Every James Cameron Movie, Ranked

James Cameron has only directed a handful of films – just twelve – throughout his 44-year career. Since 2009, he’s focused on the Avatar franchise, releasing only three movies: Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Avatar: Fire and Ash. That’s why each new film he makes is a major cinematic event.

What’s a great way to mark this occasion? By reviewing his complete film work – all 12 movies – and ranking them. This includes his two documentaries about exploring the ocean, Ghosts of the Abyss (2003) and Aliens of the Deep (2005). However, it doesn’t include films he helped with as a producer or writer, like Strange Days, Alita: Battle Angel, or Terminator: Dark Fate, even though he played a big role in those projects.

The list also omits his T2-3D film, which was once a popular attraction at Universal Studios. While it was impressive for its time, it felt different from regular movies, making a direct comparison difficult. (If you didn’t get a chance to see it, videos are available on YouTube.) The film didn’t really fit into the Terminator storyline—but honestly, nothing does at this point, so it’s not worth worrying about!

From Piranha II to Avatar 3, here’s a ranking of all of James Cameron’s films, from his least favorite to his best.

Every James Cameron Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

12. Piranha II: The Spawning (1980)

James Cameron has always had a complicated relationship with this film, sometimes dismissing it and other times openly making fun of it. It’s the only movie he’s made where his creative vision was really hampered, and it’s noticeable. While some of the special effects are surprisingly good for a low-budget horror film, and Lance Henriksen delivers a strong performance as the police chief, the movie generally doesn’t stand out from the many similar shark-attack films of the time. It doesn’t feel like a hidden gem from a future acclaimed director. However, there are clear connections between this movie and Cameron’s later, more successful work. In fact, both Piranha II and Avatar 2 explore similar themes: the captivating beauty and inherent danger of underwater life, and the creatures that live there – even those that can seemingly fly out of the water.

11. Ghosts of the Abyss (2003)

This documentary is really something else. After Titanic became such a huge hit, James Cameron actually went down to the wreck site himself – multiple times! He used submarines and robotic cameras to explore the remains at the bottom of the ocean, and the incredible footage is what this IMAX 3D film is built around. It’s all narrated by Bill Paxton, who co-starred in Titanic, and he actually joined Cameron and the crew on these dives. It’s a bizarre mix – you’ve got biologists, historians, tech experts, the camera crew, and Bill Paxton crammed into these tiny subs! Then, the timing is just… strange. They completed a really challenging mission on September 11, 2001, and when they surfaced, they found out about the terrorist attacks. The film then spends a few minutes reflecting on tragedy. Honestly, it’s a really odd, but fascinating, watch.

10. Aliens of the Deep (2005)

While Aliens of the Deep builds upon the strengths of Ghosts of the Abyss, it also introduces some new issues. This time, Cameron and his team of scientists (though sadly, Bill Paxton isn’t involved) explore the strange life forms found in the deepest parts of the ocean. The underwater photography is even more stunning than in the previous film, and the creatures they discover are truly captivating. However, the documentary becomes less engaging when it moves away from the ocean depths. It’s also significantly longer than Ghosts of the Abyss – about 40 minutes – and could definitely be trimmed. Let’s just say, even fascinating footage of krill can become a bit monotonous after a while!

9. The Abyss (1989)

Released in 1989, The Abyss was incredibly innovative for its time, notably featuring one of the first computer-generated water creatures in a film. The story centers on a divorced couple (Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) who undertake a dangerous mission to recover a sunken submarine. While still a well-made film, The Abyss now feels like a stepping stone for James Cameron, foreshadowing ideas and visuals he would later perfect in his other movies. It’s enjoyable, but doesn’t rank among his very best work.

8. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

While not as groundbreaking as the original, Cameron’s return to Pandora still delivers stunning visuals and thrilling action. This time, the story focuses on Jake and Neytiri’s family and how family ties can be both a source of strength and vulnerability. The Way of Water is packed with ideas, clearly the result of a decade-long effort, and though it sometimes feels overwhelming, its best moments – like a spectacular naval battle between the Na’vi and humans – far surpass anything seen in most recent blockbusters.

7. Avatar (2009)

It’s become trendy to dismiss this movie, claiming it didn’t leave a lasting impression and is the most successful film nobody remembers or enjoys. But I actually do like it, and I remember it vividly. I’ve even watched it four or five times! Each time, it’s clear why it became such a huge hit: it’s a truly spectacular visual experience – a completely original world brought to life by Cameron and his team – combined with timeless themes of someone torn between two different worlds. For most directors, this would be their crowning achievement. But for James Cameron, it’s not even among his best five films.

6. Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025)

Of all the Avatar movies, Avatar: Fire and Ash is my personal favorite. The visuals continue to get better with each film, thanks to advancements in 3D and high-frame rate technology. But beyond that, Fire and Ash really delivers on long-awaited character development – we’ve been following these characters for almost twenty years, and their emotional journeys feel incredibly impactful. Or maybe it’s just that, as a father, I’m particularly moved by stories about parents fighting to protect their kids in a difficult world. Whatever the reason, I’m eagerly anticipating Avatar 4 and ready for more.

5. True Lies (1994)

The last time Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron worked together was on this fun parody of James Bond films. Schwarzenegger plays a seemingly ordinary family man who secretly leads a double life as a top secret agent. While True Lies feels more like a classic Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie than one directed by James Cameron, it still explores themes Cameron often focused on – like the challenges of marriage and living a hidden life. Cameron’s incredible talent for action sequences is on full display, with highlights including a truly spectacular horse chase.

4. Titanic (1997)

James Cameron’s most famous films all share similar ingredients: a love story, large-scale action, exciting chases, and a complex relationship with technology. While Titanic isn’t as explosively action-packed as films like The Terminator or Avatar, it still features these core themes. It was a massive undertaking – and a huge success – for its time, and it’s clear why. Cameron excels at keeping the story focused on the characters, even when surrounded by spectacular visuals and grand settings.

3. The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator wasn’t just a successful science-fiction film; it launched James Cameron’s directing career. Its clever premise—a fight happening now to prevent a future war—allowed Cameron to create a grand-scale movie despite having a limited budget. He only needed to show brief scenes of the future war, letting most of the action take place in 1984. He also cleverly used Arnold Schwarzenegger’s large build to disguise the robotic killer for much of the film, which was also a way to save money. From the start, Cameron demonstrated he was a visionary with the skill to bring his ambitious ideas to life.

2. Aliens (1986)

According to James Cameron, he sold Fox on the idea for an Alien sequel with a simple visual: he wrote “alien” on a piece of paper, added an “s” to make “aliens,” and then transformed the “s” into a dollar sign – creating “ALIEN$.” Fox approved the pitch, and Cameron was hired to create what many consider one of the best sequels ever made (and this wouldn’t be the last time he delivered a masterpiece). While Aliens features significantly more of the creatures than Ridley Scott’s original film, it remains centered on Sigourney Weaver’s character, Ellen Ripley, and explores powerful themes of motherhood and trauma.

1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

After seven years, Arnold Schwarzenegger returned as the Terminator in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a truly iconic blockbuster film. Director James Cameron delivered incredible action sequences and pioneered the use of CGI with the groundbreaking liquid metal T-1000. The film also introduced a memorable and powerful female action hero in Linda Hamilton’s portrayal of Sarah Connor. Schwarzenegger’s performance as a reprogrammed robot is both humorous and poignant, and his final scene is famously emotional. T2 brilliantly combines many of Cameron’s key themes into a deeply satisfying film, notably the hopeful message that we create our own destiny.

The Best Movies of 2022

20. Everything Everywhere All at Once

Michelle Yeoh finds herself caught up in a wild, multiverse-spanning adventure where she’s the only one who can prevent a powerful evil force from destroying everything. While the movie starts with a really creative and detailed backstory, it unfortunately doesn’t explore that as much in the later parts, shifting focus instead to the characters’ personal journeys. However, it’s impressive how the film manages to be both grand in scope, delightfully silly, and genuinely heartfelt. A highlight is the return of Ke Huy Quan (from The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), who delivers a fantastic performance as Yeoh’s long-suffering husband – hopefully, this is just the start of a great new chapter in his career.

19. The Northman

Though director Robert Eggers hasn’t surpassed his impressive film The Witch, his dedication to creating movies that feel like glimpses into magical, bygone eras is noteworthy. His latest film, The Northman, dives into Viking myths and legends, retelling the story of a prince (Alexander Skarsgård) who returns home to avenge his father’s murder.

The Northman isn’t necessarily an accurate portrayal of Viking life. Instead, with its beautiful scenery, unique dialogue, and stunning visuals, it feels like the kind of movie a Viking might enjoy if cinemas existed a thousand years ago.

18. Descendant

Margaret Brown’s documentary skillfully combines careful observation with insightful questioning. She expertly interviews members of an Alabama community as they come to terms with the discovery of wreckage from the Clotilda, the last ship that brought enslaved people to the U.S., and she also knows when to simply let events unfold naturally before the camera. Having watched many documentaries on Netflix this year, I can confidently say this film stands out as the best.

17. Kimi

Steven Soderbergh’s newest film stands out as the best fictional movie made during the pandemic to directly address and incorporate Covid-19 into its story. It follows a tech worker with extreme anxiety about leaving her home (played by Zoe Kravitz) who uncovers clues about a potential murder while reviewing audio from a smart speaker, creating a thrilling mystery in the vein of Brian De Palma’s classic films – and one of the best such thrillers in two decades. The movie is a clever, stylish, and often darkly humorous ride that’s also genuinely suspenseful. It made me question the privacy of my own smart devices, especially after a scene featuring Andy Daly struggling to manage a Zoom call amidst the chaos of his children – it felt incredibly realistic and unsettling.

