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 movies like Avatar.
Whether they have arcs that mirror Avatar, or they are similar in nature; there are plenty of movies like Avatar that you will be excited to see. One of them may well become your next favorite film.
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. Movies 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 movies like Avatar sometimes explore similar themes, plots, and elements.
Movies Like Avatar: Kung Fu Panda
Obviously, the similarities between Avatar and Kung Fu Panda are so clear. First of all, Aang and Po Ping clearly have quite a lot in common. They both have the same sense of global responsibility bestowed on them. Where Po is chosen as the next Dragon Warrior, the protector of his kingdom; who will save it from many dangers. But Po really doubts himself all through the movie, much like Aang does.
Eventually, it is his friends that give him the confidence boost he needs; and help him actualize his full potential. It is interesting to note that these friends did not even like him in the beginning. This is very similar to how Team Avatar is essential to Aang’s fulfillment of his role as the Avatar. The themes and the relationships in Kung Fu Panda definitely make it one of the top movies like Avatar.
Nahuel And The Magic Book
One of our favorite movies like Avatar on this list, Nahuel and the Magic Book is a stellar piece. It is a Brazilian movie, detailing the life of a young boy; Nahuel, who is very much afraid of the sea. Nahuel comes across a book one day; and its unknown origins really have his curiosity held by the neck.
Unknown to Nahuel, this book is a long lost book of important knowledge. There are those who seek to harness the book’s information for their own purposes; like the evil Kalku, a warlock desperate to have the book in his possession. As he goes through great lengths to get the book, Nahuel takes a journey that is very similar to Aang in Avatar.
Movies Like Avatar
The Last Airbender Unicorn
Had you there for a minute, didn’t we? Well, this is another top entry in the list of movies like Avatar. Just like Aang was the last airbender; the protagonist of this movie is the very last unicorn in existence. When she realises her status, she sets out on a journey to find some answers.
The Last Unicorn was released in 1982, and was a joint production effort between three countries; Japan, America and Britain. This movie, like most of the other movies like Avatar, places its focus on the power of friendship and love. The themes of friendship which are evident in helping those who are the last of their kind feel like they belong; are exactly what makes The Last Unicorn very similar to the setup of Avatar.
Arjun: The Warrior Prince
![Arjun [Hindi with English Subtitles]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514+seo037L._SL500_.jpg)
One of the prevailing themes in Avatar was on how Aang was a person with pacifist ideals. As an airbender, he was prone to avoiding confrontations. But this conflicted with the fact that to end the Hundred Year War; he would have to resort to force and possibly even murder when facing Fire Lord Ozai. This is the same dilemma that Arjun: The Warrior Prince faces.
The Western movie entertainment scene may not be familiar with the great Indian epic Mahabharata; which is the basis and inspiration for Arjun: The Warrior Prince. The epic tells the story of Arjun, a brave prince, as well as his journey to become a great warrior. Similar to the settings of most movies like Avatar, this is a journey that begins in his childhood.
Aang and Arjun’s stories are quite similar – and this goes beyond the fact that their names both start with an A. Aang was an airbender who went through great hardships to make peace with the fact that ultimately, he would have to give up his peaceful ideals and fight in order to save the world. Arjun faced a similar situation himself.
Movies Like Avatar
Moana
Just like Aang and the many protagonists in the list of movies like Avatar; Moana is the chosen one. She is entrusted with the responsibility or job of reuniting the goddess Te Fiti with a relic; a relic that she doesn’t know next to nothing about. At first it seems like a simple drop off and that all she will need is confidence. But things quickly take a turn for the unexpected.
Things don’t exactly go Moana’s way. Let’s not even talk about the fact that she has her plans delayed; as she is forced into a corner and has to seek out the demi god Maui. She needs his help in order to save her village; and by extension, the world.
The two worlds in Moana and Avatar might be a sharp contrast of one another. However, they are unified in the sense that they are about overcoming hardships; as well as doing what it takes to protect the lives of the ones you love and care for.
The Legend Of Hei
The Legend of Hei deserves a special spot on the list of movies like Avatar. It was released in 2019, and this Chinese feature length movie was a huge box office and critical success. The Legend of Hei is set in a fantasy world where goblins and human beings live together side by side. It showcases a fantasy world where humans and goblins live side by side.
In the Legend of Hei, a demon cat named Luo Xiao-Hei loses his home and land. As he attempts to move forward, he is helped on his journey by humans and goblins alike. The Legend of Hei draws on Asian culture just like Avatar. It is a prequel to the massively popular Luo Xiao Hei Zhan Ji. The Legend Of Hei has often been dubbed as an unofficial Ghibli movie. Ghibli movies are animations created by Studio Ghibli; a production company known for its rich designs and quality stories.
Movies Like Avatar: The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant is a great entry on this list of movies like Avatar. It even has a huge following and has been a major pop culture reference point. The Iron Giant details the growing bond and relationship between a young boy and a huge ass giant that falls from the sky.
Very much like the events and setting of Avatar; this movie might seem like it is created solely for children. However, very quickly, viewers are made to realize that The Iron Giant is a movie with deep themes. It is much more serious than it appears. The Iron Giant touches on several deep and serious topics, such as human greed, world peace and discrimination in society.
How To Train Your Dragon
In a world full of strong and bulky, vicious Vikings, Hiccup is considered a weakling within his community. He really fears having to take the throne as village chief; or follow any of his father’s footsteps. Afterall, they are very big footsteps indeed, compared to his rather small ones. But it is more about him being afraid of not living up to his father’s legacy.
Instead, Hiccup seeks to forge his own path, much different from the Viking ways. Killing dragons is not his thing. However, through a series of unbelievable events, Hiccup finds himself face to face with a dragon. It isn’t just any dragon; it’s a Nightfury – one of the most vicious dragons in existence.
But instead of killing the dragon in true Viking fashion; Hiccup names it, heals it and they become friends. They eventually go on many adventures together, and even stop the war between Vikings and Dragons. The relationship between Toothless and Hiccup is very similar to the relationship and bond that Appa and Aang share. How To Train Your Dragon also borrows heavily on the themes of peace with nature and discovering yourself.
Movies Like Avatar: The Prince of Egypt
This movie takes place during ancient Egypt. It tells audiences about the biblical story of Prince Moses, who was born in a life of luxury but chose to become a savior of the downtrodden. He stood up against his brother and eventually led to the freedom of all his country’s slaves.
Moses standing up to the royal family is very similar to the way Zuko stood up against the Fire Family and the Fire Nation. He joined Aang and together they brought the Hundred Year War to an end.
Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama
Very much like Aang, Lord Rama was a savior born to his people in order to fulfill a prophecy. He was born to free his people from the evil grasps of the Demon Lord; Raavana. In his quest to fulfill his destiny, he and his brother Laxman travel across the sea; along with Hanuman, his loyal disciple.
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama also touches on various topics, such as the fight between good vs evil; as well as right vs wrong, and it explains them in an easy to understand and simple manner. It is also a very good showcase on the Indian culture. And anyone who is interested in the people, traditions and the culture of India is advised to take some time out to see this movie.