Arcanegets a lot of attention for its stunning and unique animation style, but there’s another aspect of the Netflix show that deserves just as much praise: its soundtrack.Arcanehas so many great musical momentsscattered throughout its two seasons, and most of the songs were created specifically for theLeague of Legendsseries.
With that in mind,it’s no surprise thatArcane’s best songs will forever be associated with the show. It’s difficult to find a bad track on the series' soundtrack, but the most memorable earworms accompany big moments for the story and its characters.
These typically make those scenes even more powerful, cementing them in viewers' minds. And as so many ofArcane’s songs are catchy, they’re likely to stay there long after the TV is turned off. Hearing them will transport viewers right back to some ofArcane’s greatest moments, reminding them why they love the series in the first place.
8"Enemy" By Imagine Dragons & JID
Arcane’s Opening Song
“Enemy” by Imagine Dragons and JID wasn’t created forArcane,but it’s probably the song most associated with the Netflix show. After all,both seasons ofArcaneused “Enemy” as the opening theme, running the credits while the chart-topping hit played. And “Enemy” is such a perfect pick forArcane’s opening, as its themes overlap with those of the story.
As its title suggests, “Enemy” sets a scene where no one can be trusted, somethingArcane’s characters can undoubtedly relate to. They’re all at odds with one another throughout the series, even those who should be on the same side. Jinx and Vi spend time as enemies, as do Ekko and Jinx and Vi and Cait. In a world likeArcane’s, it’s easy to see everyone else as an obstacle.
Fans of theLeague of Legendsshow will think back to it every time this song comes on the radio.
Arcane’s opening credits combine gorgeous imagery with “Enemy,” ensuring the entire delivery is memorable. If nothing else, fans of theLeague of Legendsshow will think back to it every time this song comes on the radio. It’s nearly impossible to separate the two now.
7"Dynasties And Dystopia" By Denzel Curry, Gizzle & Bren Joy
Arcane Season 1, Episode 7, “The Boy Savior”
Jinx vs. Ekko is one of the best action sequences inArcane,and the stunning animation during this fight has a lot to do with that. However, the song playing as it unfolds also elevates it to greatness.“Dynasties and Dystopia” is a banger, and the Netflix show uses it perfectly. Indeed, it’s impossible to hear this song afterward without thinking of episode 7’s showdown.
The visuals work with the song to make this one ofArcane’s most memorable scenes, flashing back and forth from Ekko and Power as children to their enmity as adults. This is one of the confrontations that drives home just what a masterpieceArcanereally is. “Dynasties and Dystopia” contributes to this moment’s success, and it’s easily one of the best song additions to season 1.
6"What Could Have Been" By Sting Featuring Ray Chen
Arcane Season 1, Episode 9, “The Monster You Created”
“What Could Have Been” closes outArcaneseason 1, tragically touching on a recurring theme of the series: the idea that things might have unfolded very differently if certain tragic events had been avoided. This is why the song plays as Jinx picks up a rocket launcher and aims it at the council, which has just decided to vote for peace with Zaun.
Sadly, this peace isn’t reached after Jinx’s attack, leaving viewers to wonder what would have happened if she hadn’t made this decision. There are also “what-ifs” regarding Vi’s relationship with Jinx that the finale drives home, as both are left with the sad realization that they’ve become totally different people — and perhaps can no longer support one another.
Hearing it again will transport viewers back to season 1’s pivotal final moments and the wait for season 2 that followed.
They’re able to work out their differences in season 2, butArcaneseason 1’s endingis sad, thoughtful, and perfectly in line with this song choice. It’s a great pick to wrap up the initial story, and hearing it again will transport viewers back to season 1’s pivotal final moments and the wait for season 2 that followed.
5"Isha’s Song" By Eason Chan
Arcane Season 2, Episode 6, “The Message Hidden Within The Pattern”
“Isha’s Song” isn’t oneArcanefans are likely to play on repeat on Spotify, but it will bring up one of the show’s saddest scenes if they do happen to hear it.Arcaneseason 2’s most devastating moment sees Isha sacrificing herself in the hopes of saving Jinx and everyone else from Warwick. It’s a shocking and powerful moment, managing to stand out against the show’s other big losses.
As Isha runs towards Warwick, she thinks back on her connection with Jinx and envisions them frolicking and having fun together, highlighting the closeness they develop throughout season 2. The song perfectly encapsulates the joy that comes from their bond, but it also creates a tense build-up to the tragic turn at the end of the sequence.
4"Ma Meilleure Ennemie" By Stromae & Pomme
Arcane Season 2, Episode 7, “Pretend Like It’s The First Time”
“Ma Meilleure Ennemie” went viralafterArcaneseason 2 dropped. Asit plays in the background of yet another iconic Jinx and Ekko scene, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. After Ekko gets transported to an alternate universe, he sees a version of reality where Powder never becomes Jinx.
In this version of reality, they’re together — andthey share a dance that proves another one ofArcane’s greatest sequences. The animation style is partly responsible for this scene being so memorable and beloved, and of course, the characters' dynamic is also partly to blame.
“Ma Meilleure Ennemie” has a unique sound that makes it difficult to forget.
The music choice deserves credit for the scene’s success as well, though, as “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” has a unique sound that makes it difficult to forget. It’s sure to be stuck in viewers' heads after watching Powder and Ekko’s dance in “Pretend Like It’s the First Time.” And it will forever be associated with their touching moment.
3"Fantastic" By King Princess
Arcane Season 2, Episode 8, “Killing Is A Cycle”
Vi and Cait’s relationship is a highlight ofArcane,and viewers were especially impressed by the handling of their sex scene in season 2.It’s not every day a series depicts a sapphic relationship with the care thatArcanedoes, and that transfers to Cait and Vi’s intimate moment in “Killing is a Cycle.”
When Cait and Vi rekindle their relationship, it’s to the sound of King Princess' “Fantastic,“which also went viral on the heels of season 2’s release. All over the internet, people were using “Fantastic” to reference Cait and Vi — and because of this, there’s little doubt that fans of the Netflix show will forever think of this scene when the song comes on.
2"The Line” By Twenty One Pilots
“Killing Is a Cycle,” the penultimate episode ofArcane, features two great songs — and the second plays at the very end of the installment.Twenty One Pilots' “The Line” is used to show Viktor completing his transformation into the Machine Herald, setting the stage for the finale’s big confrontation. Between the lyrics and the sound, it makes for the perfect backdrop.
“The Line” became one of the biggest hits afterArcaneseason 2, withTwenty One Pilots even performing the song at the 2024 Game Awards. Needless to say, fans of the video game adaptation are bound to associate “The Line” with the Netflix series for years to come.
1"Come Play” By Stray Kids, Young Miko, & Tom Morello
Arcane Season 2, Episode 9, “The Dirt Under Your Nails”
Jinx and Ekko certainly know how to make an entrance, and they prove as much duringtheArcaneseason 2 finale. Just as things are beginning to look dire for the characters standing against Ambessa, Jinx and Ekko show up with reinforcements. It’s a big moment, as it finally sees the people of Piltover and Zaun joining forces.
Jinx and Ekko’s arrival is marked by the song “Come Play” by Stray Kids, Young Miko, and Tom Morello — and it makes this moment even more epic. The excitement of hearing this tune will last beyond the show’s final episode. It’s another bop fromArcanethat will stick with viewers and keep them thinking about the series long after it’s finished.
