Henry Cavill, an actor known for his contributions to the fantasy genre, is one of many who have voiced their love for the Arcane TV show, and I couldn't agree more. Based on the beloved video game series League of Legends, Arcane premiered on Netflix in 2021 and quickly established an audience that went well beyond the original fans of the games. While Netflix has put out some of the most interesting and well-crafted animated series of the past decade, Arcane might be the best the streamer has released so far.

Easily one of the best TV show adaptations of a video game, Arcane takes the best parts of the games, like the fighting techniques and visual style, and uses them to uplift its compelling narrative. It's not difficult to see why Cavill sang the praises of Arcane​​​​, as the series doesn't just deliver in of action and adventure. From the first episode of the series, it's impossible not to become invested in the lives of Jinx and Vi, voiced by Ella Purnell and Hailee Steinfeld, the sisters navigating the injustices of their dual cities, Piltover and Zaun.

Henry Cavill And His Wife Stayed Up Late Watching Netflix's Arcane

Like Most Fans, Once They Started Arcane, They Couldn't Stop

Henry Cavill's reaction to Arcane is on par with most viewers' experience. The actor has been vocal about his love of video games, and the fact that Arcane so easily translates the feel of the game into a traditional narrative is a huge reason why players appreciated the show. Like many of the rest of us, Cavill and his wife found themselves sucked into the world of Arcane, unable to turn the series off, as the thrills mounted, taking us further down the rabbit hole of Piltover's politics and Vi and Jinx's place in the civil war.

The mark of a great and bingeable series is that no matter how late it gets, audiences can't bring themselves to leave the story behind, even for one night. Arcane's writing and pacing are fantastic examples of how to craft a series that makes it feel worth it to lose a little sleep to experience the full story. Not only does Arcane maintain its tension throughout each installment of both seasons, but it also provides satisfying conclusions both times, proving to viewers that it was worth it to stick it out to the end.

I Totally Understand Why Henry Cavill Couldn't Put Down The Animated Series

The Air-Tight Story Never Flags In Pacing Or Excitement

Most Netflix original series are made to be binged, but Arcane in particular lends itself to consuming the episodes this way. With only nine installments in each season and well-balanced pacing that seamlessly flows from one episode to the next, once you start Arcane, it's impossible to stop. For viewers who started watching in 2021, when season 1 premiered, the wait for season 2 was excruciating. Fortunately, the writers and creators of Arcane ensured that this hiatus was well worth it, upping the intricacies of the lore and emotional payoff.

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The tension and stakes in Arcane get higher with every successive episode, and the underlying conflict and anguished love shared between Vi and Jinx propel the story's heart. Additionally, Arcane is one of the few series that perfectly balances a blend of both sci-fi and fantasy, appealing to audiences of all kinds. The development of lore also keeps us on the edge of our seats. As the way the magic works, and then Victor's connection to the titular arcane is layered, drawing us deeper into the narrative as it grows darker.

Arcane Is Easily Netflix's Best Animated Show Of All Time

Of All Netflix's Animated Shows, Arcane Is The Best

Netflix has produced some of the , which are as good as anime. However, Arcane has risen to the top for a variety of reasons. Though projects like Castlevania, Blood of Zeus, and Love, Death and Robots have all distinguished themselves within the genre, there's something about Arcane that instantly sets it apart. Carefully using the medium of animation to put the characters in vividly real yet fantastical situations and never letting character development falter in exchange for action, Arcane has all the makings of a series that will stand the test of time.

It's become a crossover success with fans who might not usually seek out video game adaptations.

Arcane has also made a splash in the cultural context. It's become a crossover success with fans who might not usually seek out video game adaptations. Already, the influence of Arcane on other video game TV shows and animation in general has been felt. As time progresses, it's likely that the already high esteem that critics and viewers hold for Arcane will grow. If Netflix produces the rumored spinoffs and additions to the canon, this will only cement the longevity of the series. It helps that Arcane is the kind of show that gets better with every watch.

Title

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Arcane (2021–2024)

100%

87%

Arcane TV series Poster

Your Rating

Arcane
Release Date
2021 - 2024-00-00
Showrunner
Christian Linke, Alex Yee
Directors
Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Writers
Christian Linke, Alex Yee
Franchise(s)
League of Legends