FantasyTV shows come in all forms and touch upon a variety of visual and narrative styles, but it’s the ones that changed the shape of the genre that are best remembered. Many of these are greatfantasy TV shows based on books, as having source material with effective world-building and predetermined lore can be enormously helpful for the layered plotlines of a fantasy show. Some series are high fantasy, full of magic and dragons, while others lean into the horror and supernatural sides of the genre. Regardless, these projects have influenced the trajectory of fantasy forever.
Everyone should watch these fantasy TV shows, as they have crossover appeal for longtime fans of the genre and viewers who don’t find themselves drawn to fantasy. However,these shows are so innovative and unlike anything else seen on TVthat anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story will find themselves falling in love with these series. Many other shows have tried and failed to capture the momentum and magic that were generated by these landmark works, but it’s usually best to watch the original, especially when they’re this good.
7WandaVision (2021)
WandaVision Proved That Marvel’s Foray Into Television Could Work
Led by Elizabeth Olsen reprising her role as Wanda Maximoff,AKA Scarlet Witch,WandaVisionremains one of the most creative and innovative projects that the MCU has put out. A stunning tribute to all genres and eras of television as well as a surprisingly touching portrayal of grief,WandaVisionwas unlike anything audiences had seen from the studio before.
The show set a high bar for all the projects that would come after and demonstrated how more metatextual storytelling could connect with a wide array of audiences.WandaVisionopened an exciting new door for the niche of superhero stories within fantasy.
WandaVision (2021)
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Eventually leading to the spinoff,Agatha All Along,WandaVisionwas an important step for the MCU and the future of heroes on TV.Paul Bettany is a fantastic co-lead,as his chemistry with Olsen helps give the series a touch of realism amid the ups and downs of the narrative.
While it was hugely popular, this isn’t the only reason whyWandaVisionwas important. All fantasy show writers and creators were emboldened to get a little bizarre with their storytelling thanks to the show.
6The Magicians (2015–2020)
This Underrated Series Deserves To Be Better Remembered
Based on the book trilogy by Lev Grossman,The Magicianshas been called a more adultHarry Potter,a twist onNarnia, and the next step in the evolution of the magic school genre. The series took the original text and pushed it even further, quickly cementingThe Magiciansas a fantasy show for a new generation of fans.
Opting for a softer magic system that can be bent to fit the needs of the story,The Magiciansis a wild ride of twists and new realms that the characters learn about alongside the audience. There are elements ofThe Magiciansthat are a little dated in terms of humor and style, butthis is part of the charm of a series that pushes itself to keep up with pop culture.
The Magicianswas the answer to highly explicit and adult fantasy shows premiering in the 2010s.While the show did touch upon dark and mature themes, it was more tongue-in-cheek and let its characters act like the messy, imperfect young adults they are. This makes the characters dynamic, as the viewers can see themselves in them and join in on the magical adventures.
5Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
Transcending Both The Animation & Fantasy Genres, ATLA Appeals To Everyone
Like the fantasy genre, animation comes with a lot of preconceived notions attached to it, especially a children’s cartoon series likeAvatar: The Last Airbender. However,ATLAis the perfect example of whywe should all be watching a lot more kids' animated shows.With nuanced, emotional storytelling and one of the most cohesive multi-season arcs of the past twenty years,ATLAcaptures the audience’s attention with interesting lore and compelling characters who change a lot before the series comes to an end.
While there are stand-alone episodes, there isn’t a wasted moment inATLA.ATLAis anAmerican cartoon that’s as good as anime, and the influence of major anime series is evident in both the visuals and storytelling.
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The trajectory of modern animated TV shows has a lot to do withATLA,as the series was fun and full of humor, but trusted that its audience would understand the bigger interrogations of big social issues that the story engages with.
WhenAvatar: The Last Airbenderis at its best, there’s nothing that compares to the power of the series. Though ambitious, every risk the series takes pays off.
