Very few animated shows manage to leave a mark on the audiences. Shows like Avatar the Last Airbender, which have run successfully for about one and a half decades, deserve all the appreciation. Younger millennial have grown up watching the show. It is as integral a part of their childhood and adolescence as Harry Potter or Twilight have been.
Yet, one wonders if television even makes such shows anymore. Just like there is no replacement of the Harry Potter or Twilight series, there is certainly no perfect replacement for Avatar. Yet, there are times we try looking around for similar shows that capture similar styles or concepts or stories, don’t we?
If you have loved it so much that you are hunting shows like Avatar the Last Airbender, look no further than this comprehensive list of 15 similar shows. These beautifully created animated shows are sure to fill that void created by your all-time favorite show.
Here Is The List Of Best Shows Similar To Avatar The Last Airbender:
The Legend of Korra
Available on Amazon Prime
This is one series that deserves an obvious mention whenever you are looking for shows like Avatar the Airbender. Why? This is because the show is itself a sequel spin-off to the former, though it is not as popular.The Legend of Korra’s incidents takes place about 70 years after ATLA ends. The plot revolves around Korra, who happens to be Aang’s successor down the line.
The modern world, naturally, is laced with modern problems. Unlike the battles and bloodbath of the past, Korra has to face sociopolitical and spiritual complexities. In many ways, The Legend of Korra is much better than Avatar: The Airbender.
We say this because there are added elements of drama and action, a more relatable and convincing plot and more intense action sequences.
The Legend of Korra is so popular among viewers that many acknowledge it as the animated equal to HBO’s Game of Thrones. The show interlaces multiple themes together, be it terrorism or racial discrimination, sociopolitical activism or homophobia.
As you can see, all the themes are relevant to our world today. Perhaps this is one of the biggest reasons it is such a massive hit with our generation.
Attack on Titan
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
Attack on Titan, to be precise, is no kids show. It has themes resounding with fiercer shows like Game of Thrones when it comes to power, battles and the world. The series is not very long, spanning just three seasons, with the first being the most applauded and sought-after.
The protagonist of the story, Eren Yeager, takes it on himself to wage war against the destructive might of the Titans. With the responsibility of conserving the human race on his shoulders, the story proceeds with his struggles and defeats and victory.
Attack on Titan progressively becomes wilder and wilder as the story leaps from one season to the next. If you are looking for a powerful animated show like Avatar the Airbender, Attack on Titan with its theme of world-building and stark competition is one of the best choices.
American Dragon: Jake Long
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
American Dragon tells the story of Jake who is a descendant of the dragons. However, he must keep this fact a secret from his friends and teachers. The young teen is managing a double life – the vagaries of teenage and a secret mission toward becoming the first American Dragon.
If you are on the lookout for shows like Avatar the Last Airbender, American Dragon is a good choice.
Batman Beyond
Available on Amazon Prime
Does Batman even need an introduction?
Batman Beyond was a new take on the much-loved superhero’s life and featured on Cartoon Network. Watch this show if you wish to take a deep plunge in nostalgia. You’ll love the humor, the action, and the mysteries.
The Dragon Prince
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
If you are hunting down shows like Avatar the Last Airbender, The Dragon Prince makes for a must-watch. The show is available on Netflix and is quite loved and appreciated across the platform. Aaron Ehasz, the head writer and executive producer of Avatar, has co-created this spectacular show.
The three seasons long show can be said to be a spiritual sequel to the more modernist setting of Avatar. The show is laced with traditional elements and imagination, which is why it appeals even more to a wider section of audiences.
The Dragon Prince is also based on the age-old principle of the good fighting the evil. Yet, its plot revolves the use of magical forces amidst mystical characters. All this makes for an enchanting story, doesn’t it?
Netflix describes the show as “an epic quest to bring peace to their warring lands”, about two human princes and eleven assassins. If this introduction doesn’t make you immediately add the show to your bucket list, what else will? The Dragon Prince is a must-watch for anyone who loves animated shows like Avatar the Last Airbender and is in for a great fantastical ride.
