Avatar, Top Gun, Barbie: See list of Post-COVID billion-dollar movies

Post-COVID billion-dollar movies. Photo Credit- Cultural Crave/Facebook
The film industry experienced a remarkable resurgence, with a wave of blockbuster movies shattering box office records as the world emerged from the shadows of COVID-19. From animated epics to superhero spectacles, the post-COVID era has redefined cinematic success, with 11 films surpassing the coveted billion-dollar mark since 2021. Here’s a look at the standout titles that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Leading the pack is Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), which soared to an impressive $2.32 billion. James Cameron’s visually stunning sequel to the 2009 classic reaffirmed the enduring appeal of Pandora’s breathtaking landscapes. Close on its heels is Nè Zha 2 (2025), a Chinese animated marvel that raked in $2.215 billion, showcasing the global rise of animated storytelling.
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The superhero genre also flexed its muscle, with Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) swinging to $1.921 billion, blending multiverse magic with fan-favorite characters. Pixar’s Inside Out 2 (2024) followed suit, earning $1.699 billion by delving deeper into the emotional lives of its audience. Meanwhile, Top Gun: Maverick (2022) soared to $1.496 billion, proving that top-level action and nostalgia can still dominate the skies.
The cultural phenomenon of Barbie (2023) added a splash of pink to the list, grossing $1.447 billion with its bold, satirical take on the iconic doll. Gaming fans celebrated as The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) jumped to $1.361 billion, bringing Mario and Luigi’s adventures to life. The dynamic duo of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) slashed their way to $1.338 billion, blending humor and heroism.
Disney continued its legacy with Moana 2 (2024) sailing to $1.059 billion and Lilo & Stitch (2025) landing at $1.009 billion, both enchanting viewers with their heartfelt narratives. Rounding out the list is Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), which roared to $1.002 billion, closing the trilogy with a prehistoric bang.
Currently, these films highlight a thriving industry, with diverse genres and global stories resonating with audiences. The post-COVID box office boom signals a new golden age of cinema, where creativity and spectacle continue to reign supreme.