Nice fantasy exhibits invite viewers to step away from the bizarre and enter new realms the place something is feasible. These worlds are something however mundane, delivering dazzling spectacles and character-driven tales that preserve followers hooked for seasons on finish. Whether or not it’s sprawling kingdoms stuffed with political warfare or magical domains overrun by weird creatures, the style has quite a lot of enthralling worlds to select from.
From cultural phenomenons like Recreation of Thrones to beloved cult classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, one of the best fantasy exhibits formed and outlined the style. This spectacular collection presents pleasure and escapism by the small display, with the easiest happening to be influential and award-winning classics that followers can revisit over and over.
10. Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)
Xena: Warrior Princess is a nostalgic cult basic from the Nineties that served as a by-product of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys the place the titular protagonist was launched as a supporting character. Specializing in right here because the star as a substitute, the spinoff chronicles Xena’s (Lucy Lawless) redemption arc as a former warlord wanting atonement through the use of her abilities as a warrior for good. Alongside the storyteller-turned-fighter Gabrielle (Renee O’Connor), the duo tackle mythological creatures, warlords, and even gods on their journey throughout the traditional world.
Xena‘s setting is impressed by Greek mythology, making every episode an interestingly-rich and imagined world brimming with fascinating characters. The present additionally doesn’t take itself critically, with high-stakes drama complemented by campy humor that showcases the writers’ wit. Xena was additionally a trailblazer in fantasy TV, because it served as a precursor to trendy female-led motion epics and tackled feminist themes by its principal characters’ storylines.
Stream Xena: Warrior Princess on Prime Video.
9. Charmed (1998-2006)
With the “Energy of Three,” Charmed forged a spell on numerous followers and have become one of the crucial widespread fantasy exhibits of its period. The WB collection follows the Halliwell sisters — Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) — as they discover their skills and roles because the Charmed Ones, essentially the most highly effective witches ever prophesied. Residing of their ancestral San Francisco manor, the trio battle to stability their bizarre lives with their supernatural aspect. The group was additionally later joined by Paige (Rose McGowan).
Charmed provided magical whimsy with some binge-worthy drama, protecting followers coming again for extra. At its core, the present is beloved for its celebration of the friendship between three highly effective girls who select to be good witches. Its impression as a pioneering collection remains to be felt right this moment, with new audiences discovering it on streaming platforms. Charmed has even impressed a much less profitable reboot on The CW, which premiered in 2018.
Stream Charmed on Prime Video.
8. Outlander (2014-)
Outlander is a historic drama and fantasy collection based mostly on Diana Gabaldon’s eponymous novels. The present follows Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a World Warfare II nurse mysteriously transported again to 1743 Scotland by the standing stones of Craigh na Dun. Whereas navigating a chaotic period the place her freedom and id are modified considerably, Claire unexpectedly falls in love with the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). She’s then caught between the life she made in 1743 and the one she left together with her husband in 1945.
After a decade’s value of storytelling, Outlander has captivated viewers with its distinctive time-traveling interval story that tells an epic romance. On prime of that, the collection additionally locations its protagonists in historic settings, involving them in political occasions, real-life rebellions, and extra. It turns into unimaginable to not root for them as they expertise the march of historical past and combat for his or her love throughout time and house. Followers of the collection can stay up for a confirmed spinoff titled Outlander: Blood of My Blood, which is able to additional discover the unique’s one-of-a-kind world.
Stream Outlander on Starz.
7. Merlin (2008-2012)
In a reimagining of the Arthurian legends, Merlin sees the titular wizard (performed by Colin Morgan) first as a younger man who discovers his magical powers. He should preserve them a secret since King Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head) has outlawed the usage of magic in his kingdom. When Merlin is tasked with defending the king’s son, Prince Arthur (Bradley James), he realizes that he should use his powers to guard him whereas additionally guiding him to develop into a greater future ruler.
The bond that varieties between Arthur and Merlin turns into the cornerstone of the collection, with the duo evolving as characters with every new risk they face. Merlin attracts audiences with its light-hearted adventures however retains them investing within the more and more critical stakes as Arthur faces his function and Merlin finds himself. Whereas its CGI hasn’t aged one of the best and betrays the present’s low finances, it’s nonetheless value revisiting for followers of the style.
Stream Merlin on Prime Video.
6. Bewitched (1964-1972)
Bewitched is a must-see basic sitcom that facilities on a captivating witch, Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery), who marries mortal adman, Darrin Stephens (Dick York, later Dick Sargent), and vows to dwell as an bizarre suburban housewife. After all, suppressing her magical powers proves simpler mentioned than accomplished, because it’s a lot simpler to get by every day life with them. There’s additionally the issue of her meddling spell-casting kinfolk, who principally dislike her husband and resent her scenario.
