Castlevania: Nocturne picks up where the original animated series left off, following Richter Belmont as he fights to keep his family’s legacy alive while a vampire ruler rises in power. The show is a sequel to the 2017–2021 animated series, created by Clive Bradley for Netflix, and it draws on the video game series of the same name by Konami, adapting the game Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (1993). It premiered on Netflix on September 28, 2023, and was renewed for a second season that began on January 16, 2025. The series follows Richter and his adoptive sister Maria Renard as they navigate the French Revolution, set in 1792, in the commune of Machecoul.
Trailer, via Netflix.
Richter Belmont Takes Center Stage
Edward Bluemel voices Richter Belmont, a descendant of previous protagonists Trevor and Sypha. He is the main character, a young vampire hunter tasked with stopping the rise of a god-like Vampire Messiah. His adoptive sister, Maria Renard, is voiced by Pixie Davies. Together they form the core of the show’s central alliance.
Thuso Mbedu voices Annette, and Aaron Neil voices Mizrak. Elarica Johnson voices Drolta Tzuentes. These characters help Richter and Maria as they move through the story’s conflict.
The Setting of the French Revolution
The show is set during the French Revolution, a period of sweeping change in France. The series uses this historical backdrop to frame its fantasy elements, mixing the real history of the time with the supernatural world of vampires and Belmont hunters. The commune of Machecoul serves as the primary location, giving the series a grounded starting point for its larger stakes.
“The series focuses on Richter Belmont, a descendant of previous protagonists Trevor and Sypha.”
Dark Fantasy and Adult Animation
The show is described as an adult animated dark fantasy action series. That description holds up across both seasons. The animation style leans into darkness and horror, with a tone that matches the source material’s grim subject matter. The show’s visual identity stays consistent across its sixteen episodes, even as the story moves through different locations and conflicts.
Critical Reception
Critics have generally praised the show as a worthy return to the world of its predecessor. Reviews have noted the show’s faithfulness to the source material while building on it with new characters and settings. The show’s success with critics reflects its strong foundation in established lore.
The Show’s Structure
The series runs two seasons, with a total of sixteen episodes. The first season premiered on September 28, 2023, and the second season followed on January 16, 2025. That timeline gives the show room to develop its characters and build toward its central conflict without rushing.
What Works
The show’s strengths rest on its characters and its adaptation of the source material. Richter Belmont carries the narrative with conviction, and his relationships with Maria, Annette, Mizrak and Drolta give the story emotional weight. The animation is consistently atmospheric, and the show’s handling of the French Revolution setting adds a layer of historical context that grounds its fantasy elements.
The show also benefits from its adaptation of Rondo of Blood, a game known for its dark tone and its focus on Richter Belmont’s story. Fans of the games will find familiar territory in the show’s approach to its characters and its world.
What Falls Short
Some viewers may find the pacing uneven across its sixteen episodes. The show covers a lot of ground in its two seasons, and some arcs feel rushed compared to others. The show’s darker tone may also push away viewers who prefer lighter fantasy fare.
Final Verdict
“Castlevania: Nocturne” succeeds as a worthy return to a beloved fantasy universe. Its characters are engaging, its adaptation of the source material is faithful, and its adult animation style fits the dark fantasy world it builds. The show’s two seasons offer a complete story arc that pays off its premise.
Key Facts Box
- Creator: Clive Bradley
- Network: Netflix
- Seasons: 2, totaling 16 episodes
- First episode: September 28, 2023
- Second season premiere: January 16, 2025
- Voice cast: Edward Bluemel (Richter Belmont), Thuso Mbedu (Annette), Pixie Davies (Maria Renard), Aaron Neil (Mizrak), Elarica Johnson (Drolta Tzuentes)
The show’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a solid entry in the franchise’s animated history.
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