The Avatar: The Last Airbender to Anime Pipeline & Five Ways to Fall Down It
BY EMILY XU '23
During back-to-school season, I was surprised—albeit pleasantly—to see an influx of anime profile pictures among my classmates. It was like ComicCon everywhere I looked, whether it was TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, or even on Zoom. For many, lockdown meant that there were more genres of television to explore. If you’ve been in the know about of popular culture over the past year, you’ll know that Avatar: The Last Airbender had a great surge in popularity during Summer 2020.
I binged Avatar: The Last Airbender in less than a week. I was desperate for similar content presented through animation but was wary of anime. After working my way through The Legend of Korra, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, Gravity Falls, She-ra and the Princesses of Power, and The Owl House, I had exhausted my options. Like many former anime dissenters, I was inspired to start watching anime after finishing all these aforementioned shows that would serve as a gateway to what would eventually become an anime addiction.
Compared to Western cartoons advertised for younger kids, anime’s more mature themes appeal to a much broader audience—namely teens and young adults. Through the nostalgic lens of animation, anime features intricate plots, stellar worldbuilding, and catchy soundtracks that run through your head for days on end.
To those wary of consuming media in a different language, don’t let subtitles deter you. Most popular animes offer dubbed versions, meaning that the audio is in English. Genre-wise, anime provides a diverse selection for everyone, whether you prefer slice-of-life and romance or psychological thrillers and action. Based on recommendations from myself, my friends, and online resources, I’ve compiled a list of five animes any newcomer would enjoy.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
If you liked… Avatar: The Last Airbender or The Legend of Korra, try Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
“In order for something to be obtained, something of equal value must be lost.” In a world where the laws of alchemy govern the land, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric are willing to break the rules of equivalent exchange to bring back someone they lost. After an alchemic spell goes horribly wrong, Alphonse is left without a body while Ed loses an arm and a leg. On the journey to bring their bodies back, the Elrics uncover a nefarious plot surrounding those at the very top of society.
Regarded as the crème de la crème of anime, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is what every anime aspires to be. This show satiated my hunger for something similar to Avatar: The Last Airbender, which is what originally prompted my journey into the world of anime. The simple art style lends itself well to the nostalgia of early 2000s animation, but the complex characters and sophisticated storyline create a thrilling atmosphere that keeps the audience at the edge of their seat. This, along with the show’s lack of filler episodes, is what gives Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood that extra wow factor. Brotherhood is one of the few shows where the dubbed audio is up to par with the original audio, so it is ideal for those who aren’t completely comfortable with reading subtitles yet. Jam-packed with humor, lore, magic, and a catchy soundtrack, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the perfect start to your anime-watching career. You can watch this on HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, or Crunchyroll.
Length: Completed, 65 episodes, 25 minutes each, 26 hours, 32 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day (50 minutes is the average length of a live-action episode)
Statistics: As of 2/24/2021, ranked #1 on MyAnimeList, 9.19/10 by 1,372,393 users
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
If you liked… The Walking Dead or The 100, try Attack on Titan
Graphic content warning. Attack on Titan has a lot of gore and blood, so if you’re squeamish, take that into consideration.
One hundred years ago, humanity was forced to retreat behind three fortified walls to escape the man-eating humanoids, called Titans, that roam outside. The anime follows Eren Yeager and his pursuit to exterminate the Titans after watching them destroy his hometown and devour his mother. Vowing to reclaim the world from Titans, Eren, along with his best friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, joins the elite Scout Regiment. As they explore the world beyond the walls, the Scouts uncover more than they ever could have imagined regarding the origin of Titans, the walls, and the corruption that lies within.
