Since its debut in 2005, Avatar: The Last Airbender has delighted and moved viewers with its powerful storytelling, strong characters, and gorgeous anime-inspired art. The show introduced a world where some people can manipulate, or “bend,” one of the four elements: water, earth, fire, and air. The only person capable of bending all four elements is the Avatar, a spiritual leader responsible for keeping the world in balance.
The Avatar universe has expanded, with its story continuing through a sequel series, comics, and novels. Beyond that, there have also been two live-action adaptations of the original series. The franchise will continue to grow in the coming years, with the film The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender releasing in 2026 and series Avatar: Seven Havens currently in development. If you’re hoping to catch up with the franchise, this guide will go over every Avatar: The Last Airbender movie and TV show in order.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Avatar: The Last Airbender does more than simply introduce the fascinating world of bending. Over the course of three seasons, the series tells an incredible story about friendship, resistance, and courage that has stuck with fans for over two decades now. It starts when siblings Katara and Sokka find a boy frozen in ice, who turns out to be both the last survivor of the Air Nomads and the long-missing Avatar.
Avatar shocked and impressed Nickelodeon viewers when it aired for its deep narrative that touches on topics not usually seen on the channel, including sexism, child abuse, and fascism. Two decades later, it remains a must-watch for anyone interested in fantasy worlds with masterful storytelling.
The Last Airbender (2010)
While many Avatar fans may want to deny the existence of a live-action movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan, it does, in fact, exist. The Last Airbender is notorious for, among other things, its poor handling of the source material and whitewashed cast. While the original show is known and beloved for its strong writing and incredible character development, none of that is reflected here. If you really, really want to watch every Avatar movie and show, then this is definitely one of them. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024-present)
This second attempt to reimagine the original series in live action has been more positively received. Still, it’s controversial among fans due to the lack of involvement from franchise creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who were initially involved but left the project in 2020 over creative differences.
Regardless, Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024) captures some of the magic of its source material. Its solid action sequences and special effects bring the bending world to life, and the young cast generally does a good job with these iconic characters. Only the first season is available so far, but two more seasons covering the rest of the story are in production now.
The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)
Set 70 years after The Last Airbender’s finale, The Legend of Korra tells the story of Aang’s successor, a young woman from the Southern Water Tribe. Korra is Aang’s opposite in most every way. Where he was patient and gentle, she’s headstrong and hot-headed, and where he had a natural inclination toward the spirits, she struggles with the non-physical aspects of being the Avatar.
Over the course of four seasons, though, Korra grows into her role, saving the world several times in the process. Rather than focusing on one main villain like The Last Airbender, the sequel series introduces a new threat every season, and these adversaries are motivated by more than just ambition and power hungrily. Instead, their distinct philosophies challenge Korra and viewers to see the world through different perspectives. This makes The Legend of Korra feel more mature than its predecessor, expanding on the franchise’s legacy of complex characters with compelling story arcs.
Where To Watch 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Movies And TV Shows Online
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