In a year where video game adaptations are dominating both theaters and streaming, Netflix's Arcane is proving that great storytelling never goes out of style. Two years after its Season 2 finale aired in November 2024, the animated series based on League of Legends has climbed to the top of the Apple TV Store's Top 10 TV Shows chart in the United States, beating out classics like Miami Vice. This resurgence highlights the show's lasting impact and the growing appetite for high-quality video game adaptations.
2026 has been a landmark year for the genre, with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie smashing box office records and Mortal Kombat II earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike. But it's not just the big-screen adaptations that are thriving. Streaming platforms are also seeing major success with video game properties, from Fallout and The Last of Us to Secret Level and Knuckles. Yet Arcane remains a standout, having broken the so-called "video game adaptation curse" with its critical and commercial triumph.
Set in the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun, Arcane follows the story of two sisters, Vi (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), who are torn apart by a growing conflict. The series also explores the rise of Hextech, a revolutionary technology created by Jayce Talis (Kevin Alejandro) and Viktor (Harry Lloyd), which promises progress but also threatens to become a devastating weapon. With only 18 episodes across two seasons, the show packs an emotional and visual punch that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Critics have been unanimous in their praise. Arcane holds a perfect 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 87% audience rating. It has won multiple awards, including two Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program and Best Adaptation at The Game Awards 2022. It was also nominated for Best Animated Series on Television at the 2022 Saturn Awards. Nate Richard, reviewing Season 2, gave it an 8/10, calling it "a show that doesn't waste a second of time" and praising Jinx as a compelling character. He noted that the dense narrative might require a rewatch of Season 1, but the animation and emotional stakes make it worth the effort.
For those who haven't yet experienced Arcane, it's available to stream on Netflix. The show's continued success on VOD platforms like Apple TV suggests that even years after its release, it remains a must-watch for fans of fantasy and animation. If you're looking for more hidden gems, check out our list of Hidden Fantasy Gems: 5 Underrated Shows You Probably Missed.
As the streaming landscape evolves, Arcane stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful adaptation and original storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan of League of Legends or new to the world of Runeterra, this series offers a rich, immersive experience that continues to captivate audiences. For more binge-worthy recommendations, check out our May 15 Binge Guide: 3 Netflix Shows to Devour This Weekend.
With its stunning animation, complex characters, and award-winning narrative, Arcane has earned its place as one of the best fantasy series of the decade. It's no wonder that even in 2026, it's still crushing the competition.
