7 Great Fantasy Shows To Binge On HBO Max Now

It’s easy to get lost scrolling through HBO Max when you’re not sure what to watch. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming! But when it comes to fantasy shows, a few truly shine. These aren’t just visually impressive – they’re captivating stories with unique ideas and richly developed worlds that immediately draw you in. They remind us why great fantasy can still be so thrilling.

Instead of spending ages choosing what to watch, here are 7 fantasy shows on HBO Max perfect for a binge-watching session – the kind where you suddenly realize you’re already halfway through the season!

7) Creature Commandos

DC Studios, working to regain momentum, has been pleasantly surprising audiences with its recent releases. That’s certainly true with Creature Commandos, a new animated series that’s exactly what you’d expect – and that’s a good thing! The show centers on a team of unusual creatures working for a secret government agency, tackling missions too dangerous for humans. To really enjoy it, you need to go with the flow and embrace its wild, chaotic energy. Thankfully, Creature Commandos delivers with sharp, sarcastic humor and a fun, unpredictable dynamic between its characters.

The show’s greatest strength is its distinct personality. Each episode is full of confidence and has a playful energy that really suits the new DC Universe. It’s lighthearted fantasy that’s simply enjoyable, asking little of the audience. Creature Commandos is ideal for viewers who want exciting, fast-paced animation and a fantastical world. It immediately pulls you into a fun universe without any wasted time or confusing details. Plus, a second season is already planned for those who enjoy it.

6) IT: Welcome to Derry

The new series, IT: Welcome to Derry, successfully expands the world created by Stephen King, bringing the unsettling atmosphere of the town to television. It’s gaining fans both from longtime King readers and those who enjoy horror blended with fantasy. As a prequel to the original IT story, the show delves into Derry’s past to uncover the origins of Pennywise – with Bill Skarsgård reprising his role. The series excels at developing its characters and capturing the town’s creepy vibe, quickly drawing viewers into the story.

One of the show’s greatest strengths is its incredibly detailed and immersive world. Right from the beginning, everything feels vibrant, eerie, and full of secrets. The series cleverly uses fantasy elements to heighten the psychological horror, making the town of Derry feel like a character itself. The story also jumps right in, which is a big plus – no one likes a slow burn. Basically, IT: Welcome to Derry is the kind of show you start watching casually and then quickly find yourself hooked, finishing the whole season in one go.

5) House of the Dragon

I have to say, even if you didn’t love Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon is incredible. As a fantasy fan, it’s easily one of the best shows on HBO Max right now. The show is visually stunning, and I’m completely invested in the characters – they’re so complex and well-developed. It really feels like George R. R. Martin’s world is back, and it’s brilliant. What I love most is how it focuses on the drama within House Targaryen – all the political maneuvering and family conflicts are just as exciting as any action scene. It’s a really captivating blend of power, history, and strategy that pulled me in immediately. Honestly, I can totally see why everyone is already eagerly awaiting Season 3!

At its heart, the show is about a growing conflict that will determine the future of Westeros, and it’s brilliantly done, keeping you hooked with each episode. It successfully recaptures what made Game of Thrones so popular – a detailed and believable world, compelling drama, and those huge, memorable scenes that feel true to the original series. House of the Dragon is definitely worth watching for its gripping story, intricate characters, strong writing, and stunning visuals.

4) His Dark Materials

If you’re looking for a fantastic show that doesn’t get enough attention, check out His Dark Materials, one of HBO’s strongest fantasy offerings. Based on the popular books, it creates a truly impressive and detailed world. The series centers on Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen), an orphan who embarks on a quest to find a friend, but quickly becomes entangled in a larger mystery involving missing children and a strange substance called Dust. It skillfully blends exciting adventure with thought-provoking themes, all while remaining easy to follow.

The show succeeds because it beautifully captures the heart of Philip Pullman’s books, skillfully blending wonder and heartfelt emotion. It’s designed to appeal to a wide audience – it’s engaging enough for younger viewers, but also complex and rewarding for adults. The story is captivating, the world-building is imaginative, and the series treats its audience with respect. Ultimately, His Dark Materials delivers everything viewers want in a truly excellent, thought-provoking fantasy show with genuine depth.

3) Doom Patrol

Despite being a standout show, Doom Patrol doesn’t get nearly enough attention. While technically a superhero series, it’s the show’s unique strangeness that really draws you in. Widely considered one of the best comic book adaptations available, it centers on a group of damaged, outcast individuals who unexpectedly develop superpowers. They then begin investigating strange occurrences, which allows the series to delve into complex themes like trauma, self-discovery, feeling like an outsider, and what it truly means to be a hero—all delivered with a delightfully quirky sense of humor.

What truly makes this show special is how real the characters feel. Their stories are believable, and the show cleverly uses its bizarre, fantastical elements to explore their inner struggles – their doubts, anxieties, and what they truly want. This makes each episode feel fresh and unpredictable, blending humor with surprisingly touching moments. Watching Doom Patrol is a unique and engaging experience, packed with personality and consistently delivering unexpected twists for anyone who gives it a try. It’s easy to see why it’s become a beloved show for so many viewers.

2) Carnivàle

Carnivàle creates a truly unique world, transporting you to a different time – and it’s not just the Great Depression setting that achieves this. The show masterfully mixes fantasy, mythology, and symbolism. It centers on Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), a young man with unexplained powers who travels with a carnival, which is already a compelling premise. But it goes even further, building a richly detailed and immersive atmosphere through everything from the costumes to the subtle, meaningful exchanges between characters. What really stands out is the show’s deliberate pacing, which it uses effectively to tell its story. But how does that work?

Rather than providing quick answers, Carnivàle encourages viewers to delve into its mysteries. This approach is especially appealing to those who enjoy analyzing details and uncovering hidden meanings, rather than simply watching something unfold. As one of HBO’s best dramatic series, Carnivàle stands out due to its complexity, making it ideal for a thoughtful binge-watch. The more you immerse yourself in its world, the more you appreciate its beautiful visuals, meaningful themes, and unique storytelling, all of which reward close attention. It’s a truly immersive experience, and a great example of why we still need ambitious, high-quality shows on television.

1) The Leftovers

Some TV shows really set the bar, and The Leftovers is one of the most powerful series ever made. It begins with a fascinating and unsettling idea, but quickly becomes a deeply moving story about people. The show starts with 2% of the world’s population mysteriously vanishing, but that’s just the beginning. It’s truly about what happens after – how people cope with a world that’s lost its sense of order and predictability. While it has fantastical elements, they’re subtle, used to highlight very real and raw emotions like grief, loneliness, faith, and the struggle to find purpose when life feels meaningless. That combination alone makes it an incredible show to watch.

What truly sets this show apart is how genuinely human its characters feel. You become so invested in their lives, it’s like knowing your neighbors. It doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions, presenting everything with raw honesty – and that’s powerful. While there’s a central mystery, it’s delivered in a way that feels incredibly real and authentic. You might start watching to solve the puzzle, but you’ll keep watching because of the emotional impact, and ultimately realize the show is speaking directly to your own experiences. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Decided what you’re going to watch yet? Share your pick in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-22 00:15