Made by gamers (RIOT) for gamers, but, also, is a stand alone piece of art for people, like me, unfamiliar with the game, LEAGUE OF LEGENDS. The series is visually stunning in 3D and 2D animation with beautiful attention to detail. There is incredible world building, an engaging story line, music that serves as narration and a stellar voice cast. I give this series a 9 (superb) out of 10. {Steampunk Fantasy Adventure}
1,727 Reviews
Coolest animation style I have seen to date in any TV series or movie! :-)
stevebondi10 November 2021
I am a newbie to the source material, but the first 3 episodes of this show blew me away! And, now having seen the whole first season, my rating remains even more solidly a 10! :-)
Groundbreaking/beautiful animation, awesome environments, spectacular cinematography, cool musical choice, compelling characters, great voice casting/acting, and some interesting Sci-Fi/Fantasy lore! :-)
YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS SHOW!!! :-)
Groundbreaking/beautiful animation, awesome environments, spectacular cinematography, cool musical choice, compelling characters, great voice casting/acting, and some interesting Sci-Fi/Fantasy lore! :-)
YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS SHOW!!! :-)
This is ART!
Tactrix7 November 2021
Beautiful storytelling, great underline currents, and the emotion behind this is just amazing. The story is for everyone, but especially for League of Legends fans. The entire time I was watching it I was trying to piece together who is whom. And some of them are obvious but other ones really make you dig deep and see where they're trying to head.
I truly believe this is a fantastic series, I love everything I've seen of it so far. 10/10 a complete knockout.
I truly believe this is a fantastic series, I love everything I've seen of it so far. 10/10 a complete knockout.
The most amazing show i've ever seen since Breaking bad GOT and AOT
Skanama6 March 2024
Never in my life have I watched anything that has captivated me in such a way since Breaking bad, Game of thrones and Attack on titan. I mean I've seen lots of excellent shows but this kind of absolutely perfect series which transports you in this way are so rares. Arcane is grandiose, perfect, absolutely flawless. The characters the narration the perfect pacing these magnificent visuals this series is absolutely incredible and addictive.
The storyline gives us ample time to get to know and understand the characters personal background which reflects in how they act and respond to the storylines.
The characters are complex enough for us to get a genuine attachment to them, which results in a constant curiousnes of wanting to know how our favorite characters fare in the overall storyline.
The characters let's talk about them. Oh my God... The characters are extraordinary, no unnecessary, useless, or filler characters. You'll love and remember each of them for a long time. You won't forget the name of any. You might even find yourself empathizing and respecting the main antagonist so much. Every character here has their own story, motivation, purpose, and personality without exception.
The characters, world, visuals, directing, just all of it is perfect. The emotional weight that this series has is also just unlike anything else, things are seriously just so so heavy. From the artwork, to the musical score, to the intense storyline and relationships between characters that will break your heart. This show tells a dark and twisted story of love, family, betrayal, and power, and it does it in the GREATEST way possible.
I am really serious when i say that Arcane is the best show currently going at this time. Even The boys, Strangers things, House of the dragon, Severance and more does not reach the level of perfection that Arcane did.
The year 2008-2013 had Breaking bad The year 2014-2016 had Game of thrones (season 7/8 sucks) The year 2017-2023 had Attack on Titan Now Arcane take the leads.
The storyline gives us ample time to get to know and understand the characters personal background which reflects in how they act and respond to the storylines.
The characters are complex enough for us to get a genuine attachment to them, which results in a constant curiousnes of wanting to know how our favorite characters fare in the overall storyline.
The characters let's talk about them. Oh my God... The characters are extraordinary, no unnecessary, useless, or filler characters. You'll love and remember each of them for a long time. You won't forget the name of any. You might even find yourself empathizing and respecting the main antagonist so much. Every character here has their own story, motivation, purpose, and personality without exception.
The characters, world, visuals, directing, just all of it is perfect. The emotional weight that this series has is also just unlike anything else, things are seriously just so so heavy. From the artwork, to the musical score, to the intense storyline and relationships between characters that will break your heart. This show tells a dark and twisted story of love, family, betrayal, and power, and it does it in the GREATEST way possible.
I am really serious when i say that Arcane is the best show currently going at this time. Even The boys, Strangers things, House of the dragon, Severance and more does not reach the level of perfection that Arcane did.
The year 2008-2013 had Breaking bad The year 2014-2016 had Game of thrones (season 7/8 sucks) The year 2017-2023 had Attack on Titan Now Arcane take the leads.
