Fantasy
Television has expanded significantly in the last 10 years, with more choice and more diverse stories. While many iconic fantasy TV shows have ended in the last decade – including Supernatural, Once upon a timeand Game of Thrones – there were many other new fantasy programs. Many fantasy television shows explore the paranormal, such as Yellow Jackets and Mayfair Witcheswhile others delve into different mythologies, such as Percy Jackson and the Olympians and American Gods.
Some established fantasy franchises were never meant to end and now have new TV shows to further expand the intricate world-building, namely Dragon House and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Regardless, there is a new era of fantasy television, with many of the best fantasy TV shows only established in the 2020s. Unfortunately, some great fantasy shows that deserve more seasons have ended early due to the streaming era that has changed the industry. However, fantasy television has never been so plentiful and several fantasy TV shows from the last decade deserve recognition.
10
Shadow and Bone (2021-2023)
Based on the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo
A short-lived fantasy TV show that still deserves to be considered one of the best fantasy shows of the last 10 years is Shadow and Bone. This adaptation by Leigh Bardugo Grishaverse novels created something unique: Instead of adapting Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows as separate entities, Netflix combined them into a single show. It was a bold decision, but the writers made it work beautifully by incorporating Six of Crows‘ Kaz Brekker and his team in the story of Alina Starkov. However, this aspect didn’t work as well in season 2, when the show speeds up and leaves aside Alina’s narrative.
Shadow and Bonethe showrunner insists that season 2’s changes improve the Grishaversebut they still come at the expense of the main character. Unfortunately, Netflix canceled Shadow and Bone after season 2, leaving Alina’s story unfinished and the main plot of Six of Crows hanging. Without considering, Shadow and Bone is still an excellent fantasy TV show. The magic system is exceptionally creative, the dynamics are complex and the narrative comprises an engaging plot. Furthermore, It’s exciting to see the fan favorite Grishaverse characters like Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa on screen.
9
Shadowhunters (2016-2019)
Based on The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Shadowhunters is the second attempt at adapting Cassandra Clare’s book The Mortal Instruments books, revolving around Clary Fray as she discovers she is a Shadowhunter – humans with angel blood destined to fight demons. There are also fairies, wizards, werewolves and vampires, collectively called beings of the underworld. While Shadowhunters It’s not a completely faithful adaptation, there are many things in the series that make it better than the books. Shadowhunters covers critical topics effectively and sensitivelysuch as racism, police brutality, and Simon’s Jewish faith and culture.
Shadowhunters is available to watch on Netflix.
Shadowhunters it also diverges from the books through key character decisions. For example, in City of AshesValentine gives Jace two options: he can go with Valentine willingly and in return Valentine will leave Jace’s friends and family alone, or he can reject Valentine and risk his wrath. In the book, Jace turns down Valentine, but accepts Valentine’s offer to keep Clary and her other friends safe at the concert. Shadowhunters also removed unnecessary storylines, such as Simon dating Isabelle and Maia simultaneously.
Shadowhunters also gave significant screen time to couples like Helen and Alinesomething Clare has failed to do repeatedly in her books. It’s also exciting to see hypothetical scenarios in Shadowhunterslike Jace discovering his Herondale heritage while his grandmother was still alive. Of course, no book-to-screen adaptation is perfect, and Shadowhunters is no exception. Regardless, it was still disappointing to see Shadowhunters cancellation before it could adapt some stories from the books. However, Shadowhunters remains an excellent and entertaining fantasy TV show.
8
House of the Dragon (2022-)
Based on Fire and Blood By George R.R. Martin
Dragon House depicts the era of the Dance of Dragons in George RR Martin’s film Fire and Blooda prequel to A Song of Ice and Fire, and a pseudo-historical account of the first 130 years of the House Targaryen dynasty. In the same way as A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones, Dragon House does not tell the same story as Fire and Blood. However, this worked favorably in Dragon House so far, adding complex relationships between women and complicating female characters that lack substance Fire and Blood.
While Dragon House contains some plot holes and character inconsistencies, the show has improved Fire and Blood overall, because there is more scope for establishing personal narratives in a TV show than in a history book-style text. The costumes are certainly better in Game of Thronesbut Dragon House still offers incredible fantasy effects and detailed CGI dragons that complete the show. Despite some problems, Dragon House is definitely one of the best fantasy TV shows of the last 10 years.
7
The Witcher (2019-)
Based on The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski
The wizard revolves around the monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, the sorceress Yennifer of Vengerberg, and the crown princess of Cintra, Ciri, as these three main characters are irrevocably intertwined. Geralt and Ciri’s lives are marked by fate due to The wizardof the Law of Surprise, forcing Geralt to protect Ciri from the forces of darkness. Authors typically don’t have a significant influence on the adaptations of their books, so when an author loves their book adaptation it’s a great sign. Andrzej Sapkowski, praised The wizard Season 2, although I had some complaints regarding the show’s third season.
