Okay, I just binged Leviathan on Netflix, and my brain is still processing this incredible world. If you’ve finished the season and are left with that wait, what just happened? feeling, you’re not alone. This isn’t your typical anime; it’s a wild steampunk adventure that mixes history with biology and machinery in ways I’ve never seen before.
Consider this your complete guide to Leviathan Netflix explained. We’re going to break down everything: the story, the crazy world of Darwinists vs. Clankers, the characters, and that ending that has everyone talking. Let’s dive into this amazing Studio Orange production together!
What Is Leviathan?
Leviathan is Netflix’s major 2025 anime adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s bestselling steampunk novel series. Produced in a stunning collaboration between Studio Orange (the geniuses behind Land of the Lustrous and BEASTARS) and Qubic Pictures, it reimagines World War I in a world where Europe is divided between two technological philosophies: the biology-based Darwinists and the machine-focused Clankers.
The 12-episode season, released in full on July 10, 2025, follows two teenagers from opposite sides of the conflict: Alek, a fugitive Austrian prince, and Deryn, a Scottish girl disguised as a boy to serve in the British Air Service. Their paths collide aboard the Leviathan, a massive living whale-airship, launching an adventure that could change the course of the war.
If you want to see episode details, and streaming availability, the Netflix Leviathan Page is the best place to start. And for readers who want to explore the original novels that inspired the anime, Scott Westerfeld has a dedicated Leviathan Trilogy Page on his official website with book summaries, art, and background lore.
If you want to see the official trailer, here:
Leviathan Plot Summary
The anime adaptation condenses the events of the Leviathan novel, setting up major story arcs from across the trilogy. After his parents, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophieare assassinated, Alek becomes a target and must flee his own country under the protection of a small group of loyalists. Meanwhile, Deryn (posing as Dylan Sharp) fulfills her dream of joining the British Air Service but quickly finds herself aboard the Leviathan with responsibilities far beyond her expectations.
Their separate journeys converge after a catastrophic mid-season incident that forces the Leviathan into dangerous territory, where Alek’s Clanker group crosses paths with the Darwinist airship. Despite tension between both sides, survival becomes their shared mission as the threat of German forces closes in. The season builds toward a tense escape, shifting alliances, and the beginning of an unlikely friendship that transcends their political and technological differences.
Leviathan World Explained
The Steampunk Alternate WWI Setting
This isn’t the history we learned in school. Leviathan reimagines 1914 Europe as a continent divided by two competing technological ideologies. The assassination that triggered the real World War I still happens, but the war that follows is fought with fabricated beasts and towering war machines instead of tanks and biplanes.
Darwinists vs. Clankers (Biopunk vs. Mechanized Technology)
This is the core clash of the world:
Darwinists (Allied Powers)
Led by Britain, they use genetic engineering to create “fabricated” living creatures for transportation, combat, reconnaissance, you name it. Their technology is alive, breathes, and evolves.
Clankers (Central Powers)
Germany and Austria-Hungary rely on iron, gears, mechanics, and steam/diesel-powered walkers. Their world is one built on pistons, rivets, and industry.
Both sides view each other with equal suspicion:
- Darwinists think Clankers are crude and unnatural
- Clankers think Darwinists are literally playing God
This ideological divide shapes the entire world.
Fabricated Creatures & Beast Technology
The Darwinists’ “life chains” are one of the coolest parts of the Leviathan universe. They’ve engineered everything from message-lizards that relay spoken words to hydrogen-producing bacteria that keep airships afloat.
And then there’s the Leviathan itself, a giant fabricated whale ecosystem functioning as a living airship, complete with its own internal fauna, defense systems, and symbiotic species.
Machines, Airships & Clanker War Gear
On the Clanker side, we have towering, two-legged walkers that look like proto-mechs, steam-powered, weaponized, and designed for intimidation. Their armored vehicles dominate the ground, while massive zeppelins and steamcraft rule the skies.
The contrast between Darwinist biology and Clanker machinery is visually stunning and central to the story.
Political Tensions & Global Stakes
Beyond the tech war, this is still a story about empire, succession, and power. Alek’s secret claim to the Austro-Hungarian throne makes him a political threat, while the British Empire’s dependence on fabricated creatures leaves them vulnerable to sabotage and biological manipulation.
Main Characters Explained
Alek
The son of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Alek is a Clanker prince turned fugitive. He’s mechanically gifted and academically trained, but utterly unprepared for survival outside palace life. His journey from sheltered aristocrat to emerging leader forms one of the emotional pillars of the story.
Deryn/Dylan
A Scottish girl who disguises herself as a boy named “Dylan” to join the British Air Service. She’s daring, talented, and fiercely loyal, though constantly terrified that her secret will be exposed. Her dynamic with Alek provides humor, tension, and heart.
Dr. Barlow
A brilliant Darwinist scientist and diplomat traveling aboard the Leviathan. She safeguards mysterious cargo that hints at the future of fabricated species. Barlow often represents the ethical side of Darwinist science.
The Leviathan Crew
From the captain to the middies, the crew reflects the culture and innovation of Darwinist society. Their interactions with Alek and Deryn flesh out the day-to-day reality of life aboard a living ship.