LOL is a video game right?
garabedian1238 November 2021
I have heard of it but never played it. When i first turned this on and saw kids i immediately turned it off and sighed "not another kids show". But then i kept watching and realized this is not a kids show. It just has kids as characters. But wow it got dark and good.
Excellent, also for non league fans
djurrepower7 November 2021
I watched it with my parents who don't know anything about league's universe. I have been playing league since 2010, So my opinion may be a bit biased.
But my parents were pleasantly surprised. They said that sometimes it was a little clear that this series is more aimed at a young adult audience. Some usage of the pop songs, and the villian being a little over the top mustace twirly.
But overall they enjoyed the first 3 episodes and wouldn't mind watching the rest in their own time.
As for me. I loved it! It was everything I hoped for and then some. Riot's art department was always on their A game. And with the track record from Fortiche I knew this had very little chance to blunder.
Knowing Riot's art department it has an excellent story, well written charaters and a lore rich world to take elements from. All in all, this show comes together very nicely. And shows some of the best talents Riot has to offer.
9/10: Amazing.
But my parents were pleasantly surprised. They said that sometimes it was a little clear that this series is more aimed at a young adult audience. Some usage of the pop songs, and the villian being a little over the top mustace twirly.
But overall they enjoyed the first 3 episodes and wouldn't mind watching the rest in their own time.
As for me. I loved it! It was everything I hoped for and then some. Riot's art department was always on their A game. And with the track record from Fortiche I knew this had very little chance to blunder.
Knowing Riot's art department it has an excellent story, well written charaters and a lore rich world to take elements from. All in all, this show comes together very nicely. And shows some of the best talents Riot has to offer.
9/10: Amazing.
Great Steampunk Adventure
Pairic19 November 2021
Arcane: An animated SF/Fantasy Steampunk series on Netflix. In the cities of Piltover and Zaun there is unrest, Piltover the upper city literally looks down on and oppresses Zaun. We have gangs of thieves, rebels, steampunk Stormtroopers, magic melded with science. This is serious stuff with great physical and "magic" fights. Also a tale of two sisters falling out and Scientist/Mages battling against the conservatism of the Council who fear the unleashing of uncontrollable powers. It's set in the League Of Legends game universe. Directed by Pascal Charrue and Arnaud Delord, written by Christian Linke and Alex Yee. 9/10.
Wow!
jasminn_tan21 November 2021
As someone who had never played the game before, this was a great introduction to its lore. The story was riveting and the pacing was perfect. And the amazing animation and soundtrack just enhanced the entire viewing experience. The VAs did an incredible job as well, particular the VA for Powder/Jinx.
My favorite animation 10/10
clawudiu-640488 December 2021
Exceeded my expectations(Episodes 1-3)
albertfelicity7 November 2021
I've played league for a considerable amount of time but haven't been playing for the last few years. I've always thought a well made movie of the universe would break records, but they were too late to do it by the time the Arcane was announced. Still, I appreciated this late but welcome effort.
For some reason, everything I saw before watching made me think that it will suck. The animation style looked horrible, storyline seemed extremely boring. Target audience seemed to be kids, and it honestly seemed like a series that only will appeal to the die-hard fans of the game, whom would watch the series no matter how good or bad it was. This was what I thought UNTIL I actually gave the series a chance and watch it.
Boy, they really nailed it. Animations were well polished and really good. You really feel the athmosphere in the universe. Storytelling couldn't be any better. I'm so proud of these guys. I really hope they continue making a good job in the upcoming episodes.
I'm so glad that I didn't say "I would have made it better If I did it" about the series, and I usually say that about what I watch, at least about some aspects. But I know how hard this job was to pull off and they made an incredible job.
For some reason, everything I saw before watching made me think that it will suck. The animation style looked horrible, storyline seemed extremely boring. Target audience seemed to be kids, and it honestly seemed like a series that only will appeal to the die-hard fans of the game, whom would watch the series no matter how good or bad it was. This was what I thought UNTIL I actually gave the series a chance and watch it.
Boy, they really nailed it. Animations were well polished and really good. You really feel the athmosphere in the universe. Storytelling couldn't be any better. I'm so proud of these guys. I really hope they continue making a good job in the upcoming episodes.
I'm so glad that I didn't say "I would have made it better If I did it" about the series, and I usually say that about what I watch, at least about some aspects. But I know how hard this job was to pull off and they made an incredible job.
Meh
aleksandardjapa-605-3455355 February 2022
The animation is amazing but everything else is mediocre. The music in some of the scenes felt off while the story was cliche and predictable. The characters were one dimensional and their relationships felt forced, the dialogue was porly written and the only thing that gave the characters emotion was solid voice acting and great animation.
