Billie Eilish’s Surprising Choice: Avatar: Fire and Ash as Her Favorite
Billie Eilish, the Grammy-winning singer known for her unique style and powerful music, recently made a surprising statement that has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike. During an interview, she revealed that Avatar: Fire and Ash is her favorite film in the Avatar franchise, a choice that caught the attention of James Cameron himself.
Eilish’s declaration came during a conversation about their recent collaboration on Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour in 3D. When asked to rank her favorite Avatar movie, she didn’t hesitate. “I’m absolutely obsessed with Fire and Ash,” she said, leaving Cameron visibly amused. This revelation was unexpected because Fire and Ash currently holds the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score among the three films in the series.
A Film with Mixed Reviews
Despite its lower critical reception, Fire and Ash has been a commercial success. It earned a solid 7.3 IMDb rating and grossed over $1.46 billion worldwide as of April 2026, making it the third-highest-grossing film of 2025. However, its Rotten Tomatoes score of 66% is significantly lower than the 81% for the original Avatar (2009) and the 76% for The Way of Water.
Critics were divided in their responses to the film. Some praised Cameron’s technical achievements and the scale of the project, while others felt it lacked the same sense of novelty and emotional impact that made the first two films feel groundbreaking. This mixed reception highlights the subjective nature of film criticism and how personal connections can influence one’s opinion.
A Personal Connection
Eilish’s endorsement of Fire and Ash suggests that her preference may be rooted in a deeper emotional connection to the film. For some fans, this chapter of the Avatar story might represent the most mature and emotionally layered narrative, even if it didn’t resonate with all critics. The film’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level shows how different viewers can have vastly different experiences with the same work.
The Collaboration Between Eilish and Cameron
The conversation about Fire and Ash took place during a promotional event for Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour in 3D, a concert film co-directed by Eilish and Cameron. The project, which was filmed across four performances in Manchester in 2025, involved extensive collaboration between the two. Cameron reportedly pitched the idea directly to Eilish’s mother, Maggie Baird, and the film required long editing sessions where he gained a better understanding of Eilish’s emotional bond with her audience.
This collaboration showcases the creative synergy between Eilish and Cameron, who have both made significant contributions to their respective fields. Their partnership not only resulted in a unique concert film but also highlighted the potential for cross-disciplinary creativity.
Final Thoughts
Billie Eilish’s choice of Fire and Ash as her favorite Avatar film raises interesting questions about how personal preferences can differ from critical consensus. While the film may not have received the highest scores from critics, it clearly resonates with many viewers, including Eilish herself.
Do you agree with Billie Eilish, or does another Avatar film still hold a higher place in your heart? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
