Fantasytelevision has expanded significantly over the past 10 years, with more options to choose from and more diverse stories. Although many iconic fantasy TV shows have ended in the last decade — includingSupernatural,Once Upon a Time, andGame of Thrones— there have been many more new fantasy shows. Many fantasy television programs explore the paranormal, such asYellowjacketsandMayfair Witches, while others delve into various mythologies, such asPercy Jackson & the OlympiansandAmerican Gods.
Some establishedfantasy franchises should never end, and now have new TV shows to further expand on the intricate world-building, namelyHouse of the DragonandThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Regardless, there is a new era of fantasy television, with many ofthe best fantasy TV shows established only in the 2020s. Unfortunately, somegreat fantasy shows that deserve more seasonsended early due to the streaming era changing the industry. Nevertheless, fantasy television has never been more abundant, andseveral fantasy TV shows from the last decade deserve recognition.
10Shadow And Bone (2021-2023)
Based On The Grishaverse Books By Leigh Bardugo
A short-lived fantasy TV show that still deserves to be called one of the best fantasy shows of the last 10 years isShadow and Bone. This adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’sGrishaversenovels created something unique:Instead of adaptingShadow and BoneandSix of Crowsas separate entities, Netflix combined them into one show. It was a bold decision, but the writers made it work beautifully by incorporatingSix of Crows' Kaz Brekker and his crewinto Alina Starkov’s story. However, this aspect did not work as well in season 2 when the show rushes and sidelines Alina’s narrative.
8 Shadow And Bone Storylines That Will Never Be Resolved After Its Cancellation
The cancellation of Shadow and Bone means that storylines including budding romances, new leadership, and dangerous curses will never be resolved.
Shadow and Bone’s showrunner insists that season 2’s changes improvetheGrishaverse, but they still come at the expense of the main character. Unfortunately,Netflix canceledShadow and Boneafter season 2, leaving Alina’s story unfinished and the main storyline forSix of Crowshanging. Regardless,Shadow and Boneis still an excellent fantasy TV show. The magic system is exceptionally creative, the dynamics are complex, and the narrative comprises a compelling plot. Furthermore,it is exciting to see fan-favoriteGrishaversecharacters such as Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa on screen.
9Shadowhunters (2016-2019)
Based On The Mortal Instruments By Cassandra Clare
Shadowhuntersis the second attempt at an adaptation of Cassandra Clare’sThe Mortal Instrumentsbooks, revolving around Clary Fray as she discovers she is a Shadowhunter — humans with angel blood destined to fight demons. There are also faeries, warlocks, werewolves, and vampires, collectively referred to as downworlders. WhileShadowhuntersis not a completely faithful adaptation, there are many things about the show that make it better than the books.Shadowhunterscovers critical topics in effective and sensitive ways, such as racism, police brutality, and Simon’s Jewish faith and culture.
Shadowhuntersis available to watch on Netflix.
Shadowhuntersalso diverges from the books through key character decisions. For example, inCity of Ashes, Valentine gives Jace two options: he can go with Valentine willingly, and in return, Valentine will leave Jace’s friends and family alone, or he can reject Valentine and risk his wrath. In the book, Jace turns down Valentine, but he accepts Valentine’s offer to keep Clary and his other friends safe in the show.Shadowhuntersalso removed unnecessary storylines, such as Simon dating Isabelle and Maia simultaneously.
Shadowhuntersalso gave significant screen time to couples such as Helen and Aline, something that Clare has failed to do repeatedly in her books. It is also emotional to see what-if scenarios inShadowhunters, such as Jace discovering his Herondale heritage while his grandmother is still alive. Of course, no book-to-screen adaptation is flawless, andShadowhuntersis no exception. Regardless, it was still disappointing to seeShadowhunters’cancellation before it could adapt some storylinesfrom the books. However,Shadowhuntersremains an excellent and entertaining fantasy TV show.
8House of the Dragon (2022-)
Based On Fire & BloodBy George R. R. Martin
House of the Dragondepicts the Dance of Dragons era in George R. R. Martin’sFire & Blood, a prequel toA Song of Ice & Fire,and a pseudo-historical account of the first 130 years ofthe House Targaryen dynasty. Similarly toA Song of Ice & FireandGame of Thrones,House of the Dragondoes not tell the same story asFire & Blood. However, that has worked out favorably inHouse of the Dragonso far,adding complex relationships between women and complicating female characters who lack substance inFire & Blood.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a multimedia franchise created by George R.R. Martin. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is the basis for the award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones, which lasted for eight seasons. After the incredibly divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the series was followed up by the prequel series House of the Dragon, which also received critical acclaim.
WhileHouse of the Dragoncontains some plot holesand character inconsistencies, the show has improvedFire & Bloodoverall because there is more leeway to establish personal narratives in a TV show rather than a history book-styled text. The costumes are certainly better inGame of Thrones, butHouse of the Dragonstill delivers incredible fantasy effects and detailed CGI dragons that complete the show. Despite some issues,Hosue of the Dragonis definitely one of the best fantasy TV shows of the last 10 years.
7The Witcher (2019-)
Based on The Witcher Books By Andrzej Sapkowski
The Witcherrevolves around the monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, the sorceress Yennifer of Vengerberg, and Cintra’s crown princess Ciri, as these three primary characters are irrevocably entwined. Geralt and Ciri’s lives are marked together by destiny due toThe Witcher’s Law of Surprise, obligating Geralt to protect Ciri from dark forces. Authors do not normally have a significant influence on their book adaptations, so when an author loves the adaptation of their books, it is a great sign.Andrzej Sapkowski, praisedThe Witcherseason 2, even though he had some complaints regarding the show’s third season.
