10 fantasy franchises I never want to end

fantasy Books, movies, and TV shows are often spun into franchises because of the expansive worlds that the writers and creators of the series develop. Although some spinoffs and sequels don’t live up to previous books or screen iterations, these franchises have never disappointed me. Returning to the fantastical worlds within the pages or dazzling visuals of the franchises provided comfort, Escape, and thrilling adventures at every turn. Whether it’s through additional books, spinoffs, or multiple sequels, these fantasy stories have the potential to continue for a long time.

While there are some movies and fantasy TV shows that continue for too long, there are other franchises that are ever expanding. World-building is a considerable factor in whether a fantasy series has the longevity to continue for many years. Of course, every audience is biased, because my favorite fictional universes that have captured my imagination the most are the ones I want to continue. however, There is also something equally satisfying when it is clear that a story is being told. Knowing when to end a franchise can be just as powerful as letting it go on forever.

10

The Lord of the Rings (1937 – present)

Created by JRR Tolkien

Both JRR Tolkien’s books and movie and television franchises, the seminal fantasy narrative blossomed into becoming hallmarks of speculative fiction. The world of fantasy would not 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 powerhas stirred up some controversy. While I understand this, as it strays from Tolkien’s canon, it is still enjoyable to see the Second Age brought to life.

Tolkien worked too hard to create the intricacies of the languages ​​and races of Middle-earth for these innovative ideas to go unused and forgotten. Although the future of The rings of powerThe full series arc is not fully confirmed, The second period is hardly the last part of the history of Middle-earth that can be discovered. I’d be interested in seeing more screen iterations anytime soon The Lord of the RingsAs long as the main questions of Tolkien and Ton were kept.

9

Game of Thrones (1996 – present)

Created by George RR Martin

Although we are still waiting for the conclusion of A Song of Ice and FireThe original novel series that the iconic HBO show Game of Thrones is based on, there are many new spinoffs in store. The latest addition to the Game of Thrones universe, The prequel series House of the DragonTook 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 storied history of the Seven Kingdoms and has not begun to look across the narrow sea to Essos.

There are rumors that HBO’s new Game of Thrones Spinoff will be more like Game of Thrones. The epic nature of the series and the intertwining histories of the characters make for compelling stories no matter where they take place in the canon. Although I’m still hoping for another book from Martin, it will be enough for the TV series to continue expanding. Ever since the divisive final season of Game of Thrones, The franchise needed to redeem itself and prove that the magic of the first seasons of the show 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 all-encompassing. Cosmere Universe. Describing Cosmere As “a single creation myth,” Sanderson uses religion and cosmology as central themes in his work (via BrandsonSanderson.com). This kept the magic systems consistent and connected, allowing readers to easily transition between his projects. Although there are details to remember, I found the stories worth sticking with.

I’m not worried about those Cosmere The universe always comes to an end, because Sanderson has not run out of ideas yet, and it seems that it will be a long time until the author does this. Although their styles are very different, It is possible to compare Cosmere To Terry Pratchett Discworld series, As both are expansive novels that tackle multiple perspectives within the same franchise. Sanderson wrote outside the Cosmere Canon, as when he has a hand to finish The Wheel of TimeBut his works that lasted we were part Cosmere.

7

Percy Jackson (2005 – present)

Created by Rick Riordan

2024’s new Percy Jackson The book proves that although Percy and his friends have been on mountains of adventures, there is no end in sight for their stories. Although The early film adaptations of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Failing to carve out a space for the franchise on screen, That all changed when the Disney+ series premiered. Starring Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries and Ariane Simhadri as Percy, Annabeth and Grover, I’m excited to see the cast grow and evolve with the novel’s beloved characters.

However, the TV show is only adapting one of many storylines with these Percy Jackson Universe, like Rick Riordan also wrote these Heroes of Olympus novels and the spinoff series, The Trials of Apollo. Even these Magnus Chase And No Chronicles Books take place in the same canon as Percy Jackson. If Riordan continues to grow Percy’s story and the TV series remains successful, fans may never have to say goodbye to Percy Jackson.

6

The Chronicles of Narnia (1950 – present)

Created by CS Lewis

It is true that CS Lewis’ writing works 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 the Disney movies of the early 2000s nostalgic and atmospherically enjoyable, there is still a lot of room for improvement. This is where Greta Gerwig will be coming up with her highly anticipated film adaptations for Netflix. Although she is only slated to direct the first two movies, I am sure she is the right person to take on the project.

