You`ve likely heard of the incredibly popular animated series `Arcane`. This explosive adventure fantasy story is based on the universe of the game League of Legends. Here`s a selection of engaging animated series that share similarities with `Arcane` in terms of overall atmosphere, visual style, or characters. If you enjoyed `Arcane`, you`re sure to find something similar and just as interesting in this list.
DOTA: Dragon`s Blood
`DOTA: Dragon`s Blood` is an animated series based on the popular game Dota 2, produced by Netflix and animated by South Korean studio Studio Mir. Similar to `Arcane`, you can enjoy excellent soundtracks and dynamic combat scenes featuring 3D animation.
The plot introduces viewers to the world of Dota 2, where a brave knight named Davion encounters an ancient dragon. Miraculously surviving the battle, the dragon`s soul now resides within him. Davion must learn to control the fire-breathing monster`s power before it spirals out of control.
The main characters in `DOTA: Dragon`s Blood` journey through the world, seeking to understand themselves, the nature of good, and evil. Like the characters in `Arcane`, they face challenges of choice and self-discovery.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
The animated series `Cyberpunk: Edgerunners`, much like `Arcane`, captures attention with its unique and vibrant visual style. This anime is based on the video game Cyberpunk 2077 and transports viewers to the fictional future metropolis of Night City.
The story follows a young man named David Martinez who lives in poverty and must struggle for survival. To earn money, he becomes a mercenary and joins a crew. While some are desperate for basic necessities, others are swimming in wealth and fueling corruption.
In this anime, you`ll find references to the game (though familiarity with Cyberpunk 2077 is not required to watch the series) and witness many brutal action scenes. The characters live in the future and sport high-tech cybernetic implants, all of which is highly engaging. Furthermore, `Cyberpunk: Edgerunners`, like `Arcane`, addresses themes of social injustice and societal stratification.
Be a Hero X
If you loved `Arcane` for its stylish visuals and character design, then pay attention to the new Chinese-Japanese animated series `Be a Hero X`. The 3D graphics and facial rendering are very reminiscent of `Arcane`. Even the main character`s appearance and hairstyle might remind you of Viktor (though the new hero looks less weary). However, while the visual styles are similar, the plots are completely different.
`Be a Hero X` tells the story of a world where anyone can become a superhero by accumulating enough recognition and trust points. The more points they have, the stronger the hero and their abilities. Every two years, superheroes participate in a tournament to determine who will become the new absolute Hero X.
What awaits viewers? Dynamic action scenes combining 2D and 3D animation, a variety of visual styles and character designs, pleasant musical accompaniment, and unexpected plot twists. The characters themselves might seem very simple, and their feelings and desires naive or superficial, but their words and actions can be surprising and entertaining.
Avatar: The Legend of Korra
`Avatar: The Legend of Korra` is a continuation of the popular animated series from the 2000s, `Avatar: The Last Airbender`. Although Aang`s story is more widely known than Korra`s, the latter series feels closer to the atmosphere of `Arcane`, both in terms of political intrigue and romantic relationships within the story.
The plot takes place 70 years after the events of Aang`s story. We are introduced to the new Avatar, a waterbender named Korra. She masterfully controls her native element and has also learned fire and earthbending. To learn the final element, airbending, she travels to Republic City, home to the world`s only airbenders – descendants of the previous Avatar. The city was founded with the goal of uniting benders from different nations and non-benders, but reality proved less ideal. A mysterious organization calling themselves the Equalists calls upon non-benders to fight against benders. The world needs the Avatar more than ever, but Korra has not yet completed her training.
`The Legend of Korra` can be watched without prior knowledge of the original series, but for a deeper understanding, it`s recommended to watch `Avatar: The Last Airbender` first. Both works will immerse you in a captivating world of magic and battles, where you`ll also find room for humor, philosophical discussions, and self-discovery.
86 (Eighty-Six)
`86` is a fantasy action anime about battles to the death, social inequality, and injustice. Similar to `Arcane`, this series features 3D animation, stylish visuals, and intricate machinery. The main female protagonist personally reminds me of Caitlyn. Like the character from `Arcane`, she was born into an aristocratic family but rejects their lifestyle and values, striving to help ordinary people.
The plot centers on a long and bloody war between the Republic of San Magnolia and the Empire, though the news portrays it differently: claiming the fighting is done by unmanned machines, not people. However, inside these `drones` are young men and women. They are called the 86 and are considered lower-class citizens. Day after day, they pilot these `drones`, risking their lives for a republic that doesn`t even recognize them as human. Major Vladilena Milizé is assigned to lead the 86th squadron and monitor their combat missions; it is then that the girl from the capital truly understands the suffering of the young soldiers. But what can she do for them?
This anime will appeal to both mecha fans and those who enjoy heavy, dramatic stories. The series is steeped in pain, despair, and hopelessness, alongside hope that flickers and reignites. Like `Arcane`, the anime `86` explores themes of equality, freedom, the brutality of war, and its impact on people`s lives.
The Legend of Vox Machina
`The Legend of Vox Machina` is a fantasy story about the adventures of seven mercenaries seeking treasure and excitement. The series is set in the universe of the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, where players create characters, roleplay, and go on adventures with other seekers.
The plot follows a group of misfits calling themselves Vox Machina. They take on easy jobs, have fun, travel as they please, and cause chaos. One day, they decide to tackle a truly significant and worthwhile task: defeating a dragon. After completing this mission, they find themselves entangled in greater troubles. Now, the heroes must protect the kingdom from the forces of evil.
Similar to `Arcane`, this series offers plenty of action and adventure. The heroes are often cheerful and frequently crack absurd jokes even when facing danger.
Dorohedoro
The explosive anime `Dorohedoro` is a blend of absurdity, brutality, and action. Oh, and some quite peculiar comedic scenes. Like `Arcane`, it features a memorable visual style, 3D graphics, and wild, eccentric characters.
The series takes place in a grim and eerie location known as `The Hole`. Here, amidst dirt and ruin, suffering from hunger and poverty, live tormented and exhausted people. They are all victims of cruel experiments conducted by sorcerers. One day, a resident of The Hole named Nikaido finds the body of another test subject. His head has been transformed into a reptilian snout, and his mind is so damaged he doesn`t even remember his own name. Together with other residents of The Hole, he decides to challenge the sorcerers and put an end to their rule.
The main characters of `Dorohedoro`, like the characters from Zaun in `Arcane`, live in poverty and endure humiliation from the privileged. They fight for freedom, the right to breathe clean air, and the chance to live a full life.
Castlevania
`Castlevania` is an American fantasy series based on the game Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. The story is set in the Middle Ages, introducing viewers to witchcraft superstitions, vampires, and witch hunts.
The plot begins when a simple woman named Lisa approaches the powerful vampire Vlad Tepes (Dracula), seeking valuable knowledge to become a doctor in the future. Dracula falls in love with her, but the church declares her a witch and burns her at the stake. The enraged vampire seeks vengeance and declares war on humanity. Tepes sends an army of monsters against the town, but a brave hero emerges, ready to challenge the vampire.
In `Castlevania`, similar to `Arcane`, themes of good and evil are explored, where one can blur into the other without clear-cut answers. The series features numerous spectacular action scenes and brutal battles. Characters hate, seek revenge, yearn for retribution, and strive for justice, but each has their own definition of it.
Finley Holt