4Supernatural (2005–2020)
For 15 Seasons, Supernatural Was A Hallmark Of The Genre
There’s no shortage of long-running TV shows, butnot every fantasy series can say that it ran for well over a decade.However, each season ofSupernaturaljustifies itself, and the enormous impact that the show has had on fans, as well as the genre as a whole, speaks for itself.
One of the most unique parts ofSupernaturalis the many meta episodes that punctuate each season and the way the writers and creators weren’t afraid to poke fun at the way the series was received by fans and critics alike. This sense of humor that sustainedSupernaturalthroughout its fifteen seasons was vital, as the story was dark and saw the central brothers, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles), go through intense emotional moments.
The bond of the brothers– and the angels and demons they befriend along the way– became the defining emotional thrust of the story.Supernaturalwas always hyper-aware of its impact and enjoyed its place in the cultural conversation. Proving that magic and demons can be fun, tongue-in-cheek, and scary,Supernaturalcreated a generation of dedicated fantasy fans.
3The Leftovers (2014–2017)
Though The Fantasy Elements Are More Subtle, The Leftovers Delivers Them Perfectly
ThoughThe Leftoversis often compared toLost, another famous mystery box series, watching the show today only cements the fact that there has never been another project quite likeThe Leftovers.Unlike many of the most famous fantasy series,The Leftoversis firmly rooted in reality, using gritty realism as an anchor for the intense interpersonal drama that fuels the characters' actions and decisions.
The Leftoversuses its fantasy elements to uplift the essential themes and lessonsthat it imparts to the audience. ThoughThe Leftoverswas never as popular as fantasy heavyweights likeGame of Thronesand only ran for three seasons,it’s become a blueprint for the mystery box genre.
The willingness to let questions go unanswered and allow the viewer to draw their own conclusions about the nature of the magic is what makesThe Leftoversso iconic and what has already allowed it to age so well.It’s a dark show and unafraid to grapple with grief, but all the best fantasy series are.
2Game Of Thrones (2011–2019)
Without GOT, The Fantasy Renaissance Might Never Have Happened
At its peak,Game of Throneswas one of the most popular TV shows on the air, making waves and generating renewed interest in fantasy from its initial premiere. While there has never been a shortage of interesting and engaging speculative fiction projects to watch on TV,GOTwas a crossover hit for longtime fans of the genre and audiences who wouldn’t traditionally seek out fantasy. WhileGeorge R.R. Martin’s books are what made the show’s story so vivid,the series did an incredible job adapting the narrative for the screen.
In the wake ofGOT’s premiere, there has been an influx of series trying to capitalize on the momentum generated by this show.However, it’s not just the fact that there have been many copycats that makeGOTnotable.
The scale and resources that went into crafting each scene ofGame of Thronesmade an excellent case for investing in fantasy.Additionally, the focus on a sprawling ensemble of characters with overlapping plots was a storytelling style perfected by the series.
1Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
Buffy’s Perfect Episodes Have Been Copied Many Times Over
The supernatural side of fantasy has been explored many times over, and series that centered on strong female protagonists were booming in the 1990s.However, few shows compare to the magic and impact ofBuffy The Vampire Slayer. With a litany of episodes that have been copied by fantasy and non-fantasy shows alike,Buffystruck the perfect balance between humor, drama, and action.
Packed with characters that the audience couldn’t help but fall in love with,Buffyis a once-in-a-lifetime seriesthat still has a hold on the cultural conversation. It will be interesting to seewhat characters return in theBuffyrebootand how the revival tackles the rich history and legacy of the show.
Buffy The Vampire Slayeris arguably a perfect series with no bad seasons. A large part of what makes it special is how well it uplifted and empowered female fantasy heroes while maintaining the humanity and imperfections of its characters. Though there are plenty of stand-alone episodes, the show’s overarching stories and character development are what have inspired countless teen dramas andfantasyseries.
