Top 10 Fantasy TV Shows Of The 1990s, Ranked

The 1990s were a golden age for fantasy TV shows, offering a wide variety of styles and appealing to different viewers. While great shows came from all genres, fantasy truly stood out during that decade.

Fantasy is a hugely popular genre because it’s so diverse and imaginative. This freedom lets fantasy TV shows create incredible worlds, unique creatures, and compelling characters, and also allows them to tackle a wide range of themes and important social issues.

As a total fantasy fan, I really believe there’s a show out there for everyone. And the ’90s were packed with them, aimed at all ages and covering so many different styles. Honestly, while a lot of them are great, some just really stand out from the rest – and for a whole bunch of different reasons, too.

10. Sabrina The Teenage Witch

1996-2003

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is a comedy series created by Nell Scovell and inspired by the Archie Comics character, Sabrina Spellman. The show centers around Sabrina (played by Melissa Joan Hart), who discovers on her sixteenth birthday that she has magical abilities. The series follows Sabrina as she learns to manage her powers with the help of her magical aunts, Hilda and Zelda.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is a fun show that mixes magic, humor, and the challenges of growing up, all while including some dramatic moments. Even though it’s a fantasy, the characters feel real and relatable. The show evolves alongside its viewers, and it features Salem, a sarcastic and witty talking cat who often provides a sensible perspective.

9. Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

1995-1999

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys is a fantasy adventure series inspired by the stories of Heracles, the famous Greek hero known as Hercules in Roman mythology. The show follows Hercules (played by Kevin Sorbo) and his companion as they travel through ancient Greece, helping people and battling dangerous monsters and creatures.

As a big fan of adventure shows, I always enjoyed Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. It wasn’t high art, but it was reliably fun! There was plenty of action, but what really made it special was the humor, largely thanks to Michael Hurst as Iolaus, Hercules’ sidekick. It’s a really lighthearted show with a lead you instantly root for, and the action was always exciting. Honestly, it didn’t take Greek mythology too seriously – it was pure, joyful 90s camp, and I loved it for that.

8. Goosebumps

1995-1998

The 1990s offered a lot of fun, spooky shows for kids, and Goosebumps was one of the best. Based on the popular book series by R.L. Stine, it was an anthology series, meaning each episode featured a completely new and different story. Most of these stories came from the books, but a few were original creations.

The Goosebumps series tapped into everyday childhood fears and introduced a lot of kids to the horror genre. It used imaginative, if somewhat dated, special effects that still hold a certain appeal. Plus, its playfully over-the-top style actually enhanced the scares and gave the show a distinctive, memorable quality.

7. Gargoyles

1994-1997

©Buena Vista Television/Courtesy MovieStillsDB

Gargoyles is widely considered one of the greatest animated TV shows ever made, and a standout series from the 1990s. The show centers around gargoyles – creatures who are stone during the day and come alive at night.

Gargoyles once lived in a Scottish castle, but were betrayed in 994. The few who remained were turned to stone, with a curse stating they’d only awaken when the castle reached the clouds. Centuries later, in 1994, a wealthy man named David Xanatos rebuilt the castle on top of his New York skyscraper, lifting the curse. Now awake, the gargoyles adjust to modern life and become the city’s guardians at night.

Gargoyles stands out because of its unique animation, strong voice acting, and characters that felt surprisingly complex for a cartoon. It also tackled mature themes that were unusual for shows aimed at its original audience.

6. Charmed

1998-2006

The TV show Charmed, created by Constance M. Burge, follows the Halliwell sisters – Phoebe, Prue, and Piper – as they discover they are incredibly powerful witches. Together, using their combined strength known as the “Power of Three,” they work to protect innocent people from evil forces.

Charmed brilliantly blends witchcraft, thrilling supernatural adventures, and relatable family relationships, centering on the Halliwell sisters and their bond. The show’s powerful message of female empowerment, combined with its strong, complex female leads, makes it a truly iconic and groundbreaking television series.

5. Are You Afraid of the Dark?

1992-1996, 1999-2000

Are You Afraid of the Dark? is a horror TV series created by D.J. MacHale and Ned Kandel. The show centers around a group of teenagers called “The Midnight Society” who gather in a hidden location in the woods at midnight to share spooky tales. Each episode features a different story told by a member of the group.

The original Are You Afraid of the Dark? isn’t just frightening for children; it genuinely scares adults too. It’s known for its impressive practical effects, imaginative monsters and villains, and a consistently suspenseful and creepy mood that remains effective even now. Beyond the scares, the show also thoughtfully explores important themes like death, loss, grief, growing up, and family relationships.

4. Highlander: The Series

1992-1998

The sci-fi action show Highlander: The Series continues the story from the 1986 film Highlander. It centers around Duncan MacLeod (Adrian Paul), an immortal man pursued by other immortals. They battle each other, and when an immortal is killed, the winner gains their power in an event called ‘the quickening’.

Highlander: The Series offers a rich and detailed world with a captivating story. It feels more realistic than the films, delving into relatable themes of love, loss, and isolation. The show features strong, well-rounded characters, thrilling action, and plenty of dramatic moments.

3. Angel

1999-2004

Angel is a show that started as a part of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe. It centers around the character Angel, played by David Boreanaz, and follows him after he relocates to Los Angeles. There, he works as a detective, fighting both demons and the people who work with them, all while struggling with his own personal issues.

Angel is widely considered one of the greatest spin-off shows ever created. It stands out from its parent show, Buffy, with a grittier and more serious atmosphere. The show boasts compelling, fully-realized characters, strong acting, and captivating storylines, all while cleverly building upon the world established in Buffy. Angel delves into more mature themes, and this depth is evident throughout the entire series.

2. Xena: Warrior Princess

1995-2001

Xena: Warrior Princess is a fantasy adventure TV series that began as a spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. The show centers around Xena (played by Lucy Lawless), a skilled warrior with a troubled past who seeks to make amends by protecting those in need. Many fans consider Xena: Warrior Princess to be one of the most successful spin-off series ever made, alongside shows like Angel.

Xena: Warrior Princess skillfully blends action, fantasy, drama, and humor, all while maintaining strong storytelling and character development. The show features a groundbreaking female lead, alongside complex characters and engaging stories that explore themes like forgiveness, strength, and the importance of friendship.

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

1997-2003

Often considered one of the greatest TV shows ever made, Buffy the Vampire Slayer originally aired in the 1990s. Created by Joss Whedon, the show follows Buffy Summers (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar), who is part of a long line of young women destined to fight vampires as the ‘Vampire Slayer’.

Buffy’s job is to fight vampires, demons, and other evil creatures. She gets help from her mentor, Giles, and her friends Willow and Xander.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer tracks Buffy’s journey from adolescence to young adulthood, allowing viewers to grow up with her. The show expertly blends horror, fantasy, science fiction, drama, and humor, featuring well-developed characters and stories that explore universal themes like finding yourself, the importance of friends, dealing with loss, and overcoming addiction.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer isn’t just a popular show; it’s considered highly influential. It broke ground with its powerful female protagonist, inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters, and the way it used fantasy to explore real-world issues and impact culture.

2025-11-25 01:31