No doubt you had a blast while watching Avatar: The Last Airbender; and now there is a gaping hole in your entertainment soul. So, you’re in need of anime like Avatar.
Whether they have arcs that mirror Avatar, or they are similar in nature; there are plenty of anime like Avatar that you will be excited to see. One of them may well become your next favorite show to watch.
There is no denying that while Avatar may have been targeted at kids during its pitch and production; as a show it was a huge success with older audiences as well. Anime like Avatar are solid evidence that even cartoons can be enjoyed by adults; so long as they are depicted right. And there are many other films and shows just like it.
These anime like Avatar sometimes explore similar themes, plots, and elements.
Anime Like Avatar: Noragami
If you enjoyed the filler episodes of Avatar, then anime with laid back adventures are more your thing. With Noragami, that is exactly what you get; as these side quests are pretty much the only path to take in achieving the protagonists’ goal. In Noragami, we follow a stray god Yato who strives to gain worshipers by taking all kinds of odd jobs; all the while fighting phantoms with his new weapon; regalia in the form of a deceased teenage boy named Yukine, and a high school girl Hiyori. So, you can expect a good deal of awesome super-powered fight scenes.
But, the biggest selling point of Noragami is its focus on Japanese culture and religion. If you liked the Asian influences in Avatar and have an interest in Japanese culture; you should give this series a shot.
Moribito: Guardian Of The Spirit
This is another anime like Avatar with similarities that fans of the Last Airbender will enjoy. Here is the plot synopsis:
“On the precipice of a cataclysmic drought; the Star Readers of the Shin Yogo Empire must devise a plan to avoid widespread famine. It is written in ancient myths that the first emperor, along with eight warriors; slew a water demon to avoid a great drought and save the land that was to become Shin Yogo. If a water demon was to appear once more, its death could bring salvation. However, the water demon manifests itself within the body of the emperor’s son; Prince Chagum—by the emperor’s order, Chagum is to be sacrificed to save the empire.
Meanwhile, a mysterious spear-wielding mercenary named Balsa arrives in Shin Yogo on business. After saving Chagum from a thinly veiled assassination attempt; she is tasked by Chagum’s mother to protect him from the emperor and his hunters. Bound by a sacred vow she once made, Balsa accepts.
Seirei no Moribito follows Balsa as she embarks on her journey to protect Chagum; exploring the beauty of life, nature, family, and the bonds that form between strangers”
This anime has the same fantasy elements, the historical setting, and the themes it explores as Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Anime Like Avatar: D.Gray-Man
This is one of the top entries in the list of anime like Avatar. D.Gray-man is based on Katsura Hoshino’s manga series of the same title. The anime adapts the first 158 chapters from the first 16 volumes; while adding anime exclusive content, mainly during the first half of the series.
The plot synopsis for this anime like Avatar reads:
“Losing a loved one is so painful that one may sometimes wish to be able to resurrect them; a weakness that the enigmatic Millennium Earl exploits. To make his mechanical weapons known as “Akuma,” he uses the souls of the dead that are called back. Once a soul is placed in an Akuma, it is trapped forever; and the only way to save them is to exorcise them from their vessel using the Anti-Akuma weapon, “Innocence.”
After spending three years as the disciple of General Cross, Allen Walker is sent to the Black Order; an organization comprising those willing to fight Akuma and the Millennium Earl—to become an official Exorcist. With an arm as his Innocence and a cursed eye that can see the suffering souls within an Akuma; it’s up to Allen and his fellow Exorcists to stop the Millennium Earl’s ultimate plot. One that can lead to the destruction of the world.”
Yu Yu Hakusho
If you like anime like Avatar with teams and friendships, then you would definitely love Yu Yu Hakusho. It was such a popular anime during its run; that it was voted as the second best anime of the year in 1993; and best anime of the year in 1994 and 1995 at the Animage Anime Grand Prix.
