James Cameron is the second-highest-grossing director of all time. Here's how he makes and spends his millions.

Gabbi ShawFeb 28, 2023, 02:26 IST

James Cameron.Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty

James Cameron is one of the highest-grossing directors of all time.
He's made three films that have crossed the $2 billion mark at the box office.

James Cameron, an Oscar-winning director, was one of the 10 highest earners in entertainment in 2022.

James Cameron.Frazer Harrison/GettyImages

Most of his fortune comes from directing, writing, and producing three of the top four highest-grossing films of all time. They total $7.3 billion together.

James Cameron in 2010 with a poster for "Avatar."Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Cameron, 68, was a truck driver before making his directorial debut with "Piranha II: The Spawning" in 1982.

James Cameron in 1985.Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

That's his only film that's made less than $70 million at the box office. Now, his last three films have made over $2 billion each.

James Cameron in 2022.Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney

Cameron has also founded three production companies: Lightstorm Entertainment, Digital Domain, and Earthship Productions.

James Cameron in 2018.SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images

He also helped develop the 3D Fusion Camera System, which has been used in many blockbusters.

James Cameron on the set of "Aliens."Bob Penn/Sygma/Getty Images

In 2020, Cameron put his vineyard in British Columbia, Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery, up for sale for $5.6 million.

Comox Valley, where the winery is.Tomas Kulaja/Shutterstock

That's not the only real estate he's put on the market recently. When Cameron and his family moved to New Zealand full-time, he put his Malibu compound up for sale for $25 million. Half of it sold for $8.2 million in 2021.

Malibu Beach.turtix/Shutterstock

That's not the only real estate he's put on the market recently. When Cameron and his family moved to New Zealand full-time, he put his Malibu compound up for sale for $25 million. Half of it sold for $8.2 million in 2021.

In 2014, he also sold over 700 acres of land in southern California for $12 million to a land conservancy group.

James Cameron in 2019.Andrew Lipovsky/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

He currently owns thousands of acres of land in New Zealand, where he and his family grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts. His original purchase cost him $20 million.

Suzy Amis Cameron and James Cameron in 2018.Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Cameron and his wife, Suzy Amis Cameron, founded a food brand, Verdient Foods, which was acquired in 2020 by Ingredion Incorporated.

James Cameron and Suzy Amis Cameron in 2010.Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Earth Day

In terms of spending, Cameron has invested in the luxury submarine brand Triton Submarines, and he reportedly owns one himself. One can cost $3 million.

James Cameron with one of his submarines.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

He also helped in the design of a $20 million yacht with his organization OceanX.

James Cameron in 2001.Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Cameron is a big motorcycle enthusiast, and he owns at least three Harley Davidsons.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in the James Cameron film "The Terminator."CBS/Getty Images

He also owns a Rolex Submariner, which can cost up to $43,000.

A Rolex Submariner.Rolex

But more than anything, Cameron is using his wealth for conservation efforts of both the land and sea.

James Cameron in 2012.Craig Barritt/Getty Images

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James Cameron is the second-highest-grossing director of all time. Here's how he makes and spends his millions.

James Cameron, an Oscar-winning director, was one of the 10 highest earners in entertainment in 2022.

Most of his fortune comes from directing, writing, and producing three of the top four highest-grossing films of all time. They total $7.3 billion together.

Cameron, 68, was a truck driver before making his directorial debut with "Piranha II: The Spawning" in 1982.

That's his only film that's made less than $70 million at the box office. Now, his last three films have made over $2 billion each.

Cameron has also founded three production companies: Lightstorm Entertainment, Digital Domain, and Earthship Productions.

He also helped develop the 3D Fusion Camera System, which has been used in many blockbusters.

In 2020, Cameron put his vineyard in British Columbia, Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery, up for sale for $5.6 million.

That's not the only real estate he's put on the market recently. When Cameron and his family moved to New Zealand full-time, he put his Malibu compound up for sale for $25 million. Half of it sold for $8.2 million in 2021.

In 2014, he also sold over 700 acres of land in southern California for $12 million to a land conservancy group.

He currently owns thousands of acres of land in New Zealand, where he and his family grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts. His original purchase cost him $20 million.

Cameron and his wife, Suzy Amis Cameron, founded a food brand, Verdient Foods, which was acquired in 2020 by Ingredion Incorporated.

In terms of spending, Cameron has invested in the luxury submarine brand Triton Submarines, and he reportedly owns one himself. One can cost $3 million.

He also helped in the design of a $20 million yacht with his organization OceanX.

Cameron is a big motorcycle enthusiast, and he owns at least three Harley Davidsons.

He also owns a Rolex Submariner, which can cost up to $43,000.

But more than anything, Cameron is using his wealth for conservation efforts of both the land and sea.