The hit show Avatar: the Last Airbender turns twenty years old this year. And, no, I do not mean the Avatar film directed by James Cameron. Although both were released in the 2000s, this series takes on a different type of avatar: The journey of Aang, the Avatar, as he embarks on a journey with friends Katara and Sokka. Aang must master the four elements of fire, water, earth, and air to defeat the Fire Lord of the Fire Nation, restoring peace and balance to the world. I was first introduced to the show through the algorithm of my socials, as it became highly repopularized during the pandemic when it was initially released on Netflix— and last year for its release of a live action version of the series. This prompted me exactly a year ago to give it a watch and decide for myself what all the love and hype surrounding the series was about.
One key reason Avatar: The Last Airbender leaves a lasting impression with its viewers is through how it addresses deep and serious issues of war, such as trauma and even genocide, in a nuanced and caring way which generates conversations but is not too heavy for younger audiences to watch. It seems that each episode encompasses a new obstacle to be tackled, and breaking of molds. This is first showcased through the show’s overall Asian representation and characters, as the Fire Nation mirrors Imperial Japan, the Water Tribe are representative of the Innuit people, and the Chinese Alphabet can be spotted throughout the course of the series. Feminist undertones are also present, shining through Katara’s fiery spirit and passion to become a powerful waterbender of her tribe, while Toph is the most powerful Earthbender despite her being blind. In this way the show breaks stereotypes which traditionally characterize heroes, however it also addresses pressing themes in an appropriate, intricate matter that is not too overwhelming for younger audiences. Due to this versatility, the series can be enjoyed by audiences across different age groups, which is just one demonstration of just how ahead of its time this series is.
Another way Avatar: The Last Airbender continues to have a lasting impact is through its breathtaking score, composed by Emmy Award winner musician Jeremy Zuckerman, which continues to be live on and is admired globally today. In fact, the musical score is so beloved that you can even experience it live, performed by an orchestra in an over two hour live-to-screen concert. This tour has had dates to over 100 cities across countries worldwide, including the United States, since January of 2024. A personal favorite of mine from the soundtrack is “The Avatar’s Love,” which plays during key emotional scenes, like the finale, and is associated with Aang and Katara’s relationship.
While this animated series has truly been impactful through its intricate storytelling and beautiful soundtrack, the beloved characters and overall message of the series are what make it truly memorable. In her article “Why Avatar the Last Airbender is Still Popular Almost 20 Years Later,” writer Alexandra Locke explains that these characters are “complex individuals with dreams and flaws… like anyone else” which makes them feel real rather than just surface level cartoon characters. I feel that this perfectly summarizes how the characters appeal to the fans, as throughout the progression of the show we watch these characters grow and, as Zuko’s Uncle Iroh would put it, blossom as individuals, both inside and out. The show fosters a culture which embraces kindness, empathy, and diversity through unification, as well as how compassion has better and bigger impacts than cruelty. To drive home these points, here are some quotes which I believe reflect these wisdoms— and most, of course, are recited by Uncle Iroh:
- “Sometimes life is like this tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you keep moving, you will come to a better place.” – Uncle Iroh
- “Everyone, even the Fire Lord and the Fire Nation, have to be treated like they’re worth giving a chance.” – Aang
- “The true mind can weather all the lies and illusions without being lost. The true heart can tough the poison of hatred without being harmed. Since beginning-less time, darkness thrives in the void, but always yields to purifying light.” – The Ancient Lion Turtle
- “In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength.” – Uncle Iroh
- “It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements and the other nations will help you become whole.” – Uncle Iroh
While influential in meaning, the series is also memorable through its balance of the light hearted humor and sincerity of its cast of characters. Because of this, I felt it was necessary to spotlight this in some other quotes listed below. Spoilers below, so you may want to skip this section if you have yet to give the show a watch.
- “My own mother thought I was a monster… She was right of course, but it still hurt.” – Azula
- “Bad skin?! Normal teenagers worry about bad skin, I don’t have that luxury.” – Zuko
- “It tastes like hot leaf juice.” “Uncle, that’s all tea is.” “How could a member of my own family say something so horrible?” – Uncle Iroh and Zuko
- “My first girlfriend turned into the moon.” … “That’s rough, buddy.” – Sokka and Zuko
- “Why would I choose cosmic energy over Katara?” – Aang
Across its sixty-one episodes and three seasons, there are so many intricate details placed in Avatar: The Last Airbender which make it an astounding animated show. Down to its emotional storytelling, likeable cast of characters, musical score and deeper themes on social justice and morals, it is not hard to see how this show has connected and united so many audiences. This animated show has captured my heart, alongside millions of others, in its beauty. So if you haven’t had the chance to give Avatar: The Last Airbender a watch yet, consider this to be your sign to do so!