Not A League of Legends Player, This is FANTASTIC
jhuebel7 November 2021
I'm not a League of Legends player. In fact, I know almost nothing about it. But this show is fantastic. To say that the opening scenes of the first episode were "gripping" is an understatement. I don't often start on the edge of my seat with a TV show-- animated or live action.
(UPDATE 1/14/2022: Rewatching the show for the second time and the opening scene still puts me at the edge of my seat, holding my breath. Wow.)
The animation is well above average for a TV series. It's atmospheric in ways that most animated series don't even try. This isn't just another Star Wars-style animated series. It feels distinctly unique.
The characters are also really interesting. Again, I know nothing about League of Legends. But based on the series description, I'm assuming at least a couple of these characters become a league champion? Ultimately, I have no idea what that really means. But I'm interested in finding out.
And that's why I think this series is really successful. I don't know anything about the source material, but after just the opening scenes of the first episode, I'm invested in finding out more.
10/10 easily. I would give it that score just for the first few minutes of the series alone.
(UPDATE 1/14/2022: Rewatching the show for the second time and the opening scene still puts me at the edge of my seat, holding my breath. Wow.)
The animation is well above average for a TV series. It's atmospheric in ways that most animated series don't even try. This isn't just another Star Wars-style animated series. It feels distinctly unique.
The characters are also really interesting. Again, I know nothing about League of Legends. But based on the series description, I'm assuming at least a couple of these characters become a league champion? Ultimately, I have no idea what that really means. But I'm interested in finding out.
And that's why I think this series is really successful. I don't know anything about the source material, but after just the opening scenes of the first episode, I'm invested in finding out more.
10/10 easily. I would give it that score just for the first few minutes of the series alone.
Incredible animation and storyline
zsxpcgmv7 November 2021
I'm not a big league of legends player but I deeply appreciated the animation, storyline, and music of Arcane. This is one of the best animated series I have ever watched. My wife has never player league of legends and she loves the arcane series so far.
Not just for fans of the video game
svederen7 November 2021
Arcane tells the story of two young orphaned sisters, growing up and getting into trouble in the dual city of Zaun and Piltover.
The series is based on the video game League of Legends, and although it drops you right into this fictional world, the necessary time and care is taken to set up places and characters in a commendable show-don't-tell fashion. Solid character development and world building means it's an entirely enjoyable watch without knowing anything about the game.
The animation is outright exquisite. As an anime fan, I found the animation in Arcane to be leagues beyond anything I've ever seen from an animated series before. There is an incredible attention to detail. It's clear that no artistic talent or monetary expense was spared in bringing the world of Runeterra to life.
Great soundtrack, great acting and a compelling story that doesn't pull any punches when it comes to violence and more adult themes.
So far only the first three episodes have been released, and I can't wait to see what else they have in store for us!
The series is based on the video game League of Legends, and although it drops you right into this fictional world, the necessary time and care is taken to set up places and characters in a commendable show-don't-tell fashion. Solid character development and world building means it's an entirely enjoyable watch without knowing anything about the game.
The animation is outright exquisite. As an anime fan, I found the animation in Arcane to be leagues beyond anything I've ever seen from an animated series before. There is an incredible attention to detail. It's clear that no artistic talent or monetary expense was spared in bringing the world of Runeterra to life.
Great soundtrack, great acting and a compelling story that doesn't pull any punches when it comes to violence and more adult themes.
So far only the first three episodes have been released, and I can't wait to see what else they have in store for us!
Impossible to stop
arabnikita27 November 2021
Arcane (2021)
I have never played a single minute of League of Legends in my life but I always knew how influential this online game is. Normally, I wouldn't have paid attention to this series but considering the 9.4 on IMdB, I had to check out at least an episode to see what is so incredible about it. Starting of in a rather casual way, I wasn't too impressed with what I saw in that first episode, but the cliffhanger made me want to see what would happen next. Once I climbed that cliff, I was immersed into a fast paced steampunk world that had a lot to offer and many more cliffhangers to be experienced.
The animation style of this series is best described as taking 6 buckets of paint, throwing them into a 10,000 volt transformer and stepping into the electrical blend of colors to be engulfed in the sheer awesomeness. As you adjust to this dynamic animation, you wilk see a story of an inventor, an underworld crime boss and a girl who wants to find her sister. All of these characters find themselves in the middle of a political intrigue that involves a utopian city and a rotten underbelly with it's social classes striving to achieve their goals by any means necessary. To top it off, there is plenty of emotional stuggle between family, friends and enemies.
