Avatar: The Way of Water dominated box office distribution in the CIS, leading the charts with a strong 160 million rubles in theaters. During the weekend spanning December 15 to 18, performances across CIS markets outside Russia and Belarus underscored the film’s broad appeal and robust audience turnout. The newest chapter in James Cameron’s Avatar universe continued to draw crowds with its immersive world-building, expansive underwater realms, and a continuing tale of family, identity, and survival on Pandora. Sources tracking regional cinema reported the film’s leadership and sustained momentum, highlighting its status as a top choice for moviegoers seeking a grand, visually stunning experience. Source: kinobusiness.com
Directed by James Cameron, the film serves as a sequel to Avatar and follows the journey of Jake Sully as he integrates into the Na’vi world on Pandora with a new family. More than a decade has passed since the original story, and the saga now centers on Jake’s leadership of the Omaticaya clan, his life with Neytiri, and the growth of their children: Neteyam and Lo’ak. The narrative also introduces Kiri, the adopted daughter of Grace Augustine, and the enigmatic Spider, who is human by birth and connected to the world of Pandora in complicated ways. The cast brings together iconic performers who have become synonymous with the franchise, including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang, all contributing to a cinematic tapestry that blends familial stakes with epic adventure. The film expands Cameron’s expansive mythology while deepening the emotional center that has defined the series for many fans.
Box office reports from the period emphasize strong participation from audiences across the region, with the film’s appeal spanning families, science fiction enthusiasts, and fans of spectacular cinema. The ensemble cast returns to anchor a story that blends groundbreaking visual effects with character-driven moments, offering a sense of continuity and growth for longtime followers of the franchise. The film’s production design, motion-capture performances, and immersive soundscapes continue to set a high standard for modern blockbuster filmmaking, reinforcing Cameron’s reputation for ambitious world-building and technical prowess.
The second place at the box office was taken by the movie Naughty-2, directed by Vladimir Kotta. The film follows a new set of misadventures featuring Moscow blogger Dima who hides from authorities in a convent while aiding an amnesiac nun in her attempts to navigate danger within a criminal hierarchy. The cast includes Gosha Kutsenko, Taisiya Vilkova, Viktor Khorinyak, and Yuri Kuznetsov, among others, delivering a blend of suspense, humor, and daredevil escapades that resonated with regional audiences seeking fast-paced, character-driven storytelling.
In third place is Christmas Trees-9, directed by Alexander Lupashko and Sergey Naumov. This anthology-style film weaves New Year vignettes from diverse corners of Russia, capturing festive moods, small-town warmth, and holiday mishaps that echo familiar seasonal rhythms. Released on December 1, the movie connected with audiences looking for lighthearted, feel-good cinema that celebrates family and tradition during the holiday season.