Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender stands as an animated masterpiece filled with intricate conflicts and memorable characters. The series features a plethora of heroic figures and formidable adversaries. While the Fire Nation’s ambition to dominate the world drives much of the plot, the range of antagonists extends well beyond their ranks. Notable foes include Hama from the Southern Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom soldiers featured in “Zuko Alone,” and even entities from the Spirit World. While not every adversary in Team Avatar’s journey is captivating, many are deeply compelling, showcasing nuanced motivations and backstories that enrich the narrative. For instance, a minor antagonist in season three, who shoots massive blasts from his eyes, lacks dialogue and personality, demonstrating the disparity in the series’ villain quality. Thankfully, the vast majority of villains throughout Avatar: The Last Airbender are much more engaging.
A villain’s journey doesn’t always begin with malicious intent, nor must they remain antagonists to be considered among the best. Exceptional foes often possess complexities that transcend mere evil, revealing motivations rooted in their circumstances. Avatar meticulously illustrates how context and upbringing shape an individual’s path, often leading them to unexpected roles. A character like Iroh embodies this sentiment, appearing too gentle to be a true villain despite his involvement in Zuko’s pursuit of the Avatar in season one. The most memorable antagonists in Avatar: The Last Airbender are evaluated based on their thematic depth, character complexity, their methods of achieving goals, and the underlying reasons for opposing the series’ heroes.
10
Commander/Admiral Zhao
Voiced by Jason Isaacs
Throughout season one, as Zuko fervently hunts for the Avatar, he is not the only one on this quest; Commander Zhao, who later rises to the rank of Admiral, also pursues Aang. Voiced by Jason Isaacs, Zhao embodies a classic antagonist who strictly adheres to the Fire Nation’s ideology, commanding his troops with authority and displaying fierce rage when faced with setbacks. Unlike Zuko, who grapples with his internal conflicts, Zhao lacks a deep backstory that would evoke any sympathy or inner turmoil regarding his actions within the Fire Nation. However, it is noteworthy that he once trained under a wise master, Jeong Jeong, who criticized his impatience and lack of discipline in becoming a truly skilled bender.
This lack of patience is evident when Aang cleverly deceives him into scorched vessels, leading to his downfall during an Agni Kai against Zuko. The most captivating aspect of Zhao’s character is his visit to a secret spirit library hidden in a desert, where he uncovers knowledge that leads him to develop a plan to extinguish the moon, thereby crippling the waterbenders’ abilities. This sinister plot not only impacts Aang and his friends when they ultimately discover the library but also culminates in a chilling climax during the season one finale. Overall, while Zhao may be a standard villain, he serves as an effective and menacing adversary.
9
Firelord Ozai
Voiced by Mark Hamill
Firelord Ozai stands out as a quintessential villain, characterized by his overwhelming evilness and formidable power, amplified by the iconic voice of Mark Hamill. While he may lack the intricate layers found in other characters, this simplicity is fitting for the primary antagonist in a children’s animated series. Ozai’s role primarily revolves around instilling fear and intimidation, which he excels at doing throughout the series. His presence adds depth to the development of Zuko and Azula, as he inflicts trauma on Zuko while simultaneously fueling Azula’s relentless ambition, which often overshadows her ethical considerations.
Ozai’s ruthlessness knows no bounds, as evidenced by his willingness to challenge Zuko to an Agni Kai for a mere breach of etiquette during a meeting. Even more chillingly, when Zuko refuses to fight him, Ozai inflicts severe burns upon his son’s face, leaving a permanent scar as a reminder of his father’s cruelty. Furthermore, he banishes Zuko, commanding him to return only when he has captured the Avatar. His backstory, which includes the assassination of his own father to seize the throne, adds complexity to an otherwise straightforward villain, making Ozai a memorable figure in the series.
8
Ty Lee
Voiced by Olivia Hack
While some villains evoke dread and tension, others, like Ty Lee, introduce a playful dynamism to the narrative. Voiced by Olivia Hack, Ty Lee’s vibrant personality and acrobatic skills make her an entertaining character to watch. She effortlessly flips through combat, cracks jokes, and even flirts with Sokka during battles, showcasing her exceptional fighting prowess. Her ability to target pressure points allows her to neutralize opponents? bending abilities, adding an intriguing layer to her combat style. This lightheartedness stands in stark contrast to her companions, Mai and Azula, who often embody darker traits.
What sets Ty Lee apart is her reluctance to engage in violence. Originally a circus performer, she is drawn into the quest for the Avatar only after Azula coerces her during a performance. Ultimately, Ty Lee’s character arc takes a dramatic turn when she chooses to betray Azula to save Mai, revealing her true loyalties and moral compass. Characters like Ty Lee contribute significantly to the enduring legacy of Avatar, solidifying its status as one of the most beloved Nicktoons of all time.
7
Mai
Voiced by Cricket Leigh
Mai, voiced by Cricket Leigh, serves as the emotional counterbalance to Ty Lee, often encapsulated by her tendency to throw an endless barrage of darts and knives or simply lounge around with a bored expression. While she may not embody the brightest disposition, her romantic history with Zuko reveals a more emotional layer to her character. Their relationship unfolds across the series, allowing audiences to see the evolution of their bond, despite her introduction occurring in season two. This showcases the brilliance of skilled storytelling in a series with just a few excellent seasons.
Despite her seemingly apathetic demeanor, Mai offers moments of unexpected humor. When Azula arrives to get her, Mai’s eagerness to accompany her stems from a desire for something to occupy her time. During a tense scene where Team Avatar attempts to rescue their pet bear, Mai?s casual remark, “Just take the bear,” highlights her laid-back attitude and refusal to engage in unnecessary conflict. Furthermore, her eventual betrayal of Azula adds depth and complexity to her character, establishing her as one of the more intriguing villains within the series.
6
Long Feng
Voiced by Clancy Brown
