One of the best animated shows of all time is now available on Netflix. Whether you grew up with Avatar: The Last Airbender or you’re riding the air bison for the first time, the animated adventure is perfect for the young and the young at heart. For those who don’t know, the show follows the adventures of Ang, the long-lost Avatar who needs to travel the world and master control of the four elements to restore balance to the world — all while escaping the grasp of the ruthless Fire Nation. Avatar is unwavering in its world inspired by Asian, Polynesian and even a few indigenous cultures and histories — no lily-white European proxies here. It’s comforting but not numbing, sweet and charming but not saccharine, and full of amazing fight sequences (each style of bending is based on a type of Chinese martial arts). The show isn’t short on lessons — some are more typical of kids’ shows, teaching people about teamwork, friendship and respect for others. Some are a bit deeper, and culminate when Ang mulls over a deep final question: Are you doing the right thing for the world or just protecting your own morals? Top it off with a fantastic voice cast, including a soulful performance by the late Mako as the charismatic and wise Iroh, and you’ve got a cross-generational classic. ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ
Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix
