The 120+ Best Fantasy Shows of All Time

Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin's intricate novels, manages to captivate audiences with its magical realism and elaborate world-building. Set in the fictional continent of Westeros, the show highlights political intrigue and multiple warring factions. What sets it apart from other fantasy series is how it seamlessly blends mythical elements, such as dragons, ice zombies, and ancient prophecies, with raw, human emotion. Characters are shaped by their hardships and experiences in this unforgiving world, driving the plot and capturing the hearts of viewers.

The Witcher, adapted from Andrzej Sapkowski's popular books, takes viewers on a journey through an intriguing, magical realm. The protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, is a skilled monster hunter or "witcher," who grapples with creatures from various mythologies. Supernatural forces, sorcery, enchanted forests, and parallel timelines all intertwine in this enthralling series, emphasizing the importance of destiny and blurred moral lines among the characters.

The Originals explores the dark, supernatural world of witches, werewolves, and vampires, making innovative use of its New Orleans setting. The show centers around the powerful Mikaelson family as they navigate their own battles and attempts at redemption while dealing with the fallout of their past mistakes. The deep-rooted mysticism of the show's setting, the rich history of its characters, and complex alliances add to the fantastical atmosphere.

Shadow and Bone perfectly melds fantasy with historical fiction by taking place in a Russian-inspired, war-torn landscape teeming with magic. The story centers on an orphaned, magical cartographer named Alina Starkov, who discovers she possesses the power to save or destroy her world. Morally complex characters, an intricate political landscape, and the weight of expectation complicate the journey, giving the series its unique sense of enchantment.

The Sandman, based on Neil Gaiman's acclaimed comic series, offers a surreal and dreamlike exploration of a vast cosmological landscape. As the series weaves stories featuring gods and mortals, it centers around Morpheus (the Lord of Dreams) and his siblings, collectively known as the Endless. It is a captivating voyage into the eldritch reaches of the imagination, asking profound questions about life and human nature.

Stranger Things cleverly bridges science fiction and fantasy as it transports viewers to Hawkins, a small town in 1980s Indiana. Blending nostalgia for the era with supernatural forces and terrifying alternate dimensions, the show spotlights a talented ensemble cast confronting government conspiracies, unexplained occurrences, and the sinister entity known as the Mind Flayer.