On its release, Avatar: The Last Airbender captured the imaginations of children who witnessed the anime-inspired animation on their small screens. Years later, this Nickelodeon hit show continued to make a solid impact with both kids and adults with its Asian-influenced design, memorable characters, mature themes and action sequences.
Likewise, while one has yet to see brand-new stories from Aang’s world (until the live-action Netflix series has been released), there are movies that are in the same vein as Avatar: The Last Airbender. With that, for loyal fans and viewers who love the show, here are 10 movies to watch.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Based on the book series by Cressida Cowell, How to Train Your Dragon follows the adventures of a scrawny Viking named Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), who is derided by his village for failing to follow the footsteps of his father, chieftain Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). But when Hiccup successfully caught a rare dragon, he soon find out they are not what they seem.
In the course of three films and an expansive TV series, the bond of Hiccup and Toothless has been tested and strengthened in miraculous situations and hurdles.
Hero (2002)
Avatar: The Last Airbender is filled with intricate fight sequences that every scene is dripping with martial arts inspiration. So easily, fans should appreciate the 2002 Zhang Yimou wuxia epic Hero. Jet Li stars as a Qin prefect, Nameless, who stood before the king and told about his exploits of defeating three assassins.
Hero has more swordplay than martial arts sequences. But Yimou allows every frame to be filled with beauty and grace. And much like the bending sequences in Avatar, they are gracefully executed with hefty backstory. Just elegant.
The Karate Kid (1984)
The Karate Kid is the archetypal underdog story of a courageous aiming to prove himself, with the help of an erudite karate master, by defeating his bullies in a karate tournament. People who grew up on the film are gratified to witness the journey of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his student/mentor relationship with Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita).
Avatar viewers can find some angles of the Daniel-san/Miyagi dynamic throughout the show. Thus, this movie is a no-brainer for them to love and also take inspiration from. Wax on, tune in.
Castle in the Sky (1986)
From director Hayao Miyazaki comes this fantasy adventure about a young boy named Pazu and a young girl named Sheeta who goes on a journey to search for a floating castle called Laputa. Along their way, they are chased by pirates and foreign agents who are after an important item.
As the pure anime of this film, its heart comes from the interactions between Pazu and Sheeta as they take on this journey to fantastical worlds. And knowing that Avatar is an epic adventure across different worlds, this is recommended.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
One may think that Kung Fu Panda is just another kid’s animated film featuring anthropomorphic animals. However, it is one of the most groundbreaking feats from DreamWorks Animation. This trilogy tells the story of the panda named Po (Jack Black), who discovers his true gift as a kung fu master and unravels his past.
Avatar viewers can start from the solid first film that packs not only intense fighting sequences but also beautiful animation that honors its Chinese mythological roots. And despite Po being a jolly presence, he is compelling.
Drunken Master (1978)
Jackie Chan has a wide array of films where he gets to showcase his martial arts talents and his own stunts. However, it was the influential Drunken Master that paved the way for his specialty genre, the kung fu comedy, to take prominence. Chan plays folk hero Wong Fei-hung, a gentle villager who gets trained by the Beggar So under the discipline of drunken kung fu.
It would be no surprise if the duo of Avatar creators take inspiration on Aang’s fights from Jackie Chan’s well-polished yet hilarious action scenes.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Since Avatar follows the hero’s journey template like any major media property, Harry Potter will always be included, specifically the first film. Much like the acclaimed show, The Philosopher’s Stone follows the discovery of a prodigious boy, destined to end evil, supported by two cohorts, followed by a fierce rival and encountered vast cultures within their world.
Both stories have the same sense of development and world-building. And there is still a relatable awe of a special hero like Aang and Harry going through an underdog phase of their life.
The Shaolin Temple (1982)
The Shaolin Temple is Jet Li’s film debut. The action superstar plays Jue Yuan, a young man who enters a Shaolin temple and learns the strict discipline of martial arts to avenge his father’s death. The first half of the film has an action-comedy tone, while the second consists of Jue’s dramatic confrontation towards his adversaries.
This film is the first of its kind to be filmed in mainland China (and inside a true Shaolin monastery). And the elegance of its martial arts flows in every scene, much like Avatar.
Star Wars (1977)
Back to the realm of sagas, Star Wars is undoubtedly the grandfather of hero’s journeys. The journey of Luke Skywalker discovering his roots as a Jedi warrior won over many audiences and spawned of a galactic franchise that influenced many franchises. And any fan can easily point the parallels between Luke and Aang.
But setting aside the comparisons, Star Wars overall is a complete package of a satisfying adventure with a compelling story, unforgettable characters, grand designs and great moments. And following the original trilogy is a fun-filled genre-bending adventure.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Finally, here is the peak of films that are as great as Avatar: The Last Airbender. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon tells the epic tale of a young warrior who steals a sword called “Green Destiny” and escapes with a mysterious accomplice. At the center of this intrigue is the swordsman Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-fat), his close friend Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) and the enigmatic Jen Yu (Zhang Ziyi).
Despite being a straightforward wuxia film, this film is packed with rich themes, stunning cinematography and subtle moment that elevates the experience. For Avatar viewers, this Ang Lee is rewarding.