Antagonists & Side Characters
The German forces serve as the primary external threat. Alek’s guardian Count Volger stands out as a strict mentor figure, cold on the outside, conflicted and protective on the inside.
Major Narrative Arcs (Spoiler-Free Overview)
Across its 12-episode run, the season is structured around four key narrative arcs that condense and adapt the first novel:
The Escape Arc (Episodes 1-3)
Alek flees Austria with his guardians after the assassination, while Deryn earns her place aboard the Leviathan.
The Storm & Crisis Arc (Episodes 4-6)
A major disaster damages the Leviathan, forcing it into neutral territory and setting up the encounter between Darwinists and Clankers.
The Alliance Arc (Episodes 7-9)
Circumstances push both sides to work together. Alek and Deryn’s relationship deepens, and Dr. Barlow’s cargo becomes increasingly important.
The Escape & Revelation Arc (Episodes 10-12)
The Leviathan attempts a bold escape, leading to revelations about fabricated creatures and decisions that shape the next chapter of the story.
Leviathan Netflix Explained: The Ending
What Happens in the Finale
The season ends with the Leviathan continuing its mission toward the Ottoman Empire region, a plot direction faithful to the novel. Alek chooses to stay with the crew rather than retreat to supposed safety, reflecting his shift toward independence.
Dr. Barlow’s mysterious eggs hatch into perspicacious lorises, intelligent fabricated animals used for communication and observation. They don’t literally “speak complex sentences,” but they mimic language with uncanny accuracy, a huge reveal that hints at evolving Darwinist biotechnology.
Deryn’s disguise remains intact, though the emotional stakes of her double life continue to rise as she grows closer to Alek.
Meaning of the Ending
The finale symbolizes the possibility of bridging ideological divides. Alek’s choice represents a rejection of rigid Clanker tradition, while the Leviathan crew’s trust shows the Darwinist world opening up.
The lorises, meanwhile, represent the unpredictable future of Darwinist science, creations that may be smarter and more capable than intended.
Differences From the Novel
The anime stays faithful to the source material’s tone and major events, with some differences:
- Condensed pacing due to 12-episode structure
- Enhanced action sequences to showcase Studio Orange’s animation
- More focus on secondary characters to fill ensemble moments
- Slight shifts in how quickly Alek and Deryn bond (to fit episodic storytelling)
What It Sets Up for Season 2
The finale sets the stage for the next leg of the journey: tensions in the Ottoman Empire, new Darwinist and Clanker technologies, and escalating risks around Deryn’s secret identity.
Themes & Symbolism Explained
At its heart, Leviathan is a story about finding common ground in a fractured world. It explores the weight of inherited legacy through Alek’s struggle with his royal destiny, while Deryn’s gender disguise powerfully challenges societal expectations to reveal the freedom of being judged by skill alone.
The core Darwinist vs. Clanker conflict mirrors our own debates on genetic engineering versus industrialization, all set against a backdrop of war and nationalism that refuses to paint either side as purely heroic or villainous.
Ultimately, it’s the friendship across divides between Alek and Deryn that embodies the series’ most hopeful theme: that our differences can become our greatest strengths.
Is Leviathan Faithful to the Novel?
Yes, extremely. The adaptation captures the heart of Westerfeld’s world while updating visuals and pacing for modern audiences. Some elements are streamlined or expanded, but the core story remains intact.
Should You Watch Leviathan?
Leviathan Netflix review verdict: Absolutely yes. Studio Orange delivers a visually stunning adaptation, blending organic animation with mechanical spectacle. The world-building is rich, the characters compelling, and the steampunk style is unlike anything else this year.
If there’s one critique, the pacing slows a bit in the midsection, but the payoff is rewarding. For fans of alternate history, creative world-building, and thoughtful adventure stories, Leviathan is a must-watch.
Leviathan Netflix explained, comes down to one big idea: our differences can become strengths if we’re willing to understand one another. With gorgeous animation and a story balancing epic stakes with intimate character growth, this adaptation stands tall as one of 2025’s most exciting anime releases.
Now we just wait (impatiently) for Season 2!
Is Leviathan on Netflix based on a book?
Yes, it’s based on the Leviathan novel trilogy by Scott Westerfeld.
Is Leviathan considered anime?
Yes, it’s animated by Studio Orange and Netflix categorizes it as anime.
Will Leviathan get a Season 2?
Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed yet, but the 12-episode first season clearly sets up future arcs from the novels.
What genre is Leviathan?
Steampunk, sci-fi, alternate history, and adventure.
Is the anime different from the novel?
Yes, the adaptation adjusts pacing and expands certain scenes but stays faithful overall.
What age rating is Leviathan?
Expected to fall around PG-13/TV-14 territory for war themes and action (ratings may vary by region).
How many episodes are in Leviathan Season 1?
The first season consists of 12 episodes, all available to stream on Netflix.
Who animated the Leviathan anime?
The series is a collaboration between the acclaimed studios Studio Orange (Land of the Lustrous, Beastars) and Qubic Pictures.
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