Top 10 Best Avatar: The Last Airbender Episodes

Set in a world where people can bend water, earth, fire, or air, the Avatar: The Last Airbender story follows Aang, the last Airbender and the only person who can master all four elements. As the Avatar, it's his job to bring balance to the world by stopping the Fire Nation's war, no small task for a twelve-year-old who spent a century frozen in an iceberg.

With such a well-crafted story, Avatar has no shortage of standout episodes. Some bring intense battles that push characters to their limits, while others slow things down for heartfelt moments that stick with you long after the credits roll. Then there are the episodes that mix both perfectly, delivering major turning points that change everything.

So, which Avatar episodes are the best? Vote for the episodes you think deserve the top spots, whether they made you laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of your seat.

The Top Ten

Sozin's Comet Part 4: Avatar Aang

Aang confronts Fire Lord Ozai in a battle that will determine the fate of the world, ultimately choosing a path of nonviolence by removing Ozai's bending instead of taking his life. Meanwhile, Zuko and Katara defeat Azula, securing the Fire Nation throne for Zuko as the war finally comes to an end.

It was a good episode, especially the Zuko-Azula Agni Kai (which ranks among the greatest fights in television history), but it was not quite as good as Ember Island Players, Zuko Alone, or The Blue Spirit.
When I'm watching, I find that the more down-to-earth episodes are more enjoyable: the ones that humanize the characters. Without those, the finale would've just been a visually stunning but ultimately thematically empty fight scene.

YES YES YES. The finale of the show, with a final standoff between Ozai and Aang and Zuko and Azula. Finally, Earthbending is used to its full potential when Aang goes full A-10 Warthog with his machine guns.
Such a good episode in so many ways. Toph is basically confirmed as the most powerful character when she makes a mech suit and defeats an entire cabin in less than 8 seconds. Azula screaming bloody murder, Sokka fighting for his life, Aang with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Just a great episode.
Also, a note on Zutara vs. Kataang: I was a Kataang guy throughout the whole series, but turned to Zutara during this episode, just seeing Zuko's true personality. However, Kataang's kiss at the end confirms Kataang and smashes Zutara to the ground because Katara is so much better with Aang. Even Michael Dante DiMartino didn't ship Zutara. It was never meant to be.
Zuko Alone

Separated from the Fire Nation, Zuko travels alone through an Earth Kingdom village, where he bonds with a struggling family but faces rejection when his true identity is revealed. His memories of childhood further deepen his internal struggle between honor and morality.

This episode cements Zuko as one of the most complex characters on the show, truly showing his good side and what he stands up for. It also reveals parts of his past, including his mistreatment by his family and how he became who he is.
It does a fantastic job of really kicking off his redemption arc, showing him at his most fearsome as well as his most humble.

Even before this episode, he has been my favorite character. He is so deep, so torn, and so constantly betrayed. He is the character with the most behind him and the one who truly makes you feel for him. I don't care that he is from the Fire Nation. He is my total favorite.
The Crossroads of Destiny

Azula's manipulations lead to the downfall of Ba Sing Se as she convinces Zuko to betray Iroh and side with her, tipping the scales in the Fire Nation's favor. Aang, attempting to unlock the Avatar State, is struck down, leaving Katara to escape with him as the Earth Kingdom falls.

This is basically 'The Empire Strikes Back' of Avatar. Look how similar it is: the Gaang is at its most vulnerable just like Luke and the Rebellion, Aang left the Guru against his better judgment due to a vision of Katara in danger just as Luke left Yoda with the vision of his friends being in trouble, and the Fire Nation has nearly complete control of the Earth Kingdom just like how the Empire had nearly complete control of the galaxy.
On top of all of that, Zuko dips to his lowest point, betraying Uncle Iroh for the easy path with his sister. When I watched this when it first aired, I was in shock by all of this, plus it was a season finale so we had to wait almost a year to see where this was going.
It is probably the most important episode when it comes to the characters and is by far the best episode of the best show ever.
The Siege of the North Part 2

With the Fire Nation assaulting the Northern Water Tribe, Aang merges with the Ocean Spirit to unleash its devastating power. Zhao's arrogance leads to his downfall, while Zuko and Iroh make difficult choices that set them on new paths.

