With the production of the Netflix live-action series underway, fans nervously hold on to the original series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. It is known for its beautiful art style, funny moments, and incredible storyline.Even though it is labeled as a Nickelodeon kid's show, it handles heavy topics with grace and intelligence. One minute the audience is laughing about Sokka's comedic antics, and the next they are shedding tears over Aang's survivor's guilt. The show is sprinkled with emotionally powerful moments that keep people invested in a way they did not expect.

"Sokka's Master"- Season 3, Ep 4

ATLA Sokka.jpg

The only non-bender on the team, sometimes Sokka feels out of sync with the others. Thus, when Sokka finally gets to train under swordmaster Piandao, the audience is all but ready to see him grow and succeed.

The episode is like a mini coming-of-age arc as Sokka begins to see his worth as a fighter but also as a human being. He learns that he is not a second-fiddle to the team, but instead offers his own invaluable set of skills. It is refreshing to see Sokka work hard and enjoy it. He learns how to stand up for himself and how to use his creative thinking to help others. It is so satisfying to see him gain confidence in knowing that Team Avatar would not be complete without him.

"Appa's Lost Days"- Season 2, Ep 15

ATLA Appa and Suki.jpg

Appa is separated from Team Avatar after he is captured by sand benders at the library. Unlike any other TV pet, in a unique episode, the audience experiences life from his perspective as he struggles to find his way back to his family. It is painful to see a once carefree and lovable Appa turn into a frightened and stubborn creature. Traumatized by fire at a circus, chased by giant bees and wild cats, leaves him feeling weary and hopeless.

So when Kyoshi warrior and Team Avatar ally Suki spots the wounded Appa in the woods, it is like a tearful breath of relief. Suki understands Appa's needs perfectly, and she and the other Kyoshi warriors nurse him back to health. After everything he has been through, it is comforting to see him finally get a little rest. Even though his rest does not last long because Princess Azula shows up, Appa's little moment of joy makes the audience root for him all the harder.

"The Puppet Master"- Season 3, Ep 8

ATLA Katara.jpg

Katara learns that Hama, a fellow Southern Water Tribe waterbender is actually not a friend, but a foe with devious intentions. No ordinary water bender, Hama reveals that her power comes from her ability to blood bend, and she wants to teach Katara. Horrified, she refuses, but Hama forces her to blood bend to save Sokka and Aang from killing each other.

The Greatest 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Background Characters, Ranked

The scene is jarring because even though Katara won the fight, Hama really won because she learned to blood bend in the end. Sweet, hopeful Katara has some darkness in her now that she cannot avoid. The audience is left with a heartbroken feeling as they watch Katara weep in Sokka and Aang's arms.

"The Beach"- Season 3, Ep 5

ATLA Team Fire Nation.jpg

The audience observes a different side to the Fire Nation team as they take a break from chasing the Avatar. While sitting around a campfire at the beach, Zuko, Azula, Mei, and Ty Lee take turns confessing what motivates them in life. Most emotional of all is Zuko as he struggles to reconcile his feelings of finally being accepted at home with his father and his betrayal of Uncle Iroh and the Avatar. He has to come to terms with his actions and their consequences, and it comes out in the form of anger at himself because he still cannot figure out the right vs. wrong.

While many coming-of-age stories involve aspects of horror, this scene manages to place the darker undertones bubbling right beneath the surface. The scene is so impactful because it is easy to forget that they are all still teenagers. Teenagers should be at the beach partying and having fun, but instead, they have an inordinate amount of stress and responsibility on their shoulders that they cannot escape.

"The Storm"- Season 1, Ep 12

ATLA The Storm.jpg

Prince Zuko pursues Aang with full force, even at the risk of endangering his men in a storm. His men begin to rebel, but Uncle Iroh explains that Zuko's scar and motivation were inflicted by his own father, the Fire Lord.

The audience sees the Fire Lord emotionally and physically abuse his son without hesitation, even though Zuko is just a child. Zuko has tears in his eyes as the Fire Nation generals gleefully observe the scarring. Even as a cartoon, the scene is hard to watch, and it garners sympathy for the lost Fire Nation prince. The audience understands the gravity of Zuko's situation and the emotional turmoil that his scar represents.

