The Last Airbender’ Episodes, Ranked According to IMDb

Known as one of the greatest animated series of our time, Avatar: The Last Airbender had an incredible run during its time on air. Fueled by incredibly written characters, an engaging plot, and astounding animation sequences. Fans quickly and intensely fell in love with Avatar Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) and his crew as they journeyed to stop Firelord Ozai (Mark Hamill).

The show ran for a total of three seasons, with almost every episode garnering an amazing critical response. The show and the franchise it spawned still have a plethora of fans to this day who are just as in love with it as they’ve always been. It’s known as one of the greatest television series for many very good reasons, and one of them is the great ratings of these astounding episodes.

20

“The Guru” (Season 2, Episode 19)

IMDb Score: 9.0/10

Image via Nickelodeon

A major motivation for the one and only Sokka’s (Jack Se Sena) character arc is the absence of his father, who had gone off to war without him—along with all the other men of his village—before the series begins. In “The Guru,” his father comes back into the picture, which does wonders for his character arc. Meanwhile, Aang meets Guru Pathik (Brian George) to receiveguidance at the Eastern Air Temple.

It’s in this episode in which Aang learns that he must abandon all Earthly possessions and wants to enhance his spiritual self. But when he sees a vision of his friends getting captured, he abandons his training. It is very much in the vein of Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, and the entire episode works incredibly well on a thematic and narrative level.

19

“The Storm” (Season 1, Episode 12)

IMDb Score: 9.0/10

Image via Nickelodeon

Every good character arc comes with what is known as a character’s “ghost”—something that haunts them and holds them back from what they seek to or need to achieve in their arc. The best example of how to do this well is none other than “The Storm,” as the story depicts the truth behind both Aang’s and Prince Zuko’s (Dante Basco) stories.

It’s because of this that this entry in the first season is one of the most emotionally compelling episodes in the first season. This is where audiences finally get to see the full flashbacks to discover the events that haunt Aang and Zuko the most. They see what led up to Aang abandoning his people, and what happened to Zuko to “earn him” that scar on his face. It’s phenomenally well-written by the likes of Aaron Ehasz, John O’Bryan, and James Eagan, with story editing from Michael Dante DiMartino.

18

“The Chase” (Season 2, Episode 8)

IMDb Score: 9.0/10

Image via Nickelodeon

If there’s an absolutely ruthless antagonist (outside of the Fire Lord) in Avatar: The Last Airbender, it’s none other than Zuko’s little sister, Azula (Grey DeLisle). One of the episodes that best emphasizes this is the iconic “The Chase.” When Aang realizes Azula and her gals are chasing them, they have to improvise to survive.

By this point in the series, Azula has yet to really make her mark, but it’s here that she really defines herself as a force to truly be reckoned with. The group thought Zuko was bad? Azula is worse, and she proves it here. Aside from the external conflict she provides, the gang is having internal conflict, as well, adding to the complexity of the episode.

17

“The Day of the Black Sun” (Season 3, Episode 10)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

Image via Nickelodeon

It’s always entertaining when the heroes think they have the upper hand against the enemy, only to be proven wrong and shown that they are, in fact, one step behind their foes. This exactly happens in “The Day of the Black Sun,” and that provides a sense of dread and loss for the future of the season.

A hard choice needs to be made at the end of this episode, forcing Katara (Mae Whitman) and Sokka to leave their father behind again in order to not be captured by the Fire Nation themselves. It’s a huge low point for the series and shows how much it’s going to take to actually take down the enemy at the end of the season.

16

“The Puppetmaster” (Season 3, Episode 8)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

Image via Nickelodeon

Avatar: The Last Airbender has always been known to be a more character-focused/character-driven show, and Katara herself gets an incredible episode all to herself (and Zuko) in “The Puppetmaster.” The concept of “bloodbending” in this universe is so interesting and, honestly, brutal—discovered in this entry in Season 3.

Katara’s arc really finds a full-circle moment here. Throughout the entire series, she’s been compassionate and good, but has had a bit of a temper and rage inside of her that sometimes comes out. Here, she gets to face those things in full force, finally coming face-to-face with her own inner demons—Zuko guiding her on her journey.

15

“Lake Laogai” (Season 2, Episode 17)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

Image via Nickelodeon

A minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender who has some amazing character development is none other than Jet (Crawford Wilson), who began the series as a one-note antagonistic figure in Season 1 and returns in Season 2 with a lot more character depth, having learned his lesson. However, he’s proof that learning from a character arc doesn’t have to fully complete a character and can lead to yet another one.

The story within “Lake Laogai” is not only entertaining but compelling, given the fact that Jet’s return brings about a great arc for people to watch. As per usual, Zuko finds a way to really shine in this episode, as well, as his inner demons continue to conflict.

14

“The Blue Spirit” (Season 1, Episode 13)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

Image via Nickelodeon

After Aang is captured by the Fire Nation and put in some serious trouble, it’s up to the incredibly unlikely choice: Zuko to save him — actually, the Blue Spirit (Zuko in disguise). This is truly one of the most well-plotted episodes in the entire fantasy show. The pacing is immaculate, and the action is beyond thrilling.

“The Blue Spirit” is a great introduction to Zuko’s character arc to come in the rest of the series. Sure, he’s doing his actions as the Blue Spirit for his own personal gain, but saving Aang is part of what really sparks something in him. Something that acts as a starting point for his redemption.

13

“The Blind Bandit” (Season 2, Episode 6)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

The one and only Toph (Michaela Jill Murphy) is, without a doubt, one of the most popular characters in the entire series. Despite being added in Season 2 and not being part of the main cast from the beginning, she is written so well that she is instantly lovable, making this introductory episode a great start to her tenure in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Aang needs an Earthbending teacher, and when they arrive in a new location, they discover Toph, battling in an arena and showing off her incredibly badass skills. She’s quite easily one of the strongest characters in the show, making this first episode one for the books, as Toph’s origin story is not only filled with great action, but a compelling story, as well.

12

“The Boiling Rock, Part 2” (Season 3, Episode 15)

IMDb Score: 9.3/10

Image via Nickelodeon

Everyone loves a good prison break, and when it comes to this series, “The Boiling Rock, Part 2” is the place to look. Aside from being a “Part 2,” this entry in the series feels like an event in and of itself, especially when the likes of Azula (Grey DeLisle), Mai (Cricket Leigh), and Ty Lee (Olivia Hack) make their way to the prison.There’s so much action, stakes, and great character moments that make the 15th episode of the final season so good. As per usual for Avatar: The Last Airbender, the animation is excellently animated by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, which allows the great fight sequences to truly shine during this prison break.

11

“The Firebending Masters” (Season 3, Episode 13)

IMDb Score: 9.3/10

Image via Nickelodeon

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Avatar: The Last Airbender has always been a gorgeous-looking show, but when it comes to the most beautiful episodes in the series, this one takes the cake. The sequence towards the end of the episode, in which Zuko and Aang come together for the “Masters” dragon dance, which utilizes colors in an astonishing display that is unforgettable.

While it doesn’t move the plot forward very far, the worldbuilding executed here helps expand the universe greatly, and really fleshes things out before getting to the latter half of the season, where the endgame story would begin. Zuko and Aang’s arcs both get great moments in this one, too.