The plot synopsis reads thus:
“One fateful day, Yuusuke Urameshi, a 14-year-old delinquent with a dim future; gets a miraculous chance to turn it all around; when he throws himself in front of a moving car to save a young boy. His ultimate sacrifice is so out of character; that the authorities of the spirit realm are not yet prepared to let him pass on. Koenma, heir to the throne of the spirit realm; offers Yuusuke an opportunity to regain his life through completion of a series of tasks. With the guidance of the death god Botan, he is to thwart evil presences on Earth as a Spirit Detective.
To help him on his venture, Yuusuke enlists ex-rival Kazuma Kuwabara; and two demons, Hiei and Kurama, who have criminal pasts. Together, they train and battle against enemies who would threaten humanity’s very existence.”
Anime Like Avatar: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is a great anime like Avatar, having received widespread critical acclaim since its release. The series received an Excellence Prize at the 2007 Japan Media Arts Festival. Its director Hiroyuki Imaishi received an individual award for “Personal Best” at the 12th Animation Kobe Festival; that same year for his work on the series.
In 2008, during the 7th annual Tokyo Anime Awards held at the Tokyo International Anime Fair; Gurren Lagann won the “Best Television Production” award. In addition, the “Best Character Design” award was given to the character designer Atsushi Nishigori; for his work on the anime.
Gurren Lagann’s synopsis reads:
Simon and Kamina were born and raised in a deep, underground village, hidden from the fabled surface. Kamina is a free-spirited loose cannon bent on making a name for himself; while Simon is a timid young boy with no real aspirations. One day while excavating the earth; Simon stumbles upon a mysterious object that turns out to be the ignition key to an ancient artifact of war; which the duo dubs Lagann. Using their new weapon; Simon and Kamina fend off a surprise attack from the surface with the help of Yoko Littner; a hot-blooded redhead wielding a massive gun who wanders the world above.
In the aftermath of the battle, the sky is now in plain view, prompting Simon and Kamina to set off on a journey alongside Yoko to explore the wastelands of the surface. Soon, they join the fight against the “Beastmen,” humanoid creatures that terrorize the remnants of humanity in powerful robots called “Gunmen.” Although they face some challenges and setbacks, the trio bravely fights these new enemies alongside other survivors to reclaim the surface, while slowly unraveling a galaxy-sized mystery.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic has a history of its own. It was the first Shounen Sunday manga adaptation in 45 years to be aired by Mainichi Broadcasting since Osomatsu-kun ended its broadcast in 1967.
If you’re looking for anime like Avatar with a sense of danger and adventure, then Magi is right up your alley. Here is the plot for the anime:
Dispersed around the world, there are several bizarre labyrinths hiding incredible treasures within them. These mysterious places, known as “Dungeons,” are said to be the work of Magi, a class of rare magicians, who also help people build their empires by guiding them to a dungeon. Djinns, supernatural beings that rule over the labyrinths, grant successful conquerors access to their immense power and choose them as potential king candidates to rule the world.
Having spent life in isolation, Aladdin, a kind and young magician, is eager to explore the world upon finally leaving his home behind. He begins his journey only accompanied by his mentor Ugo—a djinn that Aladdin can summon with his flute. However, Aladdin soon becomes friends with the courageous Alibaba Saluja after causing the destruction of a local merchant’s supply cart. In order to pay for the damages, Alibaba suggests that they attempt to conquer the nearest dungeon, taking the first step in an epic adventure that will decide the fate of the world itself.
Anime Like Avatar: Hunter X Hunter
If an anime like Avatar with a plucky protagonist with his group of friends tickles your fancy, Hunter x Hunter will tick all your boxes. You need only read the plot to get interested:
Hunter x Hunter is set in a world where Hunters exist to perform all manner of dangerous tasks like capturing criminals and bravely searching for lost treasures in uncharted territories. Twelve-year-old Gon Freecss is determined to become the best Hunter possible in hopes of finding his father, who was a Hunter himself and had long ago abandoned his young son. However, Gon soon realizes the path to achieving his goals is far more challenging than he could have ever imagined.
Along the way to becoming an official Hunter, Gon befriends the lively doctor-in-training Leorio, vengeful Kurapika, and rebellious ex-assassin Killua. To attain their own goals and desires, together the four of them take the Hunter Exam, notorious for its low success rate and high probability of death. Throughout their journey, Gon and his friends embark on an adventure that puts them through many hardships and struggles. They will meet a plethora of monsters, creatures, and characters—all while learning what being a Hunter truly means.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an alternate retelling of Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist manga that is closer to the source material than the previous 2003 adaptation, this time covering the entire story.
“In order for something to be obtained, something of equal value must be lost.”
Alchemy is bound by this Law of Equivalent Exchange—something the young brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric only realize after attempting human transmutation: the one forbidden act of alchemy. They pay a terrible price for their transgression—Edward loses his left leg, Alphonse his physical body. It is only by the desperate sacrifice of Edward’s right arm that he is able to affix Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor. Devastated and alone, it is the hope that they would both eventually return to their original bodies that gives Edward the inspiration to obtain metal limbs called “automail” and become a state alchemist, the Fullmetal Alchemist.
Three years of searching later, the brothers seek the Philosopher’s Stone, a mythical relic that allows an alchemist to overcome the Law of Equivalent Exchange. Even with military allies Colonel Roy Mustang, Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, and Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes on their side, the brothers find themselves caught up in a nationwide conspiracy that leads them not only to the true nature of the elusive Philosopher’s Stone, but their country’s murky history as well. In between finding a serial killer and racing against time, Edward and Alphonse must ask themselves if what they are doing will make them human again… or take away their humanity.
Anime Like Avatar: The Seven Deadly Sins / Nanatsu no Taizai
Set in a fantasy world, just like Avatar, The Seven Deadly Sins is a compelling story that aims to touch on very many social themes. This is one of the things that makes it a top anime like Avatar. It is also called Nanatsu no Taizai
In a world similar to the European Middle Ages, the feared yet revered Holy Knights of Britannia use immensely powerful magic to protect the region of Britannia and its kingdoms. However, a small subset of the Knights supposedly betrayed their homeland and turned their blades against their comrades in an attempt to overthrow the ruler of Liones. They were defeated by the Holy Knights, but rumors continued to persist that these legendary knights, called the “Seven Deadly Sins,” were still alive. Ten years later, the Holy Knights themselves staged a coup d’état, and thus became the new, tyrannical rulers of the Kingdom of Liones.
Based on the best-selling manga series of the same name, Nanatsu no Taizai follows the adventures of Elizabeth, the third princess of the Kingdom of Liones, and her search for the Seven Deadly Sins. With their help, she endeavors to not only take back her kingdom from the Holy Knights, but to also seek justice in an unjust world.
Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail is very much an anime like Avatar because of the use of elemental powers; such as earth, fire, wind and water. Fairy Tail is such a great anime, that it won Animax Asia’s Anime of the Year Award in 2010, and the Best Japanese Anime Award and Best French Dubbing Award at the 19th Anime & Manga Grand Prix in 2012.
The official plot synopsis reads thus:
In the mystical land of Fiore, magic exists as an essential part of everyday life. Countless magic guilds lie at the core of all magical activity, and serve as venues for like-minded mages to band together and take on job requests. Among them, Fairy Tail stands out from the rest as a place of strength, spirit, and family.
Lucy Heartfilia is a young mage searching for celestial gate keys, and her dream is to become a full-fledged wizard by joining this famous guild. In her search, she runs into Natsu Dragneel and his partner Happy, who are on a quest to find Natsu’s foster father, the dragon Igneel.
