The world got its first glimpse of James Cameron's sweeping masterpiece Titanic on November 1, 1997, when it debuted at the Tokyo International Film Festival. It was a premiere that would launch one of the most remarkable cinematic odysseys ever seen — a truly landmark occasion in film history. Going on to sweep 11 Academy Awards and claim the title of highest-grossing film of its era, Titanic would leave an indelible mark on audiences across the globe.
Fun Facts:
- At the time of its production, Titanic was the priciest movie ever made, with a budget exceeding $200 million.
- Raking in more than $2 billion at the worldwide box office, the film held onto its revenue crown until Avatar overtook it in 2009.
- Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet portrayed the central characters and were featured prominently across nearly all of the film's promotional materials.
- While November 1st marked its global debut, American audiences wouldn't get to see the film until its United States release in December of the same year.
- From opening frame to final credits, the movie clocks in at a hefty 195 minutes.
- Its haul of 11 Academy Awards put it in a three-way tie for the most Oscar victories alongside Ben-Hur and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
- "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion exploded into a worldwide sensation and remains inseparably linked to the film to this day.
- That 1997 Tokyo premiere was just the starting point — it kicked off a global rollout that drew in viewers from every corner of the planet, proving the story's truly universal appeal.