Ranking the top 15 blockbusters of December since Avatar

This Christmas, James Cameron is riding his billion-dollar sleigh with a delicious gift for moviegoers everywhere: Avatar: The Way of the Water, the sequel to his 2009 smash hit Blues Riding banshees battling the military forces of Earth for possession of the lush green planet of Pandora.

Could Cameron, the acclaimed director of Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, True Lies and Titanic, provide the next meaningful cinematic experience? How will the Avatar sequel compare to other December releases, including last year's Spider-Man: No Way Home?

You see, while summer delivers huge popcorn-infused blockbusters, December often serves up a healthy dose of good old-fashioned epics. Think Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Star Wars. While this trend dates back to the beginning of time, the years since Avatar offered a good mix of big-budget shows and more artsy fare. But which of these Christmas releases over the past 12 years is the best? Did any of them surpass Avatar? Let's find out.

15. Aquaman (2018)

I never understood the appeal of Aquaman by James Wan. Jason Momoa rocks, but the film is a messy hodgepodge of unconvincing effects, bland writing, and predictable plots. Somehow, this potential epic made its way to a $335 million domestic haul and grossed over $1 billion worldwide, despite coming a year after the Justice League debacle in 2017.

14. Tron: Legacy (2010)

Tron: Legacy arrived with so much promise, but ultimately flopped at the box office thanks to dismal (albeit ambitious) CGI and a decidedly dark tone that left this whimsical fantasy floating in dead space. I would still book a return trip should a sequel ever see the light of day.

13. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

My admiration for The Last Jedi comes and goes. Rian Johnson crafts a compelling character study with outstanding performances, stunning visuals, and incredible action, but the sequel to The Force Awakens ultimately leaves a yearning for more magic from that galaxy far, far away.

12. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

After nearly a decade, audiences were eager to return to Middle-earth for more intense adventures, interesting characters, and stunning battle sequences. Peter Jackson certainly enhances the show, but what's surprising about An Unexpected Journey is how boring it is. I stayed up until midnight to watch this slog on opening night - a theatrical experience that marked my latest foray into wild and rambunctious midnight shows.

11. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Better than an unexpected trip, The Desolation of Smaug hits the ground running and holds interest for much of its runtime. However, once that dragon begins hunting Thorin's motley crew on Lonely Mountain, my attention shifts elsewhere. At least it exhibits truly exquisite effects.

10. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

Kudos to Peter Jackson for swinging for the fences with his Hobbit trilogy, but there wasn't enough story to warrant another 10 hour trip - and that's from someone who loves the Hobbit trilogy. Lord of the Rings. So while Battle of the Five Armies entertains in spades, the film's confusing plot, bland characters, and insane action elicit dreams of the epic days of Frodo and Sam.

9. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

No, it's not great, but The Rise of Skywalker is closer to classic Star Wars than The Last Jedi and has more momentum than any of Peter Jackson's Hobbit movies. Plus, the Emperor scenes are pretty awesome, and the finale is deservedly epic. I wish those involved had tried harder, but Rise of Skywalker certainly gets the job done.

8. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

More entertaining than it had any right to be, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle almost stole the thunder from The Last Jedi in 2017. Guess that shows you can never count the interest of the audience for a good comedy, especially one starring Jack Black and Kevin Hart. Sorry, Rock.

7. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Remember when Star Wars was so great that a good movie like Rogue One seemed dull by how...