James Cameron is one of the most successful working directors, producers, and screenwriters in Hollywood.

One of the most influential filmmakers in history, James Cameron is the man behind Titanic and Avatar.

His films have grossed more than $9 billion worldwide, making him one of Hollywood’s most successful directors.

Best James Cameron Movies

Is it one that made him famous or something else entirely? Some people say that James Cameron’s best movie is The Terminator because it was a groundbreaker in special effects and sci-fi action movies.

Others say that his best movie is Aliens, which he wrote as well as directed – it’s scary but also really good! And still, others might pick Titanic or Avatar – they’re all great too!

What’s your favorite movie and why?

It’s up to you to decide what James Cameron’s best movie should be!

Titanic (1997)

Titanic backdrop
Titanic poster

Titanic

DramaRomance

Nothing on Earth could come between them.

1997 • 3h 14min • ★ 7.906/10 • United States of America

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher

101-year-old Rose DeWitt Bukater tells the story of her life aboard the Titanic, 84 years later. A young Rose boards the ship with her mother and fiancé. Meanwhile, Jack Dawson and Fabrizio De Rossi win third-class tickets aboard the ship. Rose tells the whole story from Titanic's departure through to its death—on its first and last voyage—on April 15, 1912.

As a lover of film, I can confidently say that Titanic is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

James Cameron’s epic retelling of the tragic sinking of the Titanic is a sweeping love story that captures the heart and imagination of audiences around the world.

The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack, a charming and free-spirited artist, and Kate Winslet as Rose, a young woman stifled by her privileged and suffocating life. Their chemistry is undeniable and their love story is both passionate and heartbreaking.

But Titanic is not just a love story. It’s an awe-inspiring spectacle, with breathtaking visuals and meticulous attention to detail that transports the audience back in time to the luxury liner’s maiden voyage.

The stunning set pieces and special effects are still impressive even today, over 20 years after its release.

Of course, no review of Titanic would be complete without mentioning its unforgettable musical score, composed by the legendary James Horner.

The hauntingly beautiful theme song “My Heart Will Go On” has become a cultural touchstone and is still beloved by fans today.

Titanic is a cinematic triumph that has earned its place among the greatest films of all time. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves romance, drama, and epic storytelling.

   
Titanic | #TBT Trailer | 20th Century FOX

 

Titanic
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane (Actors)
  • James Cameron (Director)
  • English, French, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • English (Publication Language)

The Abyss (1989)

The Abyss backdrop
The Abyss poster

The Abyss

AdventureActionThrillerScience Fiction

When you get there, you will understand.

1989 • 2h 20min • ★ 7.354/10 • United States of America

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester, Todd Graff

A civilian oil rig crew is recruited to conduct a search and rescue effort when a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks. One diver soon finds himself on a spectacular odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean's surface where he confronts a mysterious force that has the power to change the world or destroy it.

The Abyss is a thrilling underwater adventure that dives deep into the unknown depths of the ocean. 

The stunning visuals of the underwater scenes are truly breathtaking, and the special effects are still impressive even by today’s standards.

The story follows a team of deep-sea oil rig workers who are tasked with investigating a submarine that has crashed on the ocean floor.

If you like James Cameron’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

As their mission becomes more dangerous, tensions rise among the crew, and they soon find themselves facing not only the treacherous depths but also their own inner demons.

The performances are top-notch, with Ed Harris delivering a standout performance as the leader of the mission. The supporting cast, including Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Michael Biehn, also give memorable performances that add depth and emotional weight to the story.

The Abyss is a true cinematic gem that should not be missed by anyone who loves a good adventure film. It’s a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. 

   
THE ABYSS - Trailer ( 1989 )

 

The Abyss (Full Screen Edition)
  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn (Actors)
  • James Cameron (Director) - James Cameron (Writer)
  • English, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • English (Publication Language)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day backdrop
Terminator 2: Judgment Day poster

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

ActionThrillerScience Fiction

It's nothing personal.

1991 • 2h 17min • ★ 8.1/10 • France

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick, Earl Boen

Set ten years after the events of the original, James Cameron’s classic sci-fi action flick tells the story of a second attempt to get rid of rebellion leader John Connor, this time targeting the boy himself. However, the rebellion has sent a reprogrammed terminator to protect Connor.

What sets Terminator 2 apart from other action films is its heart. The relationship between John Connor (Edward Furlong) and the T-800 is surprisingly touching, with the cyborg learning to become more human and developing a bond with the young boy.

Linda Hamilton also shines as Sarah Connor, who has transformed from a damsel in distress to a hardened warrior ready to fight for the future.

