5 Fantasy Series That Deserve to Be the Next Game of Thrones

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As a movie and TV reviewer, when I think about shows that truly changed the game, one immediately springs to mind: Game of Thrones. It wasn’t just popular – it felt like a global event, something you rarely see. This adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novels brought a cinematic scope to fantasy, delivering a weekly, immersive experience. What really set it apart were the incredibly complex characters woven into a story that was deeply political, consistently surprising, and utterly captivating. It was a show that wasn’t afraid to take risks, and it really paid off.

Even though it ended controversially, Game of Thrones is still fondly remembered. Because of its massive success, any new, well-made fantasy show is immediately compared to it – can it be just as popular? Several shows have already tried to become the next Game of Thrones, and more are in the works, with fans eagerly hoping they succeed. Here are 5 fantasy series with real potential to reach that same level of impact.

5) Fourth Wing

Though it hasn’t been released yet, Fourth Wing is already generating a lot of excitement and could be a major hit. Based on the popular fantasy novel by Rebecca Yarros, the series follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who unexpectedly enters a rigorous military training program to become a dragon rider. While it blends romance with fantasy – a popular combination known as ‘romantasy’ – the story is also epic in scope, with themes of political maneuvering, betrayal, and high stakes, similar to what fans enjoyed in Game of Thrones.

The story has a solid base and offers more than just a love story. While a popular book doesn’t always make a good TV show, it definitely gives the series a strong start, especially with an existing fanbase of millions. Plus, with Michael B. Jordan producing, it’s even more promising. If the show can successfully build on the world of Fourth Wing, balancing personal stories with the bigger political and power struggles within the academy, it has the potential to be the next big fantasy hit like Game of Thrones.

4) The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

With a third season on the way, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power hasn’t quite become the next Game of Thrones just yet. However, it has the potential to be a huge television hit. The series is set in Middle-earth’s Second Age, long before the events of The Lord of the Rings films, and follows the stories of elves, humans, dwarves, and other characters as the dark lord Sauron gains power. It’s a prequel that delves into a vital time in Middle-earth’s history – the creation of the Rings of Power and the beginnings of the conflicts that would define the world we see in the films.

As a prequel to a beloved fantasy series, this show boasts impressive scope and a richly detailed world. It explores conflicts between kingdoms, shifting alliances, and the personal drives of various leaders, all within a sprawling story. While visually stunning, it maintains a solid emotional center. Some fans of J.R.R. Tolkien have been critical of the show’s deviations from the source material—similar to what happened with Game of Thrones later in its run—which could limit its broader appeal. However, the expansive universe offers plenty of room for intricate stories, and the show has the potential to become even more compelling over time.

3) Harry Potter

Few TV series are generating as much excitement as the upcoming Harry Potter adaptation. While the core story—Harry discovering his magical abilities and attending Hogwarts—will remain the same, this new series will be different from the films. Instead of squeezing each book’s plot into a single movie, each book will get a full season, allowing for a much deeper dive into the wizarding world. This opens up endless possibilities, particularly for exploring the complex political and social aspects of the magical community. Many details that were left out of the original films can finally be fully developed.

As a huge movie fan, I always thought the Harry Potter books would make an incredible TV series. There’s just so much potential to explore beyond what we saw in the films, and it really hits that sweet spot of nostalgia for so many of us. It’s one of those stories that feels truly timeless and has already become a huge part of our culture. Honestly, I can’t picture it not being a massive hit, especially because the fans are still so dedicated. And it doesn’t even need to try and be as gritty or politically charged as Game of Thrones – it already has this amazing, detailed world and a storyline that’s kept people hooked for years.

2) The Stormlight Archive

Many fantasy book series are popular today, but Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive always seemed destined for a big-budget TV adaptation. Sanderson is famous for creating incredibly detailed and expansive fantasy worlds – some fans even consider him better at it than George R.R. Martin. The series is set on Roshar, a world ravaged by intense storms, and follows the efforts to restore an ancient order of warriors, the Knights Radiant, amidst a long-running war, political maneuvering, and the resurgence of a dangerous enemy.

What truly sets The Stormlight Archive apart is how all its different stories connect and contribute to a larger mystery about the world it depicts. It also feels like a fresh approach to storytelling, with the potential to redefine the fantasy genre. The series is complex and captivating, appealing to both dedicated fantasy fans and newcomers alike. If adapted well, it could be one of the most ambitious fantasy shows ever made, and it has the potential to surpass Game of Thrones as the leading series in the genre.

1) House of the Dragon

With House of the Dragon moving into its third season, it’s starting to become clear whether the show will achieve the same level of success as its predecessor, much like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Being a spin-off of the hugely popular Game of Thrones gives it a significant advantage. While new seasons still attract a large viewership, the show hasn’t quite become a major cultural phenomenon yet. The series is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and focuses on a civil war within House Targaryen, sparked by a disagreement over who should rule.

The success of Game of Thrones wasn’t about spectacle – it was about flawed people driven by ambition, ego, and desperation. House of the Dragon captures that same realism, presenting characters who are neither purely good nor evil, but complex individuals constantly betraying, allying, and vying for control. Despite a few bumps in the road, the show still attracts a huge worldwide audience. As the story reaches a critical point, it’s fair to say it deserves the opportunity to achieve the same level of cultural impact as its predecessor, and it certainly has the potential to do so.

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2026-03-18 01:18