6 Magical Fantasy Franchises Better Than Harry Potter

Although the original series ended 14 years ago, the magical world it created remains incredibly popular. Beyond the upcoming new audiobooks, which will feature beloved voice actors, a TV reboot is currently being made and is expected to arrive in 2027. However, fans of this famous fantasy series also have other movies and shows to explore.

While some books, like The Magicians, have been compared to Harry Potter, many dedicated fans haven’t embraced them. Other popular stories, such as The Wizard of Oz and Game of Thrones, are frequently mentioned alongside Harry Potter as fantastic examples of fantasy entertainment. If you’re searching for shows or movies to fill the void left by Harry Potter, or something with a similarly epic story, there are several excellent options available.

The Magicians Is a Dark and Mature Harry Potter

As a fantasy fan, I was really drawn into The Magicians. It’s about a group of young adults who discover magic is actually real, and everything they’ve read about in fantasy books is out there! The show follows Quentin Coldwater and his friends as they start training at Brakebills, a university for magicians. But it’s not all spells and wonder; Quentin’s friend Julia gets shut out of Brakebills and ends up learning magic in a much different, and darker, way. The series quickly shows how magic isn’t what they imagined as kids – it’s complex, dangerous, and there are serious threats lurking in this fantastical world that could impact everything.

Even though The Magicians received consistently positive reviews for all five seasons, it remains somewhat underrated. Many viewers who grew up loving Harry Potter have found it to be a great next step – a more adult and intellectually stimulating fantasy series. While inspired by classic fantasy stories, the show subverts typical genre tropes, presenting a darker and more complex world where magic is real. Based on Lev Grossman’s book trilogy, the series is celebrated for staying true to the original story while also offering a unique and innovative take.

Game of Thrones Is the Perfect Immersive Fantasy World

The story of Game of Thrones starts with Eddard Stark investigating the deceit and hidden truths surrounding the powerful Lannister family and King Robert. Simultaneously, the series introduces looming dangers like the White Walkers, Daenerys Targaryen’s mysterious link to dragons, and Bran Stark’s unique ability. Over seven seasons, the show develops the intricate political struggles in Westeros alongside the growing threat of supernatural forces, which are initially dismissed by those in power, ultimately endangering the entire world.

George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones creates a truly captivating world, filled with detailed history, subtle magic, incredible creatures, and distinct cultures. Unlike Harry Potter, which blends magic into our world, Game of Thrones transports you to a completely different realm. For fantasy lovers seeking total immersion, this series—with its terrifying creatures and rich details—represents the height of entertainment.

The Dark Crystal Is an Entirely Different Planet

The world of The Dark Crystal is set on the planet Thra, where a powerful crystal broke apart, creating two groups: the benevolent urRu (Mystics) and the malevolent Skeksis. This split plunged Thra into chaos, with the Skeksis causing widespread destruction in their quest for total control. The story follows Jen, a young Gelfling who believes he’s the last of his race, as he embarks on a perilous journey to find a missing piece of the Dark Crystal. Reuniting the shards is the only way to restore peace and balance to Thra. While a sequel never materialized, a TV series called The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance premiered in 2019, but only lasted one season.

Although The Dark Crystal received mixed reviews when it first came out, it remains a beloved fantasy film with a dedicated fanbase. Fans often compare it to other classics like Game of Thrones and Star Wars. While it didn’t reach the same level of popularity as those franchises, The Dark Crystal is remarkable for its detailed world-building, complete with a unique magic system, imaginative creatures, and a classic hero’s journey. It’s a truly immersive fantasy experience that transports viewers to a vividly realized alien planet, brought to life through stunning sets and memorable characters.

The Meaning of Life is Explored in The Wizard of Oz

While there are many movies based on The Wizard of Oz, the 1939 film is the most well-known. It tells the story of Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, and her dog, who find themselves in the magical land of Oz. To return home, Dorothy embarks on a quest to get the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West for the Wizard. Recently, a new movie based on the spin-off story Wicked has become popular, especially with younger audiences. This film explores the backstories of Elphaba and Glinda before they became the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good.

While The Wizard of Oz series might not be groundbreaking anymore, it remains incredibly popular. These stories are enjoyable, imaginative, and filled with music, but their true strength lies in the underlying messages. The fantastical world of Oz, with its unique creatures and memorable characters, highlights the value of friendship, believing in yourself, and being content with who you are. These themes also appear in Harry Potter, but it’s important to remember that The Wizard of Oz helped establish them as a key part of this type of storytelling.

The Chosen One Trope Was Perfected in Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender takes place in a world inspired by Asian cultures, where certain individuals, known as benders, can control air, earth, water, or fire. The story centers around the Fire Nation’s century-long attempt to conquer the world, suppressing anyone who opposes them. When a 12-year-old boy named Aang is discovered after being trapped in ice for 100 years, he’s revealed to be the Avatar – the only person who can master all four elements and restore balance to the world.

Avatar: The Last Airbender started as a popular animated series and has since grown into a major franchise, with a sequel series, The Legend of Korra, and now a live-action remake on Netflix. While it might seem lighthearted at times, the show tackles surprisingly complex themes, like the immense pressure placed on a young teenager. Though Harry Potter popularized the ‘Chosen One’ storyline, Avatar: The Last Airbender took that idea further, building a rich fantasy world where everything depends on maintaining balance – a balance centered around the main character.

The Lord of the Rings Set the Standards for Fantasy

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is widely considered the greatest fantasy series ever created, both as books and movies. The story follows the hobbit Frodo Baggins, who is tasked by the wizard Gandalf with destroying the powerful One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. Throughout the epic tale, Frodo is joined by companions who fight alongside him in numerous battles – big and small – against the forces of the dark lord Sauron, all in an effort to bring peace back to the land of Middle-earth.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings has grown into a hugely popular franchise, now including The Hobbit movies and the The Rings of Power TV series. The world of Middle-earth is incredibly detailed, with rich history, extensive mythology, and unique creatures – arguably the most fully realized fantasy world ever created. Despite some criticisms, the franchise remains a global phenomenon that no other fantasy series has been able to match.

2025-11-06 04:37