Atop our list of outstanding fantasy TV series ever made lies “Game of Thrones,” a show requiring minimal introduction due to its groundbreaking impact on premium television. It set new standards with its substantial budgets and complex narratives that surpassed anything viewers had experienced previously. Although George R.R. Martin drew inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s renowned “The Lord of the Rings” series, “Game of Thrones” elevated the fantasy genre, offering a rich tapestry of political machinations, passion, and violence that rivaled some of Shakespeare’s most celebrated plays.
Wrapping up its long run on HBO in 2019, many viewers may still be searching for a show to fill “Game of Thrones'” big shoes. While most fans have likely jumped into its prequel series, “House of the Dragon,” there are other shows you should definitely consider if you loved “GoT.” Ranging from high fantasy to modern Westerns, there are more shows than you might think that deliver the same level of suspense, excitement, and gory action — and we’ve handpicked 12 of our favorites for your viewing enjoyment.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
A good while back, around ten years prior to “Game of Thrones,” a distinct fantasy world reshaped the genre on the screen: The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy became the epitome of a fantasy movie saga and paved the way for George R.R. Martin’s contemporary masterpiece on television. Interestingly, Amazon Studios seized upon the fame of HBO’s fantasy series and secured the rights to Tolkien’s other works, with plans to create their own blockbuster TV show to rival “Game of Thrones.” This endeavor led to “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” hailed as one of the finest prequels ever produced for television. It delves into a forgotten chapter in Middle-earth’s history, taking place long before the events portrayed in Peter Jackson’s movies. As a passionate gamer and fan of these epic tales, I can hardly wait to see what unfolds!
Revisiting Middle-earth centuries prior to the Fellowship’s journey to destroy the One Ring, “The Rings of Power” takes us back to the Second Age, which was only briefly touched upon in the prologue of 2001’s “The Fellowship of the Ring.” While it wouldn’t be feasible to cover every detail here, what you should know is that it lives up to the grandiose fantasy narrative we associate with a “Lord of the Rings” title. This series features elves, dwarves, witch-kings, and wizards, making it an ideal choice for fans of “Game of Thrones,” as J.R.R. Tolkien’s work served as a significant inspiration for George R.R. Martin’s epic novel series.
Rome
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the enduring legacy of “Game of Thrones” as one of television’s grandest epics, boasting an impressive eight seasons under its belt. However, it’s important to remember that HBO didn’t first venture into this realm with this series. That distinction belongs to “Rome,” a 2005 drama that, much like the name suggests, delved deep into the intricate world of the Roman Empire, capturing the spirit and intensity of a classic sword-and-sandal fantasy.
In the heart of what is arguably the most renowned era of Roman history, when Julius Caesar was exerting his powerful influence over Roman society, military, and administration, this series unfolds. It focuses on Lucius Vorenus (played by Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (portrayed by Ray Stevenson), two soldiers embedded in the tumultuous times of that age. They climb through the ranks, eventually finding themselves in the innermost circles of the Roman Empire’s leadership.
Despite not sharing the same fantastical elements as “Game of Thrones,” “Rome” stands among the top historical fiction TV shows aired so far. Notably, both series are deeply immersed in their respective worlds’ political intricacies, and while “Rome” may not have dragons or white walkers, it holds its ground against some of the most intense and explicit scenes from “GOT.” Known for its grand production values, the show boasted a talented cast that included Indira Varma, Jamie Bamber, James Purefoy portraying Mark Antony, and Ciarán Hinds as Julius Caesar.
Black Sails
If you were to blend the elements of “Game of Thrones” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”, the outcome could resemble a show like “Black Sails”. Launched in 2014 on Starz, this swashbuckling series is influenced by Robert Stevenson’s timeless novel “Treasure Island”, but unfolds events slightly before the book’s narrative. The series chronicles the adventures of Captain Flint (portrayed by Toby Stephens) and his diverse band of pirates over four seasons filled with perilous voyages on the open sea. However, they are not the only rogues seeking valuable treasures; an array of historical sailors and legendary figures from seafaring lore also navigate the vast ocean blue in search of their fortunes.
