Avatar: The Last Airbender was a staple TV show to kids in the 2000s, but with the Netflix live-action adaptation confirmed and on its way, the love that fans have for the series has resurfaced once again. Although the original film adaptation of the show based on the comic didn't receive much praise, viewers are hopeful that Netflix will revitalize and recreate the characters they know and adore.
All this being said, there are so many likable characters (including the villains) that have continued to impact audiences over the years. Only a certain few main players, however, have truly found a special place in the heart of the Avatar: The Last Airbender fanbase.
Azula
Azula is one of the least likable main characters as she is the antithesis of all that Aang is. She is merciless and highly competitive. Not only does she chastise her brother just so she can gain favor with her father, but everything she does is a power play of some sort.
Although she's not the leader of the Fire Kingdom, she represents everything that is wrong with Ozai. She became the cruel and powerful child that Ozai wanted, but he never gave her the recognition and praise she so desperately desired, which is why she had a massive meltdown near the end of the show.
Fire Lord Ozai
Fire Lord Ozai is one of the most powerful firebenders to exist, yet he channels all of this into his oppressive reign. He spends the entire series trying to hunt and kill an innocent boy who he believes will destroy him and all that he's built.
Fire Lord Ozai's lust for power ultimately becomes his downfall as it cause his son to turn against him, his brother to leave him, and his daughter to emotionally collapse. He cares about no one and wants to control everything. So, overall, not the most likable guy.
Zuko
Zuko is a complex character who, over time, realizes that his father has been brainwashing him his whole life and tries to set himself on the right path. After dealing with his trauma, Zuko becomes a loyal friend to Aang, Katara, and Sokka.
All this being said, Zuko learned how to be kind thanks to Iroh's influence, which changed his life for the better. Instead of being ruled by spite and shame, he embraced his imperfections and made audiences love him because of how vulnerable he actually is underneath his facade.
Ty Lee
Ty Lee is one of Azula's close friends, but viewers would never know due to her cheery disposition and happy-go-lucky attitude. She, unlike most other main characters, doesn't have any bending abilities, but she is a strong acrobat with amazing skills that benefit her in fights.
While she doesn't always pick to fight with the right side, she does finally turn to the good side. She is a great foil to Azula and Mai, who are both extremely gloomy and rarely smile. She is a relatable character that a lot of fans come to love as they get to know her.
Toph
Toph is small, blind, and tough as nails. She can be a little curmudgeonly at times, but it's only because she's had to deal with people underestimating her strengths her whole life. She is one of the best earthbenders in ATLA and she doesn't let anyone forget it.
She uses her earthbending to help her sonically see around her and manipulate the ground as she moves. She is likable because she enjoys scaring people and she is as stubborn as someone can get, and she's unique and unafraid to be herself.
Katara
Katara is one of the lead characters and she constantly acts as a healer and teacher to Aang as he tries to master all four elements. Not only is she super empathetic with amazing instincts, but she is also a great waterbender who has been in some of the best waterbending fights in ATLA.
She never uses her powers to do evil and she does anything she can to protect the ones she loves. She is a sensitive girl that can nag her brother Sokka every once in a while, but, overall, she's one of the purest souls in the series.
Aang
Aang is the Avatar and, though he has a lot to learn throughout the series, he takes the growing pains in stride. When Aang awoke from his slumber and realized he was the only airbender nation member left, he didn't let his anger or sadness control him, but he rather stayed on the journey that he was told to follow.
As a friend, Aang is fun to be around and he likes to play around with his pets Momo and Appa. He is the youngest main character in this series, which means that he can be naïve, but, thankfully, Katara and Sokka are always there to help him get out of any trouble.
Appa
Appa is a flying bison and while he may not be one of the coolest animal hybrids in ALTA, he is a beloved friend and ally. He is the only one that has been on the same journey as Aang and they are bonded by their time together. Though he's an animal, he is still one of the most emotionally compelling characters in the TV show.
Appa is a sweet guy who likes to pester Sokka and eat lots of food, but he also takes Aang and his friends on all their exciting journeys. Without Appa, Aang would have been captured by Fire Lord Ozai almost instantly.
Sokka
Sokka doesn't have any powers, but he is consistently the most hilarious and quick-witted character of the entire show. Not only is his comic delivery outstanding, but he does it so awkwardly that it makes audiences love and relate with him.
Sokka has a great personality and he also is a good role model for Aang most of the time, because he is both funny and intelligent. Although he does get himself into some silly trouble, he transforms greatly throughout the series to become a powerful warrior with skills that only a few others can master.
Iroh
Uncle Iroh is undoubtedly one of the most beloved characters in all of ATLA because he has gone through so much with losing his son and his throne, but he still lives his life as contently as possible. He never holds Zuko's betrayal against him and he brings wisdom, and tea, everywhere he goes.
Iroh is a gentle old man that just wants people to forget about the war and the Avatar and just enjoy living. He cares about spiritual healing and, even in the face of death, he is content because it means he will be reunited with his family that he misses above all else. Not to mention, he teaches Zuko how to redirect lighting, which is one of the best and hardest firebending skills.