At least eleven films have held the record of 'highest-grossing film' since "The Birth of a Nation" assumed the top spot in 1915. Both "The Birth of a Nation" and "Gone with the Wind" spent twenty-five consecutive years apiece as the highest-grosser, with films directed by Steven Spielberg and James Cameron holding the record on three occasions each. Spielberg became the first director to break his own record when "Jurassic Park" overtook "E.T.", and Cameron emulated the feat when "Avatar" broke the record set by "Titanic". When it took over the top spot in 2019, "Avengers: Endgame" became the first sequel to hold the record of highest-grossing film, and in doing so ended thirty-six years of Spielberg/Cameron dominance before "Avatar" reclaimed the top spot two years later in 2021.