Even if you’re not an anime fan, you probably recognize the title Attack on Titan. It has taken over the anime world, standing up to plate with even the “Big Three” of anime (Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece). At first glance, Attack on Titan seems like the typical apocalyptic world; humanity has shrunk down to a limited population, giant man-eating creatures terrorize civilians, blah, blah, blah. If the idea of people killing Titans doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry, I wasn’t sold either. As I watched, though, the intricacy of the plot drew me in. The unusual original soundtrack kept me engrossed, and soon enough, I was unable to tear myself away from the screen. Each episode exposes the viewer into a world of duplicitous politics, class oppression, and institutionalized racism. The show doesn’t depict right or wrong; each character is morally gray, and it’s interesting to see how well-intentioned actions don’t necessarily constitute a positive outcome. Unlike the typical “good guy” versus “bad guy” showdown, I tend to find myself unsure of who to side with. Attack on Titan is regarded as the best anime to come out of the 2010’s, so give it a shot. You can watch this on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Length: Still airing, Season 1-3 are completed, As of 1/24/2021: 7/16 episodes of Season 4 are out, there will be 75 episodes, 25 minutes each, ~31.25 hours, 38 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day
Statistics: As of 2/24/2021...
Season 1 ranked #115 on MyAnimeList, 8.48/10 by 1,757,728 users
Season 2 ranked #128 on MyAnimeList, 8.45/10 by 1,040,527 users
Season 3 Part 1 (split to give the animators a break) ranked #66 on MyAnimeList, 8.6/10 by 786,432 users
Season 3 Part 2 ranked #3 on MyAnimeList, 9.11/10 by 738,218 users
Season 4 ranked #2 on MyAnimeList, 9.16/10 by 302,728 users
Banana Fish
If you liked… Sherlock, Élite, Lucifer, or Money Heist, try Banana Fish
Trigger warning for implied sexual abuse, violence, death, and drugs. Banana Fish deals with very mature/heavy themes, so viewer discretion is advised.
At 17 years old, Aslan Jade Callenreese, also known as Ash Lynx, is the boss of his own gang in New York City. After a chance encounter with a dying man, Ash begins investigating the mysterious “Banana Fish”—the same phrase his brother uttered before a rampage on his fellow comrades in the Iraqi War. Ash’s adoptive father, mafia boss Dino Golzine, discovers Ash’s search for “Banana Fish” and sends his men after Ash. Coincidentally, Dino’s men ambush Ash the same day Japanese photography student Eiji Okamura interviews Ash for an article about gangs in the United States. In the ensuing chaos, Eiji is kidnapped, and Ash must find a way to save Eiji and uncover the truth surrounding “Banana Fish.”
Banana Fish is one of the few shows that continued to surprise me, episode after episode. This is another great binge; as you watch, the story becomes more riveting and harder to put down. I tend to avoid crime shows, but Banana Fish pushes past the boundaries of a typical crime noir to enthrall the audience. Banana Fish is, at its core, a romance, but it’s refreshing to see the tentative relationship between the characters grow from a close friendship to an unconditional love that so many romance animes seem to lack. Rather than forcing a relationship between characters, Banana Fish explores less popular themes not often displayed in anime, such as the great level of care Ash and Eiji feel for each other and the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other. I appreciated the juxtaposition of light-hearted moments in a serious situation or the discussion of a serious topic in a light-hearted situation, as this accurately represents real life. Through our hardships, there is hope, and even when we have hope, there is a hardship. The highlight of Banana Fish is, without a doubt, the raw emotion. By the end of the show, I probably shed enough tears to use up two full tissue boxes. You can watch this on Amazon Prime.
Length: Completed, 24 episodes, 25 minutes each, 9 hours, 12 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day
Statistics: As of 2/24/2021, ranked #121 on MyAnimeList, 8.45/10 by 163,754 users
Haikyuu!!
If you liked… Glee, All American, or High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, try Haikyuu!!
Shoyo Hinata loves volleyball. For him, there’s nothing quite like the perfect spike. At fourteen years old, Hinata revives his middle school club, and he’s off on his first middle school tournament! Which also happens to be his last. Hinata’s middle school team is crushed by the “King of the Court,” setter Tobio Kageyama. Vowing to defeat Kageyama, Hinata joins Karasuno High School’s Volleyball Club a year later—only to find that Kageyama is now on his team! In this hilarious sports comedy/drama, the two rivals must work to overcome their issues and better their team.
