What’s James Cameron’s Best Movie?

Here’s one more James Cameron piece for you — the big one: what’s his best film? I’ve put together a poll below, and you can sound off in the comments as well. I’m not including “Piranha II,” because after the Kubrick poll devolved into vote-bombing — somehow crowning “Fear and Desire” as his “best” — I’ve learned my lesson. Absolutely not. I don’t believe that result for a second.

Alright. Deep breath. Back to Cameron.

Cameron’s strengths as a director—particularly his visionary approach to filmmaking and his ability to push cinematic boundaries—are undeniable, as are the ambition and scope of his work. He crafts immersive, technically groundbreaking cinema. At the same time, his weaknesses—a tin ear for dialogue and storytelling elements that don’t always match the visual spectacle—can result in uneven work. That said, he’s certainly given us more than a fair share of great films over his career.

Picking his best film is harder than it sounds. Let’s first get the “Avatar” films out of the way. The original still stands head and shoulders above the sequels, flaws and all — especially for its use of 3D, which was genuinely mind-blowing in 2009. I wouldn’t rank it anywhere near the top of Cameron’s filmography, but its cultural importance is undeniable.

Then comes the migraine-inducing choice: “The Terminator” or “T2: Judgment Day.” Two masterpieces. Two very different films. Two seismic shifts in sci-fi cinema. Put a gun to my head and force a decision, and I’d probably — reluctantly — go with “T2,” if only for the sheer density of iconic moments.

But wait, it doesn’t stop there. “Aliens” opens up another existential dilemma: Ridley Scott’s haunted-house horror “Alien” or Cameron’s adrenaline-fueled, militarized sequel? Good luck settling that one.

And then there’s “The Abyss,” a film that’s grown into a full-blown cult favorite and is often cited as the most underrated entry in Cameron’s career. Last year’s fully restored 4K Special Edition only reinforced its legacy. It’s barely misses my Cameron top 5, but there’s certainly a passion following for this film.

Finally, we arrive at “Titanic” — Cameron’s most celebrated work. An old-school Hollywood epic that by all logic shouldn’t have worked, yet somehow did, spectacularly. Yes, the dialogue could be clunky. Nobody cared. The romance landed, the drama soared, the performances connected, and Cameron’s visuals were overwhelming in the best way possible. It’s unquestionably among his greatest achievements.

If it were up to me, it comes down to two films: “T2” or “Titanic.” And even then, I’m not sure I trust myself to make the final call.