Overwatch: Ranking Every Cinematic Short (So Far)

The Overwatch cinematic shorts may single-handedly be responsible for half the purchases of the game itself, and even more so their extensive merchandise sales. They unite gamers and non-gamers alike with their above and beyond storytelling prowess, and have people wishing for films and TV series as much as more levels or characters in the game.

Though Overwatch itself may be enjoyable and endlessly playable, it's Blizzard's sense of animation design and storytelling that makes its property so compelling, with nothing emphasising that sense more than their cinematic shorts. At first created to get people excited for the game, Overwatch has since released multiple stories in short film form, often to accompany a new event or map, but largely to expand on their complex story and lore.

With each short showing levels of artistry that rival Pixar, the astounding levels of quality, storytelling and emotional depth shows real mastery of the storytelling and world-building. Here are all of Overwatch's cinematics released so far, ranked from "least great" (because none of them are even remotely bad) to truly amazing.

A stylish and deeply enjoyable piece, this ranks lowest on the list due to its lack of focus on its lead—fan-favourite hero, McCree. For all that fans were waiting for his animated debut, this cinematic seemed more interested in turning him into a vehicle for introducing other, less interesting characters.

Not to say it doesn't have its merits, however. The slick, stylish opening setting McCree up as the archetypal lone cowboy really sets the mood, along with its excellent soundtrack, and McCree's fight with his former friend Ashe and his former gang, Deadlock, was fun and well executed.

Even without giving McCree, the focus and backstory seen in the Retribution event cut scene, or his comic, Train Hopper, this short still showed what makes his character so compelling to fans, showing off his impressive abilities, cool ruthlessness, good humour, and inherently kindly spirit.

Ashe was a fun villain, though not nearly as threatening as Talon, and B.O.B. (Big Omnic Butler) was an adorable addition, rounding out Ashe's status as a playable character with something more unique than she presented alone.

All in all, while still being good, this short is on the low side of great. Still worth watching, though.