Avatar (2009)

Science Fiction Action Adventure Directed by James Cameron
← Inspired by 8 films

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.

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Films that influenced Avatar

← Inspired By (8)

Sources

Influenced By

  1. The Emerald Forest (1985)
    "This film's narrative about a boy integrating into an indigenous tribe and defending their land against modern threats parallels *Avatar*'s storyline." 9 Movies James Cameron's Avatar Blatantly Takes Inspiration From Alex Philpott CBR
  2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
    "Cameron's epic was made possible commercially by Fellowship's proof that audiences would commit to long-form fantasy with extensive worldbuilding and effects-driven set pieces." source
  3. Castle in the Sky (1986)
    "James Cameron has cited Miyazaki's airship-and-floating-civilization design language from Castle in the Sky as a touchstone for Avatar's militarized aerial vehicles and the floating mountains of Pandora." source
  4. Princess Mononoke (1997)
    "James Cameron's "Avatar" shares thematic similarities with "Princess Mononoke," particularly in its exploration of the conflict between industrialization and nature. Cameron has acknowledged Miyazaki's film as an inspiration for "Avatar."" Star Wars And 9 Other Hollywood Movies Inspired By Japanese Cinema Shaurya Thapa ScreenRant
  5. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
    "Cameron cited this epic as a major inspiration, noting its narrative of an outsider immersing into a foreign culture and leading them against other outsiders." How 'Lawrence of Arabia' Influenced 'Avatar' Thomas Butt Collider
  6. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
    "Cameron admired this film for its groundbreaking visual effects and profound themes, which inspired him to pursue filmmaking and influenced the visual storytelling in *Avatar*." Avatar Was James Cameron's Tribute To A Legend Of VFX Filmmaking Fatemeh Mirjalili SlashFilm
  7. Dances with Wolves (1990)
    "The story of a soldier assimilating into a Native American tribe and defending them against his former comrades shares thematic similarities with *Avatar*." Avatar %282009 film%29 Wikipedia
  8. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
    "James Cameron's "Avatar" advanced motion capture technology, a technique that was notably utilized in "The Two Towers" for the character Gollum. The film's expansive world-building and visual effects also reflect the high standards set by Peter Jackson's Middle-earth." Behind the Epic Adventure: The Untold Truth and Charm of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers | ABITA LLC&MARKETING JAPAN ABITA LLC&MARKETING JAPAN

Avatar (2009), directed by James Cameron, was inspired by 8 earlier films — including The Emerald Forest, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and Castle in the Sky. Check out the citations below.