10 Fantasy Series That Capture the Magic of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’

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Ever since it first aired in 2005, Avatar: The Last Airbender has consistently been celebrated for its enlightening explorations of moral dilemmas, camaraderie, and the possibility of change. This captivating television series, which primarily focuses on young characters, has garnered widespread acclaim from both viewers and critics due to its mature portrayal of complex themes like genocide, imperialism, and oppression.

The story unfolds in a world split into four distinct realms, each embodying the fundamental elements: water, earth, fire, and air. This captivating adventure takes viewers on a memorable journey as a 12-year-old Air Nomad named Aang, along with his 14-year-old waterbender apprentice Katara (Mae Whitman), her 15-year-old brother Sokka (Jack De Sena), and other newcomers like Earthbending noble Toph (Michaela Jill Murphy), mete out justice and explore the societies they encounter.

Drawing on historical parallels and heavily influenced by Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American cultures, creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino skillfully crafted a profoundly emotional, humorous, and relatable masterpiece. For the most part, this work is respectful and well-informed.

In a similar fashion, these imaginary series provide viewers with an intriguing realm to delve into and gain insights from, with the aim of mirroring the aspirations, fears, and wonderment that foster creativity on our planet, whether it leads to progress or setbacks.

10
‘Game of Thrones’ (2010 – 2018)

Regardless of the debates surrounding the final seasons of its TV adaptation, George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series has been incredibly captivating. Whether it was the launch with “Game of Thrones” or the more recent spin-off, “House of the Dragon“, this franchise left an indelible mark on fantasy television.

The Wonders of Westeros and Beyond

The narrative unfolds on a planet reminiscent of Earth, often referred to as the World of Ice and Fire. It revolves around diverse characters from the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and numerous city-states in Essos, a nearby continent. After overthrowing the Targaryens, a once-dominant noble family, the story begins post-rebellion, also known as “Robert’s Rebellion”. As the line of succession is unclear, it won’t be long before the kingdom spirals into disorder.

Over the course of eight seasons, the series has skillfully portrayed iconic settings such as Winterfell, King’s Landing, and Meereen, among others. Drawing inspiration from the Middle Ages, George R.R. Martin’s expansive world masterfully blends the harsh realities of medieval warfare, the complex entanglement of class and misogyny with familiar fantasy elements, enhancing Martin’s aim to illustrate the struggle within the human spirit.

9
‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ (2003 – 2004)

I’ve always found myself drawn to the captivating tale of brotherhood that is Fullmetal Alchemist. In the fictional land-locked nation of Amestris, my story follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, on their quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. With the hope of returning to their original selves, they embark on a journey filled with trials that lead them straight into the heart of intricate conspiracies that test their bond and aspirations. Although the initial series spanned just one season, the subsequent parent series and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood have left anime fans yearning to explore this enthralling universe once more.

A Thought-Provoking, Life-Altering Journey of Grief

Edward and Alphonse’s adventure is filled with thrilling action but also unfolds a vast narrative about the significance of human connections and how these can be complicated by mortality. Beyond their personal quest, they yearn to restore their deceased mother through the Philosopher’s Stone. As viewers delve deeper into Amestris and neighboring lands like Germany, they encounter thought-provoking discussions on imperialism and genocide that permeate the storyline.

8
‘His Dark Materials’ (2019 – 2022)

In my opinion, “His Dark Materials” is a captivating fantasy series based on Philip Pullman’s novels, where it cleverly divides our world into two realms to mirror a broader truth. The story revolves around Lyra Belacqua (played by Dafnee Keen), a young girl residing in Jordan’s College, Oxford. This intriguing tale unfolds amidst the oppressive rule of the Magisterium, a powerful institution that governs both religion and politics. As Lyra navigates her way through various intrigues, she finds herself entangled ever deeper, uncovering dark forces at play and an unexpected ally in Will Parry (Amir Wilson), another extraordinary child from a parallel Oxford world.

World-Building That Stretches Beyond Just One World

The show, titled “His Dark Materials,” presents a reality spanning multiple Earth-like worlds, each housing unique societies mirroring real life. One such world is inhabited by Lyra, filled with diverse cultures and communities. This world also houses the Magisterium, where creatures called daemons exist – they are animal companions with human souls who can talk. The series blends the fantastical and sweet with the grim and ominous, as both worlds grapple with kidnappings, murders, fanaticism, all in pursuit of a mysterious substance named “Dust.” Over three compact seasons, the series offers an intriguing universe brimming with captivating stories and soulful adventures.

