As someone who watched WAY too much TV, I always find it necessary to let people know when I’ve found a show that I simply can’t stop thinking about and feel that more people need to know about. So, that brings us to today where I just want to scream about Arcane.
It is genuinely one of the most beautifully put-together animated series of all time, and the critical acclaim speaks for itself. Both Season 1 and Season 2 hold 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
So, before Arcane comes to an end, here are 15 reasons it needs to be your next binge-watch:
1.
First, set in the utopian city of Piltover and the underbelly of Zaun, Arcane follows sisters Vi and Powder/Jinx, who find themselves at the center of a developing conflict between both sections of the city but also the use of arcane technologies.
2.
The series is based on the video game League of Legends by Riot Games, although knowledge of the games isn’t essential to enjoying Arcane. It’s been hailed as one of the best video game adaptations ever made.
3.
Diving deeper into the story, Arcane hinges on Vi and Jinx as we watch the events that led to these two sisters being torn apart. It’s a brilliantly laid out story that shows how these two sisters are set on two totally different paths based on the choices they make, what happens to them, and how people in their lives influence them.
4.
What makes Arcane so great is the show knows the importance of laying the groundwork for characters and taking the time to showcase the events that led to them becoming the people we know. For instance, Season 1 spends several episodes showcasing Vi and Powder’s upbringing and what leads to the duo going their separate ways. It makes the storylines in the present day all the more heartbreaking and delicious to watch.
5.
Every character in Arcane is morally grey or flawed, and it’s what makes the show so exciting. You simply never know what a character is going to do next as they all make decisions that effect the overarching story.
6.
Plus, if you’re someone who looks for shows with incredible LGBTQ+ storylines, you can add Arcane to the list. Vi and Caitlyn’s clear chemistry is something that is apparent from the start, and it’s a great journey to see if these two characters from different upbringings can find their way to be together.
7.
Voice-acting is truly one of the most impressive things to me, and voice actors are some of my favorite overall actors of all time. So, that being said, Arcane hit the jackpot with the cast they assembled to bring this story to life. For starters, Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell voice Vi and Jinx, respectively.
8.
Alongside Hailee and Ella, rounding out the main cast are a ton of even more talented voice actors, like Katie Leung, Kevin Alejandro, Jason Spisak, Toks Olagundoye, Harry Lloyd, and more. All of them embody their characters so perfectly and give captivating performances I’ll be thinking about for a very long time.
9.
Now, if you’ve even seen just a photo from Arcane, it’s probably pretty clear how absolutely breathtaking the animation for this show is. When I say it’s one of the most gorgeous things ever committed to film, I am not exaggerating. I sometimes find myself missing a moment in the show because I am so stunned by how gorgeous everything looks.
10.
What makes Arcane so visually stunning is its mix of different types of animation, whether it’s 3D characters, hand-painted backgrounds, or 2D effects. It’s a love letter to just how beautiful animation can be and how some incredible stories can be told through it. So much is told visually and it’s incredible.
11.
The animation for Arcane almost acts as another main character, with each style being utilized perfectly to reflect the tone and nature of each scene. Whether it’s the use of black and white in moments of tragedy, film scratches during harrowing moments, or the juxtaposition of Jinx’s harsh reality with the bright colors that accompany her. Everything is so meticulously thought out and perfect.
12.
Alongside the animation, Arcane boasts some of the best music on a TV show right now. Period. The score and songs used in this show only add to the atmosphere and story that make Arcane so entrancing from start to finish. The music and sounds of the world, aka metal clashing, shouting, etc., all flow together to create the world of both Piltover and Zaun, but also elevate the characters.
13.
For Season 2, the music only gets even bigger and better, with numerous songs being performed by some of the biggest names in music, like Stray Kids, Twenty One Pilots, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Ashnikko, and more. Similar to the animation, music guides the story of Arcane is such an effortless way.
14.
And if you’re like me and you love a TV show with an incredible opening title sequence, Arcane has one of the best. “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons and JID is featured in Season 1 but also plays over the beautifully crafted opening title sequence. You know, when Netflix asks if you want to “skip credits,” I guarantee it’ll be physically impossible to do that here.
15.
Finally, simply put, you are missing out on one of the best animated series of all time if you’re not watching Arcane. It’s not only a visual masterpiece from beginning to end, but it has some of the most grounded and heartbreaking storytelling I have witnessed in any show recently. The characters are flawed and beloved, which just makes you root for them harder.