The realm of Fantasy can be tricky to grasp due to its unique blend of magical or supernatural occurrences with intricate world-creation. It’s not always straightforward to distinguish it from other genres such as Horror and Science Fiction, given their frequent intersections. For instance, shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Stranger Things” may echo horror themes, while series like “Arcane” and “The Boys” lean more towards Sci-Fi. Interestingly, there’s even a sitcom on this list. Despite their differences, all these shows share a common thread – they have deep roots in the Fantasy genre at their core.
The author carefully selected these 12 outstanding fantasy TV series, drawing upon her personal encounters with each show while also referring to popular fantasy program lists and Rotten Tomatoes ratings for a comprehensive evaluation. To maintain quality, she imposed a strict condition: No series that had completed just one season were included. Here’s the list of top-rated fantasy TV shows ever, ranked in order of greatness.
12. Interview with the Vampire
Interview with the Vampire” is a supernatural fantasy series inspired by Anne Rice’s renowned “The Vampire Chronicles” books. The first two seasons, which have been released thus far, primarily follow the narrative of the initial book in the series, “Interview with the Vampire,” albeit with significant alterations. In this show, Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) invites journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) to his residence in Dubai for a redo of their disastrous 1973 interview. He recounts the tale of his transformation into a vampire once more, a story that revolves around his bond with Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), the one who turned him, and their shared vampire child, Claudia (portrayed by Bailey Bass and Delainey Hayles).
In contrast to the original novel set in the 1700s featuring Louis as a white plantation owner, this retelling of “Interview with the Vampire” places it in the early 1900s, making Louis a Creole brothel owner in New Orleans’ Storyville district instead. This shift significantly alters the narrative, particularly regarding race relations. Moreover, the book’s implicit gay subtext is now overt and forms the basis of a troubled love story that tackles themes like abuse and racial issues more explicitly. Essentially, this adaptation offers a fresh take on an old tale, maintaining its captivating atmosphere while presenting familiar events in a completely unique manner.
Title Creator: Rolin Jones
Main Cast: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian, Bailey Bass, Delainey Hayles, Assad Zaman
Timeframe: 2022 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: Currently at 16 and still counting
Streaming Platforms: AMC and AMC+
11. Arcane
Arcane,” a spin-off from the popular video game “League of Legends,” ran for just two seasons yet swiftly gained recognition as an exceptional series. The narrative centers around sisters Vi (played by Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (also known as Powder), inhabitants of Zaun, the gritty underbelly of the affluent city of Piltover. As the tension between Zaun and Piltover intensifies, we witness their frequent conflicts and reunions. Simultaneously, Jayce Talis (Kevin Alejandro) and his associate Viktor (Harry Lloyd) develop Hextech, a groundbreaking technology with mystical properties that transforms Piltover.
As a gamer, I can vouch that you don’t have to be an expert on “League of Legends” to appreciate the brilliance of “Arcane”. This show offers richly developed characters and a vividly depicted world, making it a standout adaptation. What sets it apart is its unique animation style – the people are beautifully rendered in a watercolor aesthetic, while the rest of the visuals retain a more traditional approach. Simply put, “Arcane” is a stunning piece of art that has earned critical acclaim and awards.
The creator duo behind this production is Christian Linke and Alex Yee. Performing in the series are Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung, Jason Spisak, Harry Lloyd, and JB Blanc. This project is scheduled for release between 2021 and 2024, encompassing a total of 18 episodes. You can catch it streaming on Netflix.
10. What We Do in the Shadows
As a passionate gamer, I’m diving into the hilarious world of “What We Do in the Shadows,” a TV series inspired by the movie of the same name. Unlike the film set in New Zealand, this show unfolds on the vibrant streets of Staten Island, where a quartet of bloodsuckers reside.
The exalted warrior, Nandor (Kayvan Novak), is now the one calling the house meetings. The practical one among them, Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), is always seeking human experiences but somehow manages to botch them up. The seductive Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry) revels in the joys of the flesh, being married to Nadja. Then there’s Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), the energy vampire who saps humans of their vitality by being incredibly dull and tedious.
Rounding out the group is Guillermo (Harvey Guillen), Nandor’s familiar who yearns for vampirism but discovers he has a lineage tied to the infamous vampire hunter, Abraham Van Helsing. Get ready to laugh as we unravel the supernatural shenanigans of these undead residents!
Over six seasons, “What We Do in the Shadows” earned numerous Emmy nominations – deservedly so. The show is both funny and heartfelt as the vampires attempt to dominate America and adapt to modern life, all while clashing with other supernatural creatures and among themselves. Unlike traditional vampire entertainment, it remains an excellent fantasy series.
Title Creator: Jemaine Clement
Main Cast: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillen, Mark Proksch, Kristen Schaal
Timeframe: 2019-2024
Number of Episodes: 61
Streaming Platform: Hulu (where you can watch it)
9. The Good Place
As a devoted fan, I never thought “The Good Place” would make it to the top tier of fantasy TV shows given its sitcom format. However, this show transcends expectations by weaving complex philosophical and ethical themes into its hilarious narrative. The story revolves around Eleanor Shellstrop, portrayed brilliantly by Kristen Bell, a woman who led an immoral life in the real world but finds herself in the Good Place, a utopia where she strives to reform herself while concealing her past misdeeds to avoid the Bad Place. The journey over four seasons is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers hooked. One of the standout aspects of the show is its innovative exploration of philosophy and ethics, making it a must-watch. So, don’t let the philosophical elements deter you; give it a try!
This show is not only incredibly funny, but it’s filled with moments that will make you laugh out loud. The humor primarily comes from the unique characters. For instance, there’s Eleanor, then there’s Chidi, a philosopher, Tahani, a socialite, and Jason, a petty criminal. To complicate things further, there’s Janet, an artificial intelligence designed to help the residents, and Michael, who is an architect of the afterlife responsible for their heaven-like version. This comedy is a rollercoaster ride that you won’t find in any typical sitcom.
Producer: Michael Shur
Lead Actors: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, and D’Arcy Carden.
Timeframe: Spanning from 2016 to 2020
Total Episodes: A total of 50 episodes were produced
Streaming Platform: The series can be found on Netflix.
8. The Boys
The Boys,” based on the comics by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, is a witty critique of the typical superhero universe. Unlike traditional superhero narratives where heroes strive to uphold justice, this series presents an entirely different perspective. The characters in ‘The Boys’ are far from noble; instead, they are morally corrupt individuals who prioritize their personal brands over anything else. This is particularly evident in Homelander (Antony Starr), the leader of the premier superhero team, The Seven, who works for Vought International, a corporation that exploits these heroes for profit by marketing them to consumers. Vought orchestrates heroic acts by the superheroes to generate content for movies and TV shows about them, glossing over their selfish behaviors in the process. Essentially, Vought presents a positive image of these heroes while they are indifferent to their actions off-screen.
Stepping into this world, I am Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid), drawn by Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) into the unconventional anti-superhero squad known as The Boys. The conflict between The Seven and The Boys unfolds, with the former holding an upper hand due to their, you know, superpowers. In a universe where superpowers are not just comic book lore, this series delivers an outrageously fun take on the superhero genre. Yet, it doesn’t shy away from tackling real-world issues such as power corruption, powerful corporations, and overly pampered celebrities. Simultaneously, it offers a thrilling rollercoaster ride with some downright disgusting superpowers that will leave you both entertained and squirming.
Title Creator: Eric Kripke
Main Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara
Years of Production: 2019 to (predicted) 2026
Number of Episodes Produced: Currently 32 episodes and counting
Platform for Viewing: Amazon Prime Video
7. Dark Shadows
Among the shows listed, “Dark Shadows” stands as the longest-running, initially airing as a soap opera. Over time, it accumulated numerous episodes and remained popular due to its continuous reappearance in various forms. This includes a 1991 television series, a 2012 film remake by Tim Burton, multiple spin-offs in the form of novels, comics, and audio dramas. All this buzz surrounds “Dark Shadows” because it centers around the Collins family, a wealthy clan residing in Collinsport, Maine. They encounter an array of supernatural events, but it wasn’t until the arrival of vampire Barnabas Collins (played by Jonathan Frid) that the show truly found success.
