5 Best Anime That Any Fan of ATLA Should Add to Their List

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It’s tough when a show you love ends – after investing so much time in it, it can be hard to find something new to watch. A good strategy is to look for shows that share similar qualities – think about the genre, main ideas, where the story takes place, and how the characters interact. While you can’t truly replace a favorite, finding shows with comparable elements is a great way to start your next viewing marathon.

Many people fondly remember Avatar: The Last Airbender, which originally aired until 2008, as a key part of their childhoods. The show remains popular today because of its strong animation, well-developed characters, creative powers, and compelling story. It even experienced a resurgence in recent years, attracting a new generation of fans. While Avatar is truly one-of-a-kind, especially considering when it first came out, there are several anime series that capture a similar feeling and are worth watching.

5) Cowboy Bebop

I consider Cowboy Bebop a true classic in the anime world. It’s an incredible space adventure with a cool, noir feel that really changed how science fiction stories were told in animation. Originally released in 1998, it only had 26 episodes, which was shorter than many other popular shows at the time. There’s also a movie and a live-action series on Netflix that expand on the story and characters. The show follows a mismatched crew of bounty hunters as they travel the solar system, but it’s really about their individual journeys to overcome past traumas and find a sense of belonging. It’s a powerful story about healing, redemption, and facing up to your past instead of running away from it.

4) Inuyasha

Many fans consider Inuyasha a classic anime, though it doesn’t get talked about as much today. It’s known as one of the best examples of the isekai genre, skillfully combining fantasy, historical settings, and adventure. Originally airing in 2000, the series ran for over 150 episodes, and was later continued and concluded with a sequel called Inuyasha: The Final Act. The story centers around Kagome Higurashi, a modern high school student who finds herself transported to feudal Japan. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon, and together they search for the powerful Shikon Jewel. This beloved series features memorable characters and explores themes of love, self-discovery, and human connection.

3) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Considered a modern anime masterpiece, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a beautifully told story. Originally airing in 2009 with 64 episodes, it’s a remake—or reboot—of the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist series and is often praised as one of the best. The story follows two brothers striving to become skilled alchemists in hopes of repairing their bodies after a devastating event. Throughout their journey, the series delves into complex themes like family bonds, corruption within society, the dangers of seeking eternal life, and the relationship between science and faith. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood expertly blends thought-provoking philosophical ideas with thrilling action, culminating in a deeply rewarding conclusion.

2) Naruto

Before anime became widely popular in the West, Naruto was already a huge hit. It’s considered one of the most important anime ever made, and is often mentioned alongside One Piece and Bleach as part of the “Big Three” shonen series. Originally airing in 2002 with 220 episodes, it was followed by Naruto: Shippuden, which covered the rest of the story with another 500 episodes. Since then, Naruto has had a major impact on many newer action-packed anime and frequently appears in popular culture. The series explores themes like strength, finding yourself, making amends, the importance of friendship, and the effects of war.

1) Samurai Champloo

Despite being a bit overlooked, Samurai Champloo is a truly unique anime series. It originally aired in 2004 with 26 episodes, making it a relatively quick watch. The show explores a classic anime rivalry while tackling themes like finding yourself, embracing creativity, and the power of teamwork. The story follows two opposing swordsmen who are forced to team up in historical Japan to find a legendary samurai for a woman who spared their lives. Beyond the engaging plot, Samurai Champloo is also famous for its distinctive use of hip-hop music and style woven throughout the series.

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2025-12-30 20:13