Avatar: The Way of Water Reviews
Nothing more quickly hollows out a society than hatred of immigrants, whether practiced by blue aliens on Pandora or red hats in Trump’s America.
| Original Score: 4/4 | Feb 28, 2025
It is admirable as a viewing experience, but it has none of the emotional conviction that makes a true movie classic.
| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 18, 2024
James Cameron’s long-awaited blockbuster sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, is a big, boisterous, beautiful return to Pandora.
| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 13, 2024
Avatar: The Way of Water, the long awaited sequel to Cameron’s Avatar - the highest grossing film of all time - was ultimately mesmerizing and a mind-blowing immersive visual experience taking audiences on a epic adventure unlike anything seen before.
| Original Score: 8/10 | Jul 8, 2024
Overall, Avatar: The Way of Water is a colossal disappointment on a story and character level, saved only by its stunning visuals (at least when they’re not too garish).
| Original Score: C- | Jul 7, 2024
The first Avatar was a spectacular display of technical prowess. It utilized Cameron’s brilliant populist instincts to capture the imagination of the planet. By comparison, The Way of Water feels like a pale imitation.
| Original Score: 1/5 | Jul 3, 2024
Did I think this movie would be made? No. Did I think it would crack my Top 10? Also no. But here we are.
| Feb 27, 2024
'Avatar: The Way of Water' pops with well-rendered images and vibrant colors. It's like you’re witnessing Cameron film a National Geographic documentary on an alien planet. It evokes all the senses.
| Original Score: A | Jan 9, 2024
James Cameron's Avatar sequel has stunning visuals that get elevated on a big IMAX screen. However, the plot is less than engaging, the dialogues are clunky, and you wish it was shorter.
| Oct 4, 2023
The special effects are breathtaking...Like all sequels, the original was a bit better.
| Original Score: 8/10 | Aug 10, 2023
Technology used to make the film is so compelling and masterful that everything else is an afterthought.
| Original Score: B- | Aug 9, 2023
Whatever may be wrong with it, Avatar: The Way of Water is pure, unabashed cinema, with some of the most glorious visuals ever put to screen and an endlessly absorbing soundtrack.
| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 6, 2023
The Way of Water is somehow even better than its already masterful antecedent.
| Aug 2, 2023
The Way of Water clearly sets itself apart from other blockbusters, building on 13 years of preparation to deliver a memorable cinema experience. A visually, technically breathtaking adventure, particularly in the truly stunning underwater sequences.
| Original Score: B+ | Jul 25, 2023
The Way Of Water is not just one of the best sequels ever created… it’s a god damn masterpiece. Breathtaking, visually stunning, & epic in every single way. I’m truly speechless by what James Cameron has crafted
| Jul 25, 2023
Would you like to go on venture number three in the world of Pandora? After the first one, I would have said, “no, thanks”, but now, bring it on.
| Original Score: B- | Jul 25, 2023
As with the first film, it’s impossible to deny that audiences will be treated to a visual feast in The Way of Water, but those looking for a more character-driven movie will be left adrift in the open water.
| Jul 24, 2023
Unlike every CGI-heavy theme park ride, the fact that the spectacle and the action sequences never undermine the narrative or emotionally stirring moments is mind-boggling.
| Original Score: 5/5 | Jul 23, 2023
We’re nowhere close to Cameron at his best, but I feel we’re approaching something worth experiencing.
| Original Score: 6/10 | Jun 20, 2023
We can accept a barebones revenger because it lets us reacquaint ourselves with Pandora. Cameron is easing us back in with a conflict we don't need to expend too much energy on so we can absorb everything else in the background.
| Original Score: 8/10 | May 12, 2023