Steven Universe
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
If shows like Avatar the Last Airbender are what you are in search of, you’ll be happy to know that Steven Universe is the perfect alternative. The animated show stars Steven, who is a half-human and half-Gem. The young Steven is not like any other ordinary kid though; he is on a special mission to rescue the world from the evil Gems.
What seems to be the most laudable element of the show is its aspect of female empowerment. Unlike most other animated shows which lay undue stress on male heroes, Steven Universe portrays female characters as strong, powerful, and leading in several aspects.
Part of this owes to the fact that the show has been created by a woman, Rebecca sugar. The show can be compared to Avatar: The Last Airbender when it comes to drama, complexity, action, and theme.
Viewers have bestowed lots of love and discussion on this Cartoon Network show for ages now. The show boasts of a modern style and plausible narration. If you are looking for a show on the lines of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Steven Universe will not fail to impress.
Adventure Time
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
Adventure Time is the perfect way to spend time on a lazy weekend if you are a fan of animated shows. The story is of a twelve-year-old on his way to fend off the evil in the Land of Ooo. This story of good-fights-evil is different from the usual action-packed animation sagas and is like a breath of fresh air.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
The title of the show already sounds intriguing and fun, doesn’t it? Fullmetal Alchemist is a show with an equally intriguing plot. Several viewers already tag it as one of the fewest real competitors Avatar has when it comes to animated shows. So, what is so cool about this show?
The first thing about Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood that should interest you is the immersive and fast-paced writing. This is not a very common feature of most animated shows, considering they may have been primarily created for a younger audience.
Each of the show’s episodes is something you cannot miss. Each contributes equally in taking the story deeper, the characters further and the mystery darker.
FLCL
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
Viewers all over the globe are in love with Japanese anime. FLCL, standing for Fooly Cooly, is one such much-loved animated series. It is the story of an ordinary young boy who meets a maniacal girl and his life doesn’t seem normal anymore. It is because of their strange encounter that the boy has to face not just challenges but also an alien organization.
Watch FLCL if you are looking for shows like Avatar the Last Airbender. The well-crafted show is laced with a unique energy and narration style. Re-watching it in our modern times also makes one realize the multiple layers hidden beneath the facade of colorful characters.
On the surface, it seems like an ordinary story of a boy growing up and the situations he faces in this while. Only on watching it, you realize how it is much more than that.
Teen Titans
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
Teen Titans was one of the most-loved cartoon shows in the past, featuring on the Cartoon Network Channel. The show ran for five seasons and idealized teenage heroism for the younger generation. The animated series is based on the DC comic books that go by the same name. The humorous series with its unique style is still one of the most-loved worldwide.
Watch Teen Titans if you want to relish in some good old superhero action from the earlier part of the millennium. With its load of young heroes, fantastical villains and aliens, good-wins-over-evil theme, and adventurous missions, Teen Titans is a must-watch for all ATLA fans.
Death Note
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
The plot of the story is centered on a notebook. Merely writing a name on it would ensure that the person so named would die. Despite how ‘extra’ it sounds, the beautiful narration and direction make sure you never feel so while watching it.
The show also manages to leave open-ended conclusions after every episode. This is not in terms of the story but terms of feelings at the end of the episode. You are unable to decide whether not to root for the hero after his actions.
Raito Yagami, aka Light, is the protagonist who stumbles upon this special supernatural notebook, called the ‘Death Note’. Unlike the common ‘good-beats-evil’ stories, Death Note is about mind games, justice and supernatural powers.
The light uses this Death Note to rid the world of criminals, murderers, and rapists. Whether he is justified in his way of taking their lives or not and whether he has the right to do so is left to the viewer to deliberate on. So, if you are rooting for shows like Avatar the Airbender minus the kiddish narration or story, Death Note is the perfect choice for you.
