The movie that ultimately surpassed Top Gun: Maverick in box office performance was Avatar: The Way of Water.
Released in December 2022, Avatar: The Way of Water quickly ascended to become the highest-grossing film of that year, despite Top Gun: Maverick having dominated the box office for the majority of 2022.
Top Gun: Maverick's Historic Run
Top Gun: Maverick, the highly anticipated sequel to the 1986 classic, achieved remarkable success upon its release. It garnered a historically huge $1.4 billion at the global box office, a testament to its critical acclaim, audience reception, and Tom Cruise's star power. For much of 2022, it stood as the undisputed biggest hit, setting new benchmarks for post-pandemic cinema.
Avatar: The Way of Water Takes the Lead
While Top Gun: Maverick had an incredible run, its reign as the top film of 2022 was ultimately challenged and surpassed by Avatar: The Way of Water, James Cameron's long-awaited sequel. Released late in the year, Avatar: The Way of Water leveraged strong word-of-mouth, groundbreaking visual effects, and a global marketing blitz to quickly accumulate a massive box office total, eventually exceeding $2.3 billion worldwide.
This significant box office performance allowed Avatar: The Way of Water to claim the title of the biggest hit of 2022, pushing Top Gun: Maverick to the second spot for the year's highest earners.
Box Office Comparison: 2022's Top Films
The table below highlights the global box office performance of these two cinematic giants in 2022:
| Movie Title | Global Box Office (Approx.) | Release Date (2022) | Key Performance Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Gun: Maverick | $1.4 billion | May | Highest-grossing film for most of the year |
| Avatar: The Way of Water | Over $2.3 billion | December | Surpassed Top Gun: Maverick to become 2022's top earner |
Why Avatar: The Way of Water Surpassed Top Gun: Maverick
Avatar: The Way of Water's late 2022 release played a pivotal role in its ability to overtake Top Gun: Maverick. Its box office run extended well into 2023, allowing it to accumulate a substantial global gross. Furthermore, factors contributing to its immense success included:
- Anticipation: A 13-year gap since the original Avatar created massive global anticipation.
- Technological Innovation: Pushing the boundaries of CGI and 3D technology, offering an unparalleled cinematic experience.
- Global Appeal: The Avatar franchise holds immense international appeal, particularly in markets like China.
Ultimately, while both films achieved monumental success and revitalized the theatrical experience, it was Avatar: The Way of Water that secured the top spot for the highest-grossing film of 2022.
