Avatar: The Last Airbender’s 8 Biggest Takeaways, 20 Years Later

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Everyone raves about Avatar: The Last Airbender, and after years of hearing it’s amazing, I finally watched the show. Though I might have caught bits and pieces as a kid, I never really sat down and watched it properly – and I’m glad I finally did! It truly lives up to the hype.

Everything shifted for me in 2025 when I finally watched all three seasons of the show, and I’m so glad I did. I know some people who revisited Avatar: The Last Airbender after many years found it difficult, but as someone watching it for the first time, I was able to fully enjoy everything that made it so great and learn why it’s become such a classic.

8. Sokka Is Quietly Avatar: The Last Airbender’s MVP

It’s easy to see Sokka as just the funny, impulsive guy in the group, but he was actually the most important character in the show. While he wasn’t as powerful with bending as others, his clever battle plans and unwavering loyalty made him essential to the team.

It was wonderful to see Sokka develop from a clumsy, aspiring leader into a skilled warrior, and he remained genuinely kind throughout his growth. He was also crucial in holding the group together and guiding them when they lost their way, proving that despite his imperfections, their success wouldn’t have been possible without him.

7. Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Animation Still Holds Up In 2025

While animation technology has improved greatly, Avatar: The Last Airbender still deserves recognition. Its mostly hand-drawn, 2D style has a unique appeal and character that would be hard to recreate today, helping it stand out even next to newer animated shows and movies.

While Arcane’s animation is more polished than Avatar: The Last Airbender’s, shows like Marvel’s What If…? and Invincible don’t really stand out visually. Avatar, however, has a distinctive and memorable art style.

While Avatar: The Last Airbender might seem a little old-fashioned compared to today’s shows, certain scenes from its most impactful episodes – like “The Siege of the North” and “Sozin’s Comet” – remain stunning and could easily be part of a show made today.

6. Zuko’s Redemption Arc Is One Of The Best On TV

It’s challenging for stories to successfully portray a character’s redemption – taking someone initially unlikeable and making their transformation believable. But Avatar: The Last Airbender did it exceptionally well. When the show began, I initially disliked Zuko and questioned why he was such a central figure.

While it took a while, Zuko’s story arc in “The Blue Spirit” really started to change my opinion of him, and he ultimately proved he could be redeemed. It would have been great to see him spend more time with the heroes, but he always had a fantastic guide and mentor in Uncle Iroh, who consistently helped him grow and do the right thing.

I honestly thought Zuko was beyond redemption after his actions in the season two finale. But I was really impressed by how much he worked to change and grow, ultimately becoming one of the most compelling characters in the series.

5. While The Writing Is Great, ATLA’s Heart Is What Makes It An All-Time Great Series

Beyond its well-developed characters, exciting action, and compelling relationships, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a masterclass in storytelling. What truly sets it apart, though, is its emotional depth. Even though it’s an animated series for younger viewers, it tackles mature themes that create genuinely moving moments.

The story feels real because it honestly portrays Aang’s doubts, Toph’s difficulty with vulnerability, and Azula’s inner struggles. Despite these serious themes, the show is still funny and centers on a group of young heroes bravely trying to save the world, ultimately delivering a touching and meaningful message.

If Avatar: The Last Airbender had just stuck to typical cartoon tropes, it likely would have been quickly forgotten. However, its unique and lively spirit makes it, in my opinion, one of the best animated series ever created, consistently excellent from beginning to end.

4. Azula Is Officially One Of My Favorite TV Villains

Every compelling hero needs a strong villain, and Azula is quickly becoming one of my favorites. While she might not be as widely known as characters like Homelander or Gus Fring, Azula brilliantly opposes her brother and, in my opinion, has a perfectly crafted villainous journey.

Azula embodies what Zuko might have become had he embraced his father’s cruel ways – a ruthless and heartless leader. Despite being incredibly talented and skilled, all her achievements feel empty when she finally reaches for power, because she’s been left alone by those she thought were her allies.

Azula’s fate at the end of Avatar: The Last Airbender is actually quite sad. Seeing her fall apart after losing to Katara evoked some sympathy, but it also made her story incredibly captivating – that’s why she remains my favorite character in the series.

3. Sozin’s Comet Is One Of The Best TV Finales Ever Made

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect ending than the one in “Sozin’s Comet.” I’ve seen a lot of TV shows fumble their finales or drag on for too long, but the four-part finale of Avatar: The Last Airbender is genuinely one of the best I’ve ever watched – it brings the story to a truly satisfying conclusion.

Aang faces the Fire Lord in a final showdown. Meanwhile, Katara and Zuko battle Azula, and Sokka, Toph, and Suki bravely defend against the Fire Nation’s ships, each having a moment to shine. The Order of the White Lotus also plays a key part in bringing everything to a satisfying and happy ending, completing a truly amazing adventure.

Despite all the well-deserved praise for Avatar: The Last Airbender, I don’t think people talk enough about how satisfying the ending was. It felt like a natural conclusion to the story, and experiencing it without knowing what would happen made it even better.

2. Avatar: The Last Airbender Is Still Worth Watching In 2025

Watching Avatar: The Last Airbender in 2025, I realized it’s still a fantastic show, even twenty years later. Many classics don’t age well, but ATLA really stands the test of time.

The animation still looks good, and the story and characters feel fresh – they avoid clichés and aren’t stuck in the past with outdated references to the 2000s. Instead of being a show that hasn’t aged well, Avatar: The Last Airbender remains high-quality and enjoyable for everyone.

Watching Avatar: The Last Airbender for the first time left me really looking forward to what comes next, especially with a new movie and show already planned. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t worry – it’s a great time to start, and I’m sure you’ll love it!

1. Avatar: The Last Airbender Is Just As Good As Most Modern Animated Shows

Watching Avatar: The Last Airbender for the first time, I was really impressed – it genuinely holds its own against today’s best animated shows. Everyone has different preferences, and it’s perfectly reasonable to prefer shows like Invincible, Arcane, or The Legend of Vox Machina.

Even though it’s from 2005, this show remains competitive with newer series. Despite being made with far less advanced technology and a smaller budget, it still has qualities that make it better than many of its competitors.

While it’s not personally one of my top shows, I understand why so many people love Avatar: The Last Airbender. Having finished all three seasons, I definitely think it’s among the best animated series ever made and deserves to be in the conversation with other all-time greats.

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2025-10-25 22:31