Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time Adjusted for Inflation

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Top 15 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time (Adjusted for Inflation) in 2025

1. “Gone with the Wind” (1939) – $4.62 Billion

Remaining at the top of the list even in 2025, Gone with the Wind continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. Its timeless story and groundbreaking cinematography have contributed to its immense inflation-adjusted earnings, making it the highest-grossing film of all time. The film’s enduring popularity, especially with classic movie buffs, has kept it a cultural touchstone and box office giant.

2. “Avatar” (2009) – $4.09 Billion

James Cameron’s sci-fi epic Avatar maintains its position among the giants of cinema. Released in 2009, its cutting-edge special effects and revolutionary 3D technology drew audiences worldwide. Its ability to continually attract viewers through re-releases and merchandise sales has resulted in impressive inflation-adjusted revenue. As of 2025, Avatar remains a benchmark for immersive filmmaking.

3. “Titanic” (1997) – $4.01 Billion

Another Cameron classic, Titanic, continues to pull in massive audiences, especially during anniversary re-releases. Its emotional storytelling blended with historic tragedy has made it one of the most beloved films globally. Its ability to connect with viewers across generations secures its high position in the all-time earnings chart.

4. “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) – $3.94 Billion

The original Star Wars film remains a cornerstone of science fiction cinema. Its groundbreaking visual effects and compelling storytelling created a franchise that endures in popular culture. Its continued re-releases and new generations of fans contribute to its high inflation-adjusted earnings.

5. “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) – $3.47 Billion

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s climax movie, Endgame, revolutionized the blockbuster landscape. Its record-breaking opening and audience excitement have kept it among the top grossing films when adjusted for inflation. Endgame represents the peak of superhero cinema’s popularity in 2025.

6. “The Sound of Music” (1965) – $2.80 Billion

This timeless musical continues to enchant audiences with its iconic songs and heartfelt story. Classic films like The Sound of Music have sustained their popularity through generations, ensuring significant box office impact even decades after their debut.

7. “Jaws” (1975) – $2.70 Billion

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is credited with creating the summer blockbuster genre. Its suspenseful storytelling and iconic score have kept it relevant and commercially successful over the decades, leading to its impressive adjusted gross earnings.

8. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) – $2.70 Billion

Reigniting the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens introduced a new generation to the saga. Its massive box office success, driven by nostalgia and new storytelling, keeps it near the top of the list when adjusted for inflation.

9. “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) – $2.59 Billion

Building on the Marvel universe, Infinity War delivered an epic crossover that resonated worldwide. Its enormous global appeal and the build-up to Endgame helped secure a strong position in the all-time franchise earnings.

10. “Avatar: The Way of Water” (2022) – $2.58 Billion

James Cameron’s long-anticipated sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, demonstrates the franchise’s consistent draw. Its groundbreaking visual effects and immersive storytelling continue Cameron’s legacy of pushing cinematic boundaries, propelling it to the top of the list.

11. “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) – $2.54 Billion

Steven Spielberg’s beloved sci-fi adventure remains a heartwarming classic. Its universal themes and memorable characters make it a perennial favorite, translating into massive inflation-adjusted box office numbers even decades later.

12. “The Exorcist” (1973) – $2.53 Billion

This groundbreaking horror film brought supernatural thriller movies into mainstream cinema. Its enduring appeal, coupled with periodic re-releases, sustains its position as one of the highest-grossing horror films adjusted for inflation.

13. “The Ten Commandments” (1956) – $2.33 Billion

The epic biblical film continues to be a staple during religious and holiday seasons. Its grand scale and historical storytelling have ensured lasting popularity and high revenue when accounting for inflation.

14. “Doctor Zhivago” (1965) – $2.26 Billion

This sweeping romantic drama set in Russia during the Cold War remains a film staple. Its universal themes of love and loss resonate across generations, maintaining its status in the top grossing films list.

15. “Jurassic Park” (1993) – $2.26 Billion

Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur adventure continues to entertain audiences with its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling storyline. Its influence on CGI technology and enduring popularity keep it among the most financially successful films of all time.

Note: These figures are based on inflation-adjusted box office earnings as of 2025, compiled from sources including The Numbers, Box Office Mojo, and Wikipedia. The timeless appeal and technological innovations behind these classics contribute to their lasting financial success, demonstrating cinema’s power to endure across eras.