Despite its short-lived peak in popularity, “Black Sails” is an underappreciated gem that doesn’t receive the acclaim it should. The show masterfully blends intense political intrigue reminiscent of George R.R. Martin’s works with thrilling pirate adventures, offering a refreshing alternative to the family-oriented pirate films dominating cinemas at the time. Moreover, its mature themes and grittier portrayal of piracy – including adult content befitting the series’ rugged characters – make “Black Sails” truly unique. If you enjoyed “Game of Thrones,” this show would undoubtedly appeal to you as well.
Vikings
Although “Vikings” lacks the magical elements found in “Game of Thrones,” and its story is based on real events rather than fantasy, there’s an undeniable similarity between their narratives. The show often deviates from historical facts, to the point where it feels somewhat fantastical at times. If you stumbled upon it without knowing its background, you might easily mistake it for “Game of Thrones.
As a passionate admirer, let me share my take on it: I find myself immersed in the epic saga of “Vikings”, where Travis Fimmel breathes life into the legendary Viking, Ragnar Lodbrok – a historical figure whose tales have echoed through Norse lore and mythology. In this gripping series, Ragnar stands as a ruler torn between his people’s desires and his own ambition to strike at opportune moments. His dreams are set on the untamed lands of England, and he will stop at nothing to rally an army and conquer its shores.
The series exhibits intense and raw brutality at times surpassing “Game of Thrones.” It showcases a robust set of characters whose presence could easily complement Jon Snow, Ned Stark, or Tyrion Lannister. Within the narrative, internal politics are prevalent, yet they differ significantly from diplomacy and strategic plotting; instead, physical force is predominantly employed as Lodbrok and his team rely solely on violence. Furthermore, there are hints of mysticism, with seers and prophecies being relatively common. Spanning over four seasons, “Vikings” boasts a talented ensemble cast including Kathryn Winnick, Gabriel Byrne, Ray Stevenson, and others.
The Witcher
Moving on to another realm of fantasy stories, “The Witcher” shares similarities with “Game of Thrones,” both originating from novel series – “The Witcher” being penned by Andrzej Sapkowski. Many are familiar with its video game versions, and it boasts a global fanbase. Notably, one of its ardent followers is Henry Cavill, previously known for his role in the DC Extended Universe, who was chosen to embody the lead character in Netflix’s high-budget TV adaptation following reports of him being replaced as Superman.
In the first season, the narrative unfolds three separate tales occurring at various points in time. One tale revolves around Geralt of Rivia (Cavill), a warrior and monster hunter known as a “Witcher,” who traverses the land to eliminate powerful beasts. Meanwhile, we also encounter Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), a sorceress. Lastly, a third narrative follows Ciri (Feya Allen), a young girl and princess, who is on a quest for the legendary Witcher, years after Geralt’s time has passed.
Despite being separate tales, the unique presentation keeps viewers captivated as the plots gradually intertwine in unexpected manners. This series is widely cherished due to its stunning visuals, heart-pounding action sequences, a hint of chilling horror, and an ample amount of passionate romance, even featuring one scene that was so steamy that Cavill opted out of filming it as initially planned.
1923
Shows that embody the essence of “Game of Thrones” might not necessarily include swords and armor; instead, they could share similar themes with a Western genre. If you’re keen on expanding your horizons within this genre, take a peek at “1923,” featuring stars like Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, and Timothy Dalton. Notably, it is a prequel to the Taylor Sheridan drama “Yellowstone” but can be enjoyed independently. You can catch it on your preferred streaming platform without worrying about getting lost in an expansive universe first.
In the title year, the traditional lifestyle is waning, yet the Dutton family in Montana fights to endure the shift towards the contemporary era. They possess a vast ranch, but pressure from various sides is mounting: Struggling rival ranchers harbor resentment toward the Duttons’ power and wealth – who have significant political clout – while an outsider (Dalton) aims to seize their land for commercial purposes. Simultaneously, the prodigal son of the Dutton family, Spencer (Sklenar), is compelled to return home to aid in protecting his kin.
