Netflix’s 94% RT Gothic Fantasy Is One of Streaming’s Greatest Video Game Adaptations

Video game adaptations are becoming more common, with The Last of Us, Fallout, and Arcane among the most notable examples in recent years. However, one stellar adaptation preceded all of those shows when it premiered in 2017. Netflix's epic animated series, Castlevania, is based on the 1989 video game Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, but it incorporates elements from other games in the series. This places the show at the early end of the trend, and yet, even without many examples to learn from, Castlevania became one of the best video game adaptations, averaging a 94% on the Tomatometer over its four seasons.

Castlevania explores a dark world full of vampires, monsters, and every medieval danger you can imagine, giving the story's heroes more than one difficult struggle to conquer. Not only is it an unforgettable show, but it also perfectly uses the game's best elements to bolster the narrative. With one sequel series already released and plenty of games left to adapt, the universe can only grow from here.

What Is 'Castlevania' About?

Castlevania explores a medieval version of Europe with a supernatural twist. In this universe, vampires are not only real, but one particularly powerful vampire is determined to wipe out humanity. After his human wife is accused of witchcraft and burned, Vlad Dracula Tepes (Graham McTavish) vows revenge, but an unlikely trio comes together to stop him. A vengeful being causing destruction isn't exactly an unheard-of concept, but what makes Castlevania stand out is its heroes, starting with Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage). As the lone survivor of a disgraced family of monster hunters, Trevor's cynical nature comically contrasts with his unexpected companion, Sypha (Alejandra Reynoso), a powerful yet naive magic user.

Trevor's reluctant promise to protect Sypha draws him into the greater conflict, and there's no escaping it. The trio is rounded out by Alucard (James Callis), Dracula's own half-human son, who chooses to work against him. The three face countless challenges as they fight monsters, face down Dracula's army, and wrestle with their pasts, giving the series both action and emotional weight. While the series takes its story from the game, alongside some creative liberties, it stands out as an adaptation for its perfectly translated Gothic atmosphere and fight scenes.

'Castlevania's Impeccable World Building Set Up a Long-Running Franchise

Castlevania introduces a vast world full of monsters, magic, and religious conflict, weaving together medieval elements and occult lore to create a dark yet thrilling story. Yet, there is much more going on than ever appears on-screen. By exploring the magic system and hierarchy within vampire society, the entire series feels like a mere drop in the bucket of a more complex world, and that's exactly what it should be.

In fact, Castlevania is only the beginning as the franchise returned by popular demand. A spin-off, Castlevania: Nocturne, explores the same world hundreds of years later with a Belmont descendant as the lead, offering a look at how the world has progressed. If the games are anything to go by, there are plenty more stories that could appear on TV if the franchise is allowed to keep growing. With fans returning to the world even after the original series ended, it's clear that Castlevania remains one of the best video game adaptations, even as the superlative itself grows even more competitive.

Release Date 2017 - 2021-00-00

Showrunner Warren Ellis

Writers Warren Ellis

Franchise(s) Castlevania