‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Blazes Past Steven Spielberg’s Flawless 10/10 Sci-Fi Masterpiece with $800M Box Office Milestone

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James Cameron’s latest film is performing as expected at the box office, continuing its climb towards $1 billion. Having already earned over $800 million worldwide, it has now surpassed the lifetime earnings of many other popular and well-loved films.

James Cameron’s newest blockbuster has surpassed the box office earnings of many popular films, including all the James Bond movies, numerous Marvel and DC titles, and Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. Remarkably, it has even outperformed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic, which is considered one of the most cherished and critically acclaimed films ever made.

James Cameron’s Avatar films are visually stunning thanks to today’s advanced technology. However, when Steven Spielberg created E.T. over four decades ago, those technologies didn’t exist. Even comparing the two, E.T. would still be the more impactful and memorable film, not the blue-skinned characters from Pandora.

As a critic, I have to say E.T. remains a truly special film. It’s the story of Elliott, a lonely boy who unexpectedly befriends an alien left behind on Earth. Spielberg crafts an incredible tale of adventure, friendship, and family—a signature touch of his that clearly resonated with audiences, turning a modest $10 million investment into nearly $800 million at the box office. Spielberg’s always been fascinated by extraterrestrial life—we even saw it pop up in Indiana Jones—but E.T. is, in my opinion, his most heartfelt and successful exploration of the theme, surpassing even films like War of the Worlds and Close Encounters, and likely even his newest venture, Disclosure Day.

‘Avatar’ and ‘E.T.’ are Worlds Apart in Scale, Scope, and Heart


Universal Pictures

While the Avatar films are visually stunning, the stories haven’t always lived up to the hype. The first two movies were criticized for having weak plots, and early reviews of Fire and Ash suggest it retreads familiar ground from The Way of Water. This has resulted in mixed reactions from critics, with the film currently holding a 67% approval rating, and many feel that this latest installment prioritizes spectacle over a compelling narrative.

Unlike many films, E.T. hasn’t faced any criticism. Boasting a 99% approval rating from critics, Spielberg crafted a truly special and enduring story – something that even the most advanced special effects can’t replicate. As Matt Brunson from Film Frenzy observes:

While Spielberg has directed several films I like even more than E.T., this one stands out as uniquely heartwarming for the entire family. It’s a film that truly makes you feel everything – joy, sadness, and all the emotions in between.

This film showcases Steven Spielberg’s signature style before that style was fully defined. It’s a heartwarming story of childhood and adventure, and remarkably, a simple puppet from the early 1980s delivers more emotional impact than many actors. Though Avatar: Fire and Ash earned more at the box office when not accounting for inflation, it’s difficult to envision a future where it’s remembered as fondly or considered as important as Spielberg’s classic when people discuss the greatest films ever made.

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2026-01-01 01:17