Movies

Before Arcane, Castlevania Was Netflix’s Best Dark Fantasy Show

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Remarkably, Arcane raised the bar for excellence in video game adaptations, swiftly earning its place among the greatest shows derived from games ever made. Over a span of two seasons, viewers found themselves drawn into the compelling narrative and captivating characters of Arcane, brought to life by a talented cast and visually stunning animation. Despite its brief 18-episode run, Arcane indelibly influenced the video game adaptation genre.

Not only “Arcane” has proven successful as a TV show adapted from a video game, but shows like “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,” “Fallout,” and “The Last of Us” have also contributed to this new trend. Before Netflix excelled with “Arcane,” however, another animated series based on a cherished game franchise arguably marked the best fantasy show that the streaming service ever produced – it was the gritty and violent “Castlevania.

4 Years Before Arcane, Castlevania Premiered On Netflix As A Dark Video Game Adaptation

Castlevania Was A Major Success For The Streamer

Four years prior to the debut of “Arcane”, Netflix attempted an animated adaptation of a popular video game series, and the first season of “Castlevania” was launched in July 2017. The show received widespread acclaim when it was released, earning both critical appreciation and fan adoration, as it faithfully adapted the source material that had been prevalent since 1986, the year the initial “Castlevania” game was introduced. From its inception, the series was intense, mirroring the violent, gory nature of the game franchise and fully exploiting its TV-MA rating.

Netflix’s “Castlevania” chronicles various characters like Trevor Belmont, Alucard, and Sypha Belnades, who unite in their quest to shield Wallachia from Dracula and his legion of monsters over the course of its four-season run. The last season of this acclaimed series was released on Netflix on May 13, 2021. Four years have passed since “Castlevania” concluded, yet it remains a benchmark for excellence when transforming video game franchises into television content.

Castlevania Masterfully Combined Lore From The Games With Original Storylines

Castlevania Pulled From Its Source Material To Create An Original Story

Similar to Arcane, Castlevania didn’t follow a literal adaptation of its origin, instead blending lore from multiple installments in the series while emphasizing original narratives. This allowed the show to transcend its Metroidvania gameplay style and weave an immersive storyline across its four seasons. In essence, it drew inspiration from numerous titles within the Castlevania game franchise, with Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night being among the most significant influences.

The debate on whether shows and movies should stick closely to video games, draw from various parts of their franchises, or even present an entirely new story within the same universe, like Fallout, has been ongoing. Just as with all adaptations, it’s crucial to determine what approach would serve the narrative the show or movie aims to convey best. The success of Castlevania can be attributed to its ability to avoid a restrictive structure that may not yield an effective adaptation while still preserving the overall ambiance and goodwill the series has cultivated over the years.

Castlevania And Arcane Helped Put An End To The “Video Game Adaptation Curse”

Castlevania And Arcane Are What Video Adaptations Should Strive To Be

Over a long period, many video game adaptations were generally viewed as poor, particularly within the context of film. However, fortunately, this perspective has evolved over time, with an increasing number of adaptations receiving positive critical reception and achieving box office or streaming success. Shows like Fallout and The Last of Us, for instance, demonstrated that live-action adaptations can be treated with respect while also being exceptional in their own rights. Meanwhile, animated adaptations are also gaining traction, especially within the realm of television.

These two productions, namely Castlevania and Arcane, played significant roles in breaking the long-standing “video game adaptation jinx” that had troubled the industry. By weaving their own narratives while staying faithful to the rich histories of their respective franchises, they demonstrated a level of respect for their audiences. These two works beautifully illustrate what successful video game adaptations should aspire to achieve.

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2025-06-03 00:48

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