The Witcherhas strong acting, with stunning performances from Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan.
The Witcheris a great show, even without considering the books. Henry Cavill portrayed an excellent Geralt, and althoughLiam Hemsworth is taking over as Geraltstarting inThe Witcherseason 4, his dedication to perfecting the role proves he will also be a great lead actor. Overall,The Witcherhas strong acting, with stunning performances from Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan. The show’s dark fantasy elements make it even more riveting, resulting in one of Netflix’s more unique fantasy shows.The Witcherwill end with season 5, but it is already one of the best fantasy shows of the last decade.
6His Dark Materials (2019-2022)
Based On His Dark Materials By Philip Pullman
His Dark Materialsis about a multiverse with characters that have daemons, animal counterparts that are the embodiment of their souls. The protagonist,Lyra Belacqua, learns she is part of a critical prophecy that suggests she will revolutionize the world.Although the show only has three seasons because it is based on a trilogy, it is a groundbreaking fantasy TV show.His Dark Materialsreceived 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it isa faithful adaptation of the beloved books. The daemon aspect means the show uses CGI, but the effects are beautifully realistic.
All 3 Seasons Of His Dark Materials, Ranked Worst To Best
His Dark Materials consistently maintained a high quality over its three seasons, but some chapters of the HBO show had more highs than the others.
The stunning daemon CGI provides an element of realism to this fantastical universe that not many fantasy shows or movies have, while the narrative ofHis Dark Materialsexplores intricate themes such as childhood, destiny, adulthood, religion, and freedom. Lyra is a relatable and compelling protagonist worth rooting for as her journey takes her across multiple universes — her character development is among some of the best in the fantasy genre.His Dark Materialsalso features an epic cast, with actors such as James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Anne-Marie Duff, and James Cosmo.
5A Discovery of Witches (2018-2022)
Based On The All Souls Trilogy By Deborah Harkness
A Discovery of Witchesexplores complex vampire and witch lore.When the witch Diana Bishop falls in love with the vampire Matthew Clairmont, it creates potentially severe issues for their worldsince vampires and witches do not mix. Diana and Matthew eventually escape the Congregation — the organization representing vampires, witches, and daemons — by time traveling, effectively expanding the show’s landscape and raising the stakes.A Discovery of Witchesrevolves around Diana and Matthew’s epic romance, with the actors having electrifying chemistry that pays off immensely.
4Arcane (2021-2024)
Based On League of Legends
Arcaneis an astounding animated fantasy TV show based on theLeague of Legendsvideo game,focusing on sisters Vi and Jinx. It is a rich, compelling narrative with stunning animation and an innovative setting.Arcaneexplores themes such as class, sisterhood, and oppression against a sci-fi fantasy backdrop. The best stories employ fantasy to convey critical themes, andArcanesuccessfully accomplishes this aspect.Arcanewill end with season 2, but the story is already deeply intricate, with a clear narrative trajectory that will provide a legendary ending.
3Outlander (2014-)
Based On The Outlander Books By Diana Gabaldon
Outlanderis another time travel narrative revolving around the protagonist, Claire Randall, a woman from the 20th century who travels back in time to Scotland in the 1700s, where she meets and falls in love with Jamie Fraser. The show is rooted first and foremost in historical fiction, but its careful use of the fantasy genre raises the stakes because Claire and Jamie are from different eras. However,Outlanderrepeatedly proves that Jamie and Claire’s epic love storycan overcome anything.Outlanderflawlessly combines historical fiction, fantasy, and romance to create a compelling narrative, making it one of today’s best shows.
2The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings of Power
Based On The Appendices From The Lord Of The Rings By J. R. R. Tolkien
Doubtlessly one of the best fantasy shows of the last 10 years isThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. It is based on only a few footnotes fromJ.R.R. Tolkien’sThe Lord of the Ringsbooks, but the show established an exemplary narrative by expanding the lore and complicating the rich characters and dynamics.The Rings of Powerfollows a young Galadriel during the Second Age as the Dark Lord Sauron rises to power again.The prequel show is another masterpiece in theLord of the Ringsfranchiseand does not disappoint with its captivating storyline.
1She-Ra & The Princesses of Power (2018-2020)
Based On The Animated Series She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985)
The best fantasy TV show of the last 10 years is Netflix’sShe-Ra and the Princesses of Power. It is loosely based on the 1980s animated TV show, but Netflix’s adaptation is far superior.She-Ra and the Princesses of Powerhas nonstop action and dazzling animation, creating an alluring aesthetic. The large cast of characters is diverse and entrenched with various backstories that further enhance their personalities. Although the main characters are Adora, Bow, Glimmer, and Catra, the secondary characters are just as riveting.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Poweris also unafraid to portray the messier and more complicated sides to good and evil, which sets upCatra’s incredible redemption arc inseason 5. It is rare for a TV show to get better with each season, butShe-Ra and the Princesses of Powerpulls off this feat by adding to the powerful story as it progresses. The theme song inShe-Ra and the Princesses of Powercontains the lyric, “We’re on the edge of greatness” — and the show perfectly captures that sentiment.
