The Best Western Animated Series on Netflix, Ranked

Summary

Netflix has a diverse selection of animated shows ranging from Greek mythology adaptations to modern video game-inspired series.
The Western animated shows on Netflix are largely targeted towards adult audiences, exploring dark themes and complex storylines.
The platform offers a wide range of animated content, from adaptations of video games like Castlevania to original shows like Krapopolis.

Offers an extensive variety of animated content, encompassing both films and series. This rich collection strikes a balanced blend of anime (originating from Japan) and animation produced by studios outside of Japan, often referred to as Western animation.

Netflix’s collection of Western animated series spans various genres extensively, yet Greek mythology retellings and video game adaptations currently make up a significant portion. Due to their mature content, these animations are primarily suited for older viewers; thus, it’s best to watch them after the kids have gone to bed.

7. Blood of Zeus

Ancient Greek Mythology With A Demonic Twist

The production, creation, and scriptwriting of this show hail from American creators, with the original dialogues being in English. However, the animation work is handled by Korean studios Mua Film and Hanho Heung-Up. Despite this international collaboration, the show can still be categorized as “Western,” and its themes are gaining widespread popularity at the moment.

In the imaginative tale “Blood of Zeus,” a blend of ancient Greek mythology is presented, focusing particularly on the conflicts between gods and Titans, and the turmoil stemming from Zeus’ romantic escapades and his offspring who were half-god, half-human. One such child, Heron, finds himself thrust into a fresh battle against the Titans, portrayed here as spectral beings and demonic entities, to fill the void left by his father.

6. Arcane

Steampunk Action With Unique Modern Visuals

A bold reinterpretation of the widely beloved MMO game titled Arcane has become one of Netflix’s most praised television series, particularly since the release of season 2. This captivating production hails from French studio Fortiche, featuring a distinctive animation style reminiscent of hand-drawn video games and is now available for streaming on Netflix.

The polished environment, music, and voice performances beautifully breathe life into the worlds of Piltover and its primary characters Violet and Powder. The story doesn’t flinch from grappling with intense personal tragedies or relevant social matters such as estrangement, loss, and class struggles.

5. Krapopolis

Yet Another Take On Ancient Greece

This cartoon series shares similarities with “Kaos” rather than “Blood of Zeus,” as it blends contemporary humor with ancient concepts. However, unlike “Kaos,” the setting for “Krapopolis” is imagined to be a mythological rendition of Ancient Greece instead of a modern-day one.

The series narrates an intriguing tale of a diverse group consisting of humans, creatures, and deities, who grapple with their tumultuous relationships, both personal and public. Their mission is to construct and manage an ancient Greek city-state, known as a “polis,” while avoiding causing harm to its citizens or each other.

4. The Cuphead Show!

An Adaptation Of The Popular Video Game

The Cuphead Show! is a screen interpretation of the challenging side-scrolling video game, maintaining the original characters, storylines, setting, and humor with a slapstick twist. The collaboration for animation and production was carried out by Canadian animators at Studio MDHR, American animators at Netflix Animation, and King Features Syndicate.

In the fictional world of Inkwell Isles, where the narrative unfolds, time seems to be perpetually stuck in the 1930s. This not only influences the distinctive art style but also shapes details such as appliances, clothing, and certain dialect used. The protagonist is none other than Cuphead, accompanied by his companion Mugman, who is easily swayed. Their escapades are inspired by the games’ lore and involve encounters with both adversaries and allies from the game series.

3. Twilight of the Gods

Dark Fantasy From The Mind Of Zack Snyder

The tale of “Twilight of the Gods” follows Norse folklore, offering elements typical in a Zack Snyder production – plenty of intense sexuality, excessive violence, and a powerful female protagonist. Unlike other mythologies rooted in the warm Mediterranean, this one unfolds against the icy landscapes of the Arctic circle.

In this tale, Sigrid, a valiant female figure, is the protagonist, determined to avenge her slain family, who were brutally murdered by a vindictive Thor. Born as a child of Jotunn, beings known for their extraordinary powers akin to giants, monsters, or deities, Sigrid possesses superhuman abilities. Her relentless thirst for revenge leads her to isolate herself from her companions and her betrothed. The conclusion of season one hints that her quest to Valhalla could be irreversible.

2. Blue Eye Samurai

The Art Of Motion Capture Has Come Of Age

This series, titled “Blue Eye Samurai,” is set during Japan’s Edo Era, and most of its primary characters are Japanese, which might lead one to believe it’s an anime. However, contrary to popular belief, this show was actually produced by the French studio Blue Spirit in collaboration with Netflix Animation, thereby making it a Western animated production.

The primary character, Mizu, is a woman of mixed heritage with striking blue eyes that reveal her ancestry. She’s an exceptional “onna-musha,” or female warrior. The story unfolds as she journeys across Japan in search of any white men who could potentially be her father figures. Her quest ends with exacting revenge on them by ending their lives.

1. Castlevania

Richard Armitage Leads A Stellar Cast

Surprisingly, the understated animated series “Castlevania” has revitalized the trend of video game adaptations following years of inactivity. The majority of the animation work was handled by studios such as Tiger Animation (Korea) and Mua Film, as well as several American studios.

James Callis and Richard Armitage flawlessly embody Alucard and Belmont respectively, as Callis reprises his role as the lethal Dhampir in this production. The dark fantasy genre was once a niche, but the apocalyptic backdrop of Wallachia has made it more accessible. Even antagonistic characters are portrayed with depth and charm. Many essential storylines and prominent characters are borrowed from different games within the series: “Castlevania: Curse of Darkness,” as well as others.

2025-01-27 10:37