After the global success of Arcane, Riot Games proved that League of Legends characters can shine on screen. Netflix and Riot have an opportunity to expand the universe further, but the question remains: which champion deserves their own Netflix show?
League’s roster of over 160 champions offers a treasure trove of stories—tragic origins, epic rivalries, mystical journeys, and personal struggles. Some would thrive in gritty, serialized dramas, while others could star in comedic or adventurous spin-offs. In this article, we’ll break down champions across regions, explore story potential, and rank those best suited for a standalone Netflix adaptation.
Criteria for a Great Netflix Show Champion
Not every champion’s lore translates into binge-worthy television. The strongest contenders share:
- Rich Lore: Deep backstories and existing ties to Runeterra’s history.
- Character Growth Potential: A clear arc—whether redemption, vengeance, or discovery.
- Cultural Appeal: Themes that resonate with global audiences.
- World-Building Opportunities: Settings that expand beyond Summoner’s Rift.
- Adaptability: Flexibility for writers to add depth without breaking canon.
Top Champions Who Deserve Their Own Netflix Show
1. Jhin – The Virtuoso
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Premise: A chilling deep dive into the mind of Runeterra’s most infamous serial killer, following his twisted artistic murders and the investigators chasing him.
- Why Netflix Worthy: Dark, cinematic, and suspenseful, Jhin’s story could appeal to fans of Mindhunter or True Detective.
2. Yasuo & Yone – Brothers Torn Apart
- Genre: Samurai Drama / Fantasy
- Premise: Yasuo, falsely accused of killing his master, flees in disgrace—while Yone hunts him down, only to die and return as a spirit warrior.
- Why Netflix Worthy: Their sibling rivalry mixes tragedy, redemption, and spiritual themes—perfect for a character-driven show like The Last Samurai blended with Avatar: The Last Airbender.
3. Noxian Chronicles – Featuring Darius & Swain
- Genre: Political Thriller / War Epic
- Premise: Inside the ruthless empire of Noxus, power struggles unfold as generals like Darius clash with cunning masterminds like Swain.
- Why Netflix Worthy: Fans of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon would love Noxus’ intrigue, betrayals, and military campaigns.
4. Kindred – Death’s Eternal Hunters
- Genre: Supernatural Anthology
- Premise: Each episode follows Kindred visiting a different person on the brink of death, exploring themes of mortality, fate, and acceptance.
- Why Netflix Worthy: A hauntingly beautiful concept, similar to Love, Death & Robots with philosophical depth.
5. Ionia’s Defenders – Karma, Irelia, Shen
- Genre: Martial Arts Fantasy
- Premise: The spiritual land of Ionia resists invaders, blending themes of balance, inner conflict, and political tension.
- Why Netflix Worthy: Offers stunning visuals, philosophical undertones, and intense fight choreography.
6. Freljord Saga – Ashe, Sejuani, Lissandra
- Genre: Epic Fantasy
- Premise: A frozen civil war among the Freljord tribes, where destiny pits sisters against ancient gods and primal forces.
- Why Netflix Worthy: Fans of The Witcher and Vikings would be drawn to this icy struggle of survival and power.
7. Ekko – The Boy Who Shattered Time
- Genre: Sci-Fi / Coming-of-Age
- Premise: A young genius tinkers with time, learning lessons about destiny, friendship, and loss.
- Why Netflix Worthy: Building on Arcane’s foundation, an Ekko-focused spinoff would mix high-concept sci-fi with heart.
Other Strong Contenders
- Shen & Zed: Ninja rivalry full of betrayal and secret orders.
- Thresh: Horror series following his descent into darkness.
- Lucian & Senna: A supernatural action-romance against the Black Mist.
- Shurima’s Rise: Azir, Xerath, and Nasus in an ancient-civilization epic.
- Bilgewater Tales: Pirates, bounty hunters, and sea monsters—starring Miss Fortune and Gangplank.
Fan Poll: Who Would You Watch First?
If Netflix asked the community, here’s how the vote might look:
- Jhin – The Virtuoso
- Yasuo & Yone – Brotherhood
- Freljord Saga
- Ekko – Time Traveler
- Lucian & Senna – Shadows vs. Light
FAQs
Q: Didn’t Arcane already cover some of these stories?
A: Yes, but only Piltover & Zaun. Other regions like Noxus, Ionia, and Freljord are untouched.
Q: Would Riot actually approve darker themes like Jhin’s?
A: Possibly—Riot has already proven with Arcane that mature, nuanced storytelling works.
Q: Which champion show would appeal most to non-LoL fans?
A: Yasuo & Yone’s brotherhood drama or Noxus’ political intrigue, since they parallel real-world themes of loyalty and power.
Conclusion
So, which champion deserves their own Netflix show? While Arcane set the bar incredibly high, Runeterra’s lore is vast. From Jhin’s chilling artistry to Yasuo and Yone’s tragic brotherhood, multiple champions could shine in serialized storytelling.
The real answer may not be just one champion, but a collection of interconnected series exploring each region—eventually weaving into a Runeterra-wide cinematic universe.
One thing is certain: League of Legends has the lore, characters, and global fanbase to keep Netflix audiences hooked for years to come.
