10 Best Romantasy Shows, Ranked

Romance and fantasy have long been a winning combination in books, even before the term ‘romantasy‘ became popular. Recently, books like Fourth Wing and the ACOTAR series have gained huge attention on platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram, bringing even more readers to this well-loved genre.

Combining classic fantasy elements – like magic, mythical creatures, and exciting adventures in enchanted settings – with genuine love stories is incredibly appealing. ‘Romantasy’ often uses popular romance themes, such as forbidden relationships, enemies falling in love, and destined but difficult pairings, giving audiences a satisfying blend of both genres.

10. Shadowhunters

2016-2019, 3 Seasons

Similar to other fantasy romance shows, Shadowhunters is based on a well-loved book series, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. The show centers around Clary Fray (Katherine McNamara), who discovers she’s part angel and must hunt dangerous supernatural beings.

As a huge fan of romantasy, I was really invested in the love story between Clary and Jace in Shadowhunters. It’s not a simple connection, though! They initially think they’re siblings, which creates a lot of tension and delays things. But once that’s revealed as not true, their romance feels so genuine and intense. Honestly, watching them risk everything to protect each other is what really made the series so rewarding to watch.

9. My Lady Jane

2024, 1 Season

I’ve been watching My Lady Jane, and it’s a really unique spin on the story of Lady Jane Grey! It’s set in an alternate England where people are divided into two groups: the Ethians, who can magically turn into animals, and the Verities, who hunt them. It’s definitely not your typical historical drama!

The central romance in the series develops between Lady Jane Grey (Emily Bader) and Lord Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel), who are forced into a political marriage. Despite not choosing each other, they fall in love, and their relationship becomes the heart of the Prime Video show. Sadly, the series’ unique style didn’t attract a large enough audience, and My Lady Jane was canceled after just one season.

8. Shadow And Bone

2021-2023, 2 Seasons

Inspired by Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse books, Shadow and Bone takes place in a detailed and captivating fantasy world full of magic, conflict, and frightening creatures. The story centers on Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), a young mapmaker who discovers she has the unusual power to control light – a power that could potentially defeat the Shadow Fold.

In Shadow & Bone, Alina develops romantic feelings for Mal Orestev, a childhood friend. The show does a good job of building their relationship slowly and realistically, giving their connection time to grow from friendship into something more. Even though war and their responsibilities often kept them apart, Alina and Mal’s love for each other remained strong.

7. True Blood

2008-2014, 7 Seasons

While the Twilight films became incredibly popular in the romantasy genre, True Blood really started the trend on television. The idea of vampires secretly living amongst people isn’t new, but what makes True Blood stand out is its focus on love as the central theme of the supernatural story.

Okay, so True Blood isn’t a flawless show, let’s be real – it definitely hasn’t held up perfectly over time. But honestly, even with its flaws, it had so many compelling relationships and, well, steamy moments that kept me hooked. It could get a little over-the-top with the drama, sure, but that’s actually what made it so addictive – constantly wondering what would happen with all those complicated relationships. It really kept you on the edge of your seat!

6. Pushing Daisies

2007-2009

Romantasy stories often feature intense romance and intimate scenes, but the show Pushing Daisies takes a different approach. It centers around Ned (Lee Pace), a pie maker with the extraordinary ability to bring people back to life with a single touch – though he can never touch them again after doing so.

When the show revives a man’s first love, the couple is forbidden from touching. This unique restriction is what makes Pushing Daisies so special – Charlotte and Ned must find creative, non-physical ways to express their feelings for each other. The show beautifully demonstrates the power of emotional connection and proves that a romantic story can be compelling even without explicit intimacy.

5. Once Upon A Time

2011-2018, 7 Seasons

The series Once Upon a Time offered a fresh take on classic fairy tales, exploring familiar characters in new and interesting ways. While romance is a central theme, the show presented a more complex version of ‘happily ever after’ than the original stories we all know.

At its heart, Once Upon A Time is a story about the power of true love. While the show delves into its characters’ histories and what drives them, it always comes back to the idea that even when magic, time, or enemies try to keep couples apart, true love can bring them back together.

4. Outlander

2014-2026, 8 Seasons

While Outlander blends elements from various genres, it’s not strictly a romantasy. It does include fantasy aspects, such as time travel via magical stones and Claire’s (Caitríona Balfe) ability to heal with supernatural powers. However, the show’s main appeal lies elsewhere, beyond its mix of genres.

What I love most about this show is Jamie and Claire’s relationship. It’s a really powerful love story, but it’s not always easy! They face so many challenges – being separated, wars, even time travel – but every decision they make just proves how deeply they care for each other and how determined they are to stay together, no matter what.

3. Interview With The Vampire

2022-Present, 2 Seasons

Love in supernatural TV shows is rarely simple, but most series don’t explore the challenges of relationships that span centuries. Based on Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles, Interview With The Vampire tells the story of Louis (Jacob Anderson), a vampire who recounts his extensive life through a revealing interview.

The show focuses on the complicated relationship between Louis and Lestat (played by Sam Reid). Their romance spans centuries and is often turbulent, passionate, and flawed. While Interview With The Vampire‘s portrayal of a lasting love isn’t always comfortable to watch, those imperfections are crucial to what makes their connection real.

2. A Discovery Of Witches

2018-2022

Despite being a unique and compelling story, A Discovery of Witches isn’t as celebrated as it should be within the romantasy genre. Many fantasy shows focus on relationships between vampires and humans, but this series stands out with a romance between a witch and a vampire – a pairing that’s often considered taboo in the supernatural community.

The forbidden nature of Diana and Matthew’s connection is interesting, but what truly makes their story special is how slowly and thoughtfully it unfolds. While they clearly have a strong connection, they don’t rush into a relationship. Instead, they build trust by sharing experiences and getting to know each other, which makes their eventual romance feel more meaningful.

1. The Vampire Diaries

2009-2017, 8 Seasons

Credit: Warner Bros. Television Studios via MovieStillsDB

Based on L.J. Smith’s popular novels, The Vampire Diaries is a standout romantic fantasy TV show. The series centers on Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and her complicated love life with two vampire brothers, expertly mixing romance and supernatural mythology.

Although the central love story of The Vampire Diaries focuses on Elena and the Salvatore brothers (Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder), the show includes other engaging couples, such as Caroline (Candice King) and Tyler (Michael Trevino). What makes The Vampire Diaries so captivating is its relatable and compelling characters – you either root for them or love to hate them.

The Vampire Diaries is a well-known and beloved series in the romantasy genre, and it’s still popular now. Its success led to two spin-off shows, The Originals and Legacy, demonstrating how much fans continue to enjoy the story.

2026-03-09 18:12