In the last decade, we have entered into a new world when it comes to the best fantasy shows. While they were always around, with big hits such as Charmed bringing families together in front of the television screen, it wasn’t quite until the 2010s where shows really began to hit their stride. I’m talking mega-hits like Game of Thrones, or Netflix’s The Witcher, or even House of the Dragon, which was a part of the 2024 TV schedule.
No matter what kind of fantasy you’re into, there’s sure to be a show that will draw you in. So, if you’re in need of a new show to binge on soon that takes you to a world filled with fantasy, look no further than some of the best fantasy shows that are streaming right now, all of which you can watch on some of the best streaming services.
Game of Thrones (Max)
I mean, we can’t have a fantasy list without Game of Thrones. This classic HBO show that began in 2011 tells the long story of Westeros and several people who are vying to sit on the Iron Throne and rule over the land. Except there are darker enemies approaching, some that the rest of the world has no idea about.
Okay, let me say something quickly – is Season 8 a bit of a let-down? Yes, completely, but the rest of this show is absolutely amazing. There’s a reason why Game of Thrones ended up becoming one of the biggest -- if not the biggest -- shows on television. The story was fantastic, the acting phenomenal, the characters believable (until Season 8) – even the CGI was film-quality for a television show. While it may not have ended the way everyone wanted, there’s no denying its legacy. Winter is truly coming.
Stream Game of Thrones on Max.
House Of The Dragon (Max)
We already talked about Game of Thrones, but how about we go back about two hundred years before that? House of the Dragon is all about the Targaryen dynasty, specifically the Dance of Dragons, known as the Targaryen civil war, where brother against brother and family member against family member were fighting for the chance to sit on that Iron Throne.
I recall that when House of the Dragon was first announced, I wasn’t that excited for it because I was turned off by the Game of Thrones ending, but I can openly say now that it’s one of my favorite fantasies and a great prequel to the original show. The House of the Dragon cast is so talented, and the story truly captures you from the first episode onwards. With two full seasons out and a third that will be here (eventually), now is the time to watch the first two seasons and engage in the battle of dragons.
Stream House of the Dragon on Max.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power (Amazon Prime)
The Lord of The Rings is possibly one of the best fantasy series of all time, if not the best, so it would make sense that a TV show regarding the franchise would also be on this list. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power takes place years before the Lord of the Rings novels, and follows the time of Middle-Earth's Second Age, and the battles that were won and lost, as well as characters that we know and come to meet.
I really can’t get into this without exposing too much about the story, but if you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, I think you’ll enjoy this series. Now, don’t get me wrong – there are certainly some moments in this show that might make you go ‘huh?’ when it comes down to lore-accuracy, but if you can separate yourself from it, here lies a great fantasy show that has fun characters and well-executed magic and battle scenes. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is coming very soon, so might as well check out the first season’s eight episodes.
Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Hulu)
I don’t think you can get more fantasy than Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The classic fantasy series mixed with the supernatural follows the story of a teenager who becomes a Vampire Slayer, a person chosen by fate to kill forces of darkness that threaten the lives of those who can’t protect themselves.
For some, they might consider this show a little more horror than anything else, but for me, I’ve always found this series to be more like a fantasy. The more you watch, the more you’ll understand, and honestly, the series was hugely impactful in modern-day television and with seven seasons to binge, there’s plenty here to love.
Stream Buffy The Vampire Slayer on Hulu.
Percy Jackson And The Olympians (Disney+)
Based on the novels of the same name, Percy Jackson and the Olympians follows the titular character, Percy Jackson, as he enrolls in a camp that is made for Half-Bloods – i.e. children of Gods and humans. While discovering who he truly is, he goes on a quest to prove his innocence to the gods, who accuse him of stealing Zeus’ thunderbolt.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of Percy Jackson and have been for years, and I loved the heck out of the TV adaptation. The Percy Jackson & the Olympians cast is talented, and there’s no denying the fun fantasy aspects that are included within this franchise, like magic, minotaurs and more. Percy Jackson & The Olympians Season 2 is confirmed so now is the perfect time to watch the first season.
Stream Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+.
His Dark Materials (Max)
In another big HBO show, His Dark Materials, we follow Lyra, a young woman who is from another world, and is on a quest to find her kidnapped friends. But in doing so, she uncovers the sinister plans of a secret organization, and now has to somehow protect her own life along with the ones she loves.
Based on Philip Pullman's trilogy of novels, His Dark Materials is another example of what television can do if they are given a film’s budget. The His Dark Materials cast is top-notch, with plenty of acting talent to spare, and the effects are amazing. The story itself is also very compelling. It doesn’t take long for this show to pull you in and get your attention – I promise you, you’ll be attentive from the very first episode. With three complete seasons, this is a great one to binge for a weekend.
Stream His Dark Materials on Max.
The Witcher (Netflix)
Oh, The Witcher, one of the most popular shows on Netflix so far. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski's books, in The Witcher, we follow Geralt of Rivia, a witcher who hunts down monsters for coin, as his path crosses with many different and interesting faces, such as Ciri, the Lion Cub of Cintra, Yennifer, the sorceress, and Jaskier, the bard.
While I do feel there are aspects from the books that could have been better adapted into the series, I think that this is still well done and they’ll only continue to do better. Henry Cavill as Geralt was perfect casting, and the rest of The Witcher cast is compelling and works incredibly well together. Keep in mind that now, with The Witcher Season 4, Liam Hemsworth will be playing Geralt, but I’m willing to give it a shot.
Stream The Witcher on Netflix.
The Magicians (Netflix)
Another long show with plenty of seasons, The Magicians is based on Lev Grossman's books and follows Quentin Coldwater, who enrolls in Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy to be trained as a magician, but there he learns that the fantasy worlds he grew up with as a child are extraordinarily real, and are a danger to humanity.
What I like about The Magicians is that it takes almost a practical look at magic compared to some of the other shows here, or magic shows in general. While most shows seem to look at magic with almost a sense of wonder, The Magicians really goes over how it could seriously harm the human race, and the severity that magic can cause, all while still keeping that same sort of feeling of magic. It’s a great show to watch if you haven’t seen it yet. It's a shame it ended, even after five seasons.
Stream The Magicians on Netflix.
Charmed (Peacock)
In the original Charmed series, the viewers get to follow a trio of sisters known as “The Charmed Ones,” the most powerful good witches of all time. Together, they use their combined powers to combat the evils of the world, including demons, warlocks, and more.
Is Charmed as serious as some of the other sorcery/fantasy shows on here? Heck no. That’s why this is considered more of a family/chill show out there for magic fans. But that doesn’t mean it’s still not a great show to watch with so many seasons to binge on. The Charmed cast works well in their roles, but their chemistry is what really saves the day and makes this series so likable. You have to love the Charmed sisters.
Arcane (Netflix)
This show is fantasy and more and I stand by that. Arcane is based off of the popular game League of Legends, and follows the story of Jinx and Vi, two sisters who are split apart after a horrible tragedy and end up on different sides of a conflict, only to wind up facing each other down the line.
Arcane is absolutely heartbreaking in so many ways, but it’s also so DAMN good. I will gladly cry and take all the pain that it gives me because it’s beautifully animated, with really cool fantasy aspects that blend both magic and futuristic tech. It’s a show that I really, truly love and I’m so sad that it’s only getting one more season at Netflix. Either way, it’s a great series, and one you should certainly check out.
The Sandman (Netflix)
This series exploded in popularity on Netflix. The Sandman tells the story of Morpheus, a literal personification of dreams, but one day in 1916, he is captured in an occult ritual and isn’t let out until 106 years later, only to find that his realm has fallen apart. Now, he takes it upon himself to restore it to its original power once he is free.
While the premise sounds wacky, this show is honestly one of the best fantasies that Netflix has produced in a long time. The Sandman cast is magical and wonderful in every possible way, and every part of this fantasy series makes me feel as if I am in a dream. The cinematography is astounding, and the set pieces are incredible. Definitely check this one out. The Sandman Season 2 is confirmed, so now is the best time to watch it.
Stream The Sandman on Netflix.
The Wheel Of Time (Amazon Prime)
Moving on, we now take a look at a fantastic Amazon Prime original series, The Wheel of Time. In this amazing fantasy series, we mainly follow Moiraine, a sorcerer, who takes it upon herself to find a group of five villagers when she finds out that one of them might be the Dragon - no, not a mythical beast, but someone who is the reincarnation of a powerful channeller that once ruined the world they walked on, and is now prophesied to either save the world, or end it all over again.
When I think of The Wheel of Time, I think of it as something that is very high fantasy with a lot of lore, something that might take some time to learn the characters and the storylines properly. But once you do, it’s seriously some amazing fantasy. The Wheel of Time cast is full of talent, including a stellar lead performance from Rosamund Pike.
Stream The Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime.
Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend Of Korra (Netflix)
Avatar: The Last Airbender is a classic Nickelodeon show that follows the story of Aang, the last-known Airbender. He is the Avatar, who is supposed to be the master of all four elements, and must go on a journey to learn them to face the Firelord. The sequel series, The Legend of Korra, follows another Avatar named Korra, and her time facing off against dastardly villains while the spirits of the Spirit World run free in later seasons.
I adore these two shows so damn much that it almost hurts. I know that Avatar: The Last Airbender already has a live-action adaptation and I really do enjoy that, but there’s nothing quite like the animated series. Both shows have equal amounts of awesome in it, with some incredible bending elements that will have you on the edge of your seat. The animation is steller, and the fantasy aspects are always fun to watch.
Stream Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.
Stream The Legend of Korra on Netflix.
Sweet Tooth (Netflix)
This Netflix fantasy needs to be on this list. In Sweet Tooth, we follow Gus, otherwise known as “Sweet Tooth,” a young boy who is half-human, half-deer, where he steps out of his home to try and find the truth about his missing mother, Birdie, and the world beyond where he’s stayed his whole life.
Sweet Tooth is absolutely wonderful. The acting of the Sweet Tooth cast is brilliant, the effects are entertaining, and the story will have you laughing, crying, and everything in-between. Gus is the most adorable protagonist you could ever meet, and Tommy Jepperd, Gus’ reluctant companion, is a great counter-protagonist to the young boy, creating some awesome chemistry. With three complete seasons, this is a show to watch that you will end up loving no matter what.
Stream Sweet Tooth on Netflix.
Fantasy has always been one of my favorite genres, and I hope that after you binge some of these shows, it will be one of yours, too. And maybe you’ll want to fly away on a dragon too.
