Snowfalls did not prevent Avatar 3 from surpassing Avatar 2 in the US
The third chapter of James Cameron's iconic franchise displays stronger endurance in its sophomore weekend compared to its predecessor.
Despite challenging weather conditions hitting key U.S. cities, the American box office remained robust over the final weekend of 2025. Leading the pack was the blockbuster “Avatar 3: Fire and Ash” from 20th Century Studios, which confidently secured the top position during its second weekend following its debut.
Severe weather—including heavy rains in Los Angeles and snowstorms in New York—failed to deter moviegoers or significantly reduce theater attendance.
Gentler Drop in Second-Weekend Revenue
By the close of its second weekend, “Avatar 3” experienced a modest 33 percent decline in box office earnings compared to its opening weekend. This performance notably outshines that of the franchise’s second film, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which suffered a sharper 52 percent fall during its second weekend in 2022.
Although the third installment did not reach the near-record retention of the original “Avatar” from 2009—which saw only a 1.8 percent drop during its second weekend—it still showcased a level of staying power rarely seen in contemporary blockbusters.
U.S. Box Office Results and Overall Impact
Preliminary reports indicate that the four-day gross for “Avatar 3: Fire and Ash” was about $84 million. By Sunday, its cumulative U.S. box office total reached approximately $213.7 million, underscoring robust viewer interest and promising the film’s long-term success.
Audience Insights and Family Appeal
The audience composition reveals interesting trends. Among parents attending screenings with their children during the second weekend, 52 percent were mothers. Families particularly praised the 3-hour and 17-minute runtime, with an impressive 90 percent of viewers affirming they “highly recommend” the movie.
Notably, women aged over 25 awarded the film its highest ratings, highlighting its wide-ranging appeal beyond typical teenage and male demographics.
Box Office Competitors
The runner-up spot at the U.S. box office was taken by another Disney release—the animated feature “Zootopia 2.” A month post-release, the film continues to maintain strong traction: playing in roughly 3,370 theaters, its weekend earnings are estimated between $19 and $20 million, marking a potential 35 percent increase from the previous weekend.
Disney’s Ongoing Market Supremacy
The impressive performances of both “Avatar 3” and “Zootopia 2” contribute to Disney’s overall dominance in 2025. Earlier this year, the studio became the first and only major film company to exceed $6 billion in global box office revenue, solidifying its top spot within the worldwide entertainment industry.
