James Cameron stands out as one of the most prominent and celebrated directors of our time, and his reputation is well-earned. Notably, he’s responsible for three colossal box office hits: Titanic, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of Water, each of which surpassed the remarkable $2 billion mark in global earnings. These films have had a permanent effect on the cinematic world.
Moviegoers all over the world will always remember the 2009 release of the first Avatar. It marked Cameron’s comeback to filmmaking following Titanic’s enormous success. With its innovative 3D technology and ground-breaking visual effects, Avatar quickly became a worldwide phenomenon and, at the time, the highest-grossing film ever made.
James Cameron started working on a sequel after the first film was released, which later led to the creation of several more. After a patient 13-year wait, Avatar: The Way of Water finally graced the screens in December 2022, leaving audiences eager for the impending third installment, which draws nearer with each passing day.
This article will provide you with an insightful breakdown of the current and future Avatar movies, shedding light on how many have been released and how many are yet to come.
How Many Avatar Movies Are There?
As of the moment when this article is being penned, we have two Avatar movies in existence, and it’s worth noting that both of them are a labor of love directed, produced, written, and meticulously edited by the visionary filmmaker himself, James Cameron. The initial Avatar installment graced the screens back in 2009 under the banner of 20th Century Fox. However, the sequel took a different route, finding its release under the umbrella of 20th Century Studios. This change comes after Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019, which brought the sequel into the Disney family.
Avatar Movies in Order (At a Glance)
It’s indeed quite fascinating how, over the span of 13 years, we’ve witnessed the release of only two movies in a franchise that first took flight more than a decade ago. Below, you can find a rundown of every Avatar movie that has graced the silver screen to date.
- Avatar (2009)
- Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Are Avatar Movies Connected? Do You Need to Watch Them in a Specific Order?
Avatar: The Way of Water” stands as a direct sequel to its predecessor, unfurling its tale a decade and a half subsequent to the events of the inaugural installment. While, in theory, there exists no insurmountable impediment to commencing your cinematic voyage with “The Way of Water,” especially if, by some fortuitous circumstance, you remain uninitiated in the origins of this saga, it’s prudent to heed a different counsel. The rationale underpinning this counsel is rooted in the stark differentiation between the original production and its sequel, the latter concluding with a series of beguiling and tantalizing unresolved questions. For an unadulterated comprehension of the narrative tapestry and to savor the unfolding developments, it is strongly recommended to partake in these celluloid journeys in the chronological sequence of their release. This approach shall furnish you with the optimum preparedness to embrace the forthcoming chapter without the lamentable omission of pivotal plot intricacies.
What Is the Best Way to Watch Avatar Movies?
Beyond the crucial aspect of watching Avatar movies in the order of their release, there’s another defining element associated with this franchise. These videos are best appreciated in their greatest quality and on the largest screens possible. We wholeheartedly advise purchasing the Blu-Ray edition if you can, particularly for the longer version of the original film, which provides an even more immersive viewing experience.
You’re in luck if Blu-Ray is not available, though. The theatrical cut of the original Avatar movie is now accessible on Disney+. Furthermore, the sequel is set to make its way onto the platform eventually. The cardinal rule to remember is to avoid viewing Avatar on a laptop or, even worse, on a smaller screen. To truly appreciate the intricate and awe-inspiring world Cameron has crafted, a large, high-definition screen is the way to go.
Avatar Movies in Order
1. Avatar (2009)
“Avatar” holds the distinction of being James Cameron’s first directorial endeavor following his epic “Titanic.” The film’s narrative centers on the character of Jake Sully, a former Marine, who seizes the opportunity to carry on the work of his late brother. Transported to the mesmerizing world of Pandora, Jake undergoes a remarkable transformation as he enters a genetically engineered Avatar body, designed for the purpose of infiltrating the native Omaticaya clan.
Within this alien society, he crosses paths with Neytiri, a striking and formidable Na’vi warrior. As their paths intertwine, Jake finds himself drawn not only to Neytiri but also to the profound way of life on Pandora. Faced with a heart-wrenching dilemma, he must decide between fulfilling his initial mission and assisting the indigenous people in reclaiming their home from the unwelcome interlopers. This emotional and moral conflict lies at the core of the film’s captivating storyline.
2. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Following the monumental success of the original film, James Cameron embarked on an ambitious journey to bring us a sequel, a project that unfolded over an arduous 13-year wait. In December 2022, fans worldwide finally rejoiced as they returned to the wondrous world of Pandora.
In this highly anticipated sequel, we find that Jake and Neytiri have started a family, and life appears to have settled into a semblance of normalcy. However, the tranquility is abruptly shattered when Earth’s colonizers make an unwelcome return, led by Jake’s formidable adversary, Miles Quaritch, now inhabiting an Avatar body.
