10 best anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender

If you're looking for anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender, then the series mentioned in this article are a must-watch. It follows the journey of young Aang who awakens after being frozen for 100 years to find his people wiped out. He bands together with Waterbender Katara and Sokka to master the four elements and defeat the Fire Nation to end the destructive war.

Its rich worldbuilding, character development, and blending of anime influences into Western animation have earned it widespread acclaim. Fans of Avatar are often left wanting more shows that capture similar magic when they finish the series.

Fortunately, there are several excellent anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender that can appeal to these fans. From shows that center around elemental magic to coming-of-age tales, these anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender feature worlds and characters that fans will love.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Yona of the Dawn, and 8 anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender

1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood takes place in a fantasy world where alchemy is a revered and dangerous art. The story revolves around two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they look for the Philosopher's Stone to undo a horrific mistake from their past.

Like Avatar, Brotherhood features a well-built fantasy world with unique magic systems. There is complex lore surrounding alchemy and the different factions in the show that unravel as the story progresses. The animation is also top-notch and stylish.

Additionally, Ed and Al’s tragic backstory leading them to pursue the Stone echoes Aang’s journey. Both shows balance drama and humor expertly as viewers warm up to the endearing characters, making it a great pick for those seeking anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender.

2) Yona of the Dawn

Yona of the Dawn (Image via Pierrot)

Yona of the Dawn revolves around the titular Princess Yona living a carefree life until the king is murdered in a palace coup. She is forced to flee and embarks on an arduous quest to survive, save her kingdom, and find the four dragon warriors.

Much like Avatar, the show features a well-developed female lead character growing from a sheltered girl into a strong leader. She gathers allies with all types of different skills like Avatar’s group. Viewers get to see rich character dynamics emerge from the group of travelers.

The anime also utilizes East Asian fantasy elements very well from architecture to clothing. Like the different nations in Avatar, there is a sense of visiting different Asian-inspired places. Overall, it’s a strong coming-of-age tale, fitting for anyone looking for anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender.

3) Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

Demon Slayer quickly rose as a modern shonen classic for its slick production values and loveable cast. It’s set in a fantasy version of Japan’s Taisho era where demons threaten humanity. Young Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer after tragedy and works to cure his sister.

The anime takes some story cues from Avatar where the protagonist learns special skills to fight the enemy faction. Tanjiro’s sword styles can be metaphorically likened to bending as a cool magic system with rules attached.

His Fire Dance swordsmanship can resemble fire bending in this way, appealing to fans of anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender. Demon Slayer also explores themes of family like Avatar. Despite the tragedy, Tanjiro retains his humanity and uplifting spirit.

4) Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (Image via Production I.G)

Moribito is a fantasy anime grounded in realism without over-the-top action sequences. The spear-wielder Balsa is a wandering bodyguard who accepts the task of protecting Prince Chagum from assassination.

Like Avatar, there is a focus on immersing viewers in a lushly detailed world inspired by Asian cultures. The architecture, clothing, and customs feel tangible. Fans looking for anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender will appreciate Moribito’s mystical elements, which are cast in a more understated way.

The characterization of Balsa mirrors strong women like Katara. She’s an expert fighter motivated by her ideals to help others. Additionally, seeing her form a bond with Chagum mirrors the group coming together. It’s a good choice for an emotionally grounded fantasy tale.

5) Spice and Wolf

Spice and Wolf (Image via Imagin)

Don’t let its unusual premise deter you ─ Spice and Wolf is an inventive adventure anime at heart. Traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence finds a wolf deity named Holo in his wagon, who strikes a deal with him

While not sharing Avatar's action focus, Spice and Wolf capture the same spirit of ground-level adventure. Like the Aang Gang journeying through villages, Lawrence and Holo's travels are fraught with risks and schemers at every stop. It has comedic moments blended into the tense situations they get into.

