Lots of well-loved fantasy books are becoming TV series, and here are some of the most anticipated ones. Fantasy has a long history on television – think of shows like Bewitched and Buffy – and it’s always captured our imaginations. It’s incredibly appealing to get lost in fantastical worlds full of magic and amazing creatures.
As a huge fantasy fan, I’ve been thrilled to see so many amazing books come out lately! Just this year, 2025, has given us some real gems. I especially loved “Oathbound” by Tracy Deonn – it’s the third book in the “Legendborn” series and it’s fantastic – and “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soul” by V.E. Schwab was another standout for me.
Writers are consistently creating fantastic fantasy novels that work well on screen. Fortunately, streaming services are eager to adapt these ten popular books into television series.
10. Fourth Wing
Rebecca Yarros’s popular fantasy novel, Fourth Wing, quickly became a New York Times bestseller thanks to its viral success on TikTok. The book follows Violet Sorrengail, who enters the Basgaith War College hoping to become a dragon rider. Unlike some books that gain popularity on TikTok but lack substance, Fourth Wing truly lives up to the hype.
Good news for fans: this popular story is being adapted into a TV series by Amazon MGM Studios and Outlier Society. Because the story was originally written with a visual, movie-like quality, it’s expected to make a fantastic transition to television.
The author is heavily involved in the show’s production as an executive producer, alongside Liz Pelletier, the book’s publisher. Because of their involvement, the TV adaptation of Fourth Wing will probably remain true to the original story.
9. Dungeon Crawler Carl
Matt Dinniman’s novel, Dungeon Crawler Carl, is being developed into a TV series. Universal and Fuzzy Door will produce the show, which centers on Carl, an unhappy man, and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut. They’re unwillingly entered into an alien competition that forces them to battle their way through dangerous dungeons and defeat creatures to stay alive.
As a big movie and TV fan, I’ve come across this series that’s really stood out. It’s got a dedicated following, and what’s cool is how it mixes science fiction with this really detailed fantasy world – it feels like a Dungeons & Dragons game come to life! But the best part? It doesn’t take itself seriously at all. It leans into being over-the-top and delightfully silly, which I absolutely love.
Chris Yost will be leading the Dungeon Crawler Carl TV show as showrunner. He’s a very experienced writer, and his work on Thor: Ragnarok proves he can deliver the humor that’s key to the book series. He also worked on the action-packed and funny Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which shows he’s a great fit for this project.
8. A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms
Game of Thrones was a massive hit that truly revolutionized fantasy television. While the prequel, House of the Dragon, wasn’t quite as popular, it was still enjoyable. Now, fans are getting another prequel series based on the Dunk and Egg novellas.
The first trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms suggests the show will be very popular with fans. It looks similar to the original series, but introduces a new and exciting element with its focus on characters from more humble backgrounds.
Ira Parker assured George R.R. Martin he’d keep the focus on the common people in the show, rather than the nobility (according to Winter Is Coming). This shows Parker understands what makes the Dunk and Egg stories so appealing.
7. Red Queen
Despite current delays, the TV adaptation of Red Queen is still in the works. Based on Victoria Aveyard’s popular dystopian novels, the story is set in a future America ruled by a monarchy. This monarchy is made up of people with special abilities who control and oppress those without powers.
The TV series, adapted from the books, needs a lot of detailed world-building and significant visual effects. That’s likely why it’s taken four years to develop, even with Elizabeth Banks involved as an executive producer and actress.
So far, the news about the show has been very positive. Peacock is a great platform for it, since they’ve already made several successful fantasy series. Plus, the book’s author is co-writing the script with Beth Schwartz, who previously ran the show Arrow on CW, suggesting the adaptation will stay true to the source material.
6. The Atlas Six
In 2021, Deadline reported that Amazon and Brightstar had secured the rights to turn the popular BookTok novel, The Atlas Six, into a TV show. The story centers on six magically talented students who are chosen to join a mysterious organization called the Alexandrian Society.
Even though the show is still in its early stages, it’s already generating a lot of buzz. That’s largely thanks to the producers involved: Tanya Seghatchian and John Woodward. This dynamic duo has a fantastic track record, having worked on successful projects like Kaos, the first four Harry Potter films, and The Crown.