A truly beautiful episode. The way they use colors in relation to the moon spirit, how they manage to tie up most story arcs while still opening new ones for the next seasons, and the overall feeling of the episode having a larger scale than the others in the season make it a great season finale.

A truly stunning episode! There are so many memorable parts of this episode that are all emotionally gripping and just beautiful!
I loved this episode, and it still remains one of my favorites!

This was the first episode I thought was genuinely good in the series. I was kind of 'holding out' on the series, hoping it would be cool, and it sure paid off. This climactic episode was amazing, with a standoff with Zuko and Katara finally mastering waterbending.
The Ember Island Players

Team Avatar attends a Fire Nation play that hilariously distorts their journey, forcing them to confront their own insecurities and relationships. While the exaggerated retelling provides comic relief, the ending foreshadows the looming confrontation with Ozai.

This and "Tales of Ba Sing Se" are pretty much tied for me because after you see ATLA, you don't care as much about the plot as about great moments to remember. These two just top the list. Whatever my mood is basically changes which I find "better."
If I'm in a good mood or want to be cheered up, it's usually this. But if I'm sad and want to be sad, "Tales" will always win. "Ember Island" though, overall, is SLIGHTLY better because it's great throughout the whole episode, compared to the small 5 minutes of Uncle Iroh (the best part).
I would just like to highlight the best part is "Tough's" Sonic Screams - always makes me lose it. (Fun fact: Toph was supposed to look more like the guy who played Toph in the film. Now you know why Toph wouldn't cast her part any other way!)
The Tales of Ba Sing Se

A collection of short, character-driven vignettes explores the personal moments and emotions of Team Avatar and their allies during their time in the Earth Kingdom capital. From Iroh's heartfelt tribute to his late son to Zuko's awkward date, each story highlights different facets of the characters' journeys.

I don't really like this episode that much, but I absolutely love Zuko and Iroh's stories! Zuko's date with that girl was awkward but touching, showing he has a heart. Iroh's story is just heartbreaking.
The scene where he cries for his son while singing that song destroyed me.

This was an amazing episode. Hands down my favorite.
It does not deserve to be called a filler because it lets you look deeper into each character as they spend their day in Ba Sing Se. It puts so many emotions into one show. I have watched it MANY times because of that.
The Blue Spirit

After Aang is captured by Fire Nation forces, a mysterious masked warrior rescues him, only for Aang to discover that his savior is Zuko. Their temporary alliance is short-lived, but the encounter hints at the prince's internal conflict.

This is one of those episodes that really speaks up to its audience and not down. It doesn't try to avoid being dark, but like all of ATLA, it never gets too wrapped up in itself so it can always spare a few seconds for a quick joke.
The near-last scene with Aang talking to Zuko unmasked is just brilliant. It perfectly captures the essence of the two characters' personalities and their relationship to each other at that point in the show. This is the only episode in the show that does this style so well. To be honest, I'm not sure if this is "THE BEST EPISODE," but it's a damn good one!

This is the closest episode to a movie style of storytelling. Amazing action sequences and a mood or theme that is just so different from the other episodes.
Everything from a stealth sequence to an action-packed escape scene, with an ending that shows the start of the connection between Aang and Zuko, makes this the best episode.
The Storm

As a storm rages, Aang and Zuko separately reflect on their pasts, revealing the burdens that shaped them into who they are. Aang struggles with guilt over abandoning his duty as the Avatar, while Zuko's tragic banishment is revealed.

This episode proves that a show can be more than just a show, but an experience. Sure, I'm being dramatic, but still, one amazing episode.

Both stories are emotionally mature as Aang and Zuko are both haunted by the past. This shows that our hero and villain are complex and more similar than we realized.