While all the technical, sound and visual aspects are second to none, it is the characters that made me want to come back to this series again and again. The show is irresistible to watch and the two reasons for that are the masterfully crafted intro that got me pumped in the beginning of each episode and the nail-biting cliffhangers that made me want to see hiw the story continues. Whether you like videogames or not, this show will grab your interest and won't let up until the final second. At that point, you will be anxiously waiting for season 2 which I hope will come very soon.
Movies.shmovies on Instagram for movie and TV Show reviews.
I have never played a single minute of League of Legends in my life but I always knew how influential this online game is. Normally, I wouldn't have paid attention to this series but considering the 9.4 on IMdB, I had to check out at least an episode to see what is so incredible about it. Starting of in a rather casual way, I wasn't too impressed with what I saw in that first episode, but the cliffhanger made me want to see what would happen next. Once I climbed that cliff, I was immersed into a fast paced steampunk world that had a lot to offer and many more cliffhangers to be experienced.
The animation style of this series is best described as taking 6 buckets of paint, throwing them into a 10,000 volt transformer and stepping into the electrical blend of colors to be engulfed in the sheer awesomeness. As you adjust to this dynamic animation, you wilk see a story of an inventor, an underworld crime boss and a girl who wants to find her sister. All of these characters find themselves in the middle of a political intrigue that involves a utopian city and a rotten underbelly with it's social classes striving to achieve their goals by any means necessary. To top it off, there is plenty of emotional stuggle between family, friends and enemies.
While all the technical, sound and visual aspects are second to none, it is the characters that made me want to come back to this series again and again. The show is irresistible to watch and the two reasons for that are the masterfully crafted intro that got me pumped in the beginning of each episode and the nail-biting cliffhangers that made me want to see hiw the story continues. Whether you like videogames or not, this show will grab your interest and won't let up until the final second. At that point, you will be anxiously waiting for season 2 which I hope will come very soon.
Movies.shmovies on Instagram for movie and TV Show reviews.
Awesome series!
dennis_braun14 December 2021
Time for LOLCU
Movi3DO21 November 2021
Here's to the new us.
League of Legends (LoL)' first project in expanding its own cinematic universe is done. The story between sisters, rich and poor, loyalty and betrayal, peace and war, and everything in between.
There's a common saying that LoL's big budget went into animation instead of balancing the champions in game, and this couldn't be more right. I did not expect this masterful level of animation. After each episode, they found more ways to wow audiences with amazing visuals and transitions. The fighting scenes were hard-hitting and jaw-dropping.
Even though the series wasn't fully canon to the original lore, it's still an intense story that set up an interesting universe. Not gonna lie, the first act didn't impress me too much, but episode 4 afterward got me entirely on board. My only problem with the story was that I just couldn't get enough of it. I wanted more and I don't like waiting.
Just as cool as the animation was the characters. Many character dynamics fascinated me and made me realized how much I needed them. I'll admit that some characters were straightforward, but not all of them were predictable. Some still surprised me until the very end. The directions for all characters were incredible.
Overall, even though the game was a love-hate relationship, Arcane was for sure all love, and a phenomenal step in setting up LOLCU. 8.5/10.
League of Legends (LoL)' first project in expanding its own cinematic universe is done. The story between sisters, rich and poor, loyalty and betrayal, peace and war, and everything in between.
There's a common saying that LoL's big budget went into animation instead of balancing the champions in game, and this couldn't be more right. I did not expect this masterful level of animation. After each episode, they found more ways to wow audiences with amazing visuals and transitions. The fighting scenes were hard-hitting and jaw-dropping.
Even though the series wasn't fully canon to the original lore, it's still an intense story that set up an interesting universe. Not gonna lie, the first act didn't impress me too much, but episode 4 afterward got me entirely on board. My only problem with the story was that I just couldn't get enough of it. I wanted more and I don't like waiting.
Just as cool as the animation was the characters. Many character dynamics fascinated me and made me realized how much I needed them. I'll admit that some characters were straightforward, but not all of them were predictable. Some still surprised me until the very end. The directions for all characters were incredible.
Overall, even though the game was a love-hate relationship, Arcane was for sure all love, and a phenomenal step in setting up LOLCU. 8.5/10.