Barnabas Collins was the primary instigator of various chaotic events, and other characters also played their part. Fundamentally, it was a unique soap opera that stood out during its time, and it remains fascinating even today. In fact, it has been featured twice on TV Guide’s list of Top Cult Shows. Therefore, it earns a place on our list of top supernatural series.
Producer: Dan Curtis
Cast members: Jonathan Frid, Joan Bennett, Louis Edmonds, Nancy Barrett, Grayson Hall, David Henesy, Alexandra Isles
Years of production: 1966 to 1971
Number of episodes produced: A total of 1,230
Streaming platforms: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Fandango Now
6. The Witcher
The TV series “The Witcher” is based on the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski and centers around Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), along with his companions, primarily focusing on Ciri (Freya Allan), the princess from Cintra, one of the many kingdoms in the continent where the story unfolds. Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), a powerful sorceress, often has a romantic connection with Geralt. Geralt is the titular Witcher, a supernaturally gifted individual who uses his abilities to hunt monsters.
In the bizarre realm I call ‘The Witcher’, malevolent forces reign supreme, but what truly captivates me is the heartwarming tale of these three unlikely allies who somehow form a makeshift family. As they band together to combat an array of enemies – human and monster alike – their bond deepens, making every battle more gripping than the last. This unique blend of action, magic, and camaraderie sets this series apart as a fantastic fantasy saga. But throw in a dash of emotion and you’ve got a true masterpiece. Now, I must admit, I am curious to see how things will change when Henry Cavill hands over the mantle to Liam Hemsworth for the final seasons. Frankly, I have faith that The Witcher will continue to be as compelling with Hemsworth stepping into the role. Fingers crossed!
Created by: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
Starring main cast: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Joey Batey
Years of production: Starting from 2019 (ongoing)
Total number of episodes: A total of 26 episodes so far
Where to catch it: Available on Netflix
5. Supernatural
The supernatural series stands out as the second-longest running fantasy show ever produced, with an impressive 15 seasons that maintain a high level of quality. It’s worth noting that despite some minor flaws, the show managed to consistently deliver strong performances throughout its run. This is particularly noteworthy given that it was broadcast on a network and each season contained between 16 and 23 episodes.
Supernatural” focuses on the adventures of Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles), brothers who journey across America in their car, affectionately known as Baby – a Chevy Impala. Their mission? Hunting various supernatural beings such as ghosts, monsters, and demons. Along their journey, they encounter diverse characters like Jim Beaver as Bobby Singer, Misha Collins as Castiel the angel, and Mark Sheppard as Crowley the crossroads demon. “Supernatural” offers genuine scares and complex plotlines, but primarily, it’s a fun opportunity to spend time with the Winchester siblings.
Producer: Eric Kripke
Main Cast: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Mark Sheppard, Jim Beaver
Duration: 2005 to 2020 (15 years)
Number of episodes: A total of 327 episodes
Streaming Platform: Netflix (You can find it there)
4. The Walking Dead
The television series “The Walking Dead,” originally stemming from the comic books written by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, started off modestly with only six episodes in its inaugural season. However, it swiftly grew, spanning over a decade with 11 seasons, the final one consisting of 24 episodes. The key to “The Walking Dead”‘s popularity lies in its gripping narratives and a fearless approach to killing off characters. Essentially, the plot revolves around Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), a sheriff’s deputy who awakens from a coma to find a world overrun by zombies, or ‘walkers’ as they are referred to in the show. Despite this threat, no one is truly safe.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve witnessed the final stages of The Walking Dead firsthand, and it’s no secret that repetitive storytelling became a challenge in its later seasons. But let me tell you, when it was on point, it was nothing short of extraordinary! The survivors were constantly joining forces with others, forming alliances that would ebb and flow based on the ruthlessness of the walkers and other survivor groups they encountered.
Despite the occasional “Walking Dead” burnout leading us to skip its spin-offs like “The Walking Dead: Dead City” and “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,” the original series is still a gripping watch. If you’re looking for a thrilling post-apocalyptic adventure, I’d recommend giving it another go.
