THE Russian Brothers are some of the best-known directors today, thanks to their involvement in directing several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that have grossed over a billion at the box office, along with several other films and TV shows. Likewise, James Cameron is a household name due to his films spanning four decades and numerous genres with great critical and commercial success. Just as Joe and Anthony Russo gained popularity for their involvement in a beloved superhero franchise, Cameron has made a name for himself directing beloved film series like the original, and better, Terminator films and the avatar series, which Cameron will expand further in the coming years.
In the case of the Russo Brothers and James Cameron, the box office results speak for themselves, as they each directed some of the highest-grossing films of all time. 2009 Cameron film avatar remains the highest-grossing film of all time, with a whopping $2.92 billion (via Mojo Box Office). 2019 Russo Brothers film Avengers: Endgame remains in second place with US$ 2.79 billion (via Mojo Box Office). These impressive results, repeated with several other films, made Cameron and the Russo duo the only directors to achieve an impressive box office milestone.
The Russo brothers and James Cameron are the only people to direct three #1 films of the year at the box office
The directors made a collective of the six highest-grossing films of the last 27 years
James Cameron made history in 1997 when Titanic it became the highest-grossing film of all time and certainly the highest-grossing film of that year. In truth, Titanic is the only film from the 20th century that remains on the highest-grossing list to this day, without taking inflation into account. Together with TitanicJames Cameron topped the box office again in 2009 with avatar and a third time in 2022 with Avatar: The Path of Water, showing audience interest in the fantastic world-building and visual effects that abound in the series.
For the Russo Brothers, their biggest box office successes have come from recent MCU films, starting in 2016 with Captain America: Civil War. As the MCU's popularity grew throughout the 2010s, so did the franchise's box office success. Furthermore, since Civil War and the Avengers films saw many audiences' favorite characters appear togetherit makes sense that these films would reach peak popularity. Fittingly, the Russo Brothers finished at the top of the box office again in 2018 for Avengers: Infinity War and in 2019 for Avengers: Endgame.
2025 could break James Cameron and the Russo brothers' box office record
Cameron has a new Avatar movie coming out in 2025
As one of the most anticipated films of 2025, James Cameron Avatar: Fire and Ash Has the potential to break a tie for most #1 films. Given the previous success of avatar and Avatar: The Path of Waterit seems likely that Avatar: Fire and Ash will perform well at the box office in 2025. If it becomes the best film of the year, it will allow Cameron to break the record once again.
Just like the success of avatar series, the success of the MCU, especially considering that Judgment Day will mark the return of several beloved MCU actors, suggesting the film could become a huge box office hit.
However, while James Cameron may come out on top in 2025, 2026 could see the Russo Brothers tying him again. Avengers: Judgment Day is set to be released on May 1, 2026, with the Russos directing the project. Just like the success of avatar series, the success of the MCU, especially considering that Judgment Day will mark the return of several beloved MCU actors, suggesting the film could become a huge box office hit. If their franchises' past successes hold up, Cameron and the Russian Brothers could continue to fight for the most number one films in the coming years.
Source: Mojo Box Office