* Box office gross: $2.24 billion
* Genre: Science fiction, action, adventure
* Synopsis: Jake Sully and Neytiri must defend their home, Pandora, from a returning human threat.
* Why theaters say it saved the box office: Avatar: The Way of Water was a massive success at the box office, and many theaters credit it with saving the industry. The film's stunning visuals and immersive 3D experience brought audiences back to theaters after the pandemic.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
* Box office gross: $1.92 billion
* Genre: Action, adventure, superhero
* Synopsis: Peter Parker must team up with his old enemies to stop a powerful new threat.
* Why theaters say it saved the box office: Spider-Man: No Way Home was another huge hit at the box office, and it is also credited with helping to save the industry. The film's exciting action sequences and crowd-pleasing cameos were major draws for audiences.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
* Box office gross: $1.48 billion
* Genre: Action, adventure, drama
* Synopsis: Pete "Maverick" Mitchell returns to the Navy to train a new generation of pilots.
* Why theaters say it saved the box office: Top Gun: Maverick was a surprise success at the box office, and it proved that audiences are still interested in seeing big, action-packed films in theaters. The film's thrilling flying sequences and nostalgic appeal were a big hit with audiences.
The Batman (2022)
* Box office gross: $770 million
* Genre: Action, adventure, superhero
* Synopsis: Batman must investigate a series of murders that are plaguing Gotham City.
* Why theaters say it saved the box office: The Batman was another successful superhero film that helped to draw audiences back to theaters. The film's dark, gritty tone and strong performances from Robert Pattinson and Paul Dano were praised by critics and audiences alike.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
* Box office gross: $954 million
* Genre: Action, adventure, superhero
* Synopsis: Doctor Strange must travel through the multiverse to stop a powerful new threat.
* Why theaters say it saved the box office: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was another Marvel film that was a big success at the box office. The film's exciting action sequences and mind-bending visuals were a major draw for audiences.