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Arcane

Arcane

The hunt is on.

2021–2024Ended2 seasons18 episodes~40 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all shows

Amid the stark discord of twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Arcane?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Arcane streaming on Netflix and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Arcane?

Arcane earns 6 badges, led by Top 1% of shows and Universally Loved.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Arcane worth watching?

Arcane's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all shows, from 492K ratings across 5 sources. 95% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of shows

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)99th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

89 /100

99th percentile of all shows

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2020s

Critics 86 · Audience 89

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

Approval

How many liked it

95% liked it

99th percentile of all shows

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2020s
95% rated it 7–105% rated it 1–6

Critics 100% · Audience 87%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

93rd percentile

489K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Animation94th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 21% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree Arcane is visually striking, ambitious animation with strong character work, but differs on whether its storytelling and pacing hold together.

Fans praised

  • visually stunning mixed 2D/3D animation with meticulous detail
  • deep, sympathetic character writing with earned arcs
  • immersive world-building that works for non-fans

Detractors panned

  • plot's internal rules and magic system feel under-defined, obscuring stakes
  • pacing lurches in season 2, undercutting emotional payoff
  • some character decisions feel forced or out of sync with established traits

What stands out

Cinematography95

groundbreaking blend of 2D/3D, painterly visuals, dynamic framing

Atmosphere88

rich steampunk-meets-magic world, immersive and tangible belief

Effects and spectacle88

stunning action set pieces and visual magic, though action stakes sometimes unclear

CharactersDivisive86

deep, motivated arcs praised; but some decisions called out as out-of-character

Emotional impactDivisive85

devastating, tearjerking moments, but rushed payoffs lessen for detractors

Sound and music85

soundtrack and score amplify narration, emotional beats; music-video style exposition

Plot and storyDivisive62

engaging, dense narrative polarizes; detractors see uneven logic and muddled rules

PacingDivisive55

season 1 binge-worthy; season 2 rushed for detractors, uneven for mixed

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Episodes

2 seasons

Season 2 · 2024 · 9 episodes · 8.0 average across 9 rated episodes

  • S2E1

    Heavy Is the Crown

    Nov 9, 202441 minTMDB rating 8.2
  • S2E2

    Watch It All Burn

    Nov 9, 202440 minTMDB rating 8.3
  • S2E3

    Finally Got the Name Right

    Nov 9, 202441 minTMDB rating 8.2
  • S2E4

    Paint the Town Blue

    Nov 16, 202440 minTMDB rating 8.1
  • S2E5

    Blisters and Bedrock

    Nov 16, 202443 minTMDB rating 8.1
  • S2E6

    The Message Hidden Within the Pattern

    Nov 16, 202440 minTMDB rating 8.4Season best

Watch experience

What is Arcane like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and intense — an even-paced watch that leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholicTriumphant
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Melodramatic · 9% of shows: Heightened emotion, played large.Epic · 3% of shows: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Multiple perspectives · 2% of shows: The same events retold from different characters' points of view.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.SerializedNew arc each season
ToneThe series treats its characters and conflicts with complete sincerity, never undercutting the emotional weight.
The rideThe series maintains high tension and melancholy throughout, with a volatile emotional register that swings between despair and triumph, peaking in its final season.
StructureThe story is told from the perspectives of multiple key characters across a linear, three-act structure.
Episode formatArcane tells a single continuous story across its two seasons, with each episode acting as a chapter in the overarching narrative.
Season formatSeason 1 establishes the conflict and the sisters' fracture; Season 2 picks up immediately, completing the arc with a new set of consequences and alliances.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
BittersweetHaunting · 9% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe emotional weight of the sisters' tragedy lingers, mixing sorrow with a glimmer of hope.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% (this title) · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Obsession: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).

4% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe series arc is a tragedy driven by obsession and clashing convictions, centered on the doomed bond between two sisters.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% (this title) · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% (this title) · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsTrauma · 5% of showsClass · 4% of shows
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe series is driven by the fractured bond between sisters Vi and Jinx, set against the trauma of their past and the class divide between Piltover and Zaun.
StanceThe series mourns the broken family bond at its heart while grimly observing the class divide that fuels the conflict.

The world

TimelessUrbanInstitutionalFantasy
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score · Alexandre Desplat
Settingthe twin cities of Piltover and Zaun—utopian topside vs. oppressed undercity
MusicA haunting, synth-infused orchestral score that mirrors the show's blend of fantasy and grit.

Content guide

Is Arcane okay for kids?

TV-14

Arcane is rated TV-14. As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (81/100), sexual content at moderate (46/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (49/100) and frightening material at intense (70/100). Overall it is heavier than 88% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 36 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland15
  • New Zealand16
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • ArgentinaSAM 16
  • Austria16
  • Belgium12
  • BG14
  • Czechia18+
  • FinlandK16
  • Greece16
  • Hungary16
  • IDD
  • IndiaA
  • LU12
  • MA16
  • MexicoB
  • MY18
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • Portugal16
  • PRTV-14
  • ROAP
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • Switzerland16
  • Türkiye13+
  • UA16+
  • VITV-14
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 72% of all showsHeavier than 88% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 92%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 68%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 73%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 77%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 85%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Arcane have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Arcane?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kevin Alejandro
as Jayce
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Hailee Steinfeld
as Vi
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ella Purnell
as Jinx
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Katie Leung
as Caitlyn
Harry Lloyd
as Viktor
Toks Olagundoye
as Mel Medarda
Terri Douglas
as Additional Voices
JB Blanc
as Vander
Jason Spisak
as Silco
Robin Atkin Downes
as Additional Voices
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

More like this

What are shows like Arcane?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Arcane include RWBY (2012), Ark: The Animated Series (2024) and Wynonna Earp (2016).

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