Blizzard is known for ingenious cinematics. We show you the best cinematics that Warcraft has produced to date!
In its more than 25-year history, Warcraft has not only seen numerous games and expansions, but also created a lot of cinematics with impressive scenes that have remained in the memory of the players. We reviewed all the videos and in-game sequences and created a list. It’s time we bring you the best.
Note: The article originally dates from summer 2018 – we updated it again in March 2023.
6th place: Saurfang’s Mak’gora
While “Battle for Azeroth” doesn’t go down in history as WoW’s best expansion, it has given us some of the best cinematics ever. Particularly impressive is the story about Saurfang, who from the proud warrior first loses his honor in the Banshee’s false war and then tries to regain his honor. With a length of almost 25 minutes, “Saurfang’s Mak’gora” is the compilation of this story and an important part of Warcraft – and visually extremely mature.
“These warriors have conspired for you. Many will perish today.” – “Or maybe… just one.”
5th place: Warcraft III – end of the human campaign
Prince Arthas is still the central figure of the Warcraft universe for many players and this cinematic has contributed significantly to that. Arthas returns victorious from Northrend after hunting Mal’ganis and finding the runeblade Frostmourne.
In this sense: “What are you doing, my son?” – “Succeeding you, father!”
4th place: WoW: Legion – Varian’s Sacrifice
The beginning of the Legion expansion was marked by many casualties on both sides. Though the death of Vol’jin was sad, it falls short of the heroic sacrifice of the Stormwind King, who threw himself into the demonic armies to help his comrades escape.
“You will be remembered. The king who sacrificed everything – for nothing.”
3rd place: WoW: Legion – Ysera’s death
In Val’sharah, an area of Legion, players also had to be brave. It was there that the green dragon aspect Ysera was corrupted by the nightmare. The satyr Xavius made Ysera his servant and players were forced to fight her. Her passing is one of the most touching moments in Warcraft history.
2nd place: Warbringer: Jaina
Released ahead of Battle for Azeroth, Warbringer: Jaina has already become a fan favorite. The German translation in particular is praised and gives you goosebumps. Jaina travels back to the battlefield where her father Daelin died, singing a Kul Tiran folk song – warning of her.
“Trust ye not, daughter of the sea, beware of her.”
1st place: WoW: Wrath of the Lich King Intro
When Wrath of the Lich King was released, the introductory cinematic divided the gamer community. Many found it “too boring”, but over the years there has been more consensus on this. Hardly any video triggers more goosebumps in the players than the renewed meeting with Arthas. The letter read by his father, which describes the future of the Prince of Lordaeron – only very different than it came – still sends shivers down the spine of the players today.
“My son, on the day you were born even the forests of Lordaeron murmured the name…Arthas.”
Those were our top 6 cinematics from the Warcraft universe. Do you have another choice? What are your favorite Warcraft cinematics? Let us know in the comments!