Avatar: Fire and Ash Marks a New Low for Cameron

James Cameron’s latest cinematic venture, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has found itself in an unusual position within his celebrated career. While the director is no stranger to critical acclaim, this third entry in the Avatar saga has garnered the lowest ratings of any of his films—excluding the largely disregarded Piranha II, which Cameron himself has distanced from his body of work. With a critical score that lags well behind its predecessors, the film has prompted a flurry of discussion about its place in Cameron’s filmography.

Critical Response and Comparisons

Currently, Fire and Ash holds a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 200 reviews. The consensus reads:

“Remaining on the cutting edge of visual effects, Fire and Ash repeats the narrative beats of its predecessors to frustrating effect, but its grand spectacle continues to stoke one-of-a-kind thrills.”

By comparison, the original Avatar achieved 81%, while Avatar: The Way of Water managed 76%. Cameron’s highest-rated film remains Aliens from 1986, boasting a 94% score. The full ranking of his works, according to Rotten Tomatoes, places Fire and Ash at the bottom, just below Avatar: The Way of Water and The Abyss.

With a production budget exceeding $400 million, Fire and Ash is among the most expensive films ever made. On Metacritic, it has received a score of 62 out of 100, based on 50 critic reviews, further highlighting its mixed reception.

Mixed Reviews and Standout Performances

Despite the film’s visual achievements and dynamic action, many critics have pointed to a lack of emotional depth and a rather straightforward plot. Oona Chaplin’s portrayal of Varang, leader of the Ash People, has been singled out as a particular highlight, with returning cast members also receiving praise for their performances.

Some reviewers have not held back in their criticism. Nicholas Barber of the BBC described it as the

“longest and worst”

of the series, likening its visuals to

“an old arcade game.”

Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian found the film

“uninteresting”

for the most part, labelling it a

“gigantically dull hunk of nonsense.”

IndieWire’s David Ehrlich remarked that watching the film felt like observing

“one of cinema’s greatest explorers walk in circles for three hours.”

However, not all feedback has been negative. Ross Bonaime at Collider noted that while the film may not surpass the impact of the earlier entries, it remains

“an exceptional moviegoing experience that proves there’s still plenty of gas in this tank.”

FandomWire’s Matt Hambidge called it

“the best, most emotional Avatar yet,”

though he admitted some sections felt like

“additional footage from The Way of Water, edited into its own movie.”

Pandora’s Darker Side and Future Plans

This latest chapter shifts focus from the familiar conflict between the Na’vi and human invaders, delving instead into the internal strife among Pandora’s inhabitants. Two new clans are introduced: the Tlalim, or Wind Traders, and the Mangkwan, known as the Ash People. The narrative explores the more shadowy aspects of Na’vi society, a departure from the previous films’ emphasis on their virtues.

Cameron has explained the significance of the title, suggesting that fire symbolises hatred and violence, while ash represents the aftermath—grief and loss. He described the story’s central theme as a

“vicious cycle”

of anger and its consequences.

The cast sees the return of Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington, alongside Oona Chaplin, Sigourney Weaver, and several others. The original film remains the highest-grossing of all time, with its sequel not far behind. Cameron has already mapped out two further instalments, scheduled for release in 2029 and 2031.

Avatar: Fire & Ash is now showing in cinemas from 19 December 2025.