With the embers of conflict reignited, Jake takes on the mantle of leadership, guiding his family to the mystical mermen of Metkayine in a bid to escape the looming war. Little does he know that the ravages of war, once ignited, are not easily evaded, and he soon discovers that even amidst the serene waters of Metkayine, the specter of war shadows him relentlessly. This gripping narrative delves into the enduring impact of conflict on those who are thrust into its turmoil.
Where to Watch Avatar Movies?
As of January 2023, the original Avatar movie is currently accessible on Disney+, but it’s worth noting that only the original cut of the film is available through this platform. For the extended version, one would need to turn to the Blu-Ray release.
In contrast, “Avatar: The Way of Water” is still captivating audiences in theaters, and its availability on streaming platforms remains uncertain. The delay in its streaming release is presumably strategic on Disney’s part, as they aim to maximize their box office earnings before making the film available on their streaming service. This decision underscores the film’s continued success in theaters and the importance of optimizing profits from its theatrical run.
Will There Be More Avatar Movies?
Commencing with the inception of a solitary sequel to the original masterpiece, Avatar, an elaborate vision unfurled, encompassing not one, but a quartet of sequels. At this juncture, we’ve borne witness to the unveiling of just one installment from this series, leaving a trilogy yet to grace the cinematic realm.
What bestows an aura of fascination is that each of these impending cinematic creations bears a provisional moniker that, as of the present moment, remains shrouded in enigma. This veiled nomenclature surrounding these productions merely serves to augment the eager anticipation for the forthcoming chapters in the ever-expansive and enthralling universe of Avatar.
- Avatar: The Seed Bearer (2024)
- Avatar: The Tulkun Rider (2026)
- Avatar: The Quest for Eywa (2028)
Each of these films is set to make its debut in the month of December in their respective release years. Notably, James Cameron has hinted at the possibility of passing on his directorial knowledge to another talent for potential future films after he completes his five-film commitment. However, that prospect remains a distant and uncertain horizon.
Summary:
Explore the world of James Cameron’s Avatar movies, including the order of release, key facts about each film, and answers to frequently asked questions. With two movies released and several more in the pipeline, get ready for an in-depth journey through the cinematic universe of Pandora.
Facts:
Avatar (2009): The original film marked James Cameron’s return to directing after Titanic and introduced us to the lush world of Pandora, featuring characters like Jake Sully and Neytiri.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022): The long-anticipated sequel sees Jake and Neytiri facing new challenges as they defend Pandora against Earth’s colonizers.
Disney’s Acquisition: The sequel was released under Disney’s 20th Century Studios after Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Visual Effects: Both movies are known for their groundbreaking visual effects and 3D technology.
Watch in Order: To fully appreciate the narrative, it’s recommended to watch the movies in the order of their release.
Physical and Streaming: The original Avatar movie is available on Disney+, but the extended version is accessible through the Blu-Ray release.
Large Screens: To enjoy the immersive world of Pandora, watching on a large, high-definition screen is highly recommended.
Future Sequels: There are three more sequels planned for release in December of 2024, 2026, and 2028.
Provisional Titles: The future sequels have provisional titles: “Avatar: The Seed Bearer,” “Avatar: The Tulkun Rider,” and “Avatar: The Quest for Eywa.”
Directorial Knowledge: James Cameron has hinted at the possibility of passing on his directorial duties for future films after completing his five-film commitment.
FAQs:
How many Avatar movies are there currently?
There are two Avatar movies released so far.
What is the order to watch the Avatar movies?
It’s best to watch them in the order of their release, starting with “Avatar” in 2009 and then “Avatar: The Way of Water” in 2022.
Where can I watch the original Avatar movie?
As of January 2023, the original cut of “Avatar” is available on Disney+.
Is there an extended version of the original Avatar movie available for streaming?
No, the extended version is available through the Blu-Ray release.
When are the future Avatar sequels scheduled for release?
The upcoming sequels are set to be released in December of 2024, 2026, and 2028.
What are the provisional titles of the future Avatar sequels?
The provisional titles are “Avatar: The Seed Bearer,” “Avatar: The Tulkun Rider,” and “Avatar: The Quest for Eywa.”
Will there be more Avatar movies beyond the currently planned sequels?
James Cameron has hinted at the possibility but hasn’t provided specific details.
What makes the Avatar movies visually stunning?
Both movies are known for their groundbreaking visual effects and 3D technology.
Who are the main characters in the Avatar movies?
The central characters include Jake Sully, Neytiri, and the formidable antagonist, Miles Quaritch.
Why is it important to watch the movies on a large screen?
To fully appreciate the intricate and awe-inspiring world of Pandora that Cameron has crafted, a large, high-definition screen is recommended for an immersive experience.
