The "Avatar" movies, particularly the 2009 original and its 2022 sequel "Avatar: The Way of Water," have achieved massive box office success, becoming the highest and third-highest grossing films of all time, respectively. This success defies conventional Hollywood logic, as these films, while praised for their groundbreaking 3D visuals and James Cameron's action directing, have derivative stories and characters that critics often find less compelling than their technical achievements. Despite this critical reception, the films have resonated strongly with audiences, leading to repeat viewings and immense financial returns that surpass many other major franchises.
A significant factor in their success appears to be the immersive theatrical experience, especially the advanced 3D technology, which incentivized premium ticket prices and made watching the films on a smaller screen seem like a diminished experience. This emphasis on the big-screen spectacle has been a key selling point. Furthermore, "Avatar" has found immense popularity in international markets, particularly in China and India, where a significantly higher percentage of consumers saw "The Way of Water" in theaters compared to the US and UK.
Remarkably, the "Avatar" franchise has achieved this level of success without relying on a vast shared universe or extensive tie-in media, setting it apart from other dominant franchises that saturate the market with content. The longevity of the franchise's appeal, with "The Way of Water" earning over $2 billion thirteen years after the first film, challenges typical box office trends, especially in the post-pandemic era where theaters have faced significant struggles. While the author personally finds the stories and characters less engaging than the technical marvel, they acknowledge that betting against James Cameron is unwise, and the films' ability to draw audiences to theaters is a positive for the film industry.