A surprisingly dark episode, giving a backstory to two characters that we have wondered about since the beginning of the show, which is what makes it so amazing!
The Beach

Zuko, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee take a forced vacation on Ember Island, where their night of socializing turns into a heated argument about their deepest fears and desires. Meanwhile, Team Avatar faces an unknown assassin sent to eliminate Aang.

I love how they humanize the people who are mostly just affected by the influence of Azula. This is probably the most hilarious part, considering the culture shock and how they adjust for a small amount of time to not being royalty. Pure genius!

This episode is a prime example of how almost none of the characters are portrayed as one-sided during the entire series. I love how we get insight into the lives of the "villains" and how it shows us that these characters are not just pure evil.

This episode does a wonderful job of humanizing our "villains," especially Azula. It gave us many great character moments and provided fantastic insight into the inner turmoil of usually one-sided characters whose emotions we rarely get to see: Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee.
The Day of Black Sun Part 2: The Eclipse

The invasion of the Fire Nation capital fails when Aang and his allies discover that Fire Lord Ozai is hidden away, rendering their attack useless. As the battle turns against them, Zuko finally confronts his father and chooses to leave the Fire Nation behind.

Such a developing episode for the plot! Sokka takes all the blame for failing, and I love how that sets up the Boiling Rock so well.
I love how a bunch of riffraff from all over the world comes and invades the most powerful nation.

Such an overpowering episode with a great story and amazing animation.

The Newcomers

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The Firebending Masters

Zuko and Aang travel to the Sun Warriors in search of true firebending, where they rediscover the lost connection between fire and life through ancient dragon masters. Witnessing the dragons' power, Zuko regains his confidence, and Aang overcomes his fear of firebending.

One of my absolute favorites - the animation and score are so beautifully done, as are the message and character realizations that occur. I definitely cried the first time I watched this episode... and maybe a few more times after.
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The Avatar and the Fire Lord

Aang and Zuko uncover the intertwined history of their predecessors, Roku and Sozin, learning how the Fire Nation's imperial ambitions were born from betrayal. The young prince discovers that while Fire Lord Sozin was his paternal great-grandfather, Avatar Roku was his maternal great-grandfather. This revelation forces Zuko to reconsider his role in shaping the Fire Nation's future and his own destiny.

Amazing depth to the 100 Years War and furthers the connection between Zuko and Aang, while detailing the conflict within each of them.

Such a great episode! I love when we see backstories to the story arc and understand the true start of this story.

Just awesome storytelling. The Zuko reveal is very touching and something I didn't see coming. This is interesting from a historical standpoint and a character standpoint.

The Contenders

The Boiling Rock Part 2

Zuko and Sokka's prison escape becomes even more complicated as they free Hakoda and other captives, leading to a desperate battle on a gondola suspended over a fiery lake. Mai and Ty Lee shock Azula by turning against her, altering the Fire Nation's power dynamics.

The Boiling Rock sequence is one of the most thrilling series of events in the entire show, let alone Book 3. It is a lasting burst of action that reminds viewers of the real consequences of war, the might of the Fire Nation as an antagonistic force, and the importance of hope, regardless of circumstances.
It is no mistake that of all the characters that go on a "field trip," as Toph calls it, with Zuko, the writers chose to make Zuko and Sokka's adventure the longest and arguably most intense and successful. After all, the very first sequence of conflict we witnessed in the series was between these two very different characters. Once rivals, they have come together to achieve a feat that was practically impossible.
Also, "My first girlfriend turned into the moon." "...That's rough, buddy." Best line in television.
Sozin's Comet Part 3: Into the Inferno

As Sozin's Comet grants the Firebenders immense power, Azula succumbs to paranoia and spirals into instability before her final confrontation with Zuko. Meanwhile, Aang struggles to find a way to defeat Ozai without betraying his values.

