8 Best Fantasy Shows Since Game of Thrones (#1 Is Controversial)

Fantasy series aiming for grand scope have been trying to capture the same captivating feeling of expansive worlds, high-stakes conflicts, and memorable characters ever since Game of Thrones wrapped up in 2019. Viewers who enjoy intricate storylines and visually stunning productions have found a resurgence in fantasy television, as streaming services invest heavily in both adapting well-known stories and creating new, epic adventures.

Some shows succeed by focusing on complex political plots, while others thrive with imaginative magic systems and explorations of good versus evil, and occasionally, they spark debate. This recent surge in fantasy television is proving that the genre isn’t limited to knights and mythical creatures; it can also be varied, welcoming, and boldly original. However, not every storyline reaches a fulfilling conclusion, and even the most creative reimaginings come with certain risks.

Locke & Key Unlocks Merges Family Drama With Spooky Creativity

Locke & Key, based on the graphic novels by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez, blends fantasy with a spooky, modern mystery. The show centers on the Locke children as they try to settle into life at Keyhouse, a large, old family home filled with magical keys that give people special abilities and also reveal frightening secrets. Each key opens up new options, allowing characters to travel to different locations and even switch bodies or memories. The series expertly combines its fantastical elements with genuine emotional weight, particularly in how it depicts sadness and family relationships. The story is grounded in the siblings’ efforts to rebuild their lives after a terrible event, and the magic serves as both a way to cope and a symbol of their resilience.

What makes Locke & Key special is how incredibly creative it is. The keys aren’t just objects; they feel like characters themselves, and discovering each new one brings either exciting surprises or frightening moments. The story builds tension with the threat of evil forces, but it’s the intelligence and bravery of the Locke children that truly connect you to the story. Some reviewers feel the show occasionally becomes too lighthearted considering its origins in darker comic books, but the series really shines when it focuses on adventure and heartfelt moments. Over its three seasons, it manages something rare: it tells a complete story with a truly satisfying ending, which is a remarkable achievement for today’s fantasy shows. By doing this, Locke & Key demonstrates that fantasy isn’t just about huge battles; it also thrives in quiet family relationships and the secrets hidden within old homes.

Carnival Row Takes Daring Chances With Allegory and Aesthetics

One of the most completely original fantasy series to appear in recent years, this show is set in a world inspired by the Victorian era. It features fae refugees and humans living in an uneasy peace. The series cleverly combines the style of noir detective stories with elements of myth and allegory. Orlando Bloom plays Inspector Philo, a character who belongs to both worlds, and Cara Delevingne stars as Vignette, a fae warrior determined to protect her people. While visually stunning, the show delves into important themes like xenophobia and immigration. The fae’s struggle to be accepted mirrors real-world conflicts and gives the fantasy elements a strong connection to current social issues.

Despite its ambitious scope, the series doesn’t skimp on exciting genre elements: thrilling aerial battles, intricate world-building centered around magic, and a compelling conspiracy all drive the story forward and add depth. Visually, Carnival Row is breathtaking, seamlessly combining the fantastical elements of gaslamp fantasy with a gritty, realistic industrial setting. The city itself feels like a living character, beautifully decaying and full of wonder. Even though Carnival Row experienced some pacing issues and ended after two seasons, it remains a bold attempt to use fantasy as a symbolic story without sacrificing the fun of adventure. With its unique mix of hard-boiled detective vibes and a sense of mythical sadness, it stands out as one of the most original fantasy shows on television today.

The Sandman Brings Dream to Life

Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel is one of the most celebrated in the genre, blending elements of horror, mythology, and philosophical ideas. The Netflix series adaptation successfully recreates the bizarre and dreamlike quality of Dream’s realm, while also connecting it to relatable human feelings. Tom Sturridge portrays Dream, also known as Morpheus, with a performance that shifts between seeming distant and otherworldly to appearing broken and vulnerable. The show’s structure is similar to the original source material, presenting stories in episodes that range from large, sweeping adventures to small, personal moments. Throughout the series, it explores complex themes like death, desire, fairness, and the power of storytelling.

The supporting actors add depth to the story’s deeper meaning, helping viewers understand that fantasy stories can explore important life questions. Visually, the show is a stunning and bizarre mix: frightening nightmares blend with beautiful dreams, dark castles crumble into otherworldly settings, and reality bends to the power of imagination. Each episode feels like stepping inside a vibrant, moving artwork. What sets The Sandman apart is its willingness to break from typical fantasy tropes. It focuses less on dragons and fighting, and more on the delicate balance between building things up and tearing them down. For viewers seeking a show that respects both imagination and artistry, The Sandman is truly unique.

His Dark Materials Grapples with Faith and Freedom

Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials was once thought impossible to adapt for the screen, but the collaboration between HBO and BBC has proven that wrong. The three-season series vividly portrays the journeys of Lyra Belacqua, a young girl who travels through different worlds, fighting against those who try to control others and questioning what is real. She teams up with Will Parry, a boy whose fate becomes linked with hers, as they battle the controlling Magisterium and unravel mysteries of the universe. The show successfully captures the depth of Pullman’s ideas without making the story confusing. Themes of free will, the dangers of powerful religious institutions, and the importance of knowledge shape the fantasy elements, elevating it beyond simple entertainment.