Upon being tricked by a man, Lucy falls under an abduction attempt, only to be saved by Natsu. To her shock, he reveals that he is a member of Fairy Tail and invites her to join them. There, Lucy meets the guild’s strange members, such as the ice wizard Gray Fullbuster and magic swordswoman Erza Scarlet. Together as a family, they battle the forces of evil, help those in need, and gain new friends, all the while enjoying the never-ending adventure that is Fairy Tail.
Anime Like Avatar: Fire Force
This one anime like Avatar that fans will love thanks to the firebending involved. Here is the backdrop for Fire Force:
Spontaneous Human Combustion: a chaotic phenomenon that has plagued humanity for years, randomly transforming ordinary people into flaming, violent creatures known as Infernals. While Infernals make up the first-generation accounts of Human Combustion, the second and third generations became known as pyrokinetics—people gifted with the ability to manipulate and control their flames while remaining human. To combat the Infernal threat and discover the cause, the Tokyo Armed Forces, Fire Defense Agency, and Holy Church of Sol produced their answer: the Special Fire Force.
Young and eager third-generation pyrokinetic Shinra Kusakabe, nicknamed Devil’s Footprints for his explosive ability to ignite his feet at will, becomes a member of the lively Special Fire Force Company 8. Upholding the brigade’s duty to extinguish the blazing Infernals and lay their souls to rest, Shinra is determined to become a hero who will save the lives of those threatened by the flame terror.
However, this is not the hero’s game Shinra imagined. The Fire Force is a fractured mess of feuding brigades, abnormal Infernal sightings are increasing all over Tokyo, and a shadowy group is claiming to have answers to the strange fire that caused the death of Shinra’s family 12 years ago. Faced with many obstacles within and outside the Fire Force, Shinra fights to uncover the truth behind the burning mysteries that have kept him in the dark.
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
We’ll just let you read the plot for this one:
Thirty-seven-year-old Satoru Mikami is a typical corporate worker, who is perfectly content with his monotonous lifestyle in Tokyo, other than failing to nail down a girlfriend even once throughout his life. In the midst of a casual encounter with his colleague, he falls victim to a random assailant on the streets and is stabbed. However, while succumbing to his injuries, a peculiar voice echoes in his mind, and recites a bunch of commands which the dying man cannot make sense of.
When Satoru regains consciousness, he discovers that he has reincarnated as a goop of slime in an unfamiliar realm. In doing so, he acquires newfound skills—notably, the power to devour anything and mimic its appearance and abilities. He then stumbles upon the sealed Catastrophe-level monster “Storm Dragon” Veldora who had been sealed away for the past 300 years for devastating a town to ashes. Sympathetic to his predicament, Satoru befriends him, promising to assist in destroying the seal. In return, Veldora bestows upon him the name Rimuru Tempest to grant him divine protection.
Now liberated from the mundanities of his past life, Rimuru embarks on a fresh journey with a distinct goal in mind. As he grows accustomed to his new physique, his gooey antics ripple throughout the world, gradually altering his fate
Anime Like Avatar: Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer is probably one of the most popular anime like Avatar on this list. That’s how good it is. It covers 53 chapters of the manga it is based on. The synopsis reads thus:
Ever since the death of his father, the burden of supporting the family has fallen upon Tanjirou Kamado’s shoulders. Though living impoverished on a remote mountain, the Kamado family are able to enjoy a relatively peaceful and happy life. One day, Tanjirou decides to go down to the local village to make a little money selling charcoal. On his way back, night falls, forcing Tanjirou to take shelter in the house of a strange man, who warns him of the existence of flesh-eating demons that lurk in the woods at night.
When he finally arrives back home the next day, he is met with a horrifying sight—his whole family has been slaughtered. Worse still, the sole survivor is his sister Nezuko, who has been turned into a bloodthirsty demon. Consumed by rage and hatred, Tanjirou swears to avenge his family and stay by his only remaining sibling. Alongside the mysterious group calling themselves the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjirou will do whatever it takes to slay the demons and protect the remnants of his beloved sister’s humanity.