Following ‘Arcane,’ Prestige Animation Has Become Netflix’s Secret Weapon Against Disney

In the streaming era, Netflix has discovered something Disney has largely overlooked. Animation doesn’t just have to be for kids, it can be high art, ambitious storytelling, and even a cultural moment. Ever since Arcane landed in 2021, Netflix has been positioning “prestige animation” as its secret weapon in the streaming game, becoming a rival to Disney’s long-standing dominance in the medium. Where Disney and Pixar continue to guard their image with colorful, family-friendly stories, Netflix has carved out a lane for more cinematic, adult-oriented projects that look as good as live-action prestige TV.