditional releases, theaters experimented with alternative programming during the holidays. Screenings of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” finale attracted significant interest, selling 1.1 million seats across more than 620 locations, according to the show’s creators. Netflix, however, did not disclose box office revenue figures.
Outlook for Early 2026
New Year’s Eve is historically a slower night for moviegoing, as audiences favor celebrations over cinema visits. Box office activity is expected to rebound as the new year begins, with moviegoers returning to theaters in search of post-holiday entertainment.
