Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Officially Loses to Netflix’s Best Animated Show of All Time

In the anime world, creating a hit is one thing, but keeping that magic alive across multiple seasons is a different battle altogether! Cyberpunk: Edgerunners made a huge impact with its explosive animation and heartbreaking story.

However, Netflix’s Arcane has built an even stronger critical record. According to Rotten Tomatoes, Arcane holds an overall 100% critics’ score (via Rotten Tomatoes), while Cyberpunk: Edgerunners sits at 90% (via Rotten Tomatoes). With the second season of Edgerunners receiving a more mixed response, the gap between these two animated hits has become harder to ignore.

Arcane Beats Cyberpunk: Edgerunners With Perfect 100% RT Scores

When we look at the numbers closely, they make the difference even more clear. Arcane has earned a perfect 100% critics’ score for both seasons, giving it an overall series score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. As of this writing, Season 1 received 30 critic reviews (via Rotten Tomatoes), while Season 2 received 35 (via Rotten Tomatoes). That means the show’s perfect record is backed by reviews of both seasons, rather than a single successful run.

The original Cyberpunk: Edgerunners also earned a perfect 100% critics’ score for its first season (via Rotten Tomatoes). However, its sequel has not enjoyed the same response. As of October 24, 2026, Season 2 holds an 80% critics’ score from 10 reviews (via Rotten Tomatoes), bringing the overall series score down to 90%. Its audience score for the new season stands at 62%, showing a more divided response from viewers as well.

The first season had a focus on the tragic tale of David Martinez, providing the audience with a well-defined emotional direction. In its sequel, the show tries to expand and incorporate more people into the story, leaving some characters not fully explored because of that. Despite amazing animation, not all scenes have the same emotional depth.

That is where Arcane has gained an advantage. Both seasons have maintained their perfect critics’ scores, even with the pressure of following a widely praised first season.

Why Arcane Remains Netflix’s Greatest Animated Series Till Now

Vi and Jinx from Arcane. | Credit: Netflix

Perfect reviews are impressive, but Arcane offers more than strong numbers. The greatest thing about the show is its ability to transform the rivalry of two cities into an intensely personal drama. Piltover is rich and powerful, and Zaun suffers from poverty and neglect. All of these factors contribute to the plot and create a very emotional storyline.

The rivalry becomes even more interesting thanks to the sisters Vi and Jinx. Their broken bond shows what happens when pain, loss, and guilt break down the family’s relationships. Neither Vi nor Jinx is a good or bad character, but both make mistakes and face their consequences. Their struggle feels personal even when the story expands into political conflict and large-scale battles.

The animation deserves equal credit. Fortiche blends 2D and 3D techniques to create a style that feels different from most other animated shows. The action scenes are spectacular, but the quieter moments often leave a stronger impression. A change in expression, a shift in colour, or a few seconds of silence can reveal what a character struggles to say.

More importantly, Arcane makes its visuals serve the story. Its biggest battles matter because viewers understand what the characters stand to lose. Season 2 expands the conflict while bringing the central story to a conclusion, giving the series a clear ending rather than relying on an endless cycle of cliffhangers.

And for now, Arcane has the stronger claim to Netflix’s greatest animated series. Its overall 100% critics’ score, two perfectly rated seasons, memorable characters, and emotional storytelling give it a convincing advantage. Edgerunners remains a standout anime, but Arcane has been more consistent in winning over critics. So, which Netflix animated series is your favourite? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.