The film’s themes of fate and the inevitability of war are explored in a thought-provoking way, making Terminator 2 more than just a mindless action flick. 

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a must-watch for any action fan, and remains one of the greatest sequels of all time. With its great performances, thrilling action, and heartfelt story, it’s a film that will continue to stand the test of time.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

 

Terminator 2 (4K UHD)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Paxton (Actors)
  • James Cameron (Director) - James Cameron (Writer) - James Cameron (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

 

BEST JAMES CAMERON MOVIES

Who Is James Cameron?

A name that most people will recognize, James Cameron is a Canadian film director, producer, and screenwriter.

Cameron first found success with the science fiction action thriller The Terminator (1984), which he co-wrote with Gale Anne Hurd.

His next big film was Aliens (1986) followed by The Abyss (1989).

He became a Hollywood powerhouse due to his blockbuster hits like Titanic in 1997 and more recently, 2009’s sci-fi epic known as “Avatar.”

 

 

Aliens (1986)

Aliens backdrop
Aliens poster

Aliens

ActionThrillerScience Fiction

This time it's war.

1986 • 2h 17min • ★ 8/10 • United States of America

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Lance Henriksen

Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.

Get ready for a thrill ride of epic proportions with James Cameron’s Aliens. This sci-fi classic takes everything that made the original Alien great and amplifies it to the max.

Sigourney Weaver is a force to be reckoned with as Ripley, a badass survivor who returns to the planet where she first encountered the deadly creatures.

The action is intense, the special effects are impressive, and the tension is palpable from start to finish. But what really sets Aliens apart is the emotional depth it brings to the genre.

   

The bond between Ripley and the young girl Newt is heart-wrenching, and the themes of motherhood and sacrifice add a layer of complexity that elevates the film beyond your typical monster movie. 

Aliens (1986) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

 

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The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator backdrop
The Terminator poster

The Terminator

ActionThrillerScience Fiction

Your future is in its hands.

1984 • 1h 48min • ★ 7.7/10 • United Kingdom

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton, Paul Winfield, Lance Henriksen

In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?

The Terminator is a classic sci-fi action film that truly stands the test of time. James Cameron’s direction and Arnold Schwarger’s performance as the titular character make this film an absolute must-see.

The story follows a cyborg assassin, sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), who is the mother of the future leader human resistance against the machines. But Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier also sent back in time, is there to protect her.

The film’s pacing is excellent, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the entire runtime. The action scenes are intense and well-choreographed, and the practical effects still hold up today.

The Terminator (1984) Official Trailer - Arnold Schwarzenegge Movie

 

The Terminator
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen (Actors)
  • James Cameron (Director) - Gail Ann Hurd (Writer) - Gale Anne Hurd (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

True Lies (1994)

True Lies backdrop
True Lies poster

True Lies

ActionThriller

When he said I do, he never said what he did.

1994 • 2h 20min • ★ 7.078/10 • United States of America

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold, Bill Paxton, Tia Carrere

A fearless, globe-trotting, terrorist-battling secret agent has his life turned upside down when he discovers his wife might be having an affair with a used car salesman while terrorists smuggle nuclear war heads into the United States.

True Lies is a high-octane action comedy that delivers on all fronts.

Schwarzenegger plays an undercover agent, Harry Tasker, who lives a double life as a boring computer salesman to his wife (Curtis) and daughter.

When a terrorist group threatens to destroy the world, Harry must use all his skills to stop them while keeping his true identity a secret from his family.

The action scenes in True Lies are some of the most thrilling and well-choreographed sequences in cinema history. From the iconic bridge scene to the harrowing jet ski chase, Cameron’s direction keeps adrenaline pumping throughout the film.

True Lies [1994] Trailer

 

True Lies [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - Spain ]
  • True Lies
  • True Lies
  • Bill Paxton, Charlton Heston, Arnold Schwarzenegger (Actors)
  • James Cameron (Director) - True Lies (Producer)
  • Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, French (Subtitles)

Ghosts Of The Abyss (2003)

Ghosts of the Abyss backdrop
Ghosts of the Abyss poster

Ghosts of the Abyss

Documentary

The legend no one can forget has become the greatest 3D adventure ever filmed.

2003 • 1h 31min • ★ 6.8/10 • Mexico

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Bill Paxton, John Broadwater, James Cameron, Charles Pellegrino, Lewis Abernathy

With a team of the world's foremost historic and marine experts as well as friend Bill Paxton, James Cameron embarks on an unscripted adventure back to the wreck of the Titanic where nearly 1,500 souls lost their lives almost a century ago.

