You’ve seen the search results. You’ve probably typed it into a search bar yourself, maybe after a few drinks or a long session on the Rift. But here is the thing: there isn’t actually a show called "Legend of Legends anime."
It’s Arcane.
Most people searching for a Legend of Legends anime are actually looking for the Peabody Award-winning Netflix series based on League of Legends. It’s a weird linguistic slip. We do it all the time with brands. We say "Nintendo" when we mean a Switch, or "Google" when we mean searching the web. In the case of Riot Games’ massive media push, the title Arcane is so distinct that it sometimes gets separated from the game title in people's brains, leading to the "Legend of Legends" mix-up.
The Confusion Behind the Legend of Legends Anime Label
Why does everyone get the name wrong? Honestly, it’s probably because League of Legends is a mouthful. If you aren't a "gamer" but you saw a cool clip of a blue-haired girl with a massive machine gun on TikTok, you’re going to search for the name of the game. Your brain shortcuts it.
League of Legends becomes "Legend of Legends."
But let’s be real. If Riot actually named a show League of Legends: The Animated Series, it would probably feel like one of those cheap 90s tie-ins meant to sell plastic toys. Instead, we got something that looks like a moving oil painting. Produced by Fortiche Production in Paris, the show took six years to make. That’s a long time. Like, "two entire presidencies" long.
The technical term for the style is a mix of 2D and 3D. They paint the backgrounds. Then they overlay 3D models but use 2D effects for things like smoke, fire, and explosions. It’s why it doesn't look like Toy Story or Frozen. It looks like someone spent a thousand hours on every single frame, which, as it turns out, they basically did.
Is it even an "Anime"?
This is where the gatekeeping gets intense.
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If you ask a purist, Arcane isn't an anime because it wasn't made in Japan. It’s French. But the influence is undeniable. The "Legend of Legends anime" tag exists because the Western world has started using "anime" as a shorthand for "serious animation for adults."
We’ve moved past the "cartoons are for kids" era. When people look for this show, they aren’t looking for Mickey Mouse. They want the visceral, bone-crunching, tear-jerking drama of Jinx and Vi. They want the political intrigue of Piltover. They want the stuff that makes you stare at a wall for twenty minutes after an episode ends.
What You’re Actually Looking For: The Lore
If you are hunting for information on the Legend of Legends anime, you’re likely trying to figure out if you need to play the game to understand the show.
The short answer? No.
The long answer? Absolutely not, and you might actually be happier if you don't. League of Legends the game is famously... intense. The community is salty. The learning curve is a vertical cliff. But the lore? The world-building? That stuff is gold. Riot Games has spent over a decade hiring some of the best writers in the industry to flesh out the world of Runeterra.
The Characters That Drive the Story
At the heart of what people call the Legend of Legends anime are two sisters: Vi and Powder (who becomes Jinx).
- Vi: She’s the brawler. Pink hair, huge gauntlets, lots of trauma.
- Jinx: She’s the chaos. Think Harley Quinn but with a more tragic backstory and better weapons.
The story isn't just about them hitting things, though. It’s about the divide between the rich "City of Progress" (Piltover) and the gritty, neon-soaked underground (Zaun). It’s basically a steampunk version of class warfare. You have characters like Jayce and Viktor—scientists who start with the best intentions and end up, well, in very different places.
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Viktor is a fan favorite for a reason. He’s the underdog. He’s brilliant, he’s dying, and he’s trying to use technology to save people. His arc in the show is arguably more compelling than the main sister duo. It’s a slow burn of ethics versus survival.
The Status of Season 2 and Beyond
The reason search volume for "Legend of Legends anime" spikes every few months is usually tied to news. Season 2 was a massive event. It concluded the "Piltover and Zaun" chapter of the story.
Riot has been very clear: Arcane as a specific story is done, but the world of Runeterra is just opening up.
Think of it like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but (hopefully) with a better track record for quality. They have an entire map of the world to explore. You’ve got the frozen wastes of the Freljord, the desert empire of Shurima, and the spooky, ghost-filled Shadow Isles.
If you finished the "Legend of Legends anime" and you’re wondering what’s next, you should look into the cinematic shorts Riot releases. They’re basically mini-episodes. "The Call" or "Awaken" are legendary in the animation community for their fidelity. They don't have the dialogue-heavy depth of Arcane, but they scratch that itch for high-quality fantasy action.
Common Misconceptions About the Show
People often get confused by the timeline.
The show is a prequel. If you go play the game right now, the characters are already in their "final forms." Jinx is already crazy. Vi is already a "cop" (Enforcer). The show gives you the "why."
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Another misconception is that it’s just for kids because it’s animated.
It’s not.
There is drug use, heavy violence, and some pretty dark psychological themes. It’s rated TV-14 or TV-MA depending on where you are in the world.
Why "Legend of Legends" is the Wrong Name but the Right Idea
Even though the name is technically wrong, the sentiment is right. It is a legend. It’s the first time a video game adaptation has truly transcended the medium to become a "prestige" TV show. Before this, we had the Super Mario movie from the 90s. We had Uwe Boll movies. We had a lot of garbage.
Arcane changed the math. It proved that if you give a talented studio enough time and money, you can make something that rivals Game of Thrones or Succession in terms of character complexity.
Actionable Steps for New Fans
If you’ve just discovered this world and you’re looking to dive deeper into what you think is the Legend of Legends anime, here is exactly what you should do:
1. Watch the "Bridging the Rift" Documentary
It’s on YouTube. It’s a five-part series that shows how they actually made the show. Even if you aren't into animation, seeing the struggle behind the scenes is fascinating. They almost canceled the show multiple times.
2. Check out the Universe Website
Riot has a dedicated site called "League of Legends Universe." It has interactive maps and short stories. If you liked the politics of Piltover, read the stories about Camille or Urgot. It adds layers to the world that the show couldn't fit in.
3. Explore Other Riot Games Media
You don't have to play the MOBA (the main game).
- Legends of Runeterra: A card game with incredible art and lore snippets.
- The Mageseeker: An indie-style action game about Sylas, a rebel mage.
- Ruined King: A turn-based RPG that explores the Shadow Isles.
4. Listen to the Soundtrack
The music is a character in itself. From Imagine Dragons to Woodkid and Sting, they didn't pull any punches. "The Playground" and "What Could Have Been" are essential listening for any fan of the series.
The "Legend of Legends anime" might be a misnomer, but the phenomenon it describes is very real. We are living in an era where the best stories aren't coming from original screenplays, but from the deep, decades-old wells of gaming lore. Whether you call it Arcane, League of Legends, or that "cool Netflix show," the quality remains the same. Stop worrying about the name and just go watch the masterpiece.