15 Best 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Episodes, Ranked According to IMDb

Known as one of the greatest animated series of our time, Avatar: The Last Airbender had an incredible run during its time on air. Fueled by incredibly written characters, an engaging plot, and astounding animation sequences. Fans quickly and intensely fell in love with Avatar Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) and his crew as they journeyed to stop Firelord Ozai (Mark Hamill).

The show ran for a total of three seasons, with almost every episode garnering an amazing critical response. The show and the franchise it spawned still have a plethora of fans to this day who are just as in love with it as they've always been. It's known as one of the greatest television series for many very good reasons, and one of them is the great ratings of these astounding episodes.

15 "Lake Laogai" (Season 2, Episode 17)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

A minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender that has some amazing character development is none other than Jet (Crawford Wilson), who began the series as a one-note antagonistic figure in Season 1, and returns in Season 2 with a lot more character depth, having learned his lesson. However, he's proof that learning from a character arc doesn't have to fully complete a character, and can lead to yet another one.

The story within Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2, Episode 17, "Lake Laogai," is not only entertaining but compelling, given the fact that Jet's return brings about a great arc for people to watch. As per usual, Zuko (Dante Basco) finds a way to really shine in this episode, as well, as his inner demons continue to conflict.

14 "The Blue Spirit" (Season 1, Episode 13)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

After Aang is captured by the Fire Nation and put in some serious trouble, it's up to the incredibly unlikely choice: Zuko to save him — actually, the Blue Spirit (Zuko in disguise). This is truly one of the most well-plotted episodes in the entire fantasy show. The pacing is immaculate, and the action is beyond thrilling.

"The Blue Spirit" is a great introduction to Zuko's character arc to come in the rest of the series. Sure, he's doing his actions as the Blue Spirit for his own personal gain, but saving Aang is part of what really sparks something in him. Something that acts as a starting point to his redemption.

13 "The Blind Bandit" (Season 2, Episode 6)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

The one and only Toph (Michaela Jill Murphy) is, without a doubt, one of the most popular characters in the entire series. Despite being added in Season 2 and not being part of the main cast from the beginning, she is written so well that she is instantly lovable, making this introductory episode a great start to her tenure in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Aang needs an Earthbending teacher, and when they arrive in a new location, they discover Toph, battling in an arena and showing off her incredibly badass skills. She's quite easily one of the strongest characters in the show, making this first episode one for the books, as Toph's origin story is not only filled with great action, but a compelling story, as well.

12 "The Boiling Rock, Part 2" (Season 3, Episode 15)

IMDb Score: 9.2/10

Everyone loves a good prison break, and when it comes to this series, "The Boiling Rock, Part 2" is the place to look. Aside from being a "Part 2," this entry in the series feels like an event in and of itself, especially when the likes of Azula (Grey DeLisle), Mai (Cricket Leigh), and Ty Lee (Olivia Hack) make their way to the prison.There's so much action, stakes, and great character moments that make the 15th episode of the final season so good. As per usual for Avatar: The Last Airbender, the animation is excellently animated by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, which allows the great fight sequences to truly shine during this prison break.

11 "The Firebending Masters" (Season 3, Episode 13)

IMDb Score: 9.3/10

Avatar: The Last Airbender has always been a gorgeous-looking show, but when it comes to the most beautiful episodes in the series, this one takes the cake. The sequence towards the end of the episode, in which Zuko and Aang come together for the "Masters" dragon dance, which utilizes colors in an astonishing display that is unforgettable.

While it doesn't move the plot forward very far, the worldbuilding executed here helps expand the universe greatly, and really fleshes things out before getting to the latter half of the season, where the endgame story would begin. Zuko and Aang's arcs both get great moments in this one, too.

10 "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" (Season 2, Episode 15)

IMDb Score: 9.3/10

An episode that many fans would argue is the most emotional from The Last Airbender, "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" features three tales; Toph and Katara, Aang, and the most impactful of all, Iroh. The Tale of Iroh is the stand-out of the episode, featuring an incredibly tear-jerking sequence of Iroh singing "Leaves from the Vine" in memory of his late son Lu Ten.

The episode becomes more impactful with the ending being dedicated to the first voice actor for Iroh, who sadly passed away amidst recording for the show after a long battle with cancer. The episode is genuinely a moving tribute to him and is remembered very well for it, being a highlight for most.

9 "The Siege of the North, Part 1" (Season 1, Episode 19)

IMDb Score: 9.3/10

The battle between the Northern Water Tribe and the Fire Nation for the city of Agna Qel'a was one for the books. What many consider to be the first large-scale battle of the series, Part 1 does an excellent job of setting the stakes and power-scaling both sides of the conflict before their battle.

The conflict of Katara having to protect Aang from Zuko while he's immobile in the Spirit World was nail-biting to say the least and provided a wonderful third act to an already thrilling episode. It raises the tension to the tenth degree and keeps audiences interested till the very end of the journey.

8 "Sozin's Comet, Part 2: The Old Masters" (Season 3, Episode 19)

IMDb Score: 9.5/10

Serving as the second episode of four in the series finale, Aang seeks guidance from his past lives regarding whether he should take the life of Fire Lord Ozai. They all insist he must, but Aang remains unsure and during his travels, he learns the long-forgotten skill of energy bending, which becomes incredibly useful.

Marking the halfway point in the finale of the show, this would be the last time the whole group would be together before the end of the battle, with audiences unsure who would come out of the other side alive. This serves as the perfect example of how to remind the audiences why they're watching before the big finale.

7 "The Day of the Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse" (Season 3, Episode 11)

IMDb Score: 9.5/10

Marking a pivotal moment in the show's trajectory, Zuko finally decides to abandon his father and his immoral plots. This episode was packed to the brim with familial drama. Finally facing off with a father who cared so little for him, Zuko gets an abundance of character moments and growth within the battle with his father.

Whether it be Aang and his crew rushing to find Firelord Ozai before the eclipse or Zuko learning to redirect lightning to best his father, the episode was also packed with engaging action set-pieces that made for the perfect balance of an episode.

6 "The Avatar and the Fire Lord" (Season 3, Episode 6)

IMDb Score: 9.5/10

When Aang receives a vision from his past life, Avatar Roku, and Zuko receives a message from his Uncle Iroh, both embark on a journey of discovering their connections to both Roku and the previous Fire Lord, Sozin. Zuko discovers that Roku is his great-grandfather, and Aang discovers he was childhood friends with Sozin in his past life, only to be betrayed by him.

The message of the episode, that anyone, even members of the Fire Nation, is capable of both good and evil, really sets the standard for the coming final act of the series as it defines Aang's desire not to kill the Fire Lord in hopes of redeeming him. This would become a huge internal conflict for him and carry with him into the finale.