Arcane

Amid the stark discord of twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions.

Arcane (2021-2024) is an American adult animated fantasy series created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee for Netflix, adapted from the Riot Games universe of League of Legends. Two sisters, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), are torn apart by the divide between the wealthy, technologically advanced city of Piltover and the polluted, industrial undercity of Zaun. Their bond is tested as each is pulled into a widening war over magic-powered technology and clashing convictions. Inventor Jayce (Kevin Alejandro) and enforcer Sevika (Amirah Vann) move through the story as principal figures whose choices push the conflict forward. The series unfolds across two seasons of nine episodes each, carried by character drama, political tension and street-level action rather than a case of the week. Its steampunk look, moody palettes and textured animation give a sense of a city built on injustice and ambition. Set in a fictional steampunk world with a pre-industrial feel, it offers an emotional, serialized experience. Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Castlevania and BoJack Horseman will find resonance in its blend of grounded emotion and dark fantasy.

Viewers broadly acclaim Arcane for its striking animation, well-drawn characters and emotionally weighty story of two sisters caught in a war between two cities.

• Avatar: The Last Airbendersteampunk fantasy, sibling conflict, class war, adult animation
• Castlevaniadark fantasy, political conflict, morally grey factions, prestige animation
• BoJack Horsemanadult animated drama, sisters divided by a city's conflict, emotional character focus

Created by

Christian Linke, Alex Yee

Release Date

2021-11-06

Episode runtime

41 min

Rating

9.0 / 10 (6245)

What is Arcane about?

Two sisters on opposite sides of a magic-fueled war between the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun are pulled apart as their city's conflict escalates.

What is Arcane like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Arcane as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is Arcane violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Arcane as moderate.

What did critics think of Arcane?

Viewers broadly acclaim Arcane for its striking animation, well-drawn characters and emotionally weighty story of two sisters caught in a war between two cities.

Which shows are like Arcane?

Shows with a similar feel include Avatar: The Last Airbender, Castlevania, and BoJack Horseman.

How long is Arcane?

Arcane: 2 seasons, 18 episodes.

Is Arcane still running?

No, Arcane has ended.

Where can I watch Arcane?

In United States, Arcane streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.