Avatar: The Last Airbender is a series that appeals to people of all ages, but, since it was made as a cartoon on a children’s channel, it includes a lot of moments that children love. The humor in the show breaks up the heavier themes for all viewers, but these hilarious moments are definitely more family-friendly than in many other fantasy epics.
Whether it’s Sokka and his penchant for telling jokes or hilarious meta-moments like the Ember Island Players, the series is full of scenes that fans loved to laugh at—and these are the best of these overall.
Zuko Introduces Himself To Team Avatar
While some hilarious moments in the series are more in-your-face such as specific jokes, others are a more subtle kind of humor. Zuko isn’t exactly trying to be funny when he says “Zuko here,” to the shock of the group, but it lands hilariously because of all the context with the years Zuko spent hunting them down. Team Avatar is not expecting Zkuo’s arrival or that he would even want to them, and Zuko’s awkwardness makes it that much funnier.
“Leaf Me Alone. I’m Bushed.”
Uncle Iroh might be a character who is full of wisdom and who offers a lot of comion, but he’s also lighthearted and often hilarious. Often, his advice and words of wisdom are infused with a joke or a play on words, and he is often laughing and enjoying life.
One of his most iconic lines is this joke about tea, and it’s one that Zuko later tries to recreate himself, although he doesn't land it. Iroh’s ability to find happiness despite his difficult life and troubled past is irable.
The Secret Tunnel Nomads
The entire episode detailing the story of Oma and Shu is filled with laughter-inducing moments, and it’s all because of the nomads that the Gaang encounters before entering the tunnels.
These people are a bit air-headed and obtuse and might be taking some substances, and Sokka is continually outraged and annoyed by how they don’t take their predicament seriously. Sokka dealing with them and trying to offer some logic is hilarious, and the songs they sing in the episode are also beloved by fans.
Sokka Meets Foo Foo Cuddlypoops
Sokka is the Avatar character most people associate with funny moments, so it’s not a surprise that he’s on this list more than once. Sokka believes himself to be a fierce warrior, but he is bested by this adorable baby moose lion. He gets stuck in the earth and names the creature a super memorable moniker.
This is funny because of Sokka’s predicament, and because he almost finds himself at the mercy of the baby’s mother. But, despite promising to not eat meat again, he hilariously goes back on his promise as soon as he’s freed and makes it out alive.
Suki Kicks Sokka’s Butt
Some of the best funny moments in fiction are those that give an emotional moment of pay-off or triumph, just like this one. Sokka in season one disc plays some annoying behaviors, but, luckily, he’s put in his place quickly.
Suki shows him that she’s a better warrior than he is, and it’s super funny to watch Sokka realize that his preconceived notions about men and women are totally wrong. This moment also humbles Sokka, and it’s a key part of his character development into being a more equality-minded person.
The Ember Island Players Mock The Gaang
The Ember Island Players put on a play that recounts the events of the plot of the show, so it’s the most meta moment from the entire series. However, while it is a bit odd in tone compared to the rest of the show, it’s also quite funny.
The play over exaggerates certain character traits, such as Katara’s speeches about hope, and seeing the Gaang react is the best part of it all. While the pay might be a bit too accurate, it’s still super hilarious.
“My Cabbages!”
The cabbage merchant might only be a minor character in the series, but no fan will ever forget him. The poor man is just trying to make a living, but his livelihood is often destroyed as a casualty of the serious events happening in the plot.
While his cabbages getting ruined over and over is humorous, it’s also a bit sad on further reflection. He truly has some of the most awful luck, but this is one of the most recognizable funny lines from the series.
“That’s Rough Buddy.”
Zuko and Sokka are an Avatar duo that many fans adore, and, while they are very different, as Zuko is more serious and Sokka is all about humor, they actually become friends rather quickly when Zuko goes with him to the Boiling Rock.
However, the trip starts out awkwardly when Sokka tells Zuko about what happened to Yue. While Zuko isn’t trying to be funny here either, his attempt to console Sokka and the awkward way he goes about it is just perfect. It’s another iconic Zuko line.
Toph Is Melon Lord
Sokka might get all the credit for being the hilarious one of the group, but Toph has her moments, too. She often doesn’t take things too seriously, and she likes to have fun.
However, some of her humor comes off as mean. But, when she declares herself a melon lord in their mock fight to prepare for Ozai, she’s just having a good time. It’s a moment where Toph gets to enjoy her freedom and her rather outgoing personality. This scene also become a fairly popular internet meme.
Sokka Drinks Cactus Juice
There could be no other scene at the top of this list than this one. While many of Sokka's lines and mishaps made the list, few things are as funny as when he starts tripping on the cactus juice.
He does so many outlandish things and starts seeing things that aren’t really there, and it’s up to Katara to try to keep him alive as they try to escape the desert. Seeing as how Sokka is funny normally while not under the influence, he’s even funnier like this.