Arcane has become one of the most popular animated series of recent years, not only because of its stunning animation style but also because of the enthralling story it tells. Arcane first made its debut in 2021 with its first season, and it finally concluded in 2024 with its second and final season. Throughout its run, Arcane stood out for the absolutely brilliant cinematography and direction, but the cast of characters that it featured, all of whom had interesting stories of their own to tell, made it the brilliant show that it is known to be. All that said, Arcane falls short in many aspects and there are many other anime out there that can be considered to be far better.
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Naruto is iconic, but some would argue that these series are superior.
One Piece
One Piece is the greatest manga series ever, having become the bestselling manga of all time. While One Piece’s manga is almost perfect, it also has a decent anime adaptation that has only been improving throughout the years.
One Piece is a series that often deals with heavy topics, such as oppression, just like Arcane. One Piece, however, has handled such topics a lot better throughout its run, such as with Wano or Fishman Island. It also has a lot better and more consistent story, with better characters.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a new hit anime series that made its grand debut in 2023. The series focuses on the adventure of an elf who outlives all her friends, and with time, teaches her the value of the bonds she forges, in the midst of a lot more. Fans immediately fell in love with this series, in big part thanks to its intriguing main character, Frieren.
Frieren has become one of the most iconic female leads in anime. The series has shown just how interesting a character she can be, both in writing and in action. Just like Arcane, it features a very exciting cast, but the characters are far better written overall.
The Apothecary Diaries
When it comes to anime series with great focus on its female characters, The Apothecary Diaries definitely comes to mind, just like Arcane. The Apothecary Diaries is quite recent, having started in 2023, but it has already taken Japan by storm, and even the world. The series focuses on the life of a young Apothecary living in the Imperial Palace and her day-to-day life.
The Apothecary Diaries’ Maomao has been a huge highlight with her wit and character writing. Maomao is just one of quite a few characters who have stood out in this anime. The Apothecary Diaries will be returning in 2026 with a third season and a new movie.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan has cemented itself as one of the best anime series ever. Fans were initially drawn in by the gruesome nature of the series, as human-eating Titans launch their assault on mankind. With time, the series transforms into a much deeper and layered series full of mysteries and intrigue.
While Attack on Titan, at first, is about humanity versus Titans, the story takes a different turn later on with Marley. Attack on Titan tackles some heavy topics concerning the people of Paradis and their conflict with the outside world.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist has made itself known as one of the greatest anime series of all time. For a while, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was even known as the highest rated series ever, a title it held strong for over a decade. Alchemy is at the core of the series, as two brothers try to bring back their mother with its powers without understanding the rules behind it.
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Even over a decade since its release, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remains a must-watch anime that offers a far more complex and richer story than Arcane. Many would say its story is flawless, and it’s all thanks to the incredible writing of creator Hiromu Arakawa.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena is one of the most acclaimed Shojo anime series ever. Its themes were definitely revolutionary for its time, and it remains one of the most iconic series in its genre.
Utena, the main character, is definitely a character that has stood the test of time and is loved even today. The complex character writing is what makes this series outstanding. Utena and Anthy are an iconic couple, and one of the greatest ever in Shojo.
Sailor Moon
When it comes to Shojo anime, almost everyone has heard of Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon is popular with girls all around the world, and primarily only focuses on its incredible female cast made up of the Sailor Guardians.
Far before Vi and Caitlyn Kiramman were even a thing, everybody had heard of the iconic romantic couple of Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. That aside, the story of Sailor Moon is far more iconic, so much so that even decades later, it stands up to some of the biggest anime and manga series of all time.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter X Hunter is a series that has faced many issues over the years, especially due to the author’s constant hiatuses, but despite that, it remains one of the most popular anime series ever.
While Arcane has an interesting concept, its story falls short, especially in Season 2. Meanwhile, Hunter x Hunter delivers a consistent brilliance with each arc, and it only gets better with each passing arc, which goes to show its amazing storytelling. Its Chimera Ant arc is especially known for stellar writing.
- Release Date
- 2021 - 2024
- Network
- Netflix
- Showrunner
- Christian Linke
- Directors
- Barth Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle Abgrall
- Writers
- Amanda Overton, Nick Luddington, Mollie Bickley St. John, Ben St. John, Giovanna Sarquis, Henry G.M. Jones
- Franchise(s)
- League of Legends
Cast
-
Hailee SteinfeldVi -
Ella PurnellJinx
WHERE TO WATCH
Arcane is an animated series developed by Alex Yee and Christian Linke that follows a the story of Piltover and Zaun, two pivotal locations in the League of Legends universe. The first season follows the stories of Jynx and Vi, as well as Jayce and Viktor.
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
