The 20 Best Fantasy TV Shows of All Time

Fantasy television transports viewers to realms of magic, mythical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. These shows allow us to escape our everyday lives and immerse ourselves in worlds where the impossible becomes possible. From sprawling epics with intricate world-building to more intimate stories of magic in the modern world, the fantasy genre on television offers a vast and diverse landscape for storytelling. It’s a genre that sparks the imagination and allows for the exploration of complex themes through a magical lens.

The enduring appeal of fantasy lies in its ability to blend the fantastical with relatable human experiences. Characters may wield swords or cast spells, but their struggles with love, loss, duty, and identity are universal. The best fantasy series create rich, detailed worlds that feel lived-in and authentic, populated by characters we can root for, cry with, and celebrate. Whether it’s a high-stakes quest to save the world or a personal journey of discovery, these shows capture our hearts and minds, leaving a lasting impact long after the final credits roll.

Game of Thrones (2011)

Based on George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels, Game of Thrones is set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. The series chronicles the violent power struggles among noble families for control of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. It weaves together multiple plotlines involving political intrigue, civil war, and the looming threat of a supernatural enemy from the north.

The show became a cultural phenomenon due to its complex, morally ambiguous characters and its willingness to kill off major figures unexpectedly. It redefined the scope of what was possible for a fantasy series on television, with its high production values, breathtaking set pieces, and a narrative that seamlessly blended realistic political drama with high-fantasy elements like dragons and ice zombies.

Stranger Things (2016)

In the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s, the mysterious disappearance of a young boy named Will Byers sets off a chain of supernatural events. His friends, mother, and the local police chief are drawn into a world of secret government experiments, terrifying creatures from another dimension, and a mysterious girl with psychokinetic powers named Eleven.

Stranger Things is a love letter to 1980s pop culture, blending elements of science fiction and horror with a coming-of-age story. The show’s success lies in its compelling mystery, its nostalgic setting, and the strong bond between its young, charismatic cast. It masterfully balances heartfelt moments of friendship and family with suspenseful and scary encounters with the supernatural.

The Witcher (2019)

Based on the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter for hire. In a medieval-inspired world known as the Continent, his destiny becomes intertwined with that of a powerful sorceress and a young princess with a dangerous secret. The series explores a world where humans are often more wicked than the beasts they fear.

The show is known for its gritty realism, complex lore, and visually impressive action sequences. It captures the dark and mature tone of the source material, presenting a world filled with political strife and moral ambiguity. The intricate world-building and the compelling performances of its lead actors have made it a popular fantasy series.

Arcane (2021)

Set in the world of the League of Legends video game, Arcane tells the origin story of two iconic champions, sisters Vi and Jinx. It explores the deep-seated conflict between the wealthy, utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed, grimy undercity of Zaun. The sisters find themselves on opposing sides of a brewing war fueled by magic, technology, and clashing ideologies.

Arcane has been praised for its stunning and unique animation style, which blends 2D and 3D elements to create a visually rich world. The series is celebrated for its emotionally complex characters, mature storytelling, and its ability to be accessible to viewers unfamiliar with the game. It tells a powerful story of family, betrayal, and the consequences of a divided society.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)

In a world divided into four nations corresponding to the four elements, certain individuals known as “benders” can manipulate their native element. The Avatar is the only one capable of mastering all four elements, tasked with maintaining balance in the world. The series follows Aang, the long-lost Avatar, as he and his friends work to end the Fire Nation’s century-long war against the other nations.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is lauded for its intricate world-building, which draws from various Asian cultures and philosophies. It skillfully combines epic adventure and humor with mature themes of war, genocide, and imperialism. The series is beloved for its well-developed characters, their compelling emotional journeys, and its sophisticated storytelling that appeals to both children and adults.

The Sandman (2022)

Based on the acclaimed comic book series by Neil Gaiman, The Sandman follows Morpheus, the personification of dreams. After being held captive for over a century by a mortal occultist, Dream escapes and sets out on a journey to restore order to his realm, the Dreaming. His quest leads him to interact with other powerful entities, mortals, and figures from myth and legend.

