re: How did avatar make so much money

3D tickets cost more than regular tickets.

While people like to deride the unimaginative plot with its Ferngully ripoff, white savior complex, and clear environmentalist and anti-capitalist message, in 3D, in the movie theaters, it was an absolutely brilliant spectacle. No movie has ever used 3D to create such an immersive and breathtakingly gorgeous viewing experience as Cameron did with Avatar. It doesn't hold up on video or tv because it loses that quality which made it so increadible.