Additionally, a recent report from 2022 (via Winter Is Coming) indicates the author isn’t directly writing the episodes, but is collaborating with the writers to develop the plot and guide the characters’ arcs.
5. The Dark Tower
The 2017 film adaptation of The Dark Tower wasn’t successful, even with stars like Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey. Both critics and viewers generally disliked it. But Stephen King fans will get another chance to see the story told on screen with the new Dark Tower TV series created by Mike Flanagan.
Beyond Mike Flanagan’s previous hits, there are two main reasons to look forward to his new TV show. First, The Dark Tower is a story he’s incredibly enthusiastic about, and he’s committed to creating an adaptation that stays true to the source material.
Mike Flanagan secured the rights to adapt the story only after Stephen King was impressed with a detailed outline of Flanagan’s vision. According to JoBlo, King reportedly loved the plan, which is significant because he hasn’t always been pleased with previous adaptations of his work.
4. Katabasis
R.F. Kuang is gaining significant recognition in the entertainment industry. Prime Video has already secured the rights to adapt her upcoming novel, Katabasis, even before its release. This move follows the popularity of her previous works, including the Poppy Wars trilogy, as well as her novels Babel and Yellowface.
This fantasy novel centers on Alice Law, a graduate student studying Magick at Cambridge. She’s forced to join forces with her rival, Peter Murdoch, on a dangerous journey into Hell. Her mission? To obtain a letter of recommendation from her late professor, Jacob Grimes.
Fantasy fans will be thrilled by the basic idea behind the Katabasis TV show, but it’s even more promising knowing that Angela Kang – the showrunner of The Walking Dead – is leading the writing and production. Her experience with that dark and intense series makes her an ideal collaborator with author R.F. Kuang.
3. Ninth House
Leigh Bardugo’s novel, Ninth House, quickly became a #1 New York Times bestseller after it was published in 2019, receiving widespread acclaim. The story centers on Alex, a twenty-year-old Yale student and the only person who survived a murder. She’s tasked with investigating Yale’s exclusive secret societies, where she discovers a hidden world of magic and danger.
Prime Video is clearly working to offer more fantasy series, acquiring the rights to adapt numerous books for television. While most of these projects are just starting, the TV adaptation of Ninth House is already well into development.
I’m so excited about the upcoming show! Leigh Bardugo shared that they’ve already filmed a pilot she absolutely loves, and she’s been directly involved in making it! She’s keeping everything else a secret for now, but honestly, just knowing that much has me totally hyped!
2. Legendborn
As a total fantasy fan, I’ve been completely hooked by the Legendborn Cycle. It’s a fantastic YA series that centers around Bree Matthews, a teenager who starts college at UNC Chapel Hill and stumbles into a hidden world. Turns out there’s a secret society on campus – descendants of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table – and they’re locked in this epic, centuries-long battle. It’s seriously good stuff!
| Legendborn Books | |
|---|---|
| Title | Release Date |
| Legendborn | September 15, 2020 |
| Bloodmarked | November 8, 2022 |
| Oathbound | March 4, 2025 |
| Untitled fourth book | TBA |
Fans of fantasy, especially those who enjoyed Harry Potter, are buzzing about Legendborn and its follow-up books. It offers a fresh and exciting take on the classic stories of King Arthur, making it a highly recommended read for everyone.
Good news: Black Bear Television has the rights to adapt the book Legendborn into a TV series, and Felicia D. Henderson is on board as writer and showrunner. However, the project hasn’t moved forward since it was announced in 2022, and it’s currently stalled in development. This means it’s uncertain when, or if, we’ll be able to watch Bree’s story on TV.
1. From Blood And Ash
Fans were disappointed when Prime Video cancelled its planned adaptation of the popular book series Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. But good news for fans of the series: a TV show based on the sequel, From Ash and Blood, is now being developed by Sony, according to Deadline.
This book series centers around Poppy, a young woman whose life seems planned out for her. But everything changes when she encounters Hawke, the guard overseeing her important journey, and he challenges what she thought she wanted from life and what she’s supposed to do.
Adapting fantasy stories for television isn’t uncommon, but ‘romantasy’ – a blend of romance and fantasy – presents a unique challenge. Balancing these two distinct genres requires a delicate touch. Fortunately, this production company has already demonstrated its ability to successfully navigate romantasy, having previously adapted the Outlander book series for Starz.
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2025-11-07 02:23