The comedic collection depends on humorous home conditions with a twist on magic. What made it such a standout, nonetheless, is that it makes use of this mischievous humor to subtly touch upon trendy domesticity and gender roles. Samantha’s efforts to stability her built-in magic together with her need for a “regular” life mirror the struggles of ladies within the Sixties, cementing Bewitched as a groundbreaking and daring present that might encourage the fantasy sitcoms that adopted.
Stream Bewitched on The Roku Channel.
5. The Witcher (2019-)
Based mostly on the eponymous guide collection by Polish creator Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher is a gritty fantasy present that follows Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), who hunts monsters for a residing. The collection is ready in a fictional medieval-inspired world the place the titular witcher finds himself following the destined path that leads him to Princess Ciri (Freya Allan) and the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra). The trio then works collectively as they combat larger forces and take part in bigger political conflicts that escalate into all-out wars.
Followers of each the books and the sport can admire The Witcher‘s interpretation of its supply materials. It thrives due to its morally grey method, lending the present a darker and grittier really feel for fantasy lovers preferring these kinds of tales. Whereas it stays to be seen how Cavill’s controversial recasting — with Liam Hemsworth taking on the function of Geralt of Rivia — will have an effect on the collection, it’s secure to say that for now, it’s thought-about among the many greatest trendy fantasy exhibits.
Stream The Witcher on Netflix.
4. Stranger Issues (2016-2025)
Netflix’s crowning achievement within the sci-fi and fantasy genres, Stranger Issues is a megahit that wants no introduction. Set within the fictional city of Hawkins, Indiana, the collection begins in 1983 with the mysterious disappearance of younger Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). As his associates—Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin), and Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo)—seek for him, they discover Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), a mysterious lady with telekinetic skills. Their journey quickly results in the invention of a secret authorities experiment and a parallel dimension often known as the Upside Down.
Stranger Issues soars due to the friendship between its characters and the satisfying manner followers have grown up alongside the proficient forged. It additionally seamlessly fuses Nineteen Eighties nostalgia with a supernatural story that may be scary at occasions, with out ever shedding sight of the enjoyable occasions between the group. The fifth and last season, slated for launch in 2025, guarantees to offer an explosive ending to what the present has been constructing as much as all of those years, and viewers can solely hope that they stick the touchdown.
Stream Stranger Issues on Netflix.
3. Supernatural (2005-2020)
Supernatural is a genre-defining collection that ran for an unprecedented 15 seasons, turning into one of the crucial beloved and enduring TV exhibits of all time. It’s centered on the brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles), who journey throughout America on what is basically a “monster-of-the-week” street journey. The present evolves to include extra difficult storylines that contact on the brothers’ familial points and greater supernatural foes.
Supernatural embraces its horror roots, drawing inspiration from city legends, folklore, and popular culture to create enthralling tales each week. The brothers’ relationship is on the coronary heart of the collection, which made it so widespread. The Winchester brothers are the enduring duo that served because the anchor for the present for all these years, protecting followers coming again for extra every week. The present would ultimately concentrate on their arcs, specializing in their struggles and internal battles, giving audiences much more causes to remain tuned.
Stream Supernatural on Netflix.
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
A pioneering work throughout the supernatural and fantasy genres, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an addictive mix of motion, humor, and drama. It revolves round Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a highschool pupil who reluctantly accepts her function because the Chosen One — destined to battle darkish forces like vampires and demons. Relocating to Sunnydale, a California city located over a Hellmouth, Buffy struggles to stability her supernatural duties with the on a regular basis hardships of teenage life.
Every season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer includes a “Large Unhealthy” or a significant antagonist like the traditional vampire The Grasp. To take them down, Buffy is supported by the “Scooby Gang,” made up of her associates and mentor. With sharp storytelling and quite a few modern twists on basic tropes, the collection grew to become a celebrated basic that many followers proceed to reference and revisit right this moment. It has an lively fandom that collects its a whole lot of tie-in merchandise, and the present additionally spawned the “Buffyverse,” which incorporates its widespread spinoff titled Angel.
Stream Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Hulu.
1. Recreation of Thrones (2011-2019)
HBO’s epic adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Tune of Ice and Fireplace collection, Recreation of Thrones is a monumental achievement in fantasy tv and an plain cultural phenomenon. Set within the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the collection begins as noble households vie for management of the Iron Throne whereas a looming risk from past the Wall—the White Walkers—threatens to upend the recognized world. Over eight seasons, the present explores the varied political factions, new romances and alliances, dramatic betrayals, and a lot extra.
Regardless of its horrible last season, Recreation of Thrones nonetheless stands as the height of fantasy TV, due to its cutting-edge visuals, formidable and far-reaching arcs, and superb forged. The collection is a spectacle that delivered an unparalleled sense of scale to the small display, all whereas counting on Shakespearean drama to maintain followers glued to their screens each week. Whereas it didn’t finish on a excessive notice, Recreation of Thrones’ affect on the style has cemented it alongside the greats, with quite a few deliberate spin-offs being a testomony to its legacy.
Stream Recreation of Thrones on Max.
