Reasons why 'Arcane' is Netflix's most underrated series
If you haven't watched Arcane yet, it's time to pause whatever you're currently viewing and dive in. No joke. This stunning steampunk animation takes place in the shining city of Piltover and its struggling underbelly, Zaun, where the oppression faced by the city's most disadvantaged residents has pushed them to the edge of rebellion.
An intense drama centered on those entangled in the conflict, Arcane has already won an Emmy, and with a second season launching this week, it's the perfect moment for more people to start discussing it.
While Arcane is a spin-off of the multiplayer strategy game League of Legends, you don't need any prior knowledge of it—or video games in general—to appreciate the series. It stands on its own and explores overarching themes of class struggle, sacrifice, and the cost of advancement. Nevertheless, Arcane poses a challenging question: should the residents of Zaun, who endure poverty and illness from Piltover's toxic waste, accept their circumstances or take the risk of a violent uprising?
There isn't a straightforward answer, as Arcane excels in exploring these morally ambiguous territories. Characters with good intentions often commit terrible acts in their pursuit of what they believe is right, and even the show's most notorious villains present valid arguments. On that note…
Silco stands out as one of the most compelling villains we've encountered.
The profoundly intriguing antagonist of season one, Silco is a ruthless crime lord determined to liberate Zaun at any price. He employs horrific tactics to instigate what he refers to as "the base violence necessary for change," but as Arcane progresses, we see that his approach might genuinely be the only way to save Zaun—though there are limits he refuses to cross.
Chilling yet charismatic, brutal yet compassionate, Silco commands every scene he’s in—and like any great villain, he has a talent for delivering captivating monologues.
The animation is stunning.
From the constantly evolving art style of Love, Death + Robots to the delightful stop-motion of Pokémon Concierge, Netflix's animated series consistently impress with their visuals. Arcane, created by the French studio Fortiche, is no exception—each background is digitally hand-painted, giving every episode a beautifully gritty aesthetic.
This is just the beginning, as Arcane features numerous fight scenes that range from Spaghetti Western-inspired saloon brawls to artistic, emotionally charged confrontations. It also includes one of the most impressive animated battles we've ever witnessed—and while we won't give anything away, there's a compelling reason it won 'Best Animated Program' at the 2022 Emmys.
Enjoy the animation, but stay for the music.
Three years after its premiere, Arcane's soundtrack continues to attract an impressive 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify. This is largely due to the first season's fantastic lineup of original songs from artists like Denzel Curry, Pusha T, Imagine Dragons, and Sting, among others.
None of these collaborations feel forced, lackluster, or outside the artists' usual styles. Curry's "Dynasties And Dystopia" delivers the hard-hitting sound you'd expect from the Miami rapper, while Bones UK's "Dirty Little Animals" offers a wild and gritty glimpse into Zaun's nightlife. While we're eager to see how Arcane's narrative unfolds in season two, the prospect of another soundtrack like this is equally thrilling.
The performances are outstanding as well.
We've already mentioned Jason Spisak's haunting performance as Silco, but you'll likely recognize many of the actors featured in Arcane. Hailee Steinfeld (Hawkeye, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse) voices the streetwise fighter Vi, while her younger sister Jinx is portrayed by Ella Purnell from Fallout.
Both deliver powerful performances as siblings separated by Silco, and Katie Leung (Harry Potter) perfectly embodies the naive Piltover hero Caitlyn. Arcane is a tragedy that doesn't hold back, and it's the exceptional performances of each character that amplify the emotional impact of every heartbreak.
There's still a lot more to look forward to.
If you haven't finished the first season of Arcane yet, it's time to catch up—new episodes are set to premiere on November 9. With the shocking cliffhanger at the end of season one and numerous unresolved plotlines, you'll be eager for more. In fact, the latest teaser for season two hints at a grim fate for a beloved character.
Instead of feeling like a show that has reached its peak, Arcane appears to be just getting started as it races toward its final season. There are still many heroes and villains from League of Legends who could make an appearance, and some of the show's most significant characters have yet to fully develop. Is a happy ending on the horizon? Perhaps not—but we recommend getting up to speed with the first season so you can discover the outcome for yourself.
