To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have. Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with. So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming Arcane. Each of the episodes explore a different style of animation with self-contained episodes. Some of these are comedic in tone, like one depicting yogurt taking over the world. Others really hone in on what makes Black Mirror so enthralling; underlying commentary about technology and our ever-digitalized world. If you’re in the mood for something bite-sized and sci-fi orientated, this one offers a good variety of different tales worth checking out. You can read our thoughts on Love, Death & Robots in our full season review here! At the heart of this one is Rycroft Philostrate who begins looking into a series of grisly murders. Along the way, he becomes entangled in the politics and issues of a working fairy called Vignette Stonemoss. Together, the pair set out to uncover what’s really going on. The series is brimming with imagination, full of detailed sets and some really impressive world building. The mystery elements are incorporated nicely into the story too, making for a really solid watch. You can read our thoughts on Carnival Row in our full season review here! The world here imagines that after death, humans go to either heaven or hell. Only, some people arrive at the Quindecim instead, a bar attended to by the mysterious white-haired Decim. This guy is an Arbiter; an emotionless puppet who judges human souls in the afterlife. With some intriguing ideas, Death Parade is a short but thought provoking series touching on a pretty compelling idea. This world paints a fantastical picture of dragons, magic and sword fighting, all encapsulated in a bitter war between Elves and Humans. The story picks up with the Kingdoms teetering on the edge of all-out war. At the center of this are three key characters who form the backbone of this story. Callum and his pet Glowtoad are joined by his brother and heir to the throne, Prince Ezran. Outcast elf Rayla rounds out the trio, a character who was actually sent to kill them both originally. Together they set out to complete a dangerous mission. With multiple seasons to get through, The Dragon Prince is and excellent fantasy series and well worth a watch. You can read our thoughts on The Dragon Prince in our full season reviews here!
Castlevania
Similarities – Great Characters & Videogame Adaptation
Based on the popular video game of the same name, Castlevania is one of those rare exceptions to the rule that all video game adaptations are inherently bad. In fact, Castlevania is not only a well written tale about vampires VS humans, it’s an incredibly endearing anime that just gets better and better as the seasons tick by. Season 3 in particular is excellent. The basic premise revolves around an enraged Dracula unleashing hordes of demonic, blood thirsty creatures onto the town of Wallachia. When he does, it’s up to anti-hero Belmont to stop them. This forms the crux of the first season (which spans for a disappointing 4 episodes) before branching out and becoming much more intriguing as the seasons tick by. If you’re in the mood for something involving deep characters and intriguing world building, this one is definitely worth checking out. You can read our thoughts on Castlevania in our full season reviews here!
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Similarities – Story & Characters
Avatar is a fantastic animation that’s a must-watch for kids and adults alike. The series itself revolves around a world divided into four elemental nations: The Northern and Southern Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. The Avatar uphold the balance between nations and up until the start of the first episode, everything seems to be peachy. That is, until the balance of power shifts. When the Fire Nation is invaded and the avatar disappears, we cut forward 100 years to find Katara and Sokka discovering the new Avatar, an airbender named Aang. What ensues from here is an unforgettable romp that brings out the very best in animated storytelling. The story revolves around a social game entitled “Magical Girl Raising project”, which secretly turns some of its players into genuine magic girls. When Nabuka city ends up with sixteen rather than eight magic-wielders, chaos ensues. Split across 12 episodes, this is a pretty simple but enthralling anime that’s well worth checking out.
Dorohedoro
Similarities – Different Realms & Rich/Poor Divide
Smartly written, tonally on-point and surprisingly funny, Dorohedoro is a really enjoyable anime. It manages to build an impressively realized world alongside an eclectic cast of characters. The story takes places in a fictional world separated by two distinct class-based areas. The Hole is a decrepit, run-down cesspool. It’s also full of poor mutated creatures who have been experimented on by magic users. These guys live in the idealistic realm occupied by Sorcerers. Suffering with amnesia and desperate to know what’s happened to him, Caiman sports a dinosaur head, an immunity to magic and an insatiable appetite for the truth. As he hunts down the Sorcerers one by one, his investigation coincides with En and The Family’s hunt for the “dinosaur-head killer” and a fabled sorcerer who can control time. You can read our thoughts on Dorohedoro in our full season review here!
Eighty-Six
86 is a new anime on this list but it’s no less enthralling and hard-hitting. The story centers on Richard Mayhew, a Scottish man living in London. When he encounters an injured girl called Door, he decides to help her. Only, he inexplicably ceases to exist on Earth and becomes real only to those in “London Below.” To give much more away about the story would be a disservice, but there’s certainly enough here that fans of Arcane will enjoy. The story centers on the Republic of San Magnolia, which is at war with its neighbouring country, the Empire of Giad. Both sides use unmanned drones to enact this war in a bid to cut down on casualties. Only, as we know in war there’s no such thing as no casualties. The central focus here is on Lena, who commands a squad of drones called the 86. Across the season, we follow her journey as she discovers the horrifying truth about war. The series does well with its run-time, centering on ideas of racism and what it means to be human. It’s a surprisingly thought provoking and poignant show, with plenty of food for thought. What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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