After a friend recommended Haikyuu!! to me, I was hesitant to follow through. Watching drawings play volleyball didn’t appeal to me, and I soon dropped the show after watching two episodes. However, having recently picked it back up again, I can affirm that Haikyuu!! is a must-watch. At face value, Haikyuu!! seems to be a show about volleyball, which, all things considered, it is. That being said, the fierce passion that each of the athletes holds for the sport is admirable, and the challenges that the characters face are relatable to many people. The show relies on light-hearted comedy to keep the audience invested, but the characters’ emotion is the real show-stopper. Each player pours their heart into volleyball, and because Haikyuu!! also follows the teams opposing Karasuno, it’s hard to choose who to root for. Haikyuu!! shows how perseverance, teamwork, determination, and hard work ultimately culminate in success. You can watch all of the seasons on Crunchyroll, and the first two seasons are out on Netflix and Hulu.
Length: Not completed, seasons 1-4 are out, 85 episodes, 25 minutes each, 35.5 hours, 43 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day
Statistics: As of 2/24/2021…
Season 1 ranked #92 on MyAnimeList, 8.53/10 by 718,719 users
Season 2 ranked #38 on MyAnimeList; 8.73/10 by 569,089 users
Season 3 ranked #19 on MyAnimeList, 8.87/10 by 476,861 users
Season 4 Part 1 (break due to COVID-19) ranked #166 on MyAnimeList, 8.38/10 by 268,926 users
Season 4 Part 2 ranked #78 on MyAnimeList, 8.57/10 by 173,439 users
Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
If you liked… The Umbrella Academy, Stranger Things, or Criminal Minds, try Erased
In English, Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi translates to “A Town Where I’m Not Alone,” which I feel suits the anime better. You’ll have to watch to find out why. Trigger warning for abduction, abuse, and murder.
Satoru Fujinuma is a struggling twenty-nine-year-old artist whose daily routine consists of manga proposal rejections and working with his seventeen-year-old coworker, Airi, at a pizza delivery joint. Satoru possesses a strange power, which he dubs “Revival,” that allows him to be sent back several minutes before an accident. Through this bizarre phenomenon, Satoru has saved countless lives. After being wrongly accused of murdering his mother, Satoru is sent back to 1988, eighteen years in the past. There, Satoru realizes that his mother’s untimely death may have something to do with the abduction and murder of Satoru’s childhood classmate, Kayo Hinazuki. Satoru has one chance to set things right and save Kayo to prevent his mother’s death in the present.
Because most of the shows aforementioned are fairly lengthy, I wanted to include a shorter show that could be binged in a day. Erased meets all the criteria: it has a fast-paced plot, catchy opening, and a serial format. I started (and finished) this show when I should have been studying for a US History test, so that goes to show how difficult stopping is. In addition to the gripping plot, the opening sets the atmosphere for the show: addictive, rapidly-changing, and a little bit stress-inducing. The main appeal of this show isn’t the whodunnit question, as it’s fairly easy to deduce the killer’s identity. Rather, Erased relies on the thrill of imminent danger that the characters face to hold the audience’s attention. Though each character’s niche and personality is impressively fleshed out in the show, there is only so much that can fit into twelve episodes, so if you enjoy this anime, it’s a good idea to read the manga to get a more holistic view of each of the characters. Erased is the perfect thriller for a relaxing day in, so give it a try. You can watch this on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Crunchyroll.
Length: Completed, 12 episodes, 25 minutes each, 4.5 hours, 6 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day
Statistics: As of 1/24/2021, ranked #169 on MyAnimeList, 8.37/10 by 887,145
Hot Takes: Seven Honorary Mentions in Five Words or Less
Catch my current favorites by adding me as a friend on MyAnimeList (@emilyf23). Happy watching!