16. Funny Pages

Owen Kline’s film, Funny Pages, feels like it was populated by characters ripped straight from the pages of a raw, independent comic book. The actors seem chosen for how much they resemble exaggerated, slightly unsettling caricatures – think crooked teeth, scars, bad skin, and generally unpolished appearances. One actor even sports a particularly memorable combination of a sweaty comb-over and a frizzy mullet.

But the film isn’t just about how the characters look; it’s about their attitude. Like the underground comics that inspired it, Funny Pages embraces unpleasantness, awkwardness, and even disturbing situations. It’s deliberately abrasive and challenges the viewer – that’s the point! If it were easy to like, it wouldn’t be true to its source material. So, it’s not a surprise that some people dislike the film; in fact, that reaction is almost essential to its success. The fact that it provokes such a strong negative response in some viewers is precisely what makes it work.

15. Aftersun

The film Aftersun follows a father (Paul Mescal) and his daughter (Frankie Corio) on vacation in Turkey. While their time together appears perfect – filled with swimming, games, and meals – subtle moments hint at underlying issues, particularly with the father. The actors are incredibly convincing as a loving but somewhat emotionally distant pair. The film’s impact is slow-burning, like a sunburn. Director Charlotte Wells focuses on small, realistic details that gradually build a powerful, lasting emotional effect. It’s a film that stays with you long after it ends and would pair well with another standout movie from 2022.

14. Glass Onion

It’s too bad Glass Onion was only in theaters for a week before moving to Netflix. After Top Gun: Maverick, it was one of the most purely enjoyable movies of 2022. While it will still be fun to watch at home, it was a particularly great experience in a theater, with beautiful Mediterranean scenery, bright colors, a lot of laughs, and a relevant message about clueless billionaires.

13. All That Breathes

Shaunak Sen’s beautiful film, All That Breathes, quietly explores the harsh realities of our world through the work of a small animal clinic in New Delhi. The clinic, called Wildlife Rescue, cares for black kites – birds of prey common in the city but often overlooked by larger veterinary hospitals due to their carnivorous diet. Sen’s filmmaking style blends observational realism with artistic impressionism. The film doesn’t offer heavy-handed messages, but instead uses the dedication of the clinic’s staff to the kites as a way to reflect broader, pressing issues – from social and cultural divides to religious tensions, political instability, and environmental concerns – that are impacting the entire planet.

12. Confess, Fletch

Good comedy movies are rare these days, and Confess, Fletch is a delightful exception. The film successfully updates the classic Chevy Chase series (based on Gregory McDonald’s novels) for modern audiences, and Jon Hamm truly shines in a comedic leading role. The script, written by Zev Borow and director Greg Mottola, is packed with witty dialogue, and Marcia Gay Harden gives a standout performance as a snobbish countess who hilariously can’t seem to say Fletch’s name correctly.

11. The Banshees of Inisherin

Martin McDonagh, known for films like In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, and Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri, is back with a darkly comedic story. This one focuses on the sudden and unexplained end of a friendship between two men on a small island off the coast of Ireland called Inisherin.

Colm (Brendan Gleeson) abruptly tells Pádraic (Colin Farrell) that he never wants to speak to him again. Their resulting, stubborn feud subtly mirrors the Irish Civil War happening nearby, though the conflict itself isn’t shown. Farrell delivers another relatable and humorous performance as Pádraic, the bewildered and heartbroken friend who can’t accept Colm’s rejection and the loss of their simple companionship.

10. Nope

2022 saw a number of excellent films about filmmaking, and Jordan Peele’s Nope stood out. It’s a smart and unsettling thriller that explores how the entertainment industry can take advantage of both people and animals. While Peele isn’t the first to blend beautiful visuals with scary moments, or to use horror and sci-fi to comment on real-world problems, his work feels particularly unique now. With so many theaters filled with sequels, remakes, and loud action movies, Peele stands out from the crowd. He collaborated with cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema to create stunning Western scenery alongside truly terrifying imagery—and sound—that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

9. Jackass Forever

This year’s funniest comedy brings back the original stars of Jackass, along with some hilarious new faces, for another round of outrageous stunts and playful pranks. While the crew is a bit older now, they haven’t lost their touch, and newcomers like Rachel Wolfson and Sean “Poopies” McInerney fit right in with the painful – and often shocking – challenges. The film features a surprising number of nude scenes and, if it truly is the last Jackass movie, it’s a spectacularly silly send-off. (It’s hard not to laugh after a good slapstick moment, right?)

