15 TV Series Like Avatar: The Last Airbender You Must Watch Now

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a 61-episode animated TV show produced by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, which ran from February 21, 2005 to July 19, 2008 on Nickelodeon. This series is set in a fantastical world with strong influences from Chinese culture and mythology. The story revolves around the journey of Aang, the next in line for a long-standing role as an Avatar, who has control over the Four Elements, and his companions as they strive to protect their world.

The show offers a diverse cultural tapestry and an initiatory journey depicted through character development, earning it acclaim as one of the greatest animated series currently available.

In tribute to the remarkable saga of Avatar: The Last Airbender, we’ve decided to put together a must-see list of 15 TV series similar to it, handpicked for fans who share our admiration. Each title on this list shares some common ground with the captivating world of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

1. The Legend of Korra

Original Run: April 14, 2012 – December 19, 2014
Number of Episodes: 52

Korra is a young woman who can manipulate water from the South. She’s the child of the Southern tribe’s leader and possesses a powerful personality. As the Avatar, she needs to learn to command all four elements: water, earth, fire, and air. Growing up in the South, she received training in these elements from the White Lotus masters, but she struggles to master airbending completely.

At the outset of the story, she moves to Republic City for the purpose of mastering airbending under Tenzin, the sole Airbender left. Established by Aang and Zuko following a century of conflict, Republic City welcomes inhabitants from various nations. Throughout the series, numerous fresh characters share ties with the original ones.

For instance, Korra will study airbending from Tenzin, one of Katara and Aang’s offspring. Lin Beifong serves as the chief of police in Republic City, and she honed her metalbending skills under the tutelage of her mother, Toph.

2. Ninjago

From January 14, 2011 to the current date (approximately), a total of 180 episodes have been produced, including 2 pilot episodes, a special episode, and various short episodes.

In ancient times, before we had a way to measure it, the realm of Ninjago was born under the hand of the First Master of Spinjitzu, who crafted it with four sacred artifacts: the Saber of Fire, Scythe of Earth, Shurikens of Ice, and Nunchakus of Lightning. When he passed away, his sons Wu and Garmadon vowed to safeguard these powerful weapons from any malevolent forces seeking to misuse them.

However, due to being poisoned by the Great Devourer, Garmadon attempted to seize the weapons. Wu successfully intervened, sending Garmadon to the Shadow World. In an effort to safeguard them, Wu scattered the weapons across Ninjago. Years down the line, the Skeleton army, hailing from the Dark Kingdom and commanded by Samukai on behalf of Lord Garmadon, rose once more with the intention of reclaiming the weapons.

1. Kai, a young blacksmith, is given a map by which they determine their location, and he becomes the victim of kidnapping, with his sister Nya taken away. Later, Sensei Wu proposes that Kai join him on the journey to master Spinjitzu – the ancient martial art of ninja-hood. Excited at the prospect, Kai agrees and embarks on this new path. Alongside him are three other students who are also being trained in Spinjitzu.

2. The group finds a map to mark their location with Kai, a young blacksmith, and they take his sister Nya captive. Sensei Wu then extends an invitation for Kai to join the path of Spinjitzu, becoming a ninja in the process. Eager to learn, Kai accepts and starts his training. It turns out he’s not the only new student: there are three others being trained as well.

3. Kai, a young blacksmith, is kidnapped along with his sister Nya after they discover a map to pinpoint their location. Sensei Wu then offers Kai an opportunity to train in Spinjitzu – the ancient martial art of ninja-hood. Intrigued by this prospect, Kai agrees and begins his journey. He is not alone in this endeavor as there are three other students who are also being trained.

4. Kai, a young blacksmith, has his location determined with the help of a map, but he falls victim to kidnapping – his sister Nya is taken away. Sensei Wu then extends an invitation for Kai to join him on the path of Spinjitzu, becoming a ninja in the process. Excited at the opportunity, Kai agrees and starts his training. Alongside him are three other students who are also being trained in Spinjitzu.

