Everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked, but one thing has remained constant: Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the highest-rated animated shows of all time. It captivated the minds of children and adults alike with its creative world-building and compelling characters.

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Alas, the series went off the air in 2008, leaving an Appa-sized hole in the hearts of fans everywhere. But not all hope is lost. There are shows out there, old and new, channeling the very elements (pun intended) that made Avatar so enduring. Take a look.

Update September 7th, 2020 by Louis Kemner: By now, Avatar: the Last Airbender is back on Netflix, and it has more fans than ever. Some argue that it is the ultimate "American anime." That may be true, and this show comfortably sits on the border between American animation and the vast world of Japanese anime. In this list, a wide variety of American and Japanese animated shows alike will demonstrate that Avatar fans have plenty of options for their next favorite show.

InuYasha

This beloved series is the story of a modern girl, Kagome Higurashi, and her incredible adventure through a well to reach feudal-era Japan. It's a land of demons, magic, and adventure, and the action starts almost right away.

Kagome is an archer with a priestess's powers, and she and her new allies won't rest until the nefarious demon Naraku is taken down and peace is restored.

Konosuba

Konosuba characers fight

This is a comedy series, poking fun at the isekai genre (where an ordinary person finds themselves in a new world). Kazuma Sato is a lazy teenager who ends up in a stylish fantasy world, and he's got a goddess, Aqua, by his side.

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Kazuma's misadventures are anime legend since his party is the most dysfunctional quartet to ever embark on a quest. Still, the action scenes and special effects are no joke, and the characters do have a few endearing moments despite the wackiness.

Soul Eater

In this series, the fighters are weapon meisters who wield unique weapons such as scythes, pistols, and swords, but those tools of destruction are alive and take the form of people. Thus, they are well-coordinated in battle.

Maka Albarn is the heroine, along with her weapon Soul Eater Evans, and they have all kinds of colorful and exciting adventures against cartoony, gothic villains of all sorts.

My Hero Academia

This series has made some serious waves in the anime world, and fans of Avatar (and other American action shows) will find plenty to like here. As a bonus, many characters and scenes in My Hero Academia are inspired by western comic book heroes, from Superman to Spider-Man and The Flash.

The protagonist is Izuku Midoriya, who was born quirkless (without a superpower). The ultimate hero, All Might, later granted him One For All, giving Izuku the strength he needs to defeat the villains who terrorize the world and realize his dream at last.

Little Witch Academia

Diana wearing a witch's hatr and holding a broom in Little Witch Academia

In many regards, this animated series is just like My Hero Academia, including the title (and it came first). The heroine is Akko, an adventurous girl who wants to become a noble witch to help people near and far with her arcane abilities.

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The problem: she was born with zero magical power. But that won't stop her; she enrolls at the Nova Luna academy to learn the ways of the witches, and she makes many wonderful friends and embarks on colorful adventures with them. It's an upbeat series that reminds people that there's nothing they can't do.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018-2020)

There is no better animation streaming today. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, a creative remake of the 80s cartoon, follows Adora—a soldier who transforms into the She-Ra—as she battles the evil Horde. It's a show aimed at kids that adults can enjoy. It doesn't downplay hard themes or moments for the benefit of its audience. Sounds a lot like another beloved cartoon we know.

From the very first episode, clear-cut comparisons can be made, with the Best Friend Squad giving off strong Gaang vibes and Catra's Big Zuko Energy. Not to mention, it follows the friends through a high-stakes war, myriad fantastical locales, and strong supporting characters who are just as nuanced as the main cast.

The Dragon Prince (2018- )

The cast of The Dragon Prince

Netflix's The Dragon Prince has quite a lot in common with Avatar, namely some familiar faces. Aaron Ehasz, co-creator of The Dragon Prince, was head writer and executive producer of Avatar. You have him to thank for epic episodes like "The Storm," "The Crossroads of Destiny," and "The Awakening." He currently pens The Dragon Prince's script with co-creator Justin Richmond.

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That's not all: everyone's favorite comedic relief, Jack DeSena AKA Sokka, provides the voice of Callum, one of The Dragon Prince's main characters. At its core, The Dragon Prince recaptures the spirit of Avatar with cool magic, coming-of-age journeys, heavy material aimed at a younger crowd, and layered characters on both sides of the fold.

Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016-2018)

When this debuted on Netflix, viewers went berserk. Voltron: Legendary Defender took the animation world by storm, essentially becoming the biggest bonafide hit since Avatar. The show spun fresh stories out of its 80s forerunner, making fans fall in love with the new team of Paladins.

