7 Best Fantasy TV Shows That Aren’t Adapted From Books

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Many popular fantasy shows and movies are based on books, but some of the very best aren’t. There are actually a lot of fantastic fantasy series that either come from something other than books—like comics or games—or are completely original stories.

Successful fantasy series come in many forms, proving there’s no single way to build a great story. Some find inspiration in sources beyond books, like tabletop role-playing games and video games, using them to create characters and worlds. Others build amazing settings entirely through their writing. These shows represent the best of the genre when it comes to looking beyond novels for ideas. Just to clarify, this list doesn’t include adaptations of comics, graphic novels, or manga.

7) The Mighty Nein

Though relatively new, The Mighty Nein is quickly becoming one of the best fantasy stories of the 2020s. Unlike many fantasy adaptations based on existing books, The Mighty Nein draws its story and characters from Critical Role’s second Dungeons & Dragons campaign. This highlights the potential of tabletop role-playing games as a source of inspiration for movies and TV, and The Mighty Nein is a perfect example of why. Its compelling characters – a group of flawed individuals – and intricate political plotlines demonstrate that rich, complex fantasy stories can originate from unexpected places.

6) Supernatural

Considering Supernatural lasted for 15 seasons, it’s remarkable that the show wasn’t originally based on any pre-existing story. While it draws inspiration from urban legends and mythology for its monsters and overall world, Sam and Dean’s adventures weren’t planned out from the start. Interestingly, the show actually inspired books and comics, rather than adapting them. Although having source material might have helped in certain areas, Supernatural skillfully crafted its storylines and constantly reinvented itself without relying on one. This is why the show has such a dedicated and lasting fanbase. It didn’t depend on an existing audience; it built its own, and that strategy proved incredibly successful.

5) The Legend of Vox Machina

Similar to the show Mighty Nein, The Legend of Vox Machina is inspired by a Critical Role game, not a book series. It delivers the same fantastic characters, detailed world, and compelling storylines. The original game provides a solid base for the show, and the Prime Video series utilizes it well. Despite being only 30 minutes long, each episode creates a rich and engaging world that viewers will want to revisit. The show features a memorable cast of characters and has attracted both longtime Critical Role fans and new audiences, proving that great fantasy adventures don’t need to be based on books.

4) Arcane

Video games, like tabletop RPGs, are proving to be great inspiration for TV shows and movies. A particularly strong example is Netflix’s Arcane, a captivating fantasy series loosely based on the world of League of Legends. While Arcane is famous for its beautiful animation and music, its story is equally impressive. It doesn’t simply recreate the game; it expands on it, making it even better. This approach doesn’t always work with book adaptations, but it’s a real strength when adapting other types of media for television. Arcane uses this freedom to tell a powerful story about power, injustice, and the lasting effects of trauma, and in doing so, it makes its already interesting characters even more memorable.

3) Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Unlike many vampire shows adapted from novels, Buffy the Vampire Slayer originated with Joss Whedon’s 1992 film. The series quickly developed its own unique characters and storylines, becoming a truly innovative show for its time—and it remains remarkably well-regarded today. Despite not being based on any existing books or stories, Buffy built a rich and detailed world. It proves that a completely original fantasy series can be incredibly influential, and its impact is still visible in popular shows like The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural. Its enduring success explains why fans are so excited about the upcoming reboot.

2) Stranger Things

While Stranger Things borrows heavily from the world of Dungeons & Dragons, it ultimately tells a unique story and will likely be remembered as a landmark fantasy series of the 21st century. A big part of its success is its strong connection to 1980s pop culture – the show clearly draws inspiration from the most popular movies and TV shows of that era, as well as the Duffer Brothers’ personal favorites. Despite all the references, Stranger Things still manages to forge its own identity, creating a viewing experience that is both captivating and delightful. The show doesn’t need to copy other formulas to create interesting characters or suspenseful plots; in fact, it’s poised to become a source of inspiration for future series.

1) Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a truly exceptional fantasy series, with three incredibly well-made seasons. Even after twenty years, it remains popular with its original fans and continues to draw in new viewers. What’s remarkable is that this show created such a rich and memorable world entirely from scratch – it wasn’t based on any pre-existing books or stories. Avatar has all the elements of a great fantasy: a well-developed magic system, characters you genuinely care about, and a beautifully realized setting. It’s a fantastic series that launched its own universe, rather than adapting one that already existed.

As a huge fantasy fan, I’m always on the lookout for amazing shows! I’m curious – what’s your favorite fantasy series that wasn’t originally a book? I’d love to hear your recommendations and chat about it all over on the ComicBook Forum – come join the discussion!

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2026-02-26 04:45