Better than part 4 marginally. This has the Final Agni Kai theme, Azula's mirror scene, and a huge increase in animation skill from part 2.
Most beautiful episode.

This is the episode with Zuko and Azula's final Agni Kai, which is the most amazing fight in the series.

The final battle with Zuko and Azula is better than the final battle. Sorry.
The Guru

Aang begins spiritual training with Guru Pathik to unlock the Avatar State but struggles with letting go of his attachment to Katara. Meanwhile, Azula sets a trap that threatens to unravel everything the group has worked toward.

The part when Toph realizes she can bend metal was the most climactic moment of the show.

When Toph realizes she can bend metal... the most climactic moment of the entire show.
The Drill

As the Fire Nation attempts to breach Ba Sing Se's walls with a massive drill, Team Avatar launches a daring sabotage mission from within. Through strategy and teamwork, they destroy the machine just in time, saving the city from invasion.
Lake Laogai

Determined to find Appa, Team Avatar uncovers the dark truth behind Ba Sing Se's mind control operations at Lake Laogai. The group battles Long Feng and his Dai Li agents in an underwater facility beneath the lake. Jet's attempt at redemption ends in tragedy, while Appa is finally reunited with Aang after being freed by Zuko.

Best episode in season 2, hands down. To me, it's a better conclusion to the Dai Li than later episodes. Zuko, still succumbing to his obsession, has to be stopped by Iroh in the best speech in the show. Zuko (spoilers) sets aside the Blue Spirit mask forever.
There's also an underrated scene where Jet gets his memories back, and the animation is so surreal and trippy. Longshot brings me to tears with his only spoken line in the show.
The Chase

Team Avatar is relentlessly pursued by a mysterious force, pushing them to exhaustion and conflict within their own ranks. The relentless chase culminates in an intense showdown between Zuko, Azula, and Iroh.

The first episode where the group dynamics are explored with Toph added. Many plotlines come together here, culminating in a very interesting final fight. You get to see how everybody measures up against each other. It's one of the only episodes with real character buildup for Toph (the talk with Iroh is so good and cool to see from technically still enemies at that point). I really love this episode.

Starting a bit slow, the climax where six different groups suddenly come together is incredible for early season 2.
Toph's conversation with Iroh is peak, and the ending is heart-wrenching.
The Blind Bandit

In search of an earthbending teacher, Aang encounters Toph, a fierce underground fighter who hides her talents from her overprotective family. After proving her strength, Toph defies her parents and joins Team Avatar.

Very well done episode. I love it because it introduces my favorite character, Toph. It looks into who she is and why she is like that. This episode is one of my favorites. Plus, watching a little blind girl destroy the Boulder - *cough cough* Pebble - was awesome!

The introduction to Toph, who is the most badass character in the show, next to Iroh. It's incredible how great a bender Toph is. She may well be the most powerful bender in the world, next to Aang.

TOPH TOPH TOPH. I love Toph so much and she is the best character. Her introduction is the best of any character I've ever seen, and it is followed up by a strong plot of how she starts traveling with the gaang. Just love it so much.
Winter Solstice Part 2: Avatar Roku

Aang travels to the Fire Nation to communicate with Avatar Roku, who warns him about Sozin's Comet and the urgent need to stop the Fire Lord before its arrival. Narrowly escaping Zhao's forces, Aang gains a clearer sense of his destiny.

The finale, where Aang becomes Roku (or vice versa, not sure), is the most epic moment in the whole series. Otherwise, it's an okay episode showing that not all the Fire Nation is bad, and that last frame of them going toward the moon is sweet.
The Cave of Two Lovers

Forced to take a detour through a dark, labyrinthine cave, Aang and Katara grow closer while navigating its secrets. Meanwhile, Sokka endures an irritating journey with a group of nomads who live by the philosophy of love and music.
The Desert

Stranded in the vast Si Wong Desert without Appa, Aang's grief pushes him to his emotional breaking point. Meanwhile, Iroh reveals his hidden connections as he seeks help from the secretive Order of the White Lotus.

