Fantasy isn’t very common on television to begin with, and the more specific subgenre of sword and sorcery is even rarer. Sword and sorcery typically focuses on classic fantasy elements like knights, dragons, magical worlds, and wizards. While a few TV shows clearly fall into this category, it’s difficult to name many.
While Game of Thrones became the defining sword and sorcery show of the 2010s, building on the popularity of earlier series like Conan the Barbarian and Xena: Warrior Princess (despite their sometimes over-the-top style), there are actually several other fantastic shows in this genre that don’t get enough attention. If you enjoy sword and sorcery and are searching for something new, these seven underrated shows are worth watching.
7) He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2021)
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a long-running and beloved franchise. While a new live-action movie is generating buzz, many people have forgotten the excellent animated series that premiered in 2021. Widely considered the best installment in the franchise, this series offers a fresh take on the He-Man story and boasts an impressive 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
6) BeastMaster
The 1999 TV series BeastMaster, based on the 1982 film, is a bit of a hidden treasure from the late 90s. The show follows Dar, a hero who can talk to animals. It’s definitely a bit cheesy at times, but it’s still enjoyable, particularly for those who loved the original movie.
5) The Wheel of Time
Despite being a major fantasy series on Amazon, The Wheel of Time hasn’t gotten much attention, which is surprising given its quality. The show centers on Rosamund Pike’s character, Moraine, and her search to discover which of five young people might be the reincarnation of the Dragon. Unfortunately, it was cancelled after three seasons because not enough people were watching, which is disappointing because it had the potential to be as popular as Game of Thrones.
4) Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
As a fantasy fan, I recently finished Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, and I have to say, it’s brilliant. It’s based on Susanna Clarke’s novel, and it’s set in England where magic has basically faded away. But then these two guys, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, bring it back, and things get wonderfully weird and fantastical. What I really loved is how it takes a pretty realistic setting and blends in magic so seamlessly with a really unique style. Plus, at only seven episodes, it’s a perfect, quick watch – I highly recommend it!
3) Lockwood and Co.
The Netflix series Lockwood and Co. is based on the popular book series by Jonathan Stroud. It takes place in a version of Britain haunted by ghosts that have been appearing for decades. Interestingly, only children can see these ghosts, and they’re the ones responsible for battling them using a combination of magical abilities and weapons.
The show is filled with magic and sword fighting, clearly placing it within the swords and sorcery genre. But instead of the typical dragons and knights, it’s a supernatural detective story – a really unique approach. This difference is why it often gets overlooked in discussions about the genre, even though it offers a fresh perspective. Sadly, Netflix canceled it after just one season in 2023.
2) The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
I was so thrilled when I heard they were bringing Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal back with a Netflix series! Honestly, though, the excitement died down pretty quickly after it actually came out. The show followed the journey of three Gelflings trying to save their world from this terrible thing called the Darkening. It was a really ambitious story, but sadly, it only lasted one season and was cancelled not long after it first appeared in 2019. It’s a shame, because I was really hoping it would get more of a chance.
“The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” is a fantastic continuation of the original story, and it stands out with its truly original fantasy world. What really sets it apart is the use of puppets, which give the show a unique and magical feel. The series also boasts an amazing cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy, Taron Egerton, Simon Pegg, Mark Hamill, and many other talented actors.
1) Galavant
Galavant is a really unique fantasy TV show from the last ten years, though it hasn’t reached mainstream popularity just yet. The show centers around Galavant, a hero on a mission to confront King Richard, who took the woman he loves. This funny and musical fantasy series began in 2015 and lasted for two seasons, but many fans wish it had continued longer.
I’m always a little surprised when people don’t mention Galavant. It’s seriously one of the best fantasy comedies to come out in years, right up there with classics like Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The show just does everything so well – the world feels completely real, the songs are amazing, and it’s consistently hilarious. If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted fantasy adventure, you absolutely need to check it out.
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2026-01-31 20:15