Avatar: The Last Airbenderis one of the best shows ever created, accessible to both younger and older audiences because of how much depth there is to every character and the world-building that went into creating this show. Avatar has some of the best character arcs, and the concept of bending is already a great pull.
But the story is what made this series such a gem. Every episode is packed with meaningful dialogue and pushes the narrative forward. With such consistent quality in every episode, it was hard to find the best episodes of the series, but these are especially great,and require careful consideration when adapting them for the Netflix show.
10The Firebending Masters
Zuko And Aang Both Learn True Firebending
As the turning point for both Zuko and Aang, this episode shows them what it truly means to wield fire. In their journey to the Sun Warriors’ ruins, they learn that fire is not just destruction, it’s life and energy.
Meeting the ancient dragons was visually breathtaking and also had some emotional weight for both Zuko and Aang, as it shattered the aggressive philosophy of firebending they had both been taught. Watching Zuko regain his confidence and Aang embrace fire as part of the Avatar’s balance made this episode unforgettable.
9The Blind Bandit
The Introductory Episode For Toph Beifong
Toph’s introduction is one of the most memorable moments in Avatar. Toph’s first fight appearance and her fight against “The Boulder” is hilarious. It’s in this episode that we truly understand Toph’s genius as an earthbender, despite her blindness.
Just because of how non-threatening she looks, people often underestimate her bending powers, but precisely because of her blindness, she is the most powerful earthbender in the world. Plus, the humor and action in this episode balance perfectly, especially with the moment when Toph decides to leave her overprotective family to join Team Avatar.
8The Ember Island Players
A Recap Filler Episode That’s Done Right
This comedic gem of an episode is a recap done right. Instead of a traditional rehash of events, The Ember Island Players gives viewers a hilarious, self-aware retelling of the series through the eyes of an in-universe theater.
The exaggerated performances and over-the-top interpretations of the characters (like Aang being played by a woman or Zuko’s constant honor obsession), and the group’s reactions to seeing their lives portrayed on stage, make this episode very unforgettable. It’s a fresh and welcome break before the intensity of the series finale.
7The Day Of Black Sun
An Almost Successful Attack On The Fire Nation
This two-part mid-season finale is one of the most ambitious storylines in the series. The long-planned invasion of the Fire Nation during the solar eclipse is tense and action-packed. From seeing old allies return to fight alongside Team Avatar to watching Zuko confront his father and reject his path of evil, this episode delivers on all fronts.
The bittersweet ending, where the invasion ultimately fails but sets the stage for Zuko’s redemption arc, raises the expectations for the final parts of the show even more, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.
6The Avatar And The Firelord
The Backstory We Needed To Understand The Hundred-Year War
The Avatar and the Firelord is an episode that dives deep into the history of the Hundred-Year War,showing the friendship that turned into a rivalry between Avatar Roku and Fire Lord Sozin. The parallels between their relationship and Zuko and Aang’s dynamic are rarely pointed out by fans, but it’s one of the best parts of the episode.
The emotional weight of learning about Sozin’s betrayal makes this one of the best episodes for lore and character depth and explains exactly why the hundred-year war is the way it is.
5Zuko Alone
The Quintessential Episode Of Zuko’s Story
This standalone episode is perhaps one of the best in terms of character development in the series. Separated from his uncle, Zuko stumbles upon a small Earth Kingdom village and ends up protecting a family from corrupt soldiers.
Through flashbacks, we see Zuko’s troubled childhood, his relationship with his mother, and his overall struggle. The moment when the villagers turn on Zuko after discovering his Fire Nation origins is heartbreaking and highlights the isolation Zuko has always felt. This episode is essential to understanding his redemption arc.
4The Siege Of The North
The Season One Finale That Showed Us Real Action
The Siege of the North was a two-part episode and was a game-changer in action and storytelling. The Fire Nation’s assault on the Northern Water Tribe created tension and set the stakes for the rest of the series. Admiral Zhao’s brutal decision to destroy the Moon Spirit was a misplaced decision, but it showed everyone what was truly at stake when it came to the Fire Nation’s onslaught.
Yue’s sacrifice not long after is what saved the world and is one of the most emotional moments in the series. The highlight, of course, is Aang merging with the Ocean Spirit to become a giant koi fish, demonstrating the almost godlike power of the Avatar. This was the first time the show delivered large-scale cinematic action, and it delivered on every front.
3The Crossroads Of Destiny
Zuko’s Betrayal, Aang Almost Dying, Multiple Plot Twists In One Episode
In Crossroads of Destiny, Zuko’s decision to side with Azula over Iroh marks a devastating moment for fans who were rooting for his redemption. The battle in the crystal catacombs is stunningly animated and full of emotional moments, such as Katara’s desperation and Aang’s attempt to unlock the Avatar State, adding to the tension.
When Azula strikes Aang down with lightning, it’s a jaw-dropping moment that leaves Team Avatar broken and Ba Sing Se now in the Fire Nation’s grasp. The episode’s dark ending sets the stage for the struggles of the final season and was a necessary defeat for the story to move forward.
2The Tales Of Ba Sing Se
The Ultimate Filler Episode That Makes You Cry Every Rewatch
While technically a filler episode, this anthology is one of the most beloved entries in the series due to its incredibly deep emotional touch. Each mini-story gives us a glimpse into the characters’ lives in Ba Sing Se, from Toph and Katara bonding at a spa to Zuko’s awkward yet heartwarming date.
However, Iroh’s tale steals the spotlight. His quiet acts of kindness around the city culminate in a tribute to his late son, Lu Ten, accompanied by the iconic song ‘Leaves from the Vine.’ This moment is universally recognized as one of the most tear-jerking scenes in the entire series.
1Sozin’s Comet
Best Finale We Could’ve Ever Asked For
The four-part series finale is everything fans could’ve hoped for and more.Aang’s final battle with Fire Lord Ozai is nothing short of breathtaking, and the ending shows us the use of energybending and introduces a non-violent resolution that aligns with Aang’s character.
Zuko’s Agni Kai with Azula is both visually stunning and heartbreaking, showing Azula’s descent into madness. Every member of Team Avatar shines in this episode, which serves as the ultimate conclusion. The finale ties up every loose end with grace, delivering an emotionally satisfying ending to one of the greatest animated series of all time.
