Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Fantasy Shows Of 2023
Latest additions: Castlevania: Nocturne, The Changeling, One Piece
Most divisive: American Born Chinese
Magic, adventure, and endless possibilities present themselves in the world of the fantasy genre. The best fantasy shows of 2023 include spin-offs of much beloved franchises as well as entirely new realms to explore.
Netflix's The Sandman tells the story of Dream/Morpheus, the personification of dreams and is based on the 90s DC comic series. Netflix's other popular series The Witcher continues into season 3 with a heroic sendoff for Henry Cavill. Other great shows on this list include House of the Dragon, Arcane, and Rings of Power.
Vote up the most exciting fantasy shows this year and be sure to check out the whole list!
The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster-hunter for hire, as he navigates a tumultuous world where humans often prove more wicked than the beasts he hunts. As destiny propels him forward, Geralt must protect the young Princess Cirilla and face dangerous forces while war brews on the Continent. The show is a fantasy drama filled with action and adventure, based on a novel series, and features a talented cast including Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, and Freya Allan.
The Sandman follows Morpheus, the King of Dreams, as he emerges from years of imprisonment and embarks on a journey through different realms to recover what was stolen from him and reclaim his lost power. This TV series, based on Neil Gaiman's acclaimed comic, offers a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy, weaving a complex narrative with mesmerizing visuals and a cast that includes Tom Sturridge and Boyd Holbrook.
Actors: Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie, Vivienne Acheampong, Boyd Holbrook, Charles Dance
Carnival Row is a gripping fantasy series set in a mystical and dark city where a police detective investigates a series of brutal murders targeting the fairy population. As tensions escalate between fae beings and their human oppressors, the show delves into themes of politics, racism, and social injustice, creating a captivating neo-noir narrative. The series features an ensemble cast including Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, and its Victorian-era steampunk setting adds a unique flavor to the murder mystery and fantasy elements.
Actors: Orlando Bloom, Cara Delevingne, David Gyasi, Karla Crome, Indira Varma
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a 1940s combat nurse who unexpectedly travels back in time to 1743 and becomes entangled in a perilous world where she's forced into a marriage with a Scottish warrior, Jamie Fraser. As their passionate romance unfolds amidst the backdrop of historic events, the show masterfully blends time travel, romance, and drama against the scenic landscapes of Scotland. The series is based on a book series by Diana Gabaldon and boasts a dedicated fanbase drawn to its captivating characters and rich historical context.
Actors: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, David Berry
House of the Dragon takes viewers back to the height of the Targaryen dynasty's power, exploring the downfall that begins when King Viserys names his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, leading to division and friction as his subsequent actions sow discord across the realm. This epic fantasy series, set in the same universe as Game of Thrones, features a talented cast including Emma D'Arcy and Matt Smith, and offers a blend of political intrigue, dragon lore, and dynastic conflicts in a richly detailed fantasy world.
Actors: Paddy Considine, Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Steve Toussaint, Olivia Cooke
