How to watch

When Avatar released in 2009, it became the highest-grossing film of all time — a record it still holds. James Cameron's vision of Pandora is unlike anything else in cinema: a bioluminescent alien world teeming with life, culture, and conflict. The long-awaited sequel, The Way of Water, expanded the world and set up a saga planned to run through at least five films. Whether you're new to Pandora or returning, here's how to watch Avatar in order.

🕐 Release Order

With only two films released so far, release order is the natural and only way to experience the Avatar saga.

1. Avatar (2009)
2. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

The first film is essential viewing before The Way of Water — it introduces Jake Sully, Pandora, the Na'vi, and the conflict at the heart of the franchise. The sequel picks up over a decade later and expands the world in remarkable ways.

📖 Story Chronology

The Avatar films follow a linear chronological story. The Way of Water is set approximately 15 years after the events of the original Avatar, making release order and story chronology identical.

1. Avatar (2009) — Jake Sully arrives on Pandora
2. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) — set roughly 15 years later

Which Order Should You Choose?

Watch Avatar (2009) first — there's no other option. The original film spends significant time establishing the world of Pandora, the Na'vi language and culture, Jake Sully's journey, and the political conflict between the RDA and the indigenous people. Without this foundation, The Way of Water will lack the emotional resonance that makes it such a powerful sequel. If you haven't seen either film, try to watch them on the largest screen possible — Avatar is one of the most visually spectacular film franchises in history, designed for the cinema experience.

🔗 Related Guides

• Jurassic Park Watch OrderGuide
• Marvel Cinematic Universe Watch OrderGuide
• Transformers Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!