"The Siege of the North: Part 2"- Season 1, Ep 20

ATLA Yue.jpg

The Moon Spirit is killed by General Zhao and the Northern Water Tribe loses their ability to fight against the invading Fire Nation. Desperate to save her people, Princess Yue reveals that the Moon Spirit saved her life as a baby, so she can return the favor. Yue's death is a noble one because she prioritizes saving her people over her own life.

The Best 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Episodes to Watch Over and Over

Her sacrifice is the first real loss for Team Avatar. Sokka loses his first love, a father loses his daughter, and the Water Tribe loses their princess and friend. She is quick to give her life, but the pain for those left behind will last a long time. The victory against the Fire Nation is bittersweet because the audience is reminded that war always comes with a cost.

"The Firebending Masters"- Season 3, Ep 12

ATLA Firebending Masters.jpg

Aang and Zuko learning how to fire bend from the dragons is such an emotionally rewarding moment. Two foes finally become friends and work together in the fight against evil. Zuko, who was so driven by anger, learns the true power of fire and the sun. Aang, who was driven by fear, learns that fire is life.

It is beautiful watching the two young men dance in sync with the dragons as they become in sync with fire bending and themselves. Fire is no longer a power to be feared, but a gift to be cherished. The scene brings Zuko and Aang together in a moment they will never forget, and projects hope for the future of fire bending.

"Sozin's Comet-Part 3: Into the Inferno"- Season 3, Ep 20

ATLA Azula Mirror.jpg

As Sozin's comet approaches, Princess Azula gets farther away from her sanity. Without her friends and family, Azula recognizes that she is truly alone. Speaking to a version of her mother in her head, she confronts her destructive way of life. Azula knows that she allowed fear to rule her life instead of love. She knows that her father never loved her and was only using her to bring glory to himself.

She was so focused on controlling everything and everyone around her that she lost control of herself. Even if she dares to admit that Zuko and her mother were right, it is too late now. In a frenzied panic, Azula hurls her hairbrush at the mirror, smashing it to pieces, and she collapses into sobs. It is a sorrowful picture of a once-formidable character. The audience remembers that Azula is just a child being used by her own father for a terrible purpose.

"Sozin's Comet-Part 2: The Old Masters"- Season 3, Ep 19

ATLA Iroh and Zuko.jpg

Like the prodigal son returning home, Zuko's reunion with Iroh is one of the most emotional moments in the entire series. Zuko constantly makes mistakes, but finally, he has found his path and knows where he belongs. Instead of selfishly waking his uncle up as he did at the beginning of the series, he waits and lets his uncle sleep. Instead of receiving a burn scar for making a mistake like with his father, Zuko receives a warm embrace from his uncle and father figure.

The 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Bending Types, Explained

The scene is so moving because the audience knows how long it took for Zuko to reach this point of redemption with Iroh. Despite all the pain and betrayal, Iroh was always there for Zuko and always will be. Their love for each other is palpable through the screen, and their reunion is a long-time coming and well worth the wait.

"Tales of Ba Sing Se"- Season 2, Ep 14

ATLA Iroh and Son (1)

The audience experiences the vulnerable side to the lovable and wise Uncle Iroh as he prepares a small picnic. Iroh's goodness is apparent as he helps townspeople along the way, like by moving a vendor's flower, so it will grow better and singing a lullaby to a crying toddler.

The reveal that Iroh is commemorating his fallen son's birthday is almost too much to bear. The usually jovial and witty man becomes a grief-stricken father. He sings "Leaves From the Vine," which he sang for the toddler earlier and the song takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of just an old war tune to distract someone's young son, Iroh mourns the loss of his son in a useless war. Iroh breaks down in tears, and it is as if the episode itself stops to let the old man grieve in a quiet space. It is a powerful moment that leaves a lasting impression.

NEXT:

10 Strongest Benders in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender, Ranked'