With seven complete books to draw inspiration from, the Narnia Series has the potential to tackle every installment of the story, which could last for years. Moreover, in the world of NarniaThere is room for spinoffs and explorations about the history of the magical land. It’s no secret that Lewis left the world-building of The Chronicles of Narnia open-ended, and while that means the films will have to hash out the details, This also means that the franchise is open to interpretation.

5

Invincible (2003 – present)

Created by Robert Kirkman

The gory, bloody, and brutal story of the Invincible Comics has been brilliantly brought to life on Amazon Prime Video since 2021. While I find it hard to wait for the next installments of the story, I understand that the intricate animation style takes time, and I’d rather stick around for another perfectly crafted season How did the creators rush through it. Robert Kirkman’s comic series ended with number 144, “The End of All Things,” it’s still a long time before the TV show catches up to this point in history.

Invincible has already hinted at potential spinoffs and sequels through the Atom Eve special Which delved into her backstory and her relationship with her family. like Invincible Season 3 is drawing closer, and we’re waiting with bated breath to see where the next installment will take Mark, revisiting the early episodes of Invincible Demonstrates how durable the story is. Even if the show ends up where the comics do, it should be sure to distinguish each arc from the source material.

4

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–present)

Created by Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko

The Netflix live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender Struggled to live up to the legacy of the original animated series, but that doesn’t mean the show shouldn’t progress. Already, the series is a vast improvement from the poor 2010 film, which was met with negative reviews. Although I doubt anything will beat the tightly paced and crafted hero’s journey of the animated show, The Avatar World is so sprawling and intriguing that I can’t help wanting more of it.

While the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender Is the first and most iconic installment of the franchise, the stories hardly stop there. There are possibilities for a life-fight The Legend of Korra Or even animated and live-action iterations of many comic continuities. It will always be fun to revisit Aang and Delv later in his life as the Avatar. However, he is not the only interesting character in the universe, and Many other avatars faced incredible odds like him.

3

A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015 – Present)

Created by Sarah J. Maas

While Sarah J. Maas’ romance series has garnered a lot of attention thanks to its steamy subject matter, There is a lot more to enjoy in these books besides the spice. Beginning in 2015 with A yard of thorns and rosesMaas transports the reader into a world of fairies and fighting, slowly centered 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 people as the story has progressed has been one of the best parts of ACOTAR.

Maas’ other works use similar fantasy tropes and magic systems, however ACOTAR is special and one of her most popular projects for a reason. Waiting for A yard of thorns and roses Book six was hard, like There are many questions still left in the air after the conclusion of A lot of silver flames. However, there is no question that Maas will keep the audience on the edge of their seats with more forbidden romance and exciting action in the next installment.

2

Arcane (2021–2024)

Created by Christian Linke & Alex Yee

Although technically part of the League of Legends franchise, Arcane has blossomed into something of its own. While Netflix’s amazing animated series is ending after season 2, I could keep watching this brilliantly crafted show for years to come because of its visuals and compelling story. I understand that Vi and Jinx will have to reach the climax of their battle sooner rather than later, but that doesn’t mean the world of Arcane had to go away forever.

Of all the Netflix animated series, Arcane has the greatest potential for spinoffs in Piltover, How the world the creators built is strong enough to sustain itself. Even if future stories in the Arcane universe do not touch any of the characters from the original series, I would still be interested in watching. Considering the rave reviews and audience reaction to Arcane So far, it seems impossible that Netflix will not return to this IP to continue making content.

1

The Hunger Games (2008 – present)

Created by Suzanne Collins

Since the beginning of 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 was cemented as the best of the YA dystopian genre, And its continued success has inspired the author, Susan Collins, to continue adding to the world. The prequel A ballad of songbirds and snakes and the upcoming novel about Haymitch’s Games, Sunrise on the rippinghave proven to be just as compelling as the original trilogy.

Although the film iteration of The ballad It wasn’t reviewed as warmly as the original films, it still did well at the box office, and it’s likely that the movie version of Sunrise on the ripping Will follow suit. I’ve always been most interested in Katniss’ story, but Collins keeps surprising me by adding details and knowledge to the Fantasy Prequels that make me hungry for more information. Learning about Panem and the history of the games will never be boring.