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The Oscars and the box office don’t always align. Many films that sweep the Academy Awards are intimate dramas, period pieces, or festival darlings, and usually not massive commercial hits. However, occasionally, a film manages to do both: win Best Picture and dominate global ticket sales.
In the history of the Academy Awards, only a few titles have combined prestige with profit in seismic ways. Forrest Gump, Gladiator, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King each earned big while collecting golden statues. But none came close to the scale of one unforgettable epic that redefined blockbuster cinema.
Released in the late 1990s, James Cameron’s Titanic turned a historical tragedy into a sweeping romantic saga powered by star-crossed lovers, iconic direction, and groundbreaking effects. Theaters stayed full for months, and fans watched it multiple times. Moreover, awards piled up for this movie, including the Oscar.
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Titanic (1997) dir. James Cameron pic.twitter.com/pCZqWeRLTe
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) June 23, 2025
Directed by James Cameron, Titanic (1997) didn’t just win the Academy Award; it rewrote the rules of global cinema. The film opened modestly in December but became a worldwide phenomenon by early 1998. At its peak, theatres added extra shows just to keep up with demand.
According to Box Office Mojo, it ultimately grossed $2.2 billion worldwide, a record that stood for over a decade until Avatar (also by Cameron) surpassed it. Domestically, it earned $674M, and its longevity was unmatched. The movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, stayed at #1 in the U.S. box office for 15 consecutive weeks.
James Cameron on the set of Titanic 🚢 pic.twitter.com/wY5B3iPn1P
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) June 29, 2025
At the 70th Academy Awards, Titanic won 11 Oscars, tying with Ben-Hur and The Return of the King for the most wins ever. Among its trophies are Best Picture, Best Director (James Cameron), and Best Original Song (My Heart Will Go On).
Its success stemmed from a mix of romantic appeal, technical brilliance, and cultural timing. It captured older audiences and teens alike, with repeat viewings boosting revenue week after week. More than 25 years later, Titanic remains the highest-grossing Best Picture winner ever, and the only one to enter the $2 billion club. It’s not just an Oscar legend; it’s a box office benchmark.
Note: Box office numbers are based on estimates and various sources. Numbers have not been independently verified by Koimoi.
Stay tuned to Koimoi for more box office updates!
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