Avatar 3 Metacritic Score Breakdown
Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in James Cameron’s Avatar series, opened to mixed critical response and currently holds a Metacritic score of 61, classified as “Generally Favorable” on Metacritic based on available critic reviews[2][5]. The score represents a noticeable decline from the original Avatar’s Metacritic 83 and from Avatar: The Way of Water’s 67, continuing a downward trend in critics’ ratings across the franchise[1][2].
What the Metacritic 61 means
– Metacritic aggregates critics’ reviews and converts them into a weighted numerical Metascore from 0 to 100; a score of 61 falls into the “Generally Favorable” band on Metacritic’s scale[2][5].
– That aggregate combines a mix of strong positive reviews, mixed notices, and a minority of negative responses, reflecting a distribution where many critics praised technical achievements but often critiqued storytelling and repetition[2].
Why critics scored it this way
– Visuals and technical craft: Multiple critics noted the film’s visual ambition and technical craft as highlights, praising the world-building and spectacle that remain a franchise strength[1][2].
– Story and originality: A common thread among mixed and negative reviews is that the film repeats narrative beats from earlier entries and can feel less narratively fresh, which lowered enthusiasm among some reviewers[1][2][3].
– Emotional and entertainment value: Several positive reviews still emphasize that viewers seeking immersive blockbuster entertainment will find plenty to enjoy, which helps keep the aggregate in the “generally favorable” range despite criticisms[2][3].
How the Metascore breaks down (what the numbers reflect)
– Positive reviews: A substantial portion of critic reviews scored the film highly for its imagery, craft, and moments of spectacle, which push the weighted average upward[2].
– Mixed reviews: Many critics gave middling scores, acknowledging strengths but pointing to plot weakness or repetitiveness; these mid-range scores form the core of the Metascore[2].
– Negative reviews: A smaller share of critics rated the film negatively, often focused on screenplay, pacing, or franchise fatigue; these lower scores pull the average down from earlier franchise highs[2][3].
Context within the franchise and box office expectations
– Comparison with prior entries: The original Avatar remains the highest-rated Metacritic entry in the series, while each sequel has trended downward on critics’ aggregators, with Fire and Ash marking the lowest Metacritic score for the franchise to date[1][3].
– Early box office and audience response: Media coverage around the release links the mixed critical reception to discussions about whether storytelling is keeping pace with technical achievement, while noting that visual spectacle continues to be a principal draw[1].
Limitations and how to interpret Metacritic here
– Snapshot in time: Metascores can shift slightly as more reviews are published; the current 61 reflects reviews available at and just after release and could change with additional critiques[2][5].
– Weighting matters: Metacritic weights certain critics and outlets differently when calculating the Metascore, so the number is not a simple arithmetic average but a weighted reflection of critical reception[2].
– Not a full picture: Metascore summarizes critical opinion but does not capture audience reactions, box office success, or long-term cultural impact, all of which may differ from early critical consensus[2][5].
Sources
https://www.metacritic.com/movie/avatar-fire-and-ash/critic-reviews/
https://www.metacritic.com/movie/avatar-fire-and-ash/
https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2025/12/18/avatar-fire-and-ash-critic-reviews-ahead-of-weekend-release/
https://movieweb.com/avatar-fire-and-ash-already-made-franchise-history-lowest-reviews/
