Riot Games and Fortiche Productions’ Arcane has taken the world by storm with its stunning animation, complex characters, and a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seats.
But once you’ve binged both seasons, what’s next? If you’re searching for more shows like Arcane, you’ve come to the right place.
This list offers titles with similar levels of depth, intrigue, and breathtaking visuals. From dystopian futures to fantastical realms, these shows like Arcane promise to transport you to extraordinary worlds.
Based on the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game League of Legends, Arcane looks into the dynamics between the affluent city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. The series follows the origins of League of Legends champions like Vi, Jinx, Caitlyn, Viktor, Jayce, Ambessa Medarda, and more as they explore a world of class disparity, political intrigue, and technological innovation.
Arcane has garnered widespread praise and has won numerous awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program. The series also achieved a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
If you can’t get enough of this series, here are five shows like Arcane that you can binge-watch on Netflix.
5 shows like Arcane you should be watching right now
Avatar: The Legend of Korra
Avatar: The Legend of Korra is a sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, set 70 years after the events of the original series.
Both protagonists of Arcane and Avatar: The Legend of Korra share a striking similarity as strong, independent women who aren’t afraid to take charge. Arcane’s Vi and The Legend of Korra’s Korra are both fiercely determined and possess a relentless drive to protect those they care about.
This shared trait is evident in their commitment to their respective causes, whether it’s maintaining balance in the world for Korra or seeking justice for the oppressed in Piltover and Zaun for Vi.
Both characters exhibit a rebellious spirit and a willingness to challenge the status quo. They are not afraid to break the rules or defy authority figures if they believe it is necessary.
The Legend of Korra follows the story of Avatar Korra, a headstrong and fearless teenage girl from the Southern Water Tribe who must master all four elements to maintain balance in the world.
Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Avatar: The Legend of Korra was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the same duo behind The Last Airbender. The series aired from 2012 to 2014.
Love, Death and Robots
Love, Death and Robots is an animated anthology series produced by David Fincher and Tim Miller.
Arcane and Love, Death and Robots share a unique approach to animation, characterized by a blend of traditional 2D and 3D techniques. This style creates visually extraordinary worlds that are both familiar and otherworldly. Both series often showcase a dark and gritty aesthetic, with intricate details and dynamic camera work.
Both titles include unexpected twists and turns. Each episode of Love, Death and Robots is a standalone story, often concluding with a shocking revelation or a mind-bending conclusion. Similarly, Arcane keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its plotlines and surprising character developments.
Love, Death and Robots’ episodes look into thought-provoking concepts, such as artificial intelligence, alien encounters, and the nature of humanity. Some scenes are humorous, while other episodes are deeply disturbing or emotionally resonant.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Arcane and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners are exceptional adaptations of popular video games.
Both series successfully translate the core themes and aesthetics of their source material into great visual narratives. They look into the dark underbelly of their respective futuristic cities, exploring issues of class, power, and corruption. Visually, both shows are stunning, with intricate world-building and dynamic action sequences.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an anime series set in the dystopian world of Night City, the same setting as the popular video game Cyberpunk 2077. Produced by Studio Trigger, the series follows the story of David Martinez, a street kid who becomes an “edgerunner,” a mercenary outlaw who modifies their body with advanced technology.
After a tragic loss, David transforms both physically and mentally. He joins a group of dangerous individuals, each with their unique skills and motives, as they explore the streets of Night City.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a reimagining of the classic 1980s series, produced by DreamWorks Animation Television and created by ND Stevenson.
Both Arcane and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power are praised for their exceptional writing and character development. They look deep into complex characters, exploring their motivations, vulnerabilities, and growth throughout their respective journeys.
One striking parallel between the two shows is the characterization of their antagonists. Jinx from Arcane and Catra from She-Ra share a similar tragic backstory, marked by abandonment.
Set on the planet Etheria, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power follows the story of Adora, a young orphan raised by the evil Horde. When she discovers a magical sword, she transforms into the powerful She-Ra and joins the Rebellion to fight against the Horde and its leader, Hordak.
Blue Eye Samurai
Blue Eye Samurai is an animated series that shares a similar aesthetic and tone with Arcane.
Both shows share a commitment to mature themes and complex characters. Blue Eye Samurai looks into issues of power, corruption, and revenge, often with a dark and gritty tone.
The characters are morally ambiguous, making choices that have far-reaching consequences. If you enjoyed the world-building and intense action of Arcane, you’re likely to appreciate the unique blend of history and fantasy in Blue Eye Samurai.
Blue Eye Samurai is an anime series set in an alternate version of Edo-period Japan. The story revolves around Mizu, a half-Japanese, half-Western woman with distinctive blue eyes. Marked as an outsider due to her heritage, Mizu seeks revenge against those who wronged her family.
The series blends historical elements with fantasy, featuring intense sword fights and politics. It is produced by Blue Spirit.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Why do you love Arcane so much? Creators reveal behind-the-scenes secrets