I binged Avatar: The Last Airbender in less than a week. I was desperate for similar content presented through animation but was wary of anime. After working my way through The Legend of Korra, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, Gravity Falls, She-ra and the Princesses of Power, and The Owl House, I had exhausted my options. Like many former anime dissenters, I was inspired to start watching anime after finishing all these aforementioned shows that would serve as a gateway to what would eventually become an anime addiction.
Compared to Western cartoons advertised for younger kids, anime’s more mature themes appeal to a much broader audience—namely teens and young adults. Through the nostalgic lens of animation, anime features intricate plots, stellar worldbuilding, and catchy soundtracks that run through your head for days on end.
To those wary of consuming media in a different language, don’t let subtitles deter you. Most popular animes offer dubbed versions, meaning that the audio is in English. Genre-wise, anime provides a diverse selection for everyone, whether you prefer slice-of-life and romance or psychological thrillers and action. Based on recommendations from myself, my friends, and online resources, I’ve compiled a list of five animes any newcomer would enjoy.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
If you liked… Avatar: The Last Airbender or The Legend of Korra, try Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
“In order for something to be obtained, something of equal value must be lost.” In a world where the laws of alchemy govern the land, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric are willing to break the rules of equivalent exchange to bring back someone they lost. After an alchemic spell goes horribly wrong, Alphonse is left without a body while Ed loses an arm and a leg. On the journey to bring their bodies back, the Elrics uncover a nefarious plot surrounding those at the very top of society.
Regarded as the crème de la crème of anime, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is what every anime aspires to be. This show satiated my hunger for something similar to Avatar: The Last Airbender, which is what originally prompted my journey into the world of anime. The simple art style lends itself well to the nostalgia of early 2000s animation, but the complex characters and sophisticated storyline create a thrilling atmosphere that keeps the audience at the edge of their seat. This, along with the show’s lack of filler episodes, is what gives Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood that extra wow factor. Brotherhood is one of the few shows where the dubbed audio is up to par with the original audio, so it is ideal for those who aren’t completely comfortable with reading subtitles yet. Jam-packed with humor, lore, magic, and a catchy soundtrack, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the perfect start to your anime-watching career. You can watch this on HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, or Crunchyroll.
Length: Completed, 65 episodes, 25 minutes each, 26 hours, 32 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day (50 minutes is the average length of a live-action episode)
Statistics: As of 2/24/2021, ranked #1 on MyAnimeList, 9.19/10 by 1,372,393 users
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
If you liked… The Walking Dead or The 100, try Attack on Titan
Graphic content warning. Attack on Titan has a lot of gore and blood, so if you’re squeamish, take that into consideration.
One hundred years ago, humanity was forced to retreat behind three fortified walls to escape the man-eating humanoids, called Titans, that roam outside. The anime follows Eren Yeager and his pursuit to exterminate the Titans after watching them destroy his hometown and devour his mother. Vowing to reclaim the world from Titans, Eren, along with his best friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, joins the elite Scout Regiment. As they explore the world beyond the walls, the Scouts uncover more than they ever could have imagined regarding the origin of Titans, the walls, and the corruption that lies within.
Even if you’re not an anime fan, you probably recognize the title Attack on Titan. It has taken over the anime world, standing up to plate with even the “Big Three” of anime (Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece). At first glance, Attack on Titan seems like the typical apocalyptic world; humanity has shrunk down to a limited population, giant man-eating creatures terrorize civilians, blah, blah, blah. If the idea of people killing Titans doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry, I wasn’t sold either. As I watched, though, the intricacy of the plot drew me in. The unusual original soundtrack kept me engrossed, and soon enough, I was unable to tear myself away from the screen. Each episode exposes the viewer into a world of duplicitous politics, class oppression, and institutionalized racism. The show doesn’t depict right or wrong; each character is morally gray, and it’s interesting to see how well-intentioned actions don’t necessarily constitute a positive outcome. Unlike the typical “good guy” versus “bad guy” showdown, I tend to find myself unsure of who to side with. Attack on Titan is regarded as the best anime to come out of the 2010’s, so give it a shot. You can watch this on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Length: Still airing, Season 1-3 are completed, As of 1/24/2021: 7/16 episodes of Season 4 are out, there will be 75 episodes, 25 minutes each, ~31.25 hours, 38 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day
Statistics: As of 2/24/2021...
