Arcane : Season 1

Total Score: 95/100

January 2, 2025

So, we just binged Arcane Season 1, and wow—what a ride. This isn’t your average animated series. It’s a full-on emotional rollercoaster that drags you headfirst into the gritty underbelly of Piltover and Zaun, two cities divided by power, class, and magic-infused technology called Hextech. At the heart of it all are two sisters, Vi and Powder, whose relationship fractures in ways that feel incredibly raw and real. Arcane is based on League of Legends, but you don’t need to know a thing about the game to get completely sucked in. The animation is breathtaking—seriously, every frame could be a painting. The story doesn’t hold your hand; it plunges you into a world that feels lived-in, chaotic, and bursting with personality. There's a constant tug-of-war between idealism and survival, progress and oppression, and it all unfolds through layered characters and compelling conflicts. It’s not just a show about heroes and villains—it’s about the messy, painful, and sometimes heartbreaking choices that shape people over time.

Plot Score: 9/10

Arcane thrives on its layered, unpredictable story. At its core, it’s a tale about family, betrayal, and the scars of the past. The divide between Piltover's elite and the struggling undercity of Zaun feels authentic and palpable, making every victory or loss feel like it carries weight. The show juggles multiple plotlines without losing focus, weaving character-driven moments seamlessly into the overarching conflict surrounding Hextech’s power. What sets the plot apart is its willingness to embrace moral ambiguity. There are no purely “good” or “evil” sides—just people trying to survive, protect what they love, or chase ambition. The twists hit hard because they stem from character decisions that feel earned, not forced. It’s rare to find storytelling this rich and immersive in animated form.

Characters Score: 10/10

The characters in Arcane are hands down some of the most compelling you’ll see in any show, animated or not. Vi and Powder (later known as Jinx) are the emotional anchors, and their dynamic is heart-wrenching. You can feel the love, resentment, and unspoken pain simmering beneath their interactions. Jinx’s descent into instability is handled with brutal honesty, making her one of the most tragic yet fascinating characters in recent memory. Supporting characters like Jayce, Caitlyn, Viktor, and Silco are just as fleshed out, each with their own motivations that drive the story forward.

Visuals Score: 10/10

Visually, Arcane is jaw-dropping. The unique blend of 2D hand-painted textures with 3D animation creates a stunningly vibrant yet gritty aesthetic. Every scene feels meticulously crafted, from the neon-drenched streets of Zaun to the polished halls of Piltover. Fight sequences are dynamic and fluid, yet they retain a grounded, weighty feel that makes each punch or explosion resonate.

Pacing Score: 8/10

Arcane takes its time building up the world and its characters, which pays off emotionally but might feel slow to some early on. The first three episodes are more about establishing the relationships between Vi, Powder, and their crew, while the stakes start ramping up significantly in the second arc. By the final few episodes, the pacing hits full throttle, delivering payoff after payoff. The show knows when to slow down for quieter, reflective moments and when to unleash absolute chaos.

Dialogue Score: 9/10

The dialogue feels natural and packed with emotional weight. Conversations between characters rarely feel like filler—they reveal backstory, inner conflict, or world-building. The way Vi and Jinx’s strained relationship plays out through their words (or lack of them) feels painfully real.

Music Score: 10/10

The soundtrack is phenomenal. From the haunting opening by Imagine Dragons to the atmospheric beats during key scenes, the music enhances the show’s emotional weight and tone. Each track feels perfectly curated to match the mood, whether it’s a high-octane fight or a quiet, tender moment between characters.

Emotional Influence Score: 10/10

Few shows hit as hard emotionally as Arcane. It’s not just the gut-punch moments (though there are plenty)—it’s the slow build-up of relationships and the inevitable cracks that form. Vi and Powder’s bond feels so genuine that watching it crumble hurts on a visceral level. Moments of loss, betrayal, and redemption feel earned and linger long after the credits roll. Even minor victories are bittersweet because they come at such a high cost. It’s the kind of show that sticks with you emotionally for days.

Direction Score: 9/10

The direction is tight and focused, with a clear vision that never wavers. Every scene feels purposeful, and the balance between action and character-driven moments is masterfully handled. The way certain shots linger just a little longer or frame characters in the midst of chaos tells a story without words.

Bingeability Score: 10/10

Once you start Arcane, it’s almost impossible to stop. The episodic structure, with clear arcs broken into three parts, makes it feel like watching three mini-movies in one season. Every episode leaves you on a cliffhanger or emotional high, demanding that you immediately dive into the next.

Overall Enjoyment Score: 10/10

There’s something special about Arcane. It’s rare to find a show that fires on all cylinders—story, characters, visuals, and emotional depth. It’s not just one of the best animated series in recent memory; it’s one of the best shows, period. Whether you’re a fan of League of Legends or just looking for a gripping, beautifully crafted story, Arcane delivers. It’s emotional, intense, and unforgettable.