Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is an unfulfilling remake – watch these 5 exciting fantasy shows instead
These highly-rated fantasy shows aren’t full of hot air
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After its unexpected success with the iconic manga/animeOne Pieceadaptation, it’s back down to Earth with a bump for Netflix in the live-action remake space.
Indeed,Netflix’sAvatar: The Last Airbender– the streaming giant’s latest take on a beloved animated series – has divided fans and critics alike. At the time of writing, critical reviews for the show are mixed, withNetflix’s retelling holding a 59% score on popular review aggregatorRotten Tomatoes(RT). General viewers have enjoyed it far more, though, withAvatarsitting pretty on a more positive 75% rating.
Like many critics, we weren’t particularly impressed by Netflix’sAvatar: The Last Airbender. In our review, we called it a “gutsy but frustrating remake that blows hot and cold”, so we can’t say it’s an unmissable slice of television. The following similarly positioned shows, though, are all must-sees, so stick one of these five fantasy series on Netflix instead of the streamer’s latest big-budget offering.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Seasons:3RT score:100% (critics); 98% (audience)
Widely considered one of thebest animeof all time,Avatar: The Last Airbender’s original series, which initially aired on Nickelodeon, is a stunningly animated and emotional roller coaster of a TV series.
Michael Dante DiMartino and Brian Konietzko’s TV show tells the same story as Netflix’s remake – Aang, the 12-year-old sole survivor of the Air Nomads and latest reincarnation of the all-powerful Avatar, must reluctantly accept his destiny and stop the tyrannical Fire Nation from ruling over its fellow nations.
That brief story synopsis, however, doesn’t do justice to how epic theAvataranimated series is. It’s funny, heart-wrenching, action-packed and filled with compelling characters who evolve as the series progresses. It also tackles difficult themes (genocide, imperialism, and death, to name just three) often overlooked in programs aimed at kids. A rare breed of anime-style show, it’s as terrific now as it was in 2005.
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Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is also available onParamount Plus(US, UK, and Australia) andPrime Video(US and UK), and Sky (UK).
Castlevania
Seasons:4RT Score:94% (critics); 89% (audience)
Based on Konami’s beloved 2D side-scrolling dark fantasy horror games of the same name,Castlevaniais an R-rated animated show that deserves far more attention than it had during its four-season run on the world’sbest streaming service.
Trevor Belmont, the last living member of a once-feared and legendary family of monster hunters, joins forces with magician Sypha Belnades and Alucard – the son of Dracula – to fight the iconic vampire lord and his undead army and free the nation of Wallachia from Dracula’s dictatorial rule.
Netflix’sCastlevaniaplays a little fast and loose with its source material – primarilyCastlevania III: Dracula’s CurseandCastlevania: Curse of Darkness– but it weaves the stories in Konami’s games into a highly entertaining, gore-laced package that’s devilishly delightful to watch. The spin-off seriesCastlevania: Nocturneis equally brilliant, too.
One Piece
Seasons:1RT score:85% (critics); 95% (audience)
The only one of Netflix’s three live-action remakes of iconic anime – the others beingCowboy Bebopand the aforementionedAvatar–One Pieceis a largely faithful adaptation that captures the charming essence of its animated and manga namesakes.
It tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy, an enthusiastic, big-hearted pirate who dreams of becoming King of the Pirates. Alongside his eclectic crew (collectively known as the Straw Hats), Monkey embarks on a globe-trotting mission to find the titular One Piece, a fabled treasure that would help him achieve his goal.
Netflix’sOne Piecewasking of the streaming high seas after its first season sailed to the number one spoton the streamer’s TV charts in August 2023. Given its unprecedented success, it didn’t take long forNetflix to greenlight a second season of One Piece, either. You can read up on everything we know about it in ourOne Pieceseason 2guide. You know, once you’ve watched its eight-part first installment.
Six seasons of One Piece’s anime series are also available to stream on Netflix (US and Australia). Various other seasons are viewable onHuluand Pluto TV (US), andCrunchyroll(US, UK, and Australia).
The Sandman
Seasons:1RT score:88% (critics); 80% (audience)
It took 35 years for Neil Gaiman’s legendary, mind-bending, and creatively assembled graphic novel series to finally get a live-action adaptation befitting its source material. That’s exactly what happened in mid-2022, though, with the arrival ofThe Sandmanseason 1 on Netflix.
Gaiman’s seminal works follow Morpheus (also known as Dream), one of the seven immortal beings known collectively as the Endless, whose kingdom falls into disrepair when he’s unexpectedly captured by a cult in 1916. When he finally breaks out over a century later, Morpheus sets about rebuilding his realm, but there are many obstacles standing in his path before he can fulfill his ahem dream.
In ourreview ofThe Sandmanseason 1, we called it a “remarkably authentic adaptation that’s oh-so-nearly brilliant”. It’s packed with big-brain ideas and philosophical conundrums that can be a tad off-putting and might confuse you. Mostly, however,The Sandmanis a fantastic fantasy series that deserves its spot on ourbest Netflix showslist. Read up on what we know aboutThe Sandmanseason 2once you’ve streamed it.
Shadow and Bone
Seasons:2RT score:84% (critics and audience)
Despite itsunceremonious cancellation after two seasons– anongoing fan campaign isn’t pure fantasy, even four months after the show was dumped –Shadow and Boneis a fun-filled young adult fantasy that’s less high-brow thanThe Sandman.
Its first season introduced audiences to Alina Starkov, a seemingly ordinary cartographer who’s unearthed as the Grishaverse’s new Sun Summoner, a rare breed of Grisha (this universe’s word for magicians) who can create light and battle dark forces across the world. Essentially, she’s likeThe Last Airbender’s Aang, aka a character who reluctantly accepts the thankless task of being her world’s savior.
In ourseason 1 review ofShadow and Bone, we suggested it was “a faithful fantasy TV adaptation to rivalThe Witcher”. Unfortunately,Shadow and Boneseason 2 couldn’t live up to the lofty expectations set by its forebear – indeed, we called it “a magic-fuelled mishmash” – which no doubt led to Netflix pulling the plug instead of renewing it for a third outing. Still, based on its RT scores, it’s worth checking out.
For Netflix TV show-based coverage, read our guides onArcaneseason 2,Stranger Thingsseason 5,Wednesdayseason 2, andCobra Kaiseason 6.
As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.
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