The wizard has strong acting, with impressive performances from Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan.
The wizard It’s a great show, even without considering the books. Henry Cavill played an excellent Geralt, and although Liam Hemsworth is taking on the role of Geralt starting in The wizard In Season 4, his dedication to perfecting the role proves that he will also be a great leading man. General, The wizard has strong acting, with impressive performances from Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan. The show’s dark fantasy elements make it even more fascinating, resulting in one of the most unique fantasy shows on Netflix. The wizard will end with season 5, but it’s already one of the best fantasy shows of the last decade.
6
Your Dark Materials (2019-2022)
Based on His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Your dark materials it’s about a multiverse with characters who have daemons, animal equivalents that are the embodiment of their souls. The protagonist, Lyra Belacqua discovers she is part of a critical prophecy that suggests she will revolutionize the world. Although the show only has three seasons due to it being based on a trilogy, it is a groundbreaking fantasy TV show. Your dark materials received 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, and is a faithful adaptation of the beloved books. The daemon aspect means the show uses CGI, but the effects are beautifully realistic.
The impressive CGI daemon provides an element of realism to this fantastical universe that few fantasy shows or films have, while the narrative of Your dark materials explores complex themes such as childhood, destiny, adulthood, religion and freedom. Lyra is a relatable and compelling protagonist worth rooting for as her journey takes her across multiple universes – her character development is among some of the best in the fantasy genre. Your dark materials it also has an epic cast, with actors such as James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Anne-Marie Duff and James Cosmo.
5
A Discovery of Witches (2018-2022)
Based on the All Souls trilogy, by Deborah Harkness
A discovery of witches explores the complex lore of vampires and witches. When witch Diana Bishop falls in love with vampire Matthew Clairmont, it creates potentially serious problems for their world. since vampires and witches don’t mix. Diana and Matthew eventually escape the Congregation — the organization that represents vampires, witches, and demons — by traveling through time, effectively expanding the show’s setting and raising the stakes. A discovery of witches revolves around Diana and Matthew’s epic romance, with the actors having an electrifying chemistry that pays off immensely.
4
Arcane (2021-2024)
Based on League of Legends
Arcane is an amazing animated fantasy TV show based on the League of Legends video game, focusing on sisters Vi and Jinx. It’s a rich, compelling narrative, with stunning animation and an innovative setting. Arcane explores themes of class, brotherhood, and oppression in a sci-fi fantasy setting. The best stories employ fantasy to convey critical themes, and Arcane successfully accomplishes this aspect. Arcane will end in season 2, but the story is already deeply complex, with a clear narrative trajectory that will provide a legendary ending.
3
Foreigner (2014-)
Based on the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon
Outlander is another time travel narrative that revolves around the protagonist, Claire Randall, a 20th century woman who time travels to 1700s Scotland, where she meets and falls in love with Jamie Fraser. The series is primarily rooted in historical fiction, but the careful use of the fantasy genre raises the stakes because Claire and Jamie are from different eras. However, Outlander proves time and time again that Jamie and Claire’s epic love story can overcome anything. Outlander seamlessly combines historical fiction, fantasy, and romance to create a compelling narrativemaking it one of the best shows today.
2
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Based on the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkien
Without a doubt, one of the best fantasy shows of the last 10 years is The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. It is based only on some footnotes from JRR Tolkien’s book The Lord of the Rings books, but the show established an exemplary narrative by expanding the lore and complicating the rich characters and dynamics. The Rings of Power follows a young Galadriel during the Second Age as the Dark Lord Sauron rises to power again. The prequel show is another masterpiece of Lord of the Rings franchise and it doesn’t disappoint with its captivating plot.
1
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018-2020)
Based on the animated series She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985)
The best fantasy TV show of the last 10 years is on Netflix She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. It’s loosely based on the 1980s animated TV show, but the Netflix adaptation is far superior. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power has non-stop action and stunning animationcreating an attractive aesthetic. The large cast of characters is diverse and filled with various backstories that further highlight their personalities. Although the main characters are Adora, Bow, Glimmer, and Catra, the secondary characters are equally fascinating.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is also not afraid to portray the messier and more complicated sides of good and evilwhich sets up Catra’s incredible redemption arc in season 5. It’s rare for a TV show to get better every season, but She-Ra and the Princesses of Power accomplishes this feat by adding something to the powerful story as it progresses. The theme song in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power contains the lyrics, “We are on the brink of greatness” – and the show captures that feeling perfectly.