5. Kai, a young blacksmith, is kidnapped along with his sister Nya after they find a map to mark their location. Sensei Wu then offers Kai an opportunity to learn Spinjitzu – the ancient martial art of ninja-hood. Intrigued by this prospect, Kai agrees and embarks on this new journey. It turns out he’s not the only new student: there are three others who are also being trained in Spinjitzu.

As a follower in this realm, I am bonded with one of the legendary Golden Weapons and an element: I wield the power of Fire as Kai, the Earth’s might is entrusted to Cole, Lightning’s mastery lies with Jay, and Zane embodies Ice. My journey calls for me to hone my skills in wielding these weapons and mastering the elements they represent.

3. Dragon Ball

Original Run: February 26, 1986 – present
Number of Episodes: 806

In this anime, we follow the adventures of Son Goku, a talented martial artist with an unusual monkey tail. He encounters a woman named Bulma and embarks on a journey with her to collect seven magical Dragon Balls. Along the way, they face numerous foes, many of whom are also searching for the balls, their motives ranging from greedy to malevolent. However, some eventually become allies, like Yamcha or Ten Chin Han.

Initially, Son Goku was incredibly powerful even before he received formal training, as evidenced by his ability to take on experienced adult fighters. In a peculiar turn of events, when gazing upon a full moon, he would undergo a transformation into an enormous ape, channeling immense destructive power unknowingly and without retaining any recollection of the event afterwards.

Alongside another young lad named Krillin, he undergoes an intense training regimen under the guidance of Master Kame, a highly respected martial arts master disguised as a lewd old man, who conceals immense power. Master Kame is preparing his two disciples for a significant tournament called Tenkaichi Budokai. As the competition progresses, increasingly powerful adversaries emerge until the embodiment of Evil manifests as Demon Piccolo.

4. Naruto

Original Run: October 3, 2002 – March 23, 2017
Number of Episodes: 720

The narrative unfolds as Naruto reaches his teenage years, approximately at age twelve. Abandoned, foolish, and a master of mischief, he constantly finds himself in trouble. His ambition burns bright: to attain the title of the greatest Hokage, hoping to gain acceptance from the villagers. Due to the demonic nine-tailed fox residing within him, Naruto has become synonymous with fear and disdain among the villagers, who gradually fail to distinguish between Kyūbi and himself.

Although facing difficulties, Naruto dedicates himself vigorously to reach the genin rank, which is the entry-level among ninjas. After enduring three unsuccessful attempts at the genin exam, he eventually earns his Konoha forehead protector. He is subsequently assigned to a group of novice ninja apprentices, alongside Sakura Haruno and prodigious Sasuke Uchiha, who aims to avenge those dear to him by eliminating his brother Itachi Uchiha.

Soon after, they encounter their jōnin-level ninja, the one responsible for their training – the enigmatic Kakashi Hatake. Initially seen as intimidating and scorned by his fellow trainees, Naruto will eventually grow in strength and earn both the admiration and love of the villagers, primarily due to his victories against Konoha’s formidable foes.

5. My Hero Academia

Original Run: April 3, 2016 – present
Number of Episodes: 113 (+ 5 OVA)

In a universe where most people possess extraordinary abilities known as “Quirks,” we delve into the exciting escapades of Izuku Midoriya, an exceptional individual born without Quirks. Despite this limitation, Izuku harbors ambitions to join the heroic division of the prestigious Yuei academy and eventually become one of the greatest heroes of his era. On a fateful day, Izuku encounters his long-admired role model, All Might, the top superhero. This extraordinary individual bestows upon Izuku his Quirk, One For All.

6. One Piece

Original Run: October 20, 1999 – present
Number of Episodes: 1011

Twenty-two years since Gol D. Roger’s execution, the fascination surrounding the One Piece treasure seems to be fading. Some have lost hope of ever finding it, while others question its very existence. Despite this, pirates continue to pose a threat to the local populace. However, the Navy has significantly strengthened its defenses against pirate incursions across all four seas: East, North, West, and South.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must say that Monkey D. Luffy, a spirited young lad, remained undeterred in his quest to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Roger. His unwavering determination would lead him to embark on an exciting voyage, with his initial goal being the formation of a crew to navigate the vast Grand Line sea. This sea is where the infectious spirit of piracy’s “great storm” still thrives, and it’s here that numerous pirate legends are hotly pursuing the One Piece, rumored to be hidden on the final island of this grand expanse – Laugh Tale.

7. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Original Run: April 5, 2009 – July 4, 2010
Number of Episodes: 64 (+ 4 OVA)

In the realm of Amestris, where alchemy is revered as a supreme science, my brother Edward and I, Alphonse Elric, traverse the nation in pursuit of the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. Our father abandoned us, and our dear mother, Trisha Elric, succumbed to an illness some years ago, leaving us orphaned at a tender age.

At some point in the future, the two brothers attempt to resurrect her using alchemy, disregarding a law that forbids human transmutation. Their disobedience comes with severe consequences. Edward, the eldest, loses his left leg, while their younger brother suffers a more devastating fate, losing his entire body. To save Alphonse’s soul, Ed seals it within armor, sacrificing his right arm in the process.

At twelve years old, Edward chooses to join the military as a State Alchemist. He excels in the exam and earns the title Fullmetal. With Edward’s position as a state alchemist, his two brothers embark on a perilous journey to find the stone that can restore what they have lost, but the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone remains hidden.

8. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Original Run: April 5, 2017 – present
Number of Episodes: 237

Due to his father Naruto Uzumaki being the current Hokage, or leader, of Konoha village, Boruto Uzumaki, son of Naruto and Hinata Hyuga, often finds himself in the shadow of his illustrious father. Eager to gain recognition from him, Boruto has made a strong determination to outshine his dad.

Living a life full of challenging missions and intense training is typical for skilled ninjas – but he’ll soon find out the hard way that mastering the art of ninjutsu isn’t effortless. Accompanying Sarada Uchiha, daughter of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, and Mitsuki, son of Orochimaru, Boruto will delve into the world of ninjas, learning about its intricacies and fundamentals.

9. Samurai Jack

Original Run: August 10, 2001 – May 20, 2017
Number of Episodes: 62

The tale unfolds around Jack, a samurai embarking on a journey to vanquish Aku, the deadliest demon known to mankind. In their initial skirmish, which appears reminiscent of old Japan, the samurai, nearly triumphant, momentarily relaxes his vigilance and gets transported to a far-off future. Here, he encounters a world inhabited by aliens, cyborgs, and humans living side by side.

Since he remains undefeated, the entire world lies under his control. Consequently, the goal of the samurai becomes to journey back into the past, with the aim of thwarting this ominous future from materializing.

10. Demon Slayer

Original Run: April 6, 2019 – present
Number of Episodes: 44

During the Taisho era in Japan, Tanjirō Kamado, the eldest child of a coal trading family, is left behind by his deceased father. To make ends meet, he peddles charcoal within the village nestled at the mountain’s foot. In spite of life’s hardships, they somehow find moments of joy in their daily routines. An unexpected event arises when whispers about a night-stalking demon compel him to spend an evening with a kind villager for safety.

Upon his return, everything takes a drastic turn. His acute nose picks up a potent scent of blood, leading him to dash straight back home where he discovers his beloved family brutally murdered.

Among his siblings, Nezuko is the sole survivor, though unconscious, and Tanjirou, consequently, accompanies her, aiming to find a physician who might be able to revive her. However, during their journey, she recovers consciousness and, transformed into a demon, assaults her brother. Yet, even in this state, hints of human feelings and thoughts can still be observed from Nezuko.

11. Noragami

Original Run: January 5, 2014 – December 25, 2015
Number of Episodes: 25 + 4 OVAs

Hiroyi Iki was an ordinary middle school student until a fateful moment when she selflessly pushed someone out of the path of an oncoming bus, only to be hit herself. The enigmatic stranger who saved her wore sports attire and a scarf, and it was later revealed that he was none other than God Yato. This incident inexplicably turned Hiroyi into a half-ayakashi, or demon. When she encounters Yato once more and uncovers his divine nature, she implores him to help her restore her human form. However, Yato finds himself in a predicament as he has recently lost his shinki – another extraordinary being who assists gods by enhancing their power.

