Movies

While Waiting for Netflix’s Best Animated Show, Watch This Epic 4-Season Fantasy Series

BBG News

Fans of the hit Netflix animated series “Blue Eye Samurai”, which premiered in 2023, have been eagerly waiting for a second season after its impressive first run of eight episodes. With its gripping storyline, stunning animation, and deep emotional depth, the show left an indelible mark on viewers. The announcement of a second season has only intensified anticipation, but unfortunately, a specific release date remains unannounced. This prolonged wait is particularly challenging given the series’ exceptional standard for Netflix animation.

Luckily, while anticipating the comeback of Netflix’s top-tier animated series, another captivating show on the platform shares similar elements. It’s ominous, it’s brutal, it boasts excellent writing, and combines intricate characters, adult themes, and stunning visuals. Similar to Blue Eye Samurai, it doesn’t patronize its viewers but acknowledges their intelligence. Interestingly, this series spans four seasons and has a significant fanbase of its own – the cult-favorite known as Castlevania. Fans of Blue Eye Samurai will find that Castlevania satisfies similar preferences, and there are multiple compelling reasons for this.

Blue Eye Samurai Is Netflix’s Best Ongoing Animated Show

An Epic Revenge Story Told Through Masterful Animation And Razor-Sharp Writing

The captivating aspect of the animated series “Blue Eye Samurai” isn’t merely its stunning animation or intricate fight sequences, it lies in the profound emotion attached to each sword stroke. Created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, “Blue Eye Samurai” blends historical fiction with a unique edge, creating an identity as fierce as its revenge storyline, which is on par with any high-end drama in live-action. The central character, Mizu (played by Maya Erskine), a biracial swordswoman living in Edo-period Japan, and her journey of vengeance has won over fans so much that they eagerly anticipate the series’ final episode.

The animated Netflix series boasts breathtaking visuals in each scene, but it’s the narrative that truly resonates deeply. Mizu isn’t merely battling for destruction; she’s engaged in a struggle to reclaim her identity, freedom, and humanness in a universe intent on obliterating her. Characters such as Taigen (Darren Barnet), Akemi (Brenda Song), and the deceitful Fowler (Kenneth Branagh) add layers and subtlety to the plotline, crafting a world that’s both harshly realistic and rich in emotion.

Enthusiasts and skeptics alike have showered Blue Eye Samurai with a landslide of appreciation. At Rotten Tomatoes, it currently boasts a 97% critics approval rating and an audience score of 93%, which is quite uncommon, particularly for an animated series on Netflix that isn’t afraid to be daring, graphic, and frankly mature. The fact that this show manages to tackle complex characters, political machinations, and themes such as vengeance and resilience makes it a rarity among animated shows, leaving a lasting impression even after the final credits have rolled.

Blue Eye Samurai Fans Will Love Castlevania

This Dark Fantasy Series Delivers The Same Level Of Grit, Bloodshed, And Emotional Depth

If Blue Eye Samurai left you yearning for more captivatingly intense storytelling, then Castlevania should be your next must-see choice. Originating from the renowned Konami video games, this Netflix animated series spanned four seasons between 2017 and 2021. It presents a comparable grown-up mix of visually striking violence, profound emotional depth, and characters who are morally ambiguous. The narrative core of Castlevania revolves around Trevor Belmont (played by Richard Armitage), a fallen monster hunter who joins forces with the sorceress Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso) and the half-vampire Alucard (James Callis) in their battle against Dracula himself (Graham McTavish).

Similar to the animated series “Blue Eye Samurai”, “Castlevania” doesn’t flinch from displaying intense violence, but it skillfully complements this with intricate character development and growth stories. Both series delve into the turmoil of being an outcast and the dangerous allure of revenge. Alucard’s narrative in particular echoes Mizu’s internal struggle, as he grapples with his allegiance between the monstrous world of his father and the humanity he is sworn to protect. Furthermore, “Castlevania” has a substantial philosophical foundation, often featuring discussions on morality, free will, and the repercussions of power among its characters.

The visuals are just as awe-inspiring. Although Castlevania veers towards gothic horror, the animation flows smoothly, the action sequences are dynamic, and the artistic design is detailed. Similarly to Blue Eye Samurai, it has been acclaimed for its storytelling, boasting a 94% critics score and an 89% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. For fans seeking an animated Netflix series with exceptional writing and a mature atmosphere, Castlevania serves as an almost ideal counterpart to Blue Eye Samurai.

Netflix’s Castlevania Universe Includes A Sequel That Is Just As Good

Castlevania: Nocturne Builds On The Legacy With New Heroes And A Bold New Story

After you’ve completed the four seasons of Castlevania, here’s some exciting news: The story doesn’t wrap up just yet! In 2023, Netflix broadened the universe with Castlevania: Nocturne, a spin-off series that moves the setting to 18th-century France during the emergence of the vampire messiah, Erzsebet Báthory. The show focuses on Richter Belmont (Edward Bluemel), a relative of Trevor, who teams up with a group of vampire hunters, revolutionaries, and magic users to thwart a catastrophic supernatural event.

In a fresh take, Castlevania: Nocturne skillfully balances respecting its roots while offering a new set of characters and atmosphere. Similar to how Blue Eye Samurai redefines the revenge genre, Nocturne breathes life into gothic fantasy with a groundbreaking twist. The character development remains engaging, featuring intriguing characters like the sorceress Annette (Thuso Mbedu) and the opera singer Edouard (Sydney James Harcourt), who enrich the narrative with unique voices and cultural dimensions. Additionally, Richter’s personal struggle between heritage and trauma presents the kind of internal turmoil that fans of Blue Eye Samurai will find familiar and captivating.

Much like its precursor, “Nocturne” doesn’t shy away from intense action and weighty topics. It’s stylish, politically relevant, and deeply moving – everything one could ask for in a top-notch animated Netflix series. With just one season out so far and more to come, “Castlevania: Nocturne” serves as an ideal transition between wrapping up “Castlevania” and waiting for the next installment of “Blue Eye Samurai”.

Read More

2025-06-05 13:48

Previous post MEXC’s Bold Fight: Say Goodbye to Scammy Pumps & Hello to Fair Launches! 🚀
Next post Emma Louise Connolly is admitted to hospital as she suffers ‘hardest few days of her life’ – four weeks after giving birth