Scene from Arcane. Image courtesy of Netflix.
Here’s a directory of the top steampunk (or steampunk-related) animated TV series, based on ratings from users of the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
Arcane (2021–2024) — This Netflix series is inspired by League of Legends, the popular online video game. The story involves a rivalry between two city-states: The wealthy Piltover, where a technology called Hextech democratizes magic, and the seedier Zaun, where a drug turns humans into monsters.
Rotten Tomatoes scores: 100% (critics); 96% (audience). IMDb score: 9.1/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010) — A critically acclaimed anime adaptation of the popular steampunk manga series. It streams on Crunchyroll.
IMDb score: 9.1/10.
The Legend of Korra (2012–2014) — An animated sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, taking place 70 years after the events of the original series. The first season is set in a city inspired by the 1920s. It streams on Netflix and Paramount+.
IMDb score: 8.3/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
Last Exile (2003) — A Japanese animated TV series set in a fantasy world with airships and 19th century technology. It streams on Crunchyroll.
IMDb score: 7.8/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
The Case Study of Vanitas (2021–2022) — An anime TV series about vampires in 19th century Paris. It streams on Crunchyroll.
IMDb score: 7.6/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
Princess Principal (2017–) — A Japanese animated series set in a fantasy version of early 20th century Britain. It was loosely inspired by Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper. It streams on Hoopla, a service that's free to patrons of public libraries.
IMDb score: 7.6/10.
Disenchantment (2018–2023) — This animated comedy series from Matt Groening is set largely in a medieval fantasy kingdom called Dreamland. However, some episodes take place in Steamland, a steampunk-inspired city that represents the pinnacle of technological advancement in the show’s world. It streams on Netflix.
IMDb score: 7.2/10.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016) — An anime series about a battle against zombie-like creatures during the Industrial Revolution.
IMDb score: 7.2/10.
Unicorn: Warriors Eternal (2023) — Acclaimed producer/director Genndy Tartakovsky created this Adult Swim series about ancient heroes and a steam-powered robot who battle an evil force in 19th century London. It streams in the U.S. on Max.
Rotten Tomatoes scores: 100% (critics); 85% (audience). IMDb score: 7.2/10.
Links: Wikipedia | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes
Code: Realize − Guardian of Rebirth (2017) — This anime series was adapted from a steampunk-inspired video game. It includes characters from classic literature such as Abraham Van Helsing, Victor Frankenstein, and Arsène Lupin. It streams on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
IMDb score: 6.7/10.
Drifting Dragons (2020) — An adaptation of the manga about an airship crew that hunts dragons for food. The series streams on Netflix.
IMDb score: 6.1/10.