Creator: Frank Darabont
Main Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Timeframe: 2010-2022
Total Episodes: 177
Streaming Platform: Netflix (available for viewing)
3. Stranger Things
Initially, “Stranger Things” debuted on Netflix as something fresh, let’s say peculiar, when it first aired. The plot revolves around the residents of Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s, including both children and adults, who grapple with the Upside Down, an alternate world that can be reached through the nearby Hawkins National Laboratory. The narrative unfolds as Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) gets kidnapped by a creature from the Upside Down. As his mother, Joyce (Winona Ryder), and Police Chief, Jim Hopper (David Harbour), search for him, a girl called Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), who possesses psychokinetic abilities, manages to flee from the lab and aids them in their mission.
The series, “Stranger Things,” draws heavily from the films and television shows that the Duffer Brothers were raised with, such as those by Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, Wes Craven, and John Carpenter. Yet, it has developed its own unique identity as it has gained popularity and complexity. Consequently, while it is enjoyable for its 80’s nostalgia, it truly shines as a tale of love, sorrow, and terror. This earns it the third spot on our list of top fantasy shows.
“Stranger Things” takes inspiration from the movies and TV shows that the Duffer Brothers grew up watching, including works by Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, Wes Craven, and John Carpenter. However, it has carved out its own path as it has grown in popularity and complexity. As a result, it excels not only as 80’s nostalgia but also as a heartfelt story of love, loss, and fear, placing it at number three on our list of the best fantasy shows.
Producers: The Duffer Brothers
Lead Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink
Duration: 2016 to (expected) 2025, spanning over 42 episodes
Availability: Netflix is the platform where you can stream this series.
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a beloved and pioneering television series, continues to be recognized as one of the greatest shows ever made, even with its creator’s reputation waning. This enduring status is due to its revolutionary storytelling that introduced powerful female leads and supernatural themes. The show revolves around Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a teenage girl chosen to fight vampires and other evil forces. After her parents’ divorce, Buffy’s mother relocates them to Sunnydale, unaware that it stands atop the Hellmouth – a gateway between dimensions and a hub for supernatural occurrences.
Instead of going solo like previous Slayers, I’ve chosen to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my crew – we call ourselves the Scooby Gang. We’re an eclectic bunch: there’s Willow, my magic-wielding friend; Xander, who lightens up the mood; Angel, a reformed vampire; and Giles, the wise school librarian who acts as my Watcher. While some of the early CGI might seem dated now, the emotional depth and humanity in the show still shine through, making “Buffy” an enduring classic.
Producer: Joss Whedon
Main Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendon, James Marsters, Emma Caulfield Ford, Charisma Carpenter, David Boreanaz, Anthony Head, Michelle Trachtenberg
Duration: 1997 to 2003 (6 years)
Total Episodes: A grand total of 145 episodes were produced.
Streaming Platform: You can catch this series on Hulu.
1. Game of Thrones
Similar to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Game of Thrones” is often hailed as one of television’s finest productions. However, unlike “Buffy,” “Game of Thrones” boasts an impressive collection of awards in addition to its critical and audience adoration. For instance, it has been named Best Drama Series four times at the Emmys, among numerous other accolades. “Game of Thrones” is a television adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series, set in the fictional realm of Westeros, which consists of seven kingdoms. The narrative primarily revolves around two powerful families, House Stark and House Lannister, who are vying for control over the Iron Throne, as well as the exiled Targaryens.
The show presents grand occurrences that left viewers spellbound, featuring dragons among other elements, yet it maintains an authenticity that enhances the narrative flow. This series has significantly contributed to the acceptance of fantasy as a credible genre in television. With its meticulously crafted universe and captivating personalities, “Game of Thrones” stands out as an extraordinary accomplishment in TV, taking the top spot on our list of the finest fantasy shows ever made.
Producers: David Benioff and D.B. Weiss
Main Cast: Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harrington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams
Duration: 2011 to 2019 (spanning 8 years)
Number of Installments: A total of 73 episodes
Streaming Platform: Max (where you can catch the series)
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