James Cameron’s Kids Choose The Last Airbender Over His Own Blockbuster

James Cameron, the acclaimed director whose Avatar films have shattered box office records and redefined visual effects, recently opened up about a playful rivalry in his own home. Despite his groundbreaking achievements in cinema, Cameron admitted that his children are bigger fans of the American animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender than of his own 2009 sci-fi epic. This lighthearted confession came during a conversation with Michaela Jill Murphy, the original voice of Toph Beifong from the beloved TV show.

Family Favorites: A Surprising Choice

When asked which Avatar reigns supreme, Cameron didn’t hesitate to say that his kids’ loyalty lies with The Last Airbender. He explained that, in his household, the animated series holds a special place, outshining his own blockbuster franchise. The director’s candid response quickly caught fire online, sparking a wave of reactions from fans and followers.

To put things in perspective, here’s a quick rundown of the Avatar film series:

Movies: Avatar (2009), Avatar: The Way of Water ( 2022), Avatar: Fire and Ash ( 2025 )
Runtimes: 2h 41m, 3h 12m, 3h 17m
IMDb Ratings: 7.9/10, 7.5/10, 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%, 76%, 66% (so far)
Production Budgets: $237 million, $400 million, $400 million
Box Office: $2.9 billion, $2.3 billion, —

Fans Applaud the Cameron Kids’ Taste

After Cameron’s comments surfaced, fans of The Last Airbender took to social media to celebrate. Michaela Jill Murphy shared the director’s remarks on her Instagram story, and soon, the internet was buzzing with praise for the Cameron kids’ discerning taste. Many agreed that the animated series offers richer characters and more emotional depth than the visually stunning but story-light films.

On X, users chimed in with their own takes:

Respectfully… his kids have better taste. The Last Airbender has actual characters and heart.

Everyone who has seen both also prefers the last Airbender over Avatar.

His kids know ball 😂

Everyone prefers Avatar: The Last Airbender over Avatar

Anyone would. If I could blindfold someone and make them listen to story beats of either, you would immediately feel like Airbender was trying to be more serious than the other one at least in contrast. Nobody can name a single character from Avatar to me.

For many, Cameron’s admission felt like a win for the animated show’s devoted fanbase, who have long praised its storytelling and emotional resonance.

What Sets The Last Airbender Apart

Cameron’s revelation raises the question: what makes The Last Airbender stand out? The answer, for many, lies in its compelling characters and meaningful growth. Aang, Zuko, Katara, and Sokka each embark on personal journeys that resonate with viewers, making their stories feel authentic and heartfelt.

The show’s ability to weave complex themes—war, loss, identity, and spirituality—into a narrative accessible to all ages is a big part of its enduring appeal. In contrast, the Avatar films are often celebrated for their groundbreaking visuals but are sometimes criticized for lacking the same depth of character and story.

Here’s a snapshot of The Last Airbender’s credentials:
TV Show: Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
Creators: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Cast: Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, Dante Basco, Michaela Jill Murphy
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Seasons: 3

Storytelling vs. Spectacle

While Cameron’s films tackle important themes like environmentalism and family, many feel they serve primarily as vehicles for visual spectacle. The Last Airbender, on the other hand, is celebrated for its layered storytelling and emotional impact. For fans, this is what gives the animated series the edge, making it a favorite even in the home of the director behind one of Hollywood ’s biggest franchises.

Both the Avatar films and The Last Airbender are available to stream, with the movies on Disney+ and the animated series on Netflix.