15 Best TV Shows Like Avatar: The Last Airbender

In the two decades since Avatar: The Last Airbender captured the hearts of fans worldwide, the fictional world of the Four Nations has remained a beloved realm. While live-action adaptations have been frustrating, several animated series have emerged that masterfully replicate the storytelling elements of the Nickelodeon series. These captivating animated series not only boast breathtaking visuals but also tackle themes of war, justice, and imperial rebellion.

The most apparent successor to Avatar: The Last Airbender is its sequel, The Legend of Korra. Created by the same talented duo of Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, this series takes place around 70 years after Aang's defeat of Fire Lord Ozai. The story follows a strong-willed young woman from the Southern Water Tribe, now faced with a more complex, modern world.

As she learns airbending from Aang's son, Tenzin, she encounters four seasonal antagonists who present genuine ideological challenges to the sociopolitical order she is supposed to defend. Unlike The Legend of Korra, Adventure Time may not seem like an Avatar successor at first glance. However, as the series progresses, Pendleton Ward creates a vivid and populated world that surpasses the depth of The Last Airbender.

By the last third of the 10-season run, Adventure Time rewards long-term fan investment in a manner similar to the Nickelodeon show.

Arcane, based on the popular video game League of Legends, is a remarkable story about war and class divisions. This animated series, created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee, features two siblings caught in a conflict between the privileged and the disenfranchised. It's an excellent choice for fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender who particularly enjoyed Prince Zuko's redemption arc, as it explores morally complex character arcs centered around antiheroes who cross unforgivable lines in the pursuit of righteous causes.

For those who grew up watching Avatar: The Last Airbender and have an affinity for Prince Zuko's alter ego, the Blue Spirit, Blue Eye Samurai might be the perfect fit. This grounded, historical action thriller is set in Edo Japan and features Mizu, a mixed-race Japanese swordmaster on a quest to slay four white men illegally hiding in the country. This character-driven narrative showcases some of the most stylishly brutal violence in an animated series, making it a must-watch for fans of the original series.