Avatar: The Last Airbender (Live-Action) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Avatar: The Last Airbender (Live-Action)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2024

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Netflix's live-action take on the beloved animated series brings bending battles to life—with more fire and violence than the cartoon.

62%

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Avatar: The Last Airbender (Live-Action)

show

TV-PG, 2024

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Netflix's live-action take on the beloved animated series brings bending battles to life—with more fire and violence than the cartoon.

62%

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62%

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Screenwise Verdict

Netflix's live-action Avatar is a solid adaptation that captures the spirit of the original while ramping up the intensity. The bending looks great, the world-building is intact, and the themes about duty and friendship land well.

But let's be clear: this is NOT the same as putting on the cartoon. People burn to death on screen. There's stabbing. The violence is more visceral and realistic because, well, it's live-action. If your 8-year-old loved the animated series, they're probably not ready for this version yet.

For tweens 11+, though? It's a good watch. The mixed critical reviews (62% on RT) reflect that it's not groundbreaking television, but the 7.2 IMDb score shows audiences are enjoying it. It's entertaining, visually engaging, and has enough substance to discuss afterward. Just know what you're getting into with the violence.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-16 who can handle fantasy violence and intense action. The TV-PG rating and Common Sense Media's 11+ recommendation are spot-on—this is darker than the animated version. Older teens might find it a bit juvenile compared to more mature fantasy series.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models cooperation, friendship, and moral courage through Aang's journey. The show emphasizes balance, responsibility, and standing up against tyranny. Some darker moments with people burning to death and stabbing violence keep it from being fully wholesome, but the emotional core is healthy and the relationships are positive.

Imaginative

Rich world-building with four elemental nations, bending powers, and creative fight choreography. The fantasy setting invites exploration of different cultures and philosophies. Live-action adaptation brings fresh visual interpretation to the animated classic, though it's adapting rather than creating wholly original content.

Safe

TV-PG rated with fantasy violence throughout. People are shown burning to death, stabbing with mild blood, and intense peril scenes. Common Sense Media rates it 11+ for these elements. No sexual content, nudity, or profanity, and Reddit parents confirm it's family-safe in those regards. The violence is the main concern—it's more intense than the animated version.

Enriching

Explores themes of responsibility, destiny, cultural identity, and the consequences of war. Aang's reluctance to accept his role as Avatar and the moral complexities of conflict offer meaningful discussion points. The elemental bending system ties to Eastern philosophy. Solid entertainment value with decent critical reception (62% RT critics, 70% audience, 7.2 IMDb).

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Faithful to the core story while adding visual spectacle—the bending effects are legitimately cool
Strong themes about responsibility, friendship, and standing up to oppression that resonate with tweens
Family-safe in terms of language and sexual content—violence is the only real concern
Good gateway for kids who loved the animated series to see a fresh interpretation
Explores different cultures and philosophies through the four nations

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What to Watch For

Significantly more intense than the cartoon—people are shown burning to death on screen
Stabbing scene with visible blood (mild but present)
Fantasy combat throughout, with hand-to-hand fighting and elemental battles
Some scenes of peril that might be scary for younger or sensitive kids

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Aang doesn't want to be the Avatar at first? Would you want that responsibility?"
"Each nation represents a different element and culture—which one would you want to be from and why?"
"The Fire Nation is trying to conquer everyone. What makes someone decide to fight against their own nation like Uncle Iroh?"
"How is this version different from the cartoon? Which do you like better and why?"

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