7
‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018 – Present)

The series The Dragon Prince narrates the adventure of two princes, Callum (voiced by Jack DeSena) and Crown Prince Ezran (Sasha Rojen). They stumble upon a dragon egg and set off on a perilous journey to reunite it with its mother. Meanwhile, their father, King Harrow (Luc Roderique), and the kingdom of Katolis are thrown into turmoil following a deadly coup. Alongside Rayla (Paula Burrows), an elf from Moonshadow, they initially aim to return the dragon egg, but their journey soon transforms into a broader quest for maintaining peace. As they progress, they encounter new companions, hidden adversaries, and various journeys of self-exploration that become increasingly complex over time.

An Enthralling Modern Fantasy

Featuring numerous cast members who previously worked on “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” this show has caught the attention of many. Despite the presence of six distinct elements, it manages to carve its own niche as an engaging fantasy suitable for all ages. Over the course of six seasons and two story arcs, viewers are given the opportunity to follow the characters’ development and learn about the different customs and kingdoms on the continent of Xadia. With humans, dragons, and elves coexisting, the series skillfully employs traditional fantasy elements while also adding depth to them, resulting in a captivating and diverse animated world for exploration.

6
‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021 – Present)

In the storyline of “The Wheel of Time,” inspired by its namesake literary universe, the vivid high fantasy world created by authors Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan unfolds. At its core lies an all-female magical organization called the “Aes Sedai.” The narrative revolves around Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike), a member of this Aes Sedai, who is on a quest to discover the Dragon Reborn. This prophetic channeler is believed to be the world’s only hope for salvation from the Dark One, or conversely, its potential destruction.

Ever since it first aired, the show has consistently received highly favorable critiques, particularly for its skill in adapting and expanding upon tales from the initial source, all while avoiding simplification or aimlessness in the process.

A Faithful and Fruitful Adaptation

In its recent third season, this show masterfully delves into a complex cosmos while compelling viewers to immerse themselves in this universe through well-developed characters, their goals, and their connection to the prophecy. We follow Moiraine, al’Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney), Perrin Aybara (Marcus Rutherford), and Nynaeve al’Meara (Zoë Robins) as they traverse a world steeped in history, mystical rituals, and messianic figures. However, unlike other tales of grandeur, this story is told from the viewpoint of ordinary individuals, making their enthralling journey all the more captivating.

5
‘Arcane’ (2021 – 2024)

As a fan following in the footsteps, I’d say that among multiple series stemming from a video game, Arcane, based on League of Legends, has grown into a captivating phenomenon all on its own after its debut. Essentially, it presents a glimpse into the lives of two significant league champions, Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and Powder (Ella Purnell). The narrative unfolds as these sisters find themselves embroiled in a tense struggle between the prosperous city of Piltover and their homeland Zaun. In just two seasons, Arcane has left viewers spellbound by its meticulous world-building and character development.

A Road Paved with Good, Bad, and Ugly Intentions

In the universe of Arcane, class conflicts significantly shape events. Regardless of the story’s advancement, this theme remains relevant, sometimes appearing less prominent but never truly vanishing. A striking example is the contrast between affluent Piltover and struggling Zaun. Unlike providing a straightforward portrayal of wealth and privilege, the series employs these class differences within both societies to uncover profound truths that are morally uplifting.

In both cities, the narrative presented to the viewers delves into the motives driving the harmful actions taken by the characters. It refrains from portraying them as divine or monstrous beings and instead invites audiences to contemplate how ordinary feelings can lead to significant transformation or heinous acts of violence.

4
‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022 – Present)

In the style of Dungeons & Dragons, The Legend of Vox Machina follows a band of companions who unite with the mission of shielding their continent, “Tal’Dorei,” on the planet “Exandria,” from sinister and ominous forces that seek to disrupt the peace of its various communities. As the story unfolds, this group embarks on numerous adventures reminiscent of those faced by Dungeons & Dragons players in reality. This captivating series provides dedicated fans with a blend of concise yet expansive plotlines that consistently surpass expectations.

