The Arcane animated series has finally come to an end with the incredible finale of Season 2. The story of Jinx and Vi was beautiful and heartbreaking, but it has sadly come to an end. Of course, we know that more stories around League of Legends are in development, but we don’t know how long we will have to wait for the next LoL-based TV series. So, while you wait, here are some of the best animated shows like Arcane that will keep you glued to your screen.
10. Twilight of the Gods
- Genre: Action
- IMDb: 7.3
- Created by: Zack Snyder, Jay Oliva
- Studio: Xilam Animation, Stone Quarry Animation
- Episodes: 1 season, 8 episodes
Arcane is loved for its storytelling and animation, right? That’s where Zack Snyder’s Twilight of the Gods matches the vibe of our beloved animated series. Similar to Arcane, Twilight of the Gods also features a fearless woman as the central character and blesses us with some of the best fight sequences.
Inspired by Norse Mythology, this TV series follows Sigrid, who vows to take revenge on Thor as he butchered her entire clan and her fiance on the day of her wedding. The series sheds light on the history of Asgard and, of course, Thor.
9. Castlevania: Nocturne
- Genre: Fantasy
- IMDb: 7.4
- Created by: Clive Bradley
- Studio: Powerhouse Animation Studios, Project 51 Productions
- Episodes: 1 season, 8 episodes
With its intense storytelling and top-notch visuals, Castlevania: Nocturne has all the rights to sit on the list of the best animated shows like Arcane. The elements that make Nocturne similar to Arcane are the character development and the dark lore that introduces fans to a world where we cannot expect the main protagonist to be perfect in every way. The show tells us that it’s okay if the central character has a gray personality.
Castlevania: Nocturne takes you back to the French Revolution in 1792. We see the vampire hunter Richter Belmont and his adoptive sister Maria Renard struggling to prevent the rise of evil in the form of Vampire Messiah.
8. Dota: Dragon’s Blood
- Genre: Epic Fantasy
- IMDb: 7.7
- Created by: Ashley Edward Miller
- Studio: Studio Mir, Kaiju Boulevard
- Episodes: 3 seasons, 24 episodes
Like Riot Game’s Arcane, Dota: Dragon’s Blood is also inspired by Valve’s video game and sees a mixture of 2D and 3D animation. Besides that, the other thing that makes Dota: Dragon’s Blood resonate with Arcane is the world-building, which makes it a good fit for viewers who love Arcane.
Dota: Dragon’s Blood takes place in a fantasy world where dragons threaten humanity. The Dragon Knight, Davion, does everything to fight these deadly creatures and make the world a better place. However, when demon Terrorblade starts absorbing the dragons, Davion merges with dragon Slyrak, and now he must eliminate the demons to protect the dragons.
7. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- Genre: Cyberpunk, Sci-Fi
- IMDb: 8.3
- Created by: Rafał Jaki, Mike Pondsmith
- Studio: Trigger, CD Projekt
- Episodes: 1 season, 10 episodes
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Arcane have garnered huge fanfare and received appreciation for their amazing visuals and world-building. Arcane portrays a world that sees technology as the only way to humanity’s growth. Well, Edgerunners is not much different when it comes to technology and innovation.
Moreover, both animated shows feature characters who have a hard time dealing with their insecurities and personal struggles. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners takes place in the Night City, which is overrun by corruption and crime. A street kid named David Martinez joins the Edgerunners to survive in a place that can snatch everything he owns.
6. Castlevania
- Genre: Action-Horror
- IMDb: 8.3
- Created by: Warren Ellis
- Studio: Powerhouse Animation, Frederator Studios
- Episodes: 4 seasons, 32 episodes
Castlevania is not similar to Arcane in many ways, but its mature storytelling makes it a suitable animated show for Arcane fans. Castlevania is another video game adaptation by Netflix, which was heavily praised for its horror and dark theme. Besides that, the two shows involve some of the best voice cast, making the experience even more worthy.
Dracula Tepes falls in love with a human girl, who the humans burn after they falsely accuse her of witchcraft. Driven by grief and anger, Tepes establishes an army of demons who force the humans to lead a life full of fear and trauma.
5. The Legend of Korra
- Genre: Action, Drama
- IMDb: 8.3
- Created by: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
- Studio: Nickelodeon Animation Studio
- Episodes: 4 seasons, 52 episodes
Arcane and The Legend of Korra feature rebellious and strong women in the central roles. These women will do anything to earn a place in this corrupt world. No matter how complex challenges come their way, they won’t step back.
Following the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang’s successor, Korra from the Southern Water Tribe, must learn airbending to become a complete warrior. However, she must overcome the challenges that come her way while she tries to hold mastery in airbending.
4. Love, Death and Robots
- Genre: Anthology, Horror, Black Comedy
- IMDb: 8.4
- Created by: Tim Miller
- Studio: Blur Studio, Netflix Studios
- Episodes: 3 seasons, 35 episodes
Love, Death, and Robots features a spectacular animation style that makes it eligible for this list. The anthology series features some of the best stories with horror, thriller, and technology themes. Each episode keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats with its beauty, be it with its storytelling, powerful animation, or music score.
Love, Death and Robots have blessed us with three seasons so far. Every episode tells a different story, mostly set in a post-apocalyptic world. However, there’s one thing in common in every episode — the dark side of technology.
3. The Legend of Vox Machina
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb: 8.4
- Created by: Critical Role Productions
- Studio: Titmouse, Inc., Amazon Studios
- Episodes: 3 seasons, 36 episodes
Like Arcane, The Legend of Vox Machina blesses us with a beautiful story with an emotional depth. The first season debuted on Amazon Prime in 2022, becoming an instant hit for its visuals, voice acting, and music. That’s why the series has received three seasons, the latest released in October 2024. Moreover, the show has been renewed for a fourth season in the same month — thanks to the franchise’s popularity.
It features spectacular animation and a story that is beautiful in one moment and heartbreaking in another. Vox Machina is a group of misfits who must rise as heroes and protect the kingdom from getting into darkness after the arrival of evil forces.
2. Scavengers Reign
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure
- IMDb: 8.6
- Created by: Joseph Bennett, Charles Huettner
- Studio: Titmouse, Inc., Green Street Pictures
- Episodes: 1 season, 12 episodes
Scavengers Reign is another story that deserves every bit of praise. The voice acting and animation are the show stealers. The series is basically about a group of people exploring an alien planet. The mysteries and horrors of this planet will send chills down your spine.
Like Arcane, this show won’t let you predict what’s coming next. When you think the characters are safe and sound, the show will kill them off in the next moment. It’s a beautiful show with interesting and deep characters who always have to look within to get out of troubling situations.
1. Blue Eye Samurai
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb: 8.7
- Created by: Amber Noizumi, Michael Green
- Studio: Blue Spirit, Netflix Animation, J.A. Green Construction Corp, and 3 Arts Entertainment
- Episodes: 1 season, 8 episodes
Blue Eye Samurai is a treat for the eyes; it’s that visually beautiful. Moreover, this animated TV show features a dark and gritty tone that makes it pretty similar to Arcane. We also have a female protagonist embarking on a journey to find a place for herself in society, just as we get to witness in Arcane. Besides that, the brilliant action sequences also make it a show worth experiencing.
Set in Japan’s Edo Period, Blue Eye Samurai follows a half-Japanese, half-Western female warrior named Mizu who must fight a battle with his own father to make a better future for herself.
Those are all the animated TV shows you can watch to fill the Arcane-sized hole in your life. Did we miss out on any good recommendations? Let us know in the comments below.
Aparna Ukil