Season 1 ranked #115 on MyAnimeList, 8.48/10 by 1,757,728 users
Season 2 ranked #128 on MyAnimeList, 8.45/10 by 1,040,527 users
Season 3 Part 1 (split to give the animators a break) ranked #66 on MyAnimeList, 8.6/10 by 786,432 users
Season 3 Part 2 ranked #3 on MyAnimeList, 9.11/10 by 738,218 users
Season 4 ranked #2 on MyAnimeList, 9.16/10 by 302,728 users
Banana Fish
If you liked… Sherlock, Élite, Lucifer, or Money Heist, try Banana Fish
Trigger warning for implied sexual abuse, violence, death, and drugs. Banana Fish deals with very mature/heavy themes, so viewer discretion is advised.
At 17 years old, Aslan Jade Callenreese, also known as Ash Lynx, is the boss of his own gang in New York City. After a chance encounter with a dying man, Ash begins investigating the mysterious “Banana Fish”—the same phrase his brother uttered before a rampage on his fellow comrades in the Iraqi War. Ash’s adoptive father, mafia boss Dino Golzine, discovers Ash’s search for “Banana Fish” and sends his men after Ash. Coincidentally, Dino’s men ambush Ash the same day Japanese photography student Eiji Okamura interviews Ash for an article about gangs in the United States. In the ensuing chaos, Eiji is kidnapped, and Ash must find a way to save Eiji and uncover the truth surrounding “Banana Fish.”
Banana Fish is one of the few shows that continued to surprise me, episode after episode. This is another great binge; as you watch, the story becomes more riveting and harder to put down. I tend to avoid crime shows, but Banana Fish pushes past the boundaries of a typical crime noir to enthrall the audience. Banana Fish is, at its core, a romance, but it’s refreshing to see the tentative relationship between the characters grow from a close friendship to an unconditional love that so many romance animes seem to lack. Rather than forcing a relationship between characters, Banana Fish explores less popular themes not often displayed in anime, such as the great level of care Ash and Eiji feel for each other and the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other. I appreciated the juxtaposition of light-hearted moments in a serious situation or the discussion of a serious topic in a light-hearted situation, as this accurately represents real life. Through our hardships, there is hope, and even when we have hope, there is a hardship. The highlight of Banana Fish is, without a doubt, the raw emotion. By the end of the show, I probably shed enough tears to use up two full tissue boxes. You can watch this on Amazon Prime.
Length: Completed, 24 episodes, 25 minutes each, 9 hours, 12 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day
Statistics: As of 2/24/2021, ranked #121 on MyAnimeList, 8.45/10 by 163,754 users
Haikyuu!!
If you liked… Glee, All American, or High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, try Haikyuu!!
Shoyo Hinata loves volleyball. For him, there’s nothing quite like the perfect spike. At fourteen years old, Hinata revives his middle school club, and he’s off on his first middle school tournament! Which also happens to be his last. Hinata’s middle school team is crushed by the “King of the Court,” setter Tobio Kageyama. Vowing to defeat Kageyama, Hinata joins Karasuno High School’s Volleyball Club a year later—only to find that Kageyama is now on his team! In this hilarious sports comedy/drama, the two rivals must work to overcome their issues and better their team.
After a friend recommended Haikyuu!! to me, I was hesitant to follow through. Watching drawings play volleyball didn’t appeal to me, and I soon dropped the show after watching two episodes. However, having recently picked it back up again, I can affirm that Haikyuu!! is a must-watch. At face value, Haikyuu!! seems to be a show about volleyball, which, all things considered, it is. That being said, the fierce passion that each of the athletes holds for the sport is admirable, and the challenges that the characters face are relatable to many people. The show relies on light-hearted comedy to keep the audience invested, but the characters’ emotion is the real show-stopper. Each player pours their heart into volleyball, and because Haikyuu!! also follows the teams opposing Karasuno, it’s hard to choose who to root for. Haikyuu!! shows how perseverance, teamwork, determination, and hard work ultimately culminate in success. You can watch all of the seasons on Crunchyroll, and the first two seasons are out on Netflix and Hulu.