Why should Avatar fans click play? It's full of fun, action, adventure, and romance, all the things that made the Gaang's journey so iconic back in the day. With a gang of newfound friends saving the world, comparisons between the two shows were inevitable. Not to mention, the animation studio behind Voltron also played a part in the Avatar family: Studio Mir brought The Legend of Korra to life, too.

Teen Titans (2003-2006)

We're not talking about Teen Titans Go. We're taking it all the way back to the series that first graced our screens in the early aughts. Teen Titans was a kid-friendly reimagining of DC Comics' young superhero team. The Cartoon Network show—starring Robin, Starfire, Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy—ran for five seasons and became a defining cartoon for younger millennials.

The Teen Titans shine on their own and together with vibrant personalities, coming pretty close to their peers in the Gaang. The adventures were out of this world—literally—and tailor-made for fans of fantasy action. If Avatar viewers didn't already grow up on this show, Teen Titans is a must-watch.

FLCL (2000-2018)

FLCL (sound it out: Fooly Cooly), which most American fans would be familiar with from Adult Swim, has left its mark on the world of animation. It's been said that Avatar's creators made the entire production team watch FLCL start to finish to learn from its distinctive design and storytelling.

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FLCL tells the story of Naota Nandaba, a kid who encounters a strange woman named Haruko on a Vespa. Bizarro things ensue: shapes start growing out of Naota's head, Haruko's trying to kill the big monsters that hatch out of those shapes, and that's just the basic synopsis. Sounds wild, but if it was required viewing for Avatar: The Last Airbender's production team, then it should be required viewing for the fans, too.

Steven Universe (2013-2020)

Cartoon Network's popular show comes to a close this year, but fans should watch Steven Universe while they still can. The series is about Steven, who is half-human and half-Crystal Gem, a magical group of beings who protect the universe. The Gems consist of Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl.

A young boy at the heart of a magical, superhero-like group out to save the day definitely sounds like Avatar. The lighthearted show also takes on complex issues, appealing to both kids and parents. And for fans of the strong female leads on Avatar, Steven Universe was Cartoon Network's first program created by a woman, Rebecca Sugar. It checks all the important boxes.

Adventure Time (2010-2018)

Jake and Finn in Adventure Time art

Finn and his talking dog Jake go on a magical adventure through the Land of Ooo in Adventure Time, a popular fantasy series that aired on Cartoon Network. Finn's foe, the Ice King, poses trouble for the duo while Finn falls in love with the lovely Princess Bubblegum, who doesn't return his advances.

It all sounds pretty similar to Aang's journey to defeat Fire Lord Ozai alongside Katara and the rest of the Gaang. But fans shouldn't be too bummed that it's over—Adventure Time is returning on HBO Max for four new specials. Each episode will focus on a new character, which will give viewers the chance to catch up with a new adventurous group, if they haven't already.

American Dragon: Jake Long (2005-2007)

This one goes out to all the Zutara shippers who had their hearts broken. American Dragon: Jake Long stars Dante Basco (AKA Zuko) in the titular role, while his nemesis/love interest Rose is voiced by Mae Whitman (AKA Katara). Yes, you read that right. In an alternate, concurrent timeline, Zutara kind of happened.

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The Disney Channel show stars Jake, "the mac daddy dragon of the NYC," as he memorably rapped in the theme song. He goes dragon up to protect the magical creatures living in Manhattan against their enemies, which, incidentally, includes his girlfriend Rose. Avatar fans looking to relive childhood fun should definitely check this out when it hits Disney Plus.

Batman Beyond (1999-2001)

Terry McGinnis, a high school student, continues the Dark Knight's legacy in Batman Beyond. While being mentored by an aging Bruce Wayne, Terry takes on the forces of Gotham. The award-winning cult hit captured much of the same essence as Avatar, which came to TV a few years later.

Although it was a family-friendly cartoon, it didn't shy away from mature themes of psychology and the dilemmas facing society. Similarly, Avatar has been lauded for the way it handled issues of war, class, relationships, abuse, family, and much more.

The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)

Not all Avatar fans gave its sister series, The Legend of Korra, a fair shot when it first took to the air. Some believed it wasn't a worthy follow-up to the legend of Aang. Let's squash this controversy once and for all: from this day forward, all Avatar fans owe it an apology and a re-watch.

The Legend of Korra has it all: it delves into darker themes than its predecessor; extends Avatar's legacy with cool developments like pro-bending; and expands the mythos established in the original seriessuch as a two-part special chronicling the life of the very first Avatar. The later seasons are so strong they rival even the best moments in Aang's storyGo ahead, give it another shot.

NEXT: Avatar: The Last Airbender: 5 Things Netflix's Remake Should Avoid Based On Past Live-Action Adaptations (& 5 That Will Make It Successful)