A Cult Classic Coming to Life

The Legend Of Vox Machina, often praised as exceptional in “character-driven storytelling” by critics such as Paste and The AV Club, weaves a tale of diverse magical and ordinary creatures uniting for a common cause – protecting Tal’Dorei. This journey offers viewers an engaging insight into the continent’s various cultures, cities, and communities. Initially perceived as a character-focused narrative, it’s through characters like Vex (Laura Bailey), Percy (Taliesin Jaffe), and Trinket (Matthew Mercer) that we gain further understanding of the intriguing universe presented in the first episode. As the plot unfolds, the series begins to trade some humor for more daring and emotionally-charged storylines, enriching the already captivating world initially introduced.

3
‘The Witcher’ (2019 – Present)

Known as “The Witcher,” this expanding universe includes novels, video games, and comic books, and has also made its mark on television. The story primarily revolves around Geralt of Rivia, a witcher who spends his life battling the monsters that jeopardize the peace of the Continent. Accompanied by friends such as Jaskier (Joey Batey) and Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), Geralt seeks any semblance of belonging in a world that often feels alien to him. The arrival of Princess Ciri (Freya Allan) uncovers a bond between them, one that will likely serve as the foundation for upcoming journeys.

Bleak at a Glance, Insightful at Its Core

The intricate construction of this show is built around its skillful handling of time travel. Jumping between timelines, it vividly portrays the influence of fear on the diverse factions in the Continent. Although fear is an inherent emotion, it’s also a powerful catalyst for prejudice and its hideous manifestations. Characters like Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, among others, are used to weave together elements of magic, politics, and moral quandaries about what constitutes a monster. This results in a captivating fantasy series that offers both immersion and introspection for its viewers.

2
‘Steven Universe’ (2013 – 2019)

The cartoon show titled “Steven Universe” revolves around Steven, a young character (voiced by Zach Callison), growing up in the coastal town of Beach City. Being half-human and half-Gem, he learns about life under the guidance of the Crystal Gems – mystical beings who resemble jewels found on Earth and serve as his surrogate parents. These extraordinary guardians help Steven navigate important life lessons and prepare him to face various dangers that could disrupt Earth and the balance of the universe. The show’s devoted fanbase frequently analyzes how it tackles themes like family, self-discovery, and ethics, making “Steven Universe” an outstanding fantasy series thanks to its captivating storytelling.

An Animated Epic with Compassion at Its Core

In a mix of ordinary troubles and life-threatening crises where the tranquility and order of the cosmos are at stake, Steven, his Beach City companions, and the Crystal Gems choose a genuine approach to resolve conflicts. Although conflict might be unavoidable in some situations that Steven and his allies encounter, there is a concerted effort to deescalate tensions so they can better comprehend their adversaries, the origins of their disputes, and the remedies required for resolution. A contemporary animated coming-of-age story, Steven Universe, delves into intricate family dynamics, authoritarianism, and conflict resolution by utilizing Steven’s personal history, the diverse worlds encompassed within Beach City, and the Gem’s cosmic background as its foundation.

1
‘She-Ra: The Princesses of Power’ (2018 – 2020)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is one of the most acclaimed animated shows in recent times. Situated in a future that combines technology with magic, the show chronicles Adora (played by Aimee Carrero), who discovers she can transform into She-Ra, a kind and potent character capable of vanquishing the expanding Horde tyranny. Additionally to its progressive and creative narratives and significant additions to the expanding He-Man universe, the series invites viewers to explore the magical realm of Etheria and its various domains.

An Entertaining Template for Monumental Change

Compared favorably to “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the universe of Etheria boasts a rich tapestry of complex narratives, compelling characters, and vivid environments. These elements collectively underscore the overarching themes of the series. Children’s animation excels in maintaining an engaging and age-appropriate tone while subtly educating children about grim realities that permeate their world.

Adora’s journey along with Catra (played by AJ Michalka) offers insights to viewers of all ages about the significance of freeing oneself from different types of brainwashing, such as colonization and genocide. The show masterfully combines its somber moments with uplifting optimism and promotes teamwork. As a result, She-Ra And The Princesses of Power stands out as one of the most remarkable fantasy series due to its intricate world-building.

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2025-03-24 00:33