Length: Not completed, seasons 1-4 are out, 85 episodes, 25 minutes each, 35.5 hours, 43 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day
Statistics: As of 2/24/2021…
Season 1 ranked #92 on MyAnimeList, 8.53/10 by 718,719 users
Season 2 ranked #38 on MyAnimeList; 8.73/10 by 569,089 users
Season 3 ranked #19 on MyAnimeList, 8.87/10 by 476,861 users
Season 4 Part 1 (break due to COVID-19) ranked #166 on MyAnimeList, 8.38/10 by 268,926 users
Season 4 Part 2 ranked #78 on MyAnimeList, 8.57/10 by 173,439 users
Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
If you liked… The Umbrella Academy, Stranger Things, or Criminal Minds, try Erased
In English, Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi translates to “A Town Where I’m Not Alone,” which I feel suits the anime better. You’ll have to watch to find out why. Trigger warning for abduction, abuse, and murder.
Satoru Fujinuma is a struggling twenty-nine-year-old artist whose daily routine consists of manga proposal rejections and working with his seventeen-year-old coworker, Airi, at a pizza delivery joint. Satoru possesses a strange power, which he dubs “Revival,” that allows him to be sent back several minutes before an accident. Through this bizarre phenomenon, Satoru has saved countless lives. After being wrongly accused of murdering his mother, Satoru is sent back to 1988, eighteen years in the past. There, Satoru realizes that his mother’s untimely death may have something to do with the abduction and murder of Satoru’s childhood classmate, Kayo Hinazuki. Satoru has one chance to set things right and save Kayo to prevent his mother’s death in the present.
Because most of the shows aforementioned are fairly lengthy, I wanted to include a shorter show that could be binged in a day. Erased meets all the criteria: it has a fast-paced plot, catchy opening, and a serial format. I started (and finished) this show when I should have been studying for a US History test, so that goes to show how difficult stopping is. In addition to the gripping plot, the opening sets the atmosphere for the show: addictive, rapidly-changing, and a little bit stress-inducing. The main appeal of this show isn’t the whodunnit question, as it’s fairly easy to deduce the killer’s identity. Rather, Erased relies on the thrill of imminent danger that the characters face to hold the audience’s attention. Though each character’s niche and personality is impressively fleshed out in the show, there is only so much that can fit into twelve episodes, so if you enjoy this anime, it’s a good idea to read the manga to get a more holistic view of each of the characters. Erased is the perfect thriller for a relaxing day in, so give it a try. You can watch this on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Crunchyroll.
Length: Completed, 12 episodes, 25 minutes each, 4.5 hours, 6 days to finish if you watch 2 episodes/50 minutes a day
Statistics: As of 1/24/2021, ranked #169 on MyAnimeList, 8.37/10 by 887,145
Hot Takes: Seven Honorary Mentions in Five Words or Less
- Death Note (psychological thriller, crime): Teenager kills people with notebook.
- Assassination Classroom (sci-fi, comedy—a personal favorite!): Freshmen must assassinate lovable teacher.
- Hunter x Hunter (adventure fiction, fantasy): A hunter hunts a hunter.
- Ouran High School Host Club (slice-of-life, reverse harem, romance): Pretty people protect poor peasant.
- Kuroko’s Basketball (sports, slice-of-life, drama): Haikyuu!! but basketball.
- Steins;Gate (sci-fi, thriller): Don’t abuse time travel.
- The Promised Neverland (thriller, dark fantasy): Orphans discover they are meat.
Catch my current favorites by adding me as a friend on MyAnimeList (@emilyf23). Happy watching!