All 18 Episodes Of Netflix's Best Fantasy Series Deliver Peak Animation

Published Nov 6, 2026, 7:46 PM EST

Ben is a Senior Writer on the New TV team at Screen Rant. He graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a First Class B.A. Degree in English Literature and History.

Born and raised in Ireland, Ben has always had a love for storytelling in all forms of media and operates multiple projects under the name Benjamin Blogs. Ben is a comic book writer and podcast host, in addition to his work as an entertainment journalist. He has worked as both a writer and editor for Screen Rant, Collider, and other media outlets across various departments, including features, news, reviews, and interviews.

Netflix has asserted itself as a serious competitor across a variety of genres, but their best fantasy series stands out for a number of reasons. Fantasy is a genre that is particularly challenging to get right. And while a handful of movies have managed to leave a lasting mark in the space, it's proven even more difficult to adapt these stories for the small screen.

That being said, when Netflix began distributing Riot Games' video game adapted animated series, Arcane, in 2021, it was clear from the start that this show was breaking the mold. From the wonderfully rich creative storytelling of co-creators Christian Linke and Alex Yee, which took characters from the popular game League of Legends and gave them new life, to the arresting animation style that hooked audiences from the start, Arcane was different.

But more than that, Arcane managed to gain a cult following across just two seasons, with the story unfolding in a way that is nothing short of perfect for the format, characters, and the fantasy setting in a TV series.

Arcane Is An Unrivaled Animated Fantasy Series

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As noted above, fantasy is a tough genre to get right. With the presence of magic, monsters, and plenty of supernatural elements that transport audiences from the ordinary world into something altogether more mystical, fantasy shows need to balance elements that exist in pure fantasy with more grounded characters, emotions, and arcs that keep viewers on the hook.

So, when Arcane delivered an absolutely breathtaking animation style, it was no wonder that these unique visuals helped to set the tone and serve as an initial incentive for those watching to stick around. But beyond the polish on the surface of the show, Arcane manages to create remarkable tension and excitement as it builds out the world where sisters, Vi and Jinx, find themselves on the opposite sides of a major conflict.

The distinct nature of the twin cities, Piltover and Zaun provide the backdrop for a thrilling narrative where worlds collide, and the creatives behind Arcane masterfully manage to break the usual curse of video game adaptations with what is easily one of the best offerings in its class.

Arcane Delivered A Complete Narrative Across 18 Episodes

With the domination of streaming in the TV space, it's become incredibly common for shows to have extensive gaps between seasons, and Arcane is no exception. Despite the series debuting in 2021, season 2 did not land on Netflix until 2024, three years after the show premiered. However, despite the gap, Arcane did manage to do something most other streaming shows fail to do, and that is deliver a satisfying conclusion.

Rather than overstay its welcome, or aimlessly try to bloat the narrative to give themselves the possibility of another season or two, Arcane churned out a spectacular story over 18 episodes, or two seasons, and then it stopped. Yes, this could have partially been down to the increasingly busy schedules of the leading ladies, Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell, both of whom had their careers on a significant upward trajectory, but it also just made sense to keep the narrative tight.

Unfortunately, for many shows, both inside the fantasy genre and beyond, there is a tendency to keep pushing for more seasons without a clear plan. But, when it comes to fantasy in particular, it is vital to have a well-thought-out plan for the narrative to follow. Without a foundation, these stories could meander and wind up becoming a much weaker offering due to a lack of clear direction.

Arcane managed to avoid fatal flaws that plague peers in the fantasy space, while also delivering a stunning visual experience, and an emotionally charged narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. All of this happens across 18 episodes, before the series bows out and neatly resolves the central thesis. As such, Arcane deserves its place as the best fantasy show on Netflix to date.