James Cameron's much-hyped Avatar 3 opened to lukewarm reviews from critics and its lowest Rotten Tomatoes score yet.

It's better than the second film — bolder and tighter — and still has its share of amazements. But the series no longer feels visually unprecedented.

Few modern franchises inspire such devotion, debate, and visual awe in equal measure. Its longevity rests on immersion, risk, and relentless belief in theatrical grandeur. Now, the third part, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is set to release.

Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the third in billionaire director James Cameron’s fantasy franchise, is still expected to make a big impact at the box office this weekend.

Fire and Ash are now live, and the initial responses are a troubling sign for the franchise’s future. What are critics saying in Avatar: Fire and Ash reviews? Avatar: Fire and Ash is Certified Fresh with a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Fire and Ash has been hit with numerous delays, but is finally set to release in theaters on December 19. Two additional sequels, the still untitled Avatar 4 and Avatar 5, are in various stages of production and are expected to be released in 2029 and 2031, respectively.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is officially one of James Cameron's worst-rated movies, and the lowest-rated Avatar movie in the franchise.