In contrast to the presence of dragons and magic, this show is filled with murder, romance, and treachery, reminiscent of “Game of Thrones.” The icing on the cake? The Duttons’ arch-nemesis, Banner Creighton, portrayed by none other than Jerome Flynn, who played Bronn in Game of Thrones. Fortunately for newcomers to “1923”, they won’t have the long wait between Seasons 1 and 2 that fans of earlier seasons experienced due to two Hollywood production halts, leaving many questions unanswered.
Battlestar Galactica
In terms of genre, “Battlestar Galactica” might appear to be in a completely different or even opposite league compared to fantasy shows like “Game of Thrones.” However, upon closer inspection, these series share more similarities than one might initially think. Both are set in entirely fabricated realms where the laws of our world don’t apply. While “Game of Thrones” features dragons and magic, “Battlestar Galactica” introduces robots and advanced humanoid cloning technologies.
Launched in 2003, “Battlestar Galactica” serves as a modern revival of a ’70s science fiction series with an action theme that didn’t last long. In this reimagined version, we encounter the 12 Colonies of Kobol, whose planets are mysteriously annihilated by a race of advanced robots known as Cylons. The surviving inhabitants, now refugees, band together on a group of civilian ships under the leadership of Admiral William Adama (played by Edward James Olmos), President Laura Roslin (portrayed by Mary McDonnell), and the last remaining military vessel: Battlestar Galactica. Their objective? To locate the mythical 13th colony, Earth.
As a dedicated fan, I find myself grappling with the unexpected turn of events when our fleet’s struggle for survival takes an unprecedented twist. We uncover a chilling truth: a novel strain of Cylon has evolved, capable of blending seamlessly among us, adopting human-like forms to avoid detection. This revelation casts a shadow over our unity.
Yet, the danger doesn’t stop there. Adama and Roslin are beset with another challenge as internal strife surfaces within our own ranks. Some question whether our quest for Earth is a futile endeavor, causing further division among us.
The Tudors
Prior to “The Witcher,” Henry Cavill previously appeared in the series “The Tudors,” which shares similarities with “Game of Thrones.” Unlike his other series, “The Tudors” doesn’t delve into supernatural elements. Instead, it focuses on Shakespearean drama, political intrigue, and a propensity for Machiavellian plots and ruthless betrayals (occasionally in literal terms). In this production, Cavill takes a supporting role to lead actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, with a cast that includes Natalie Dormer, James Frain, and Anthony Brophy.
In this series, Meyers portrays King Henry VIII, while Cavill assumes the role of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk – Henry’s brother-in-law and trusted confidant. The story unfolds as young King Henry grapples with an increasing fixation on fathering a male heir. We also follow his attempts to win over Anne Boleyn (Dormer), all the while planning to sever his marriage with Katherine of Aragon. As the series progresses, it delves into the tumultuous royal events that unfold throughout Henry’s reign, as religious and political adversaries close in. The narrative also covers subsequent seasons, which depict the intense intrigue that characterizes the remainder of the King’s rule, as well as his strategic alliances to preserve power. When a rebellion arises against the monarchy, Henry is compelled to forge questionable partnerships to safeguard his position.
As a dedicated gamer, I can vouch that “The Tudors” is just as immersive and expansive as “Game of Thrones.” But don’t fret if your 16th-century English history isn’t spot on, this series takes some creative liberties. Over the course of four thrilling seasons on Showtime, it boasted an impressive roster of guest stars like Peter O’Toole, Max von Sydow, Sam Neill, and Joely Richardson, who added depth to the already captivating narrative.
House of Cards
If George R.R. Martin hadn’t been greatly impacted by J.R.R. Tolkien and had instead placed “A Song of Ice and Fire” in Washington D.C., he might have created a tale similar to “House of Cards.” This critically-lauded political thriller, featuring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, is actually a Netflix adaptation of a 1990 four-episode British miniseries with the same name. However, it shifts the location from the U.K. Parliament to Washington D.C.
House of Cards” delves into the dark realm of political manipulation, focusing on Congressman Frank Underwood (Spacey), who is willing to go to any length to climb the ladder of power and riches, often transgressing ethical boundaries that most people wouldn’t dare cross. His partner in crime is his wife Claire (Wright), who initially is a politician’s spouse but soon becomes a significant player herself, garnering respect as a power broker. Together, they engage in secretive behind-the-scenes dealings and are not shy about resorting to murder when their desires demand it.
