What is the running time of James Cameron’s Avatar theatrical cut?

The theatrical cut of James Cameron’s Avatar runs for 162 minutes.

That runtime equals 2 hours and 42 minutes, making Avatar a substantial theatrical event even before its extensive world-building and visual-effects sequences are considered. The film follows Jake Sully’s arrival on Pandora, his contact with the Na’vi, and the escalating conflict over the moon’s resources.

Different editions can create confusion about the number. Avatar was released theatrically in a 162-minute version, while later home-video editions included extended material. The Special Edition adds scenes and has a longer runtime, so answers based on an extended cut may not match the standard theatrical figure.

The runtime is also distinct from Avatar: The Way of Water, which is significantly longer. Specifying “theatrical cut” makes the question refer to the original 2009 cinema release rather than a later alternate edition.