Avatar: The Last Airbender – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2005

93%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

The gold standard of kids' animation: martial arts, elemental magic, and character arcs so good adults are still obsessed with them.

9.3/10

100%

8.8

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Avatar: The Last Airbender

show

TV-Y7-FV, 2005

93%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

The gold standard of kids' animation: martial arts, elemental magic, and character arcs so good adults are still obsessed with them.

9.3

100%

8.8

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9.3/10

100%

8.8

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the show parents dream about: genuinely excellent storytelling that kids love and adults respect. It's not dumbed down, it's not brain rot, and it's not trying to sell you anything except on the idea that people can change and the world is worth fighting for.

The animation is beautiful, the world-building is intricate, the humor lands, and the character development is better than most prestige TV dramas. Yes, there are war themes and loss, but they're handled with such care and maturity that it becomes an opportunity for real conversations about hard topics.

Nearly 20 years later, it's still the benchmark for what kids' animation can be. If your kid hasn't seen it, this is the one to prioritize. If they have seen it, they're probably already rewatching it.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-14, though many adults genuinely love it too. Younger kids may struggle with the emotional weight and longer story arcs; older teens might initially dismiss it as 'a kids' show' until they actually watch it and get hooked.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models friendship, loyalty, redemption, and emotional growth across all characters. Balances humor with serious themes of war and loss in age-appropriate ways. Shows healthy conflict resolution and the importance of mentorship. Characters face consequences for their actions and learn from mistakes. Pacing is excellent—never frantic or overstimulating.

Imaginative

Brilliantly original world-building with four elemental nations, each with distinct cultures, martial arts styles, and philosophies. The magic system (bending) is creative and visually stunning. Invites kids to imagine their own bending abilities and explore themes of balance and harmony. Rich mythology and spiritual elements that spark curiosity about Eastern philosophy and martial arts.

Safe

Stylized action violence throughout—martial arts combat, elemental battles—but no gore or graphic content. Some emotionally heavy moments including genocide backstory, parental loss, and war themes that may be intense for sensitive younger viewers. A few scary/threatening villains (Fire Lord, Azula). Death is present but handled with gravity and off-screen. No sexual content, minimal romance (age-appropriate crushes). Kids mode available on some platforms.

Enriching

Exceptional character development and moral complexity. Explores themes of destiny vs. choice, redemption (Zuko's arc is legendary), cultural respect, environmental balance, and the costs of war. Teaches about different philosophies, martial arts traditions, and the importance of mastering oneself before mastering others. Builds empathy through showing multiple perspectives, even of antagonists. Genuinely entertaining while delivering meaningful lessons.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Legitimately one of the best-written animated series of all time—Zuko's redemption arc alone is worth the watch
Introduces kids to Eastern philosophy, martial arts traditions, and complex moral questions in accessible ways
Models healthy masculinity, strong female characters, and genuine emotional growth without being preachy
Perfect balance of humor, action, and heart—entertaining for the whole family without talking down to kids
Still holds up incredibly well nearly 20 years later; not dated or cringe

⚠

What to Watch For

War themes are real—genocide, imperialism, loss of parents—handled maturely but may be heavy for sensitive kids under 8
Some villains (especially Azula) can be genuinely menacing and psychologically complex
Emotional moments hit hard—expect some tears during key episodes
61 episodes means it's a commitment, but the payoff is absolutely worth it

Conversation Starters

"If you could bend one element, which would you choose and why? What responsibilities would come with that power?"
"Zuko makes a lot of bad choices before finding his way. What do you think helped him change?"
"The show talks about balance a lot—between nations, elements, and inside yourself. What does balance mean to you?"
"Aang doesn't want to hurt people, even his enemies. Is that realistic? What would you do in his situation?"
"Each nation has different strengths and cultures. What can we learn from respecting differences instead of trying to control everyone?"

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