But thankfully, Arcane isn’t the only great animated show that’s available on Netflix, and it’s certainly not the only one directed toward adults. It may sometimes feel difficult to find new animated shows that aren’t overly childish or simplistic with their storytelling, which is exactly why Arcane felt like such a revelation with both of its boundary-pushing seasons. But other shows have achieved the same thing, and most importantly, some are available to watch right now while waiting for Arcane‘s many spin-off properties.
The Netflix Original Blue Eye Samurai Is The Perfect Follow-Up To Arcane
Netflix’s Other Prominent Adult Animated Show Also Has Great Potential
Blue Eye Samurai was released in 2023 and remains one of Netflix’s most slept-on series of all time. While the show has an excellent score with critics, gathering 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems like people aren’t discussing it as frequently as they should be. The animated series is set in Edo-period Japan and follows a young warrior who lives in disguise while plotting her revenge against those who stole everything from her. It’s a neat-cut story of vengeance and violence, brought alive by dynamic action scenes and soaring landscapes.
Blue Eye Samurai is the perfect companion show to Arcane because, while it’s made for the same audience and adheres to many of the same conventions, it’s a totally different story that’s rooted in an entirely separate genre. Where Arcane could firmly be described as a fantasy show, Blue Eye Samurai is a historical epic that draws its inspiration from real-life dynasties and traditions. Blue Eye Samurai also has a strong voice cast that helps the characters come to life in the same way as Arcane‘s most beloved figures.
Blue Eye Samurai & Arcane Both Show Netflix’s Willingness To Invest In Gorgeous Animation
The Visuals Play Huge Roles In Both Arcane & Blue Eye Samurai’s Stories
Adult animation has historically struggled to find a home on streaming, with many audiences neglecting to explore these rich worlds simply because they “look childish” or go against the storytelling style they’re familiar with. Arcane proved this mindset wrong, displaying just how immersive and powerful animation can be for mature stories, with Blue Eye Samurai taking a similar approach. Netflix may have a reputation for canceling shows too early, but the service is admittedly a great home for these projects that need more time to fully come into their own.
Netflix allows the long gaps between seasons when the animators need time to render these stunning works of art. Additionally, both Arcane and Blue Eye Samurai are hugely experimental shows that aren’t afraid to try new animation styles from time to time, giving audiences plenty of variety both in the storytelling and visuals. Both shows will frequently segue into different animation styles for certain sequences, which prevents them from feeling too stale or familiar and constantly keeps the audience on their toes.
Blue Eye Samurai & Arcane Still Both Showcase Compelling Character Arcs
The Writing In Blue Eye Samurai Rivals Arcane’s Best Moments
In addition to their stunning animation, both Blue Eye Samurai and Arcane showcase impeccable character work that allows audiences to connect with these figures and feel the emotion behind their stories. Arcane‘s writing speaks for itself: The show has developed a reputation as one of the best-written animated series ever, with characters like Jinx and Vi displaying some of the strongest arcs and most captivating journeys on television over the past few years. Arcane also masterfully entwines the personal stories with the political landscape of Piltover and Zaun, showing the responsibilities weighing down on the main characters.
Yet Blue Eye Samurai has several characters whose respective stories and adventures are just as fascinating to watch. Maya Erskine’s protagonist Mizu is the most obvious example, but Blue Eye Samurai‘s supporting cast is just as engaging. What clearly starts out as Mizu’s narrative quickly becomes a more ensemble-driven story of life in Edo Japanese society, and by the end of Blue Eye Samurai, each of these characters has shown their own strengths that make them standouts for the cast and rivals to the champions of Arcane.