“Ghosts of the Abyss” takes you on a breathtaking journey into the depths of the ocean to explore the wreckage of the legendary Titanic.

The film combines stunning IMAX visuals with captivating narration and insightful interviews with historians and experts.

The underwater footage is truly mesmerizing, giving you an up-close look at the haunting remains of the ship and the artifacts that still remain.

The personal stories shared by the divers and crew members add a human touch to the otherwise eerie atmosphere. 

Ghosts Of The Abyss Trailer

 

Ghosts of the Abyss
  • Dr. Charles Pellegrino, Don Lynch, Bill Paxton (Actors)
  • James Cameron (Director) - Ed W. Marsh (Producer)
  • English (Publication Language)

Avatar (2009)

Avatar backdrop
Avatar poster

Avatar

ActionAdventureFantasyScience Fiction

Enter the world of Pandora.

2009 • 2h 42min • ★ 7.588/10 • United States of America

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez

In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization.

Avatar is a visually stunning epic that takes audiences on a thrilling journey to the distant world of Pandora. This sci-fi adventure is a masterpiece of world-building, as every element of the alien planet is meticulously crafted and brought to life with breathtaking visual effects.

   

The story follows Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine who is enlisted to help colonize Pandora and protect the interests of a ruthless corporation. But when Jake falls in love with a native Na’vi woman and becomes caught up in their struggle for survival against the humans, he must choose which side he truly belongs to.

While the plot may not be entirely original, Avatar makes up for it with its immersive world and compelling characters. Sam Worthington delivers a strong performance as Jake, while Zoe Saldana shines as the fierce and empathetic Neytiri.

The supporting cast, including Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang, also adds depth to the story.

But it’s the stunning visuals that truly make Avatar a must-see film. From the bioluminescent forests to the towering floating mountains, every detail of Pandora is a feast for the eyes.

The action sequences, particularly the climactic battle, are also incredibly well-choreographed and thrilling to watch.

Avatar | Official Trailer (HD) | 20th Century FOX

 

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Avatar (Extended Collector's Edition)
  • Industrial grade model
  • Greatly improved in quality, functionality, and durability when compared to XP Pro Series
  • Temperature regulated heating element for best cleaning results
  • Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver (Actors)
  • James Cameron (Director) - James Cameron (Writer)

Aliens Of The Deep (2005)

Aliens of the Deep backdrop
Aliens of the Deep poster

Aliens of the Deep

Documentary

2005 • 1h 35min • ★ 6.1/10 • United States of America

Directed by: James Cameron

Cast: Anatoly M. Sagalevitch, Pamela Conrad, James Cameron, Charles Pellegrino, Genya Chernaiev

James Cameron teams up with NASA scientists to explore the Mid-Ocean Ridge, a submerged chain of mountains that band the Earth and are home to some of the planet's most unique life forms.

Aliens of the Deep is a mesmerizing and visually stunning documentary that takes viewers on a deep sea adventure like no other. This documentary showcases the incredible and bizarre creatures that inhabit the depths of the ocean.

The film’s cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the eerie beauty of the deep sea and the creatures that live there.

The use of cutting-edge technology and 3D animation brings these underwater beings to life, making them seem both real and otherworldly at the same time.

But Aliens of the Deep is not just a visual feast. The documentary also explores the scientific importance of studying these creatures and their habitats.

Cameron and his team of marine biologists delve into the depths of the ocean to uncover new species and learn more about the ecosystems that exist there.

Aliens of the Deep Trailer

 

Aliens Of The Deep
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Dr. Anatoly Sagalevitch, Genya Chernaiev, Victor Nischeta (Actors)
  • James Cameron (Director) - Andrew Wight (Producer)
  • English, French, Dutch, Polish, Swedish (Playback Languages)
  • English, French, Dutch, Polish, Swedish (Subtitles)

What Is James Cameron’s Net Worth?

He began his career as a truck driver before he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film-making at age 24.

After working odd jobs like being an artist or driving a truck, he got his first break when Roger Corman hired him to work on Piranha II: The Spawning (1981).

He then went on to study film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and began his career in Hollywood by making low-budget films for Roger Corman Studios.

With over 100 million dollars coming from Titanic alone, Cameron’s net worth exceeds $700 million.

For this reason, he has been given nicknames like “King of the Movie World” and “Titanic King”.

In addition to his twenty-seven Oscar nominations and three wins (two for Best Picture), Cameron also holds the Guinness World Record for the highest-grossing movie with Avatar at 2.7 billion dollars worldwide!
 

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