Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Why play video games this holiday season when you could tune into Netflix‘s new show Arcane? Or better yet: get two screens, play a little League of Legends while you also watch Arcane in the background. Or maybe we leave the multi-tasking feats to Vi and Jinx. The new series launched earlier this year, and, great news, a second season is already in the works. We can expect Season 2 of Arcane in 2022, but while you wait for new episodes, you’re probably hungry for more. Good thing we have seven shows all fans of Arcane will love.
Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell voice opposing sisters in the new video game adaptation that’ll knock your socks off. Not all video game adaptations can stick the landing as well as this one does, so League of Legends fans and newbies alike should get to watching. And after, we’ve got shows like Cowboy Bebop and Blood of Zeus lined up in the queue to watch.
Want more shows just like Arcane? From Hailee Steinfeld action to fellow animated series, here are some more recommendations after you finish the new Netflix series.
'Hawkeye'
Sub animated for action, based on a video game to based on a comic, and Hailee Steinfeld’s voice for her real self — and you’ve got Hawkeye, pretty much. The new MCU show is almost finished airing new episodes, and while it may not be the exact fit for any League of Legends diehards, it’ll surely be enough adventure to keep your spirits high. And, hey, Steinfeld keeps hold of her pinky-purple hair in a different way: it’s the main color her character wears in the show.
'Cowboy Bebop'
While we’re not saying you have to skip the Netflix adaptation of Cowboy Bebop, we’d recommend that all Arcane fans check out the OG instead. Why? It’s just so much better. And it’s animated! Following Spike Spiegel and his gang of bandits, the series is another wild trek into an unknown world of battling, technology, and corgis. It’s a real blast of a show, even if it isn’t based on a video game. If you’re only subscribed to Netflix, good news: you can watch the animated show there, or you can just opt for the new live action series instead. Who could say no to John Cho?
'Shadow and Bone'
Wars with twisted technology and strong heroines at the forefront of the battle? We’ll take 10, please. Shadow and Bone is similar to Arcane, in that way. If you loved Arcane for the strong female leads and the adventurous battles, you’re sure to enjoy the epic fight scenes of this fantasy series as well. The show takes place in the Grishaverse, which is originally a novel series by Leigh Bardugo. After a young soldier realizes she has a special power, she’ll have to learn how to harness all of her energy to take down the evil Shadow Fold.
'Invincible'
Invincible was another fine adult animated series 2021 had to offer. Taking place in a world where superheroes live an everyday life, the series centers in on Omni Man and his newly-powered son, Mark Grayson. The star-studded voice cast lent to an already amazing first season, with one of the biggest twists the entire year had to offer. Be careful: Invincible‘s finale (and the whole first season, in fact) will leave you shell-shocked. Families are at-odds in both Invincible and Arcane, and it can get a little hard to watch.
'What If...'
If you’re a Marvel fan who loved Arcane, check out What If… next. The series follows a handful of Marvel plot lines with one major twist: like, for example, what if Captain America was a woman? What if Black Panther and Star Lord were the same person? Etcetera. The animation is similar to Arcane in a way where the characters feel pretty dang real, but it’s still clearly animation, not live action. That’s art!
'Blood of Zeus'
Another Netflix animated hit, Blood of Zeus, is a great watch for all Arcane lovers. Following Greek mythology, the series chronicles the illegitimate son of Zeus, a young man unfortunately tasked with saving both heaven and earth. He’ll have to battle a vengeful goddess and her various monstrous forces if he wants to do so, though. Again, in this animated series, it’s truly a cautionary tale to beware of everyone you know — even your closest family members.
'The Witcher'
Ideally, we’d recommend The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, but that’s just a movie. Instead, we’ve got fellow fantasy series The Witcher, which is similar and airing new episodes very soon. Catch up now before Season 2 airs this December, because you’ve got a lot to learn about Geralt and the monsters he hunts. Afterwards, for a little animated kicker, tune in for the spinoff movie Nightmare of the Wolf, which similarly follows monster hunters as they team up and learn the true cost of their job.
