10 Most Expensive Films of all Time Ranked - And Where to Watch Them

Newsweek

2 days ago

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James Cameron's third "Avatar" film is estimated to have a production budget of around $250–300 million. That makes it one of costliest films in history, but is it in the top ten?
We can answer that right now: no. There are ten movies ahead of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" in the rankings (including the previous film in the series, "Avatar: The Way of Water").
The following ten films are listed in terms of production budget, and adjusted for inflation. That means older movies can compete on equal footing with modern ones. You'll also see where you can watch each film as of 2025.
Varang, leader of the Mangkwan Ash clan, in "Avatar: Fire and Ash."
Varang, leader of the Mangkwan Ash clan, in "Avatar: Fire and Ash."
20th Century Studios
The scary thing is market budgets haven't even been factored in, making the films cost even more when you take account of the advertising and promotion. Scroll on for the full list.
10 Most Expensive Films of all Time Ranked
10. Titanic (1997)
Original Budget : $200 million
: $200 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $380–$400 million
: $380–$400 million Director : James Cameron
: James Cameron Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane
: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+; also available to rent/buy
9. Fast X (2023)
Original Budget : $340 million
: $340 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $392 million
: $392 million Director : Louis Leterrier
: Louis Leterrier Cast : Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Momoa
: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Momoa Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video; also available to rent/buy
8. Justice League (2017)
Original Budget : $370 million
: $370 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $423 million
: $423 million Directors : Zack Snyder / Joss Whedon
: Zack Snyder / Joss Whedon Cast : Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa
: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa Where to Watch: Streaming on Max
7. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Original Budget : $365 million
: $365 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $448 million
: $448 million Director : Joss Whedon
: Joss Whedon Cast : Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth
: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth Where to Watch: Streaming on Disney+
6. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Original Budget : $350–$460 million
: $350–$460 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $428–$460 million
: $428–$460 million Director : James Cameron
: James Cameron Cast : Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet
: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet Where to Watch: Streaming on Disney+ and Max
5. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Original Budget : $400 million
: $400 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $460 million
: $460 million Directors : Anthony & Joe Russo
: Anthony & Joe Russo Cast : Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth
: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth Where to Watch: Streaming on Disney+
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Original Budget : $306 million
: $306 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $478 million
: $478 million Director : J.J. Abrams
: J.J. Abrams Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Adam Driver
: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Adam Driver Where to Watch: Streaming on Disney+
3. John Carter (2012)
Original Budget : $263 million
: $263 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $480 million
: $480 million Director : Andrew Stanton
: Andrew Stanton Cast : Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe
: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe Where to Watch: Streaming on Disney+
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
Original Budget : $379 million
: $379 million Adjusted Budget (2025) : $490 million
: $490 million Director : Rob Marshall
: Rob Marshall Cast : Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush
: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush Where to Watch: Streaming on Disney+
1. Cleopatra (1963)