The series is celebrated for its faithful adaptation of the source material, capturing its dark, lyrical, and imaginative tone. It features stunning visuals and a narrative that thoughtfully explores themes of destiny, change, and the power of stories. The show successfully brings the complex and fantastical world of the comics to life for a new generation.

Good Omens (2019)

Based on the novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, Good Omens follows the long-standing friendship between the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley. Having grown fond of their lives on Earth, the two team up to prevent the coming of the Antichrist and the final battle between Heaven and Hell. Their efforts are complicated by a mix-up at the hospital where the Antichrist was meant to be delivered.

The show is praised for its witty humor, clever writing, and the charming chemistry between its lead actors. It playfully satirizes religious and apocalyptic tropes while telling a heartfelt story about friendship, free will, and the nature of good and evil. The series captures the unique and beloved tone of the original novel.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)

Buffy Summers is a teenage girl who learns it is her destiny to be the “Slayer,” a chosen one who battles vampires, demons, and other forces of darkness. Moving to the small town of Sunnydale, which happens to be situated on a Hellmouth, Buffy and her group of loyal friends, the “Scooby Gang,” face the challenges of high school while fighting to save the world.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is iconic for its clever blend of teen drama, horror, and comedy, all wrapped in a larger allegorical package where high school is literally hell. The show was groundbreaking for its strong female protagonist and its witty dialogue. It had a significant impact on television, influencing many series that followed with its long-form narrative arcs and character development.

House of the Dragon (2022)

A prequel to Game of Thrones, this series is set about 200 years before the events of the original show and focuses on the history of House Targaryen. It chronicles the events leading up to the “Dance of the Dragons,” a brutal civil war of succession fought between two rival factions of the Targaryen family for control of the Iron Throne.

The show has been commended for recapturing the spirit of its predecessor with its focus on political intrigue, complex family dynamics, and large-scale spectacle. It delves deep into the lore of Westeros, offering a compelling look at the height of the Targaryen dynasty and the dragons that made them powerful. The series thrives on its strong performances and morally gray characters.

His Dark Materials (2019)

Based on Philip Pullman’s novel series of the same name, the story follows a young orphan named Lyra Belacqua who lives in a parallel universe where a part of a person’s soul resides outside their body in the form of an animal companion called a “dæmon.” When her friend is kidnapped, Lyra embarks on a dangerous journey that uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and a mysterious substance called Dust.

The series is a faithful adaptation of the beloved books, praised for its ambitious scope and impressive visual effects. It successfully brings the complex world and its theological and philosophical themes to the screen. The show is anchored by strong performances, particularly from its young lead, as it explores a story of adventure, rebellion, and the loss of innocence.

The Wheel of Time (2021)

Based on the high fantasy novel series by Robert Jordan, The Wheel of Time is set in a world where magic exists, but only certain women are allowed to access it. The story follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization called the Aes Sedai, as she embarks on a dangerous journey with five young villagers. She believes one of them is the reincarnation of the Dragon, a powerful individual prophesied to either save the world or break it.

The show brings a vast and intricate world to life, filled with detailed lore and a complex magic system. It honors the epic scale of the novels while making the story accessible to newcomers. The series features a diverse ensemble cast and explores themes of destiny, power, and the balance between light and dark.

Supernatural (2005)

This long-running series follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, who were raised by their father to hunt monsters and other supernatural beings. Traveling across the country in their classic Impala, they take on a “monster-of-the-week” format while also dealing with larger, overarching storylines involving demons, angels, and the apocalypse.

Supernatural built a dedicated fanbase over its 15 seasons due to the compelling and relatable bond between the two brothers. The show masterfully blended horror, action, and humor, and was known for its creative, often meta, storytelling. Its ability to evolve from a simple horror series into an epic tale of cosmic stakes, while always keeping the family relationship at its core, is a key reason for its longevity and popularity.

Outlander (2014)

The series follows Claire Randall, a married World War II nurse who, in 1945, is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743 Scotland. There, she is thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. She is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, and a passionate affair is ignited, tearing Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Outlander is a blend of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, celebrated for its rich historical detail and breathtaking Scottish landscapes. The series has received praise for its strong female protagonist and the compelling chemistry between its leads. It offers a captivating story of love, loyalty, and survival across different time periods.

Merlin (2008)

This British series is a reimagining of the Arthurian legends, focusing on the early years of the wizard Merlin and the future King Arthur. In a Camelot where magic is outlawed by the tyrannical King Uther Pendragon, the young warlock Merlin must keep his powers a secret while serving as Prince Arthur’s manservant and protecting him from magical threats.

Merlin gained popularity for its focus on the developing friendship and chemistry between Merlin and Arthur. The show offers a fresh and accessible take on the classic tales, blending adventure, humor, and drama. It’s a family-friendly fantasy that tells a compelling story of destiny and the bond between two of mythology’s most famous figures.

Shadow and Bone (2021)

Based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels, the series is set in the war-torn, Russia-inspired kingdom of Ravka. It follows Alina Starkov, an orphan and mapmaker who discovers she possesses a rare and extraordinary power that could be the key to saving her country from the Shadow Fold, a swath of tangible darkness filled with monsters.

Shadow and Bone is praised for its rich world-building, intricate magic system, and its successful blending of two different book series from the same universe. The show features a compelling ensemble cast and a story filled with political intrigue, adventure, and romance. It has been well-received for bringing the detailed world of the books to life.

The Legend of Vox Machina (2022)

This adult animated series is based on the first campaign of the popular web series Critical Role, where a group of voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons. It follows Vox Machina, a band of ragtag mercenaries who, after a successful but messy first job, find themselves on a quest to avenge the murder of a noble family and later, to save the realm of Exandria from a council of powerful dragons.

The show is a high-energy, action-packed fantasy adventure with a healthy dose of raunchy humor. It’s lauded for its fast-paced storytelling, impressive animation, and the great chemistry among its cast of characters. The series is a love letter to its source material that is enjoyable for both longtime fans of Critical Role and newcomers to the world of Exandria.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

This anime series follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are gifted alchemists. After a failed attempt to resurrect their deceased mother using alchemy leaves Edward without an arm and a leg and Alphonse’s soul bonded to a suit of armor, they embark on a quest to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely considered one of the greatest anime series of all time. It is praised for its faithful adaptation of the manga, its complex and engaging storyline, and its well-developed characters. The series explores deep philosophical themes such as the cost of ambition, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of war, all within a compelling fantasy world.

Attack on Titan (2013)

In a world where humanity lives inside cities surrounded by enormous walls to protect them from gigantic man-eating humanoids known as Titans, the story follows a young man named Eren Yeager. After his hometown is destroyed and his mother is killed, Eren vows to cleanse the earth of the Titans and joins the elite Survey Corps, a military unit that fights the giants outside the walls.

Attack on Titan is a dark and intense fantasy series known for its thrilling action, shocking plot twists, and brutal depiction of war and survival. The series has gained massive popularity for its complex narrative that evolves from a simple story of humanity versus monsters into a morally ambiguous exploration of conflict, freedom, and the cycle of hatred.

Castlevania (2017)

This adult animated series is based on the popular video game franchise. After his human wife is burned at the stake for being accused of witchcraft, the vampire Count Dracula declares war on the people of Wallachia. The series follows the disgraced monster hunter Trevor Belmont, who teams up with the magician Sypha Belnades and Dracula’s dhampir son, Alucard, to combat Dracula’s forces.

Castlevania is praised for its dark, mature tone, stunning animation, and well-choreographed action sequences. It is considered one of the best video game adaptations ever made, successfully capturing the gothic horror atmosphere of the source material while telling a character-driven story. The series is known for its complex characters and its exploration of themes like grief, faith, and humanity.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)

Set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this series is based on the history of Middle-earth’s Second Age as detailed in the appendices of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. It covers major events of the era, including the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, the fall of the island kingdom of Númenor, and the last alliance between Elves and Men.

The show is notable for its immense scale and stunning visuals, bringing the world of Middle-earth to television with an unprecedented budget. It aims to tell a grand, epic story that unfolds over multiple seasons, exploring both new and familiar characters from Tolkien’s legendarium. The series expands on the lore beloved by fans, offering a new chapter in the history of this iconic fantasy world.