If You’re a True Fantasy Fan, Then You’