Dafne Keen delivers a fantastic performance as Lyra, and Ruth Wilson is captivating as Mrs. Coulter, creating one of the most complex and intriguing villains on television. The series is visually stunning, combining computer-generated daemons and armored bears with beautifully detailed and realistic world-building, giving each alternate world a unique feel. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing for a thorough exploration of Pullman’s ideas, though sometimes at the cost of fast-paced excitement. However, the show’s emotional core, especially the connection between Lyra and Will, leaves a lasting impression. Unlike many other fantasy stories that ended prematurely, His Dark Materials successfully completes its three-book story arc, providing a rare sense of resolution. As a result, it stands out as one of the most intelligent and accurate adaptations of its kind, pleasing both dedicated fans and new viewers.

Shadow and Bone Weaves Magic and Morality

Based on Leigh Bardugo’s popular novels, this story centers on the Grisha, people with magical abilities who control the elements. They live in a world fractured by social classes, political intrigue, and a dangerous, shadowy barrier called the Shadow Fold. The narrative follows Alina Starkov, a mapmaker who unexpectedly discovers she has the power to summon sunlight, potentially making her a savior. The series connects Alina’s journey with the events of Bardugo’s acclaimed Six of Crows books, creating a rich and interconnected story. The show boasts a strong cast, including Jessie Mei Li as the sincere Alina and Ben Barnes as the captivating Darkling, whose character perfectly embodies the genre’s fascination with power and the lure of temptation.

The secondary storyline includes clever criminals and bold robberies, adding excitement and depth, and expanding the story beyond Alina’s main adventure. Shadow and Bone visually combines scenes of war with imaginative costumes, and its world reflects a mix of loveliness and harshness. While exploring themes like corruption, terrorism, identity, and belonging for a younger audience, the show also resonates with viewers of all ages. Although Netflix canceled the series after two seasons, it’s remembered for its diverse and inclusive cast, compelling narratives, and genuine performances.

The Witcher Balances Grit, Myth, and Monster-Hunting

The Witcher premiered on Netflix featuring Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, a compelling and rugged monster hunter caught up in political intrigue, destiny, and his own inner struggles. Based on the novels by Sapkowski-not the popular video games-the series combines standalone monster hunts with a larger, intricate storyline centered around prophecy. Geralt’s reserved life is contrasted with the emotional growth of Yennefer, a powerful sorceress, and Ciri, a princess living in disguise, as both women challenge conventional notions of strength and resilience. What truly sets The Witcher apart is its confident tone. It successfully mixes dark, realistic moments with epic humor and playful content, all while staying true to its roots in Slavic folklore.

The first season’s non-linear storytelling can be confusing at first, but it ultimately rewards attentive viewers with a richer understanding of the show’s themes. Later seasons present a more straightforward narrative while expanding on the complex political landscape and magical systems. Despite difficulties during production, Henry Cavill departs after season three. Nevertheless, the show continues to be a benchmark for contemporary fantasy television. The action is visually impressive, and the use of practical effects makes Geralt’s sword fights feel authentic. The Witcher’s heart, though, lies in the found family formed by Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, which elevates the story beyond simple politics and monster hunting. By skillfully blending grand visuals with genuine emotion, The Witcher demonstrates that fantasy can be both thrilling and deeply moving.

House of the Dragon Rekindles Westeros’ Flame

House of the Dragon tells the story of the Targaryen family’s devastating civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons. The series explores themes of family duty, power struggles over who will inherit the throne, and overwhelming ambition, creating a brutal and dramatic story reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedies. Dragons feature prominently, serving as both powerful weapons and representations of the family’s history. The show’s success hinges on the strength of its actors, especially Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith, whose portrayals of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen form the emotional heart of the series.

Unlike the vast scope of its original series, House of the Dragon centers its story on a single family, creating a more personal, yet still dramatic, narrative. It combines political maneuvering within the castle walls with stunning dragon battles, offering a spectacle that feels familiar while being more clearly directed. While the show shares the violence and difficult moral choices of Game of Thrones, it develops a unique atmosphere of inescapable tragedy. Viewers understand this conflict will end in ruin, but watching the characters move toward their fate is captivating. It recalls what initially drew fans to Westeros, proving that Martin’s world remains powerfully engaging on screen.

The Wheel of Time Both Soars and Falters

This series is based on Robert Jordan’s famous fourteen-book saga. Amazon invested heavily in creating a vast world filled with magic, prophecies, and political conflict. The story centers on Moiraine Damodred, portrayed with intensity by Rosamund Pike, who leads a group of villagers into a larger and perilous world. The show explores themes of fate versus choice, as a new generation of heroes grapples with the possibility of being the Dragon Reborn – either the world’s savior or its downfall.

Despite some criticism regarding its occasionally rushed storytelling and condensed plot, the show boasts stunning scenery and impressive action. It also champions diversity and genuine character development, offering a realistic and heartfelt take on the epic fantasy genre. Its cancellation after only three seasons is disappointing to fans, who felt the story had so much more to offer. The result is somewhat contradictory: a fantastic yet ambitious series that demonstrates the potential of television fantasy, even if it couldn’t fully realize it. This creates a legacy that’s both controversial and unforgettable.

2025-10-04 21:12