Early critic reviews for Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender are largely positive. The animated film is set to debut on Paramount+ in the U.S. on July 25, 2026. Critics have praised the film, with many calling it worthy of a theatrical release.
Aang’s powerful comeback earns strong praise in early Avatar Aang reviews
One of the film’s biggest highlights, according to critics, is its animation. Many felt the animation is the film’s greatest strength. Critics whose reviews are aggregated on Rotten Tomatoes were particularly positive.
Allyson Johnson of But Why Tho? wrote, “Heartfelt and emotionally explosive, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is a welcome return that will make us yearn for even more time spent in the company of this well-established, expectation-defying world.”
Aidan Kelley of Collider wrote, “The newest chapter in the Avatar’s story is drop-dead gorgeous from start to finish, with that oh-so-rare 2D animation looking better than it ever has before.”
Sean Boelman of FandomWire shared, “Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is finally being released, and it was mostly worth the wait — an epic, spirited continuation of the IP with great action and immersive world-building.”
Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Some heavy themes are also injected into the mix, such as the corruptive effects of power. But mostly the film seems content to wow you with its visuals, feeling rushed in its narrative and lurching from one violent episode to another.”
For the unversed, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is the first feature-length animated movie by Avatar Studios. It continues the original story of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The story takes place 13 years after Aang defeats Fire Lord Ozai. The plot centers around grown-up Aang and his friends as Aang uncovers an ancient power that will help revive Air Nomad culture. Along with a new Airbender named Tagah, he goes on a quest to reclaim a powerful object before it ends up in the wrong hands.
Lauren Montgomery has directed the film. Tim Hedrick and Christopher Yost served as writers. Franchise creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko served as producers. The voice cast includes Eric Nam as Aang, Dave Bautista as Tagah, Román Zaragoza as Sokka, Jessica Matten as Katara, and Steven Yeun as Zuko.
It serves as a sequel to the original animated series and also bridges the story to The Legend of Korra. The film also marks the beginning of a new era for Avatar Studios, which has several more animated projects in development.
The 99-minute movie premieres globally on Paramount+ on July 25, 2026. It will have a limited theatrical release in select U.S. cities beginning July 24.