Holo herself possesses wolf transformation abilities that add a mystical touch to the series. The push-and-pull banter of the two lead characters also calls back to Katara and Sokka’s interactions. Overall, it makes viewers feel fully immersed in its distinct world, making it a solid pick among anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender.

6) Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter (Image via Madhouse)

Few anime can juggle tonal shifts between uplifting adventure and dark intensity like Hunter x Hunter. It follows the prodigiously talented hunter Gon Freecss in a fantasy world filled with dangerous challenges and unique opportunities.

Like bending in Avatar, Hunter x Hunter features another well-realized power system called Nen abilities. The rules govern what each character can do, leading to tactical fights. Gon and his friends must undergo rigorous training to unlock higher mastery of Nen similar to Avatar’s elements.

The show retains its sense of danger and growth without losing heart like Avatar. Hunter x Hunter boasts one of anime’s most expansive worlds filled with wonders from surreal ecosystems to beastly creatures, making it a great anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender.

7) Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Blue Exorcist blends supernatural spectacle with emotional character drama. The show stars Rin Okumura who discovers his heritage as the son of Satan. He enters the True Cross Academy to become an Exorcist and confront his demonic heritage.

Like Bending’s different styles, Blue Exorcist has clearly defined classes of Exorcist magic with detailed lore. Rin’s flames, a manifestation of his demonic power, resemble fire bending’s inner fire. Avatar fans can take right to the inventive battle techniques and humor.

The anime also emphasizes themes of found family like Avatar. Despite his parentage, Rin finds camaraderie with his fellow Exwires. Viewers become invested in their teamwork dynamic when facing threats, making it a fitting anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender.

8) My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia (Image via Bones)

In a world where 80% of people have superpowers called Quirks, Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero despite his lack of powers. He soon inherits abilities from the greatest hero All Might and enters U.A. High to learn to master his Quirk.

My Hero Academia stands out for blending Silver Age comic book elements with anime influences. It features the same premise of a school setting to teach heroes-in-training. Like Avatar’s group, classmates form rivalries and friendships through their studies, making it a natural fit among anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Watching Deku strengthen mastery of One For All echoes Avatar’s journey to control the elements. Additionally, the show retains a spirit of optimism and humor even against intimidating villains.

9) Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Magi utilizes Middle Eastern fantasy elements to build an immersive world brimming with mystery and magic not dissimilar to Avatar. It follows young Aladdin, a Magi, who aims to explore dungeons containing legendary relics and creatures.

There is rich lore detailing the history of the world like Avatar’s built-up nations. Magi also features distinct magic based on wand-wielding and summoning spiritual beings reminiscent of bending arts. Additionally, Aladdin’s optimism mirrors Aang's despite their quests proving dangerous at times.

Overall, viewers seeking adventure fantasy with deep worldbuilding will find another gem in Magi. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender.

10) Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo (Image via Manglobe)

Samurai Champloo captures Avatar's spirit of stylistic action blended with humor. The anachronistic Edo-era set show follows young Fuu who hires street-smart rogue Mugen and stoic Ronin Jin to escort her through Japan.

Much like Sokka and Katara joining Aang, the trio has distinctive personalities that contrast and complement the journey. Samurai Champloo features creative modern hip-hop musical integration alongside a historical Japanese setting. This fusion of past and present visually resonates with Avatar's worldbuilding.

Overall with fluid sword-dueling scenes and offbeat adventures, Samurai Champloo is one of the best anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Conclusion

When Avatar’s journey finishes, fans are left itching for similar stories. Thankfully, there are plenty of quality anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender out there that explore similar themes of coming-of-age heroism.

From Demon Slayer's slick swordsmanship to My Hero Academia's bombastic worldbuilding, these capture elements intrinsic to Avatar’s storytelling. Anime that focuses on immersive worlds, magic power systems, and found family dynamics reflects parts of what made Avatar resonate with so many.

They demonstrate how anime tropes can mesh well with styles familiar to Western animated shows. For any fan saddened when Avatar’s tale ends, anime like Avatar: The Last Airbender can venture viewers into new yet familiar magical worlds.