8. Tár

The movie Tár really struck me, especially its opening. Director Todd Field chose to start the film with what usually appears at the end – the credits listing the entire crew, but excluding the cast and himself. This choice perfectly sets up the story, which powerfully illustrates that a successful artist relies on the work of many others. Tár highlights how these crucial contributions are often overlooked or even disregarded in the relentless pursuit of artistic achievement.

7. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

This compelling documentary tells the story of photographer Nan Goldin, weaving together her personal history with her current activism. Director Laura Poitras uses Goldin’s photographs and voiceover – much like Goldin’s own presentations – to show her difficult upbringing and early years in the art worlds of Boston and New York.

Today, Goldin is leading protests at major museums, demanding they acknowledge the Sackler family’s role in the opioid crisis, which she herself battled. The film connects Goldin’s past with her present fight, revealing how her art and activism are inseparable. It’s a thorough and insightful portrait of an artist, and a powerful testament to her life and work.

6. Decision to Leave

Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave feels like a gorgeous and refined blend of classic thrillers like Vertigo and Basic Instinct, but set in South Korea. Departing from his typically flamboyant style, Park delivers a beautifully shot and emotionally resonant story. It centers on a detective (Park Hae-il) who becomes captivated by a mysterious woman (Tang Wei) suspected of killing her husband. Is it a heartbreaking love story, or a compelling detective tale? It’s both, seamlessly intertwined.

5. Return to Seoul

In the compelling drama Return to Seoul, a young woman named Freddie, adopted by a French family, travels back to South Korea, the country where she was born. Played with remarkable skill by Park Ji-min, Freddie arrives in Seoul without a clear plan, but feels drawn to uncover the story of her birth parents. The film takes surprising and emotionally powerful turns, offering twists that are more impactful than those found in typical thrillers. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, it veers in a new direction, and Park Ji-min makes the journey completely worthwhile.

4. Top Gun: Maverick

Considering it came 35 years after the original, a sequel to Top Gun seemed unnecessary in 2022. However, director Joseph Kosinski and Tom Cruise—who also produced and starred—managed to create a thrilling and surprisingly relevant film. While it doesn’t offer political commentary, Top Gun: Maverick delivers the kind of spectacular visuals that truly need to be experienced on the big screen. It easily could have been a cynical attempt to make money or a nostalgic trip for an aging star, but Cruise seemed genuinely committed to something bigger: preserving the magic of cinema itself.

3. RRR

This exciting Indian film is a three-hour thrill ride packed with action, romance, and energetic musical numbers. It’s similar to a classic John Woo action movie, but with a South Asian twist, focusing on two powerful men on opposing sides of the law who unexpectedly team up.

The film centers on Bheem, a warrior from the Gond tribe, and Rama, a soldier working for the British Empire. Bheem travels to Delhi to find a kidnapped girl, while Rama is tasked with tracking down whoever is looking for her. They should be enemies, but a chance encounter leads to an unlikely friendship.

Throughout the movie, tension builds as we wait for them to discover each other’s true identities. They perform incredible feats – like rescuing children from a burning river (representing water and fire symbolism) – and challenge the prejudiced British ruling class, all while showcasing amazing dance sequences. RRR doesn’t hold back when it comes to entertaining its audience. It arrived at a crucial time for movie theaters and gave both viewers and theater owners a reason to celebrate.

2. Turning Red

Although Disney released Turning Red directly to streaming, it’s a standout film from 2022, blending heartfelt emotion, humor, and a touch of the supernatural. Directed by Domee Shi, the movie centers on Mei, a bright and kind 13-year-old (voiced by Rosalie Chiang) who learns that the women in her family magically transform into red pandas when they experience strong emotions.

Turning Red works on multiple levels – it can be seen as a story about puberty, the immigrant experience, or simply growing up – and it’s filled with both laughs and a touching story about family. The fact that a film this good went straight to Disney+ is a real loss for cinemas, but a huge win for viewers at home.

1. The Fabelmans

What truly stands out in The Fabelmans is Steven Spielberg’s enduring love for cinema. Even seventy years after the events depicted in the film’s opening, his passion mirrors that of young Sammy Fabelman, the boy captivated by The Greatest Show on Earth and determined to recreate its magic at home. Spielberg has become a master filmmaker, learning to use visuals and sound to evoke a wide range of emotions, but he’s never forgotten why he makes movies in the first place.

The Fabelmans is Spielberg’s personal origin story, exploring the beauty and complexity of both filmmaking and life. Cinema provides Sammy with a way to navigate his anxieties and loneliness, though it sometimes leads to further isolation. His growing passion for directing connects him with his creative mother, brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Williams, but also risks revealing a painful family secret. Now, after all these years, Spielberg has found a way to tell this deeply moving story—a story brimming with life, love, joy, and sadness, just like all the best movies.

2025-12-17 23:33