While Game of Thrones brought high fantasy to a massive audience, it’s just one example of excellent worldbuilding in the genre. Based on George R. R. Martin’s popular books, the series is famous for its intricate and detailed setting, complete with feuding families, enormous dragons, and breathtaking landscapes. Westeros has become a truly iconic fictional world, and the HBO show continues to be widely discussed even after ending. It’s therefore no surprise that the Game of Thrones universe is growing, with new shows exploring different eras and stories within that world.
Despite its popularity, the series isn’t perfect. It sometimes relies on excessive violence, has plot inconsistencies, and includes disturbing sexual content. These issues are enough to turn some viewers away completely, who believe other fantasy shows are superior. However, whether you love the source material or have stayed far away, there are many other well-developed fantasy stories offering complex worlds, rich histories, and epic experiences.
The Magicians
2015–2020
The TV show The Magicians is a fantastic, but often overlooked, fantasy series that consistently improves. It’s based on the novels by Lev Grossman and centers around Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), a college student who unexpectedly gains admission to Brakebills, a school for magic. Quentin quickly discovers he has a lifelong connection to the magical world, a connection that began with the Fillory and Further books he loved as a kid.
As Quentin delves deeper into the world of Fillory and Further, he discovers it’s much more than just a story. What begins as a college show reminiscent of Harry Potter for adults slowly transforms, adding more and more fantastical elements with each season. By the series’ end, The Magicians has changed so much from its original urban drama roots, but this change feels natural and engaging, rather than sudden or jarring.
Arcane
2021–2024
Even though it only has two seasons, Arcane creates a remarkably detailed and immersive world – more so than some shows that have been on the air for years. Based on the popular video game League of Legends, the series follows sisters Vi and Jinx as they struggle to survive in Zaun, a gritty and impoverished city filled with crime. As the gap between rich and poor grows wider, the sisters find themselves on opposing sides of an escalating conflict.
Though brief, the steampunk action adventure is incredibly impactful. Many consider Arcane to be one of the best fantasy shows ever made, thanks to its stellar voice acting, complex themes, and insightful social commentary. However, what truly sets it apart is its detailed world and fascinating backstory. This Netflix original is a captivating mystery that unfolds gradually, appealing to a wide range of viewers.
Shadow and Bone
2021–2023
Despite being canceled before it could reach its full potential, the world of Shadow and Bone is remarkably detailed. The series cleverly combines storylines from Leigh Bardugo’s popular novels, Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone, bringing together characters like the criminal mastermind Kaz (Freddy Carter) and his crew with Alina’s (Jessie Mei Li) journey as she learns to control her powerful sun-summoning abilities.
Despite being cancelled after two seasons, the Shadow and Bone series gained a dedicated fanbase who passionately campaigned for a third season on Netflix. Though unsuccessful, this outpouring of support established the show as a well-regarded, underrated fantasy series. One of the show’s biggest strengths was its intricate and detailed magic system, which cleverly used different types of powers to reflect social inequalities.
The Legend of Vox Machina
2022–Present
It’s no surprise that The Legend of Vox Machina is considered one of the greatest fantasy TV worlds, given it began as a 115-episode Dungeons & Dragons series. From its 2022 debut on Prime Video, it was clear that this adaptation of Critical Role‘s first campaign would quickly become a beloved classic. And with the success of its spinoff, The Mighty Nein, The Legend of Vox Machina proves to be rich with well-developed stories and a deeply imagined world called Exandria.
Bringing the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life is always engaging, but The Legend of Vox Machina truly stands out. The show boasts a fantastic group of heroes and thrilling action scenes, making it a near-perfect fantasy adventure. Season 4 promises to explore the world of Exandria and the beloved Vox Machina team even further, hinting at a bright future for the series.
Outlander
2014–2026
Like Game of Thrones, Outlander is incredibly popular, and perhaps even more so, though it appeals to a somewhat different group of viewers. The show’s main draw is the captivating and romantic relationship between Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan)—a couple whose love story defies the boundaries of time and circumstance.
| Critical Response To Outlander | |
|---|---|
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
| Season 1 | 92% |
| Season 2 | 92% |
| Season 3 | 90% |
| Season 4 | 88% |
| Season 5 | 86% |
| Season 6 | 89% |
| Season 7 | 95% |
| Season 8 | 100% |
Throughout the show’s complex storylines involving politics and time travel, the relationship between Claire and Jamie remained central. Though the main Outlander series recently concluded after almost 12 years, the finale hinted at possible future shows set in the same world, which could expand the story even further.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
2005–2008
I remember first watching Avatar: The Last Airbender on Nickelodeon, and it totally blew me away. It’s so much more than just a cartoon – it really redefined fantasy storytelling. Even now, years later, it holds up as a classic. What I loved most was how it took this simple idea of bending the elements and turned it into a powerful story about war and different cultures, with the Air Nomads, Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom, and Fire Nation all representing something bigger.
As a huge animation fan, I’ve always been struck by how Avatar: The Last Airbender manages to tackle some incredibly serious stuff. I mean, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, and Toph are all kids, but their stories really dig into things like genocide, what happens when a government becomes oppressive, and the difficult choices people face during wartime – even whether getting involved in a war makes you partly responsible for terrible acts. What’s amazing is how it presents all of that in a way that’s easy to follow and enjoy, making it a perfect fantasy series whether you’re completely new to the genre or a longtime fan.
His Dark Materials
2019–2022
When Lyra Belacqua’s best friend vanishes, she embarks on a journey to find her, a journey that takes her to another world. The story quickly introduces a richly imagined fantasy setting, filled with a unique substance called Dust, animal companions who are deeply connected to people, and powerful witches. They tell Lyra she’s destined to fulfill a prophecy that will save her friend and the entire world.
His Dark Materials is a truly exceptional fantasy series. It tackles big, thought-provoking ideas and builds a richly detailed world to support them. The show cleverly combines religious and political themes through the powerful Magisterium, while also exploring quieter, more personal struggles. This balance between grand conflicts and intimate moments makes for a compelling and well-rounded series that promises to be even more appreciated over time.
Attack on Titan
2013–2023
I’m a huge fan of Attack on Titan, and I think it’s easily one of the greatest anime series ever made – it really grabs you no matter what you usually watch! The story is set in this incredibly dark and fantastical world where humanity is constantly under threat from these terrifying, giant creatures called Titans. They just attack for no reason, and it’s horrifying. But there’s hope! A group called the Survey Corps steps up to fight back, not just to protect people, but to figure out where these Titans came from and what they really are.
While Attack on Titan is especially beloved by anime fans, even those who usually prefer traditional fantasy will likely be hooked after just one episode. The show’s post-apocalyptic world becomes increasingly captivating over its 94 episodes, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoyed the grand scale of Game of Thrones but wants a story with fewer problematic elements.
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2026-05-23 06:32