Voltron – Legendary Defender
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
If you are interested in shows like Avatar the Last Airbender, look no further than Voltron for a great start. The two shows are comparable to each other in more ways than one. Yet, the latter remains a more modern version.
Voltron – Legendary Defender – is itself a remake of its 1980s version. The show manages to blend well multiple genres like humor, sci-fi, and action with the help of its colorful characters and a tight story-line.
The series, however, is comparatively longer than many others on this list, running for 8 seasons. This makes the show a perfect choice for anyone who is looking for a longer recluse from other shows and varieties, especially into the world of animation. The theme of the show remains the struggle between the good and the evil.
The story ensues with “five unlikely heroes and their robot lions”, as described by Netflix. Together, they embark on a mission against the evil by forming the all-powerful Voltron.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
This show is a remake of the original 80s version. The protagonist, a soldier, goes by the name of Adora. Over time, as she finds herself battling the maleficent Horde, she transforms into She-Ra. The show must have been created targeting children in mind, yet it is equally enjoyable by adults.
The recurrent themes of good-fights-evil and a friend squad battling the evil seem to have a lot in common with another most-loved animated show. Yet, what we can appreciate about She-Ra is the beautiful portrayal of the story through animated characters and situations. Some might find the vibrant animation a little over-the-top.
Watch She-Ra if you are looking for refreshing animated shows like Avatar the Last Airbender. The complex relationship between Adora and Catra as well as the heartwarming plot is sure to make you fall in love with it.
Naruto
Available on Netflix | Amazon Prime
The man behind this amazing and widely popular animated series is Masashi Kishimoto. This Japanese manga is one of the most loved animated series worldwide. Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist, is an upcoming ninja who aspires to be the leader of his village. To do this, he needs to amass the respect of his fellow villagers. He tries doing so by gaining their admiration and validation.
But that’s not all. Naruto has a deeper story hiding within his person. Within the young Naruto, the fourth Hokage sealed the Demon Fox of Konoha. Such was the Demon Fox’s power that one swing of his nine tails could wreak a tsunami. What lies ahead to be seen is how Naruto uses his powers and where his capabilities take him.
The narration and elemental style of Naruto is quite comparable to Avatar: The Last Airbender. The same can be said about the variety and design of action scenes. Despite this, one is bound to fall in love with Naruto for its fast-paced commentary and the blend of suspense and humor. Naruto is a perfect watch for anyone tracking animated shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
Who is not familiar with this widely popular series? Ben 10 is perhaps one the most-loved modern animated shows in recent years. The Cartoon Network show was a massive hit in the earlier half of the last decade. From clothes to toys to shoes and stationery, Ben 10 was everywhere, wasn’t it?
Ben 10: Ultimate Alien is the third installment of Cartoon Network Studios’ Ben 10 franchise. The action and the narrative style are catchy and so is the humor. Ben has the power to transform into 10 different creatures, each with different powers, appearances and names. Together with his sister and grandfather, Ben needs to ward off the alien attacks near and far.
Watch Ben 10 if you have loved Avatar: The Last Airbender. Although the premise and the setting are different, the recurrent themes of young heroes, action-packed encounters and superhuman clashes are going to be an interesting watch.
Conclusion
Animated movies and shows are like an ageless beauty, aren’t they? Not just children, these shows are equally enjoyed by adolescents and adults alike. Thanks to their beautiful messages, deep-rooted themes, well-crafted plots and solid characters, animated shows are the first choice for many when it comes to spending time binge-watching shows.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is one such show that has managed to capture the attention and love of many. No wonder it is one of the highest-rated animated shows in the history of television. It is amazing how a fictional world, fictional characters and fictional situations can have such a lasting impact on our minds.
In recent years, there have been some equally good, if not more, animated shows around today. We hope this list of the 15 best shows like Avatar the Airbender helps you. Let us know if there are any other shows you’d like to recommend!