For enthusiasts of “Game of Thrones,” there’s no magic or fantastical elements in “House of Cards.” However, if you appreciate the political machinations and power struggles among noble houses, this series will not only meet your expectations but exceed them. Despite being Netflix’s inaugural scripted drama, it arguably remains their most impressive production, amassing a staggering 56 Emmy nominations and winning seven awards across its six-season span (some viewers believe it could have ended two seasons earlier).
His Dark Materials
Inspired by the triumph of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Hollywood began looking for franchises based on other renowned fantasy novels. One attempt was the 2007 film “The Golden Compass,” but it didn’t lead to an ongoing series. However, the original work had another opportunity in 2019 on HBO with “His Dark Materials,” featuring Dafne Keen, James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Clarke Peters.
In comparison to J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, “His Dark Materials” draws stronger influences from C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia.” However, it leans more toward an explicit anti-religious narrative. This epic series unfolds in a multiverse teeming with various realms and worlds. A unique aspect of this universe is the existence of daemons, animal forms that house human souls. A religious order seeks to eradicate this natural phenomenon. The story primarily focuses on Lyra Belacqua (Keen), a young woman who plays a pivotal role in an ancient prophecy. Her journey takes her across multiple worlds and brings her into confrontations with powerful factions from the multiverse, each pursuing their own objectives.
Compared to “Game of Thrones,” “His Dark Materials” shares similar themes but presents them in a less intense, more family-oriented manner. If you’ve been yearning to enjoy the complexity of “GOT” with your children, this could be an excellent starting point. It introduces younger viewers to intricate, magical realms teeming with extraordinary creatures and fierce power struggles.
The Wheel of Time
Readers who have long appreciated fantasy literature would likely recognize “The Wheel of Time,” a popular book series written by Robert Jordan, which saw its prime during the 90s. Despite a short-lived television adaptation attempt in 2015 with a poorly funded pilot that didn’t progress to a series, it was in 2021 that Amazon acquired the rights for a high-budget production which has been airing since then. Starring Rosamund Pike, this series offers a comparable experience to “Game of Thrones,” but with a slightly less dark tone.
In this extraordinary fantasy realm, destiny is shaped by an ancient artifact named the Wheel of Time, and it’s foretold that a powerful dragon will arise, causing immense turmoil. However, whether this dragon will bring about destruction or bestow life-reviving energy remains uncertain. A collective known as the Aes Sedai are convinced they can steer the former outcome towards the latter by seeking out an exceptional individual, whom they believe embodies the spirit of the world-shattering dragon.
The grandiose saga, comparable to “Game of Thrones” and “The Wheel of Time,” was initially deemed unadaptable by certain individuals. However, the Amazon series has demonstrated that almost any narrative can be transformed for television when the right team is involved.
The Last Kingdom
The television series “The Last Kingdom” portrays the struggle between British and Viking forces dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries, long before the chronicles of “Vikings.” Its historical context bears striking similarities to “Game of Thrones,” as it showcases warfare, competing lineages, and treachery in an engaging manner throughout its run. The narrative revolves around Uhtred of Bebbanburg (played by Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon who was captured by the Danes as a child and brought up within their ranks.
In the initial run of the series, Uhtred is consumed by his desire to reclaim his native land, seizing any opportunity amidst the rampage caused by invading Viking armies who aim to claim all of England. The program doesn’t shy away from depicting the violence and barbarity that these Scandinavian forces unleashed on English soil. Subsequent seasons delve into Uhtred’s longstanding vendetta against a duo of Norse brothers, political intrigue surrounding King Edward’s coronation, and the relentless power struggle as the Britons battle to repel Viking invasions.
Originating from the BBC, “The Last Kingdom” stands as one of the most outstanding British historical productions to date. Spanning over five seasons, this series made a comeback in 2023 with a Netflix film titled “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die.” This film depicts various factions across England uniting and vying for power following the demise of their ruler.
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2025-04-29 17:32