This took my breath away.
johnsen-kasper25 November 2021
I played some League of Legends back in the 2010's. And apparently been out of the loop as i never saw this coming. This is the most amazing thing I've seen in my 35 years. It has build a universe, that has the potential to have world building that exceeds Game of thrones, has character building up there with thes best and animation beyond anything I've ever seen. This is basically the only thing that kept me from cancelling my Netflix subscription as most stuff that has come out recently is unwatchable.
Please give these guys a blank check. We need this universe to explode, this is a chance for netflix to compete with the Starwars universe form Disney and the R. R martin universe on HBO.
Please give these guys a blank check. We need this universe to explode, this is a chance for netflix to compete with the Starwars universe form Disney and the R. R martin universe on HBO.
Never knew this was a game :o
candicelee827 November 2021
Some ppl are going to prob go nuts, but please bear in mind I am strictly a console gamer.
I have never even heard of this game before and after researching what the game is about, I will probably never play it... it's just not my kind of game.
But with that being said... what a great show!
Felt like Hugo mixed with Alita mixed with Elysium mixed with a hundred other movies out there but it was well done, entertaining, beautifully animated, and well casted.
A definite watch for anyone that loves a more mature animated series. I hope they make another season.
I have never even heard of this game before and after researching what the game is about, I will probably never play it... it's just not my kind of game.
But with that being said... what a great show!
Felt like Hugo mixed with Alita mixed with Elysium mixed with a hundred other movies out there but it was well done, entertaining, beautifully animated, and well casted.
A definite watch for anyone that loves a more mature animated series. I hope they make another season.
Not just the best video game adaptation to date
shawnyu6428 November 2021
But also one of the best show to date.
Everything Arcane has to offer is just amazing. It has beautiful graphic, kick-ass scores, gripping story and most importantly, characters you actually care.
My only complaint? I need to wait a year to watch season 2!
Everything Arcane has to offer is just amazing. It has beautiful graphic, kick-ass scores, gripping story and most importantly, characters you actually care.
My only complaint? I need to wait a year to watch season 2!
Arcane's world is beautiful, it's story is not there to support it though
michayl_k3 August 2022
I've watched the entirety of season 1. Like the rest of the majority, I've found the visuals and sound design to be top. For me, that's where the positives of the whole experience come to a halt.
I've found the characters Jayce and Vi to be especially underdeveloped considering their time on screen. Their motives and decision making was either nonsensical or nonexistent, leaving me completely baffled. I also found really problematic the way the writers chose to explore these characters, with childish behaviours which where unfortunately enabled by the plot, and in the end being unredeemable because of it.
Shockingly poor writing. This is by no means a 9/10. It's quite unfortunate since the world of Arcane is beautiful and exciting with so much untapped potential. Riot should hire some heavy hitter writers and bring this to life. Unlikely if people keep giving this 10/10 though.
I rate it 5/10 because of the visuals but mainly because I find the world of Arcane extremely compelling.
I've found the characters Jayce and Vi to be especially underdeveloped considering their time on screen. Their motives and decision making was either nonsensical or nonexistent, leaving me completely baffled. I also found really problematic the way the writers chose to explore these characters, with childish behaviours which where unfortunately enabled by the plot, and in the end being unredeemable because of it.
Shockingly poor writing. This is by no means a 9/10. It's quite unfortunate since the world of Arcane is beautiful and exciting with so much untapped potential. Riot should hire some heavy hitter writers and bring this to life. Unlikely if people keep giving this 10/10 though.
I rate it 5/10 because of the visuals but mainly because I find the world of Arcane extremely compelling.
Beyond belief - Netflix Show of the Year
kythia9 November 2021
This is a piece of art, pure and simple. Every frame is a painting ready to fill a museum. The story, the characters, down to the little details. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to be there for every moment.
Give me more!
Give me more!
awesome..amazing and most definitely worthy
umlaziking24 November 2021
Really great, stunning, amazing and beautiful tv show. Possibly the most unique show to come out in the last decade or so...ppl if you havent started watching this..plz do. This show has really amazing storytelling, the animation is simply superb, the action is always on high levels of adrenaline. I aint gonna lie..i dont watch much tv..but this show sitting at 9.4 was really something...lol had no choice but to give it a go. So thanks ppl of imdb.
Beautifully Crafted
staceylight22 November 2021
What an amazing show! It truly feels like so much love has been put into it and you can feel it! Every single frame is so detailed and wonderfully made, and the characters are so expressive and unique from the way they walk to the way they breathe, not one feels the same. The story gripped me so much I did not want it to end. I love this world a lot and I can't wait to see where these characters are headed in Season 2! Please watch it if you haven't already it's truly worth it!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
