Is Avatar 3 one of the best movies of 2025? Read the review

The answer is clear: yes, absolutely. Avatar 3 consolidates James Cameron once again as a filmmaker interested not only in spectacle, but in expanding the universe. The third film in the franchise, Fire and Ashesreturns to Pandora with a darker and more emotional approach, betting on internal conflicts, irreversible losses and new cultural layers to keep the saga relevant after more than a decade following the Sully family.

The plot takes the audience to an unprecedented region of the planet, marked by a massive and hostile volcanic biome, where fire becomes a central element of survival. After the war against the GDR and the death of their eldest son, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) need to reunite the family while facing an even more complex threat than humans: the emergence of the Ash People.

Led by Varang (Oona Chaplin), the new Na’vi clan immediately differentiates itself due to its aggressive stance and symbiotic relationship with fire. Cameron constructs this antagonism carefully, avoiding easy caricatures. Varang emerges as a charismatic, unpredictable leader driven by deep convictions, which makes each confrontation fraught with tension and real consequences for the future of Pandora.

Oona Chaplin in a scene from Avatar: Fire and Ash

(Photo: Disclosure/Disney)

Even with more than three hours in length, Avatar 3 maintains pace and involvement thanks to the bond already established with the characters. The public knows the pains, fears and affections of the Sully family, which turns each decision into something emotionally heavy. Cameron uses this emotional capital to explore dilemmas of belonging, grief and survival without resorting to narrative shortcuts.

Avatar 3 evolved the franchise

Two characters stand out in this franchise’s maturation process. Spider (Jack Champion) and Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) gain deeper layers, with arcs that clearly point to a greater protagonism in the next chapters. Kiri’s relationship with Pandora becomes even more mysterious, while Spider takes on internal conflicts that reflect the clash between worlds.

The choice to kill Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) in The Way of Water (2022) continues to reverberate in an intelligent way here. The decision makes it clear that no one is immune to the consequences of war, creating a constant feeling of risk. This unpredictability sustains the suspense and removes any sense of narrative comfort, something rare in franchises of this scale.

Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and Spider (Jack Champion) in Avatar 3

(Photo: Disclosure/Disney)

Visually, Avatar 3 maintains the series’ standard of excellence. The volcanic setting adds new colors, textures and technical challenges that magnify the impact of action scenes and more intimate moments. The result is a film that not only impresses, but also emotionally engages, justifying its place among the best releases of 2025.

By betting on new conflicts, deepening characters and maintaining the commitment to a great cinematic experience, James Cameron shows that Avatar still has a lot to say. Fire and Ashes is not just a sequel, but a decisive step for the future of the franchise.

Watch the Avatar 3 trailer below: