10 Fantasy Franchises I Never Want to End

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10 Fantasy Franchises I Never Want to End

Fantasy Books, films, and TV shows are often turned into franchises because of the expansive worlds that the series' writers and creators develop. While some spinoffs and sequels don't live up to the previous books or screen iterations, these franchises have never disappointed me. Returning to the fantastical worlds on the pages or the stunning visuals of these franchises provided comfort, escape and exciting adventures at every turn. Whether through additional books, spinoffs, or multiple sequels, these fantasy stories have the potential to last a long time.

While there are some fantasy films and TV shows that have run for a long time, there are other franchises that are constantly expanding. Worldbuilding is a considerable factor in whether or not a fantasy series has the longevity to continue for many years. Of course, every audience is biased, as my favorite fictional universes that have most captured my imagination are the ones I want to continue. However, there's also something equally satisfying when it's clear that a narrative has run its course. Knowing when to end a franchise can be just as powerful as letting it last forever.

10

The Lord of the Rings (1937-present)

Created by JRR Tolkien

Both JRR Tolkien's books and the film and TV franchise in which the seminal fantasy story flourished have become hallmarks of speculative fiction. The fantasy world wouldn't be the same without Tolkien's work, and the world he created lends itself to continued exploration better than any other. The latest addition to the franchise, the TV series The Rings of Powergenerated some controversy. While I understand this, as it strays from Tolkien's canon, it's still enjoyable to see the Second Age brought to life.

Tolkien worked hard creating the complexities of the languages ​​and races of Middle-earth so that these innovative ideas went unused and were forgotten.

Tolkien worked hard creating the complexities of the languages ​​and races of Middle-earth so that these innovative ideas went unused and were forgotten. Although the future of The Rings of Powerthe full arc of the series is not completely confirmed, the Second Age is hardly the last part of Middle-earth history that can be discovered. I would be interested to see more screen iterations from any period of time. The Lord of the Ringsas long as the fundamental principles of Tolkien's style and tone were respected.

9

Game of Thrones (1996-present)

Created by George R.R. Martin

Although we are still waiting for the completion of A Song of Ice and Firethe original soap opera that the iconic HBO show Game of Thrones is based on, there are plenty of new spinoffs in store. The latest addition to Game of Thrones universe, the prequel series Dragon Housecovered the history of the Targaryens long before Daenerys was born and the Targaryen dynasty lost the Iron Throne. However, this is only one facet of the history of the Seven Kingdoms and it has not yet begun to look at Essos across the Narrow Sea.

There are rumors that the new Game of Thrones spinoff will be more like Game of Thrones. The epic nature of the series and the characters' intertwining stories make for compelling stories, no matter when they take place in the canon. While I'm still waiting for another Martin book, it will be enough for the TV series to continue expanding. Since the divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the franchise needed to redeem itself and prove that the magic of the series' first seasons is still alive.

8

Cosmere (2005–present)

Created by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is one of the most prolific fantasy writers of the 21st century and has connected many of his works through the overarching Cosmere universe. Describing Cosmere as "a single creation myth", Sanderson uses religion and cosmology as central themes in his work (through BrandsonSanderson.com). This kept the magic systems consistent and connected, allowing readers to easily transition between their projects. While there are details to remember, I found the stories to be worth following.

I'm not worried about the Cosmere universe coming to an end, as Sanderson hasn't run out of ideas yet, and it looks like it will be a long time before the author does.

I'm not worried about the Cosmere universe coming to an end, as Sanderson hasn't run out of ideas yet, and it looks like it will be a long time before the author does. Although their styles are very different, is it possible to compare Cosmere for Terry Pratchett Disco world series, as both are expansive novels that address multiple perspectives within the same franchise. Sanderson wrote outside the Cosmere canon, like when he helped finish The Wheel of Timebut his works that stayed with me were part of Cosmere.

Series in the Cosmere Canon

Release year

Elantris

2005

Born from the mists

2006

Warbreaker

2009

The Stormlight Archive

2010

White Sand

2016

Unlimited Arcane

2016

7

Percy Jackson (2005–present)

Created by Rick Riordan

New for 2024 Percy Jackson The book proves that although Percy and his friends have had mountains of adventures, there is no end in sight to their stories. However the first film adaptations of Percy Jackson and the Olympians failed to find a place for the franchise on screen, That all changed when the Disney+ series debuted. Starring Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri as Percy, Annabeth and Grover, I'm excited to see the actors grow and evolve with the novel's beloved characters.

However, the TV show is adapting just one of the many stories with the Percy Jackson universe, like Rick Riordan also wrote the Heroes of Olympus novels and the spinoff series, The Trials of Apollo. Even the Magnus Chase and Kane Chronicles books occur within the same canon as Percy Jackson. If Riordan continues to develop Percy's story and the TV series continues to be successful, fans may never have to say goodbye Percy Jackson.

6

The Chronicles of Narnia (1950-present)

Created by CS Lewis

It is true that CS Lewis's written work on The Chronicles of Narnia ended many decades ago, but the quest to find the right screen adaptation is still going strong. While I find Disney films from the early 2000s to be nostalgic and atmosphericly enjoyable, there is still a lot of room for improvement. This is where Greta Gerwig will arrive with her long-awaited film adaptations for Netflix. Although she's only set to direct the first two films, I'm sure she's the right person to take on the project.

With seven books in total to draw inspiration from, the Narnia the series has the potential to address each installment of the story, which could span years. Furthermore, in the world of Narnia​​​​​​, there is room for developments and explorations of the history of the magical land. It's no secret that Lewis left the construction of the world of The Chronicles of Narnia open-ended, and while that means the films will have to flesh out these details, it also means the franchise is open to interpretation.

5

Invincible (2003-present)

Created by Robert Kirkman

The bloody, gory and brutal history of Invincible comics have come to life brilliantly on Amazon Prime Video since 2021. While I find it difficult to wait for the story's next episodes, I understand that the intricate animation style takes time and I'd rather wait for another perfectly crafted season than have the creators worry. hurry up. Robert Kirkman's comic book series ended with issue 144, "The End of All Things", there is still a long time before the TV show reaches that point in the story.

Invincible has already hinted at possible spinoffs and continuations through the Atom Eve special which delved into his backstory and strained relationship with his family. As Invincible season three is approaching and we eagerly await to see where the next chapter takes Mark, revisiting the first episodes of Invincible demonstrates how lasting the story is. Even if the show ends where the comics do, it must be ensured that each arc of the source material comes to fruition.

4

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–present)

Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko

Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender has struggled to live up to the legacy of the original animated series, but that doesn't mean the series shouldn't progress. The series is already a huge improvement over the ill-fated 2010 film, which received negative reviews. While I doubt anything will top the animated show's fast-paced, elaborate hero's journey, the avatar The world is so expansive and intriguing that I can't help but want more of it.

There are possibilities for live action The Legend of Korra or even animated and live-action iterations of the many comic book sequels.

While the excited Avatar: The Last Airbender is the first and most iconic chapter of the franchise, the stories hardly stop there. There are possibilities for live action The Legend of Korra or even animated and live-action iterations of the many comic book sequels. It will always be fun to revisit Aang and delve deeper into his life as the Avatar. However, he is not the only interesting character in the universe, and many other Avatars faced incredible hardships like him.

3

A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015-present)

Created by Sarah J. Maas

Although Sarah J. Maas' romantic series has attracted a lot of attention thanks to its steamy subject matter, There's still so much more to enjoy about the books than just the spice. Starting in 2015 with Cutting thorns and rosesMaas transports the reader to a world of fairies and fights, slowly focusing on the perspectives of new characters in the following books. Although Feyre serves as the protagonist for much of the series, learning more about the overlooked and underdeveloped individuals as the story progresses has been one of the best parts of ACOTAR.

Book

Release year

Cutting thorns and roses

2015

A Court of Mist and Fury

2016

A Court of Wings and Ruin

2017

A Court of Ice and Starlight

2018

A Court of Silver Flames

2021

Other works by Maas utilize similar fantasy tropes and magical systems, but ACOTAR is special and one of his most popular projects for a reason. Waiting for Cutting thorns and roses the sixth book was difficult, because Many questions still remain in the air after the conclusion of the A Court of Silver Flames. However, there is no doubt that Maas will keep the audience on edge with more forbidden romance and thrilling action in the next episode.

2

Arcane (2021–2024)

Created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee

Although technically part of the League of Legends franchise, Arcane it blossomed into something of its own. While Netflix's incredible animated series ends after season two, I could continue watching the brilliantly crafted show for years to come because of its visuals and engaging story. I understand that Vi and Jinx will have to reach the climax of their battle sooner or later, but that doesn't mean the world of Arcane You have to go away forever.

Even if future narratives within the Arcane universe doesn't touch on any of the characters from the original series, I'd still be interested in watching.

Of all the animated series on Netflix, Arcane has the greatest potential for spinoffs within Piltover, as the world the creators built is strong enough to sustain itself. Even if future narratives within the Arcane universe doesn't touch on any of the characters from the original series, I'd still be interested in watching. Considering the rave reviews and public reaction to Arcane So far, it seems impossible that Netflix will not return to this IP to continue producing content.

1

The Hunger Games (2008-present)

Created by Suzanne Collins

From the beginning The Hunger Games In 2008, with the release of the YA series, audiences and critics couldn't get enough of the franchise. When the first film premiered in 2012 The Hunger Games has been cemented as the best of the dystopian YA genre, and its continued success has inspired author, Suzanne Collins, to continue contributing to the world. The prequel A ballad of songbirds and snakes and the upcoming Haymitch Games novel, Sunrise at Harvestproved to be just as compelling as the original trilogy.

Although the cinematic iteration of The ballad was not as warmly reviewed as the original films, it still performed well at the box office and it is likely that the film version of Sunrise at Harvest will follow suit. I've always been very interested in Katniss' story, but Collins continues to surprise me by adding detail and knowledge to the story. fantasy prequels that leave me hungry for more information. Learning about Panem and the history of the Games will never be boring.