In a less familiar role, he is merely a minor deity, making him vulnerable. When faced with an Ayakashi, Yato selects a young spirit as his new Shinki, naming him Yukine. This choice proves effective as a weapon, yet it’s unstable and hot-headed due to its premature demise. Despite Yukine’s assistance, Yato is initially unable to aid Hiyori. Eventually, he seeks help from Tenjin, the god of education. To his surprise, he discovers that his former weapon, Mayu, now serves under Tenjin instead.

Yato’s companion, Kofuku – the goddess of poverty, along with her attendant Daikoku, are unable to assist them. The tension between Yato and his comrade Yukine, who feels undervalued and misses his human existence, grows stronger. Eventually, Yukine resorts to stealing as no one living can see him, so he’s indifferent to the responses or harm he causes. However, each of Yukine’s sins affects Yato, pushing him further into decay. Yet, Yato refuses to discipline Yukine.

12. The Dragon Prince

Original Release: September 14, 2018 – present
Number of Episodes: 27

The story unfolds within a magical fantasy land named Xadia, where the environment pulses with energy drawn from six fundamental sources: Sun, Moon, Stars, Earth, Sky, and Ocean. Originally, humans lacked the ability to harness this basic magic. Instead, they delved into darker forms of enchantment, powered by the vital life force of creatures such as animals and magical beings.

After this astonishing revelation, they were forced out of Xadia by dragons and elves and banished to the far side of the continent, where they established the five human kingdoms known as the Pentarchy. The fiery border between the two halves of the continent was safeguarded by Thunder, the Dragon King. A thousand years have passed since humans killed the Dragon King, and his heir’s egg is believed to be destroyed; the threat of all-out war looms large.

13. Castlevania

Original Release: July 7, 2017 – May 13, 2021
Number of Episodes: 32

When Count Vlad Dracula Tepes’ wife is burned alive by the church as a suspected witch, he vows that within a year, every resident in Wallachia will pay for it with their lives. True to his word, once the deadline passes, Dracula unleashes an army of monstrous creatures and demons upon the land, instilling fear and terror throughout the population.

In the end, the sole remaining Belmont family member, Trevor Belmont, confronts this danger alongside Sypha Belnades, a gifted sorceress, and Alucard, Dracula’s own son. They ultimately succeed in slaying Dracula. However, with his death, power is left unclaimed, and vampires seize the opportunity to wreak havoc. Some, like Camilla, strive for territorial expansion, while others seek to resurrect Dracula. Moreover, the creatures that once served under Dracula’s command continue to terrorize the populace, making it challenging for people to live peacefully and create new things.

14. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

Original Run: January 14 – October 12, 2020
Number of Episodes: 30

By the 23rd century, animals underwent mutations that transformed them into intelligent beings resembling humans, whom we now call “Mutants.” These Mutants largely rebelled against their human overlords, causing most of humanity to seek refuge in underground metropolises known as “burrows.” The world then evolved into a post-apocalyptic landscape, often referred to as “Las Vistas.

13-year-old Kipo Oak embarks on a journey across the cosmos to find her missing father, who was last seen in an underground metropolis. Accompanied by her recent companions – Louve, Mandu, Benson, and Dave – she ventures forth on this quest.

15. KonoSuba

Original Run: January 14, 2016 – March 16, 2017
Number of Episodes: 20 (+ 2 OVA)

Following an unexpected and awkward demise, a Japanese shut-in teenager named Kazuma Sato encounters a deity named Aqua. She proposes that he be reborn in another realm featuring characteristics of a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), where he can embark on thrilling quests and battle creatures.

Initially presented with a heavenly artifact or extraordinary talent to utilize in his fresh start, Kazuma, after being provoked by Aqua, decides to bring her along to Axel’s settlement instead. Upon arrival, he discovers that Aqua’s poor decision-making skills are of minimal help to him.

2025-05-19 01:46