This episode is in my top three favorites. This one not only captured the visceral fear of being trapped in a large, unforgiving environment with no real hope of escape better than anything I've ever seen before, but it also showed us a new side of Aang: the supremely angry side.
Losing Appa, his only living link to his past life, breaks something in Aang, and seeing him try to deal with this loss kills me whenever I watch it. Amazingly done.

Sokka high on cactus juice is just something everyone who's ever watched ATLA needs. This episode sets up the journey and motive of going to Ba Sing Se. Seeing Aang in the Avatar State, defending Appa, just shows you how much he cares for his companion.
Also, Katara calming him down through his haze of rage just shows you how much he cares for her, because she was the only one he could recognize. He was only focused on attacking the sandbender.
The King of Omashu

Aang, Katara, and Sokka visit the Earth Kingdom city of Omashu. They get into trouble after sliding down the mail delivery system and are brought before the city's eccentric king. The king forces Aang to complete three deadly challenges to save his friends.

I found this to be a really cool episode. It was personally the first standout early episode of the series.
The Library

In search of knowledge, Team Avatar explores a buried library where they uncover a crucial weakness in the Fire Nation's power. As the library begins to collapse, the group suffers a devastating loss when the Sandbenders abduct Appa.

The giant owl is one of the most beautifully animated characters I've ever seen. The sinking of the library was incredibly thrilling. They successfully get the info, but at the cost of Appa, leading to deep contemplation about whether it was worth it.
The Southern Air Temple

Eager to reconnect with his past, Aang visits his old home only to face the devastating truth that the Air Nomads were wiped out. Meanwhile, Zuko's pursuit of the Avatar intensifies as Commander Zhao becomes a new threat.

This is my favourite episode. It was so magical and painful. I feel like it really displayed how deep this show is and how it's not just for little kids, but is also great for adults. You get to see the world reacting to the discovery of the Avatar. You see the Water Tribes and Earth Kingdom's temple keepers feeling hope, while you see the Fire Nation temple keepers wet themselves. You understand how important this one being is to these people. Then, you zoom in and find one little boy crying over the fact that his friends and family are gone. It was a really mesmerizing episode and the one to really draw me into this show.
The Deserter

Aang seeks out a rogue Firebender named Jeong Jeong, hoping to learn firebending, but his recklessness leads to Katara being burned. Meanwhile, Zhao's arrogance costs him in a fiery battle, revealing the dangers of uncontrolled power.

In my opinion, this is an underrated episode, featuring an underrated character in Jeong Jeong. This was the first episode in which the nature of firebending itself is examined, a powerful instrument that can be difficult to control and is often fueled by impulse. Through Jeong Jeong and his student, Zhao, we came to understand the Fire Nation better, since Zhao's lack of self-control causes his powers to become wildfire. Aang's own experiences with self-control are also a major step in his character development, as he ends up hurting Katara and hates the fact that he unwittingly hurt someone he loved.
Jeong Jeong himself, I find, is a fascinating character, a master of an art he despises. His brief talk with Katara, a waterbender who can heal, is pretty heartbreaking. He wishes he could use water to heal, rather than use fire to cause damage.
City of Walls and Secrets

Upon entering Ba Sing Se, Team Avatar discovers the eerie and oppressive control of the Dai Li, who suppress any mention of the war. Their attempts to seek the Earth King are blocked, leading Jet to a fateful encounter with Long Feng.

This episode is one of those rare few that slips under the radar. The longer you go without watching it, the more the events in this episode seem to take you by surprise every time you watch it, thanks to just how much important stuff happens in this one episode.

The most chilling ending to any episode ever in the series. I get chills every time. Jet's descent into madness shows how Zuko could become if he lets himself. Their swordfight in the tea shop is so satisfying to watch.
Although it doesn't seem like it at first, the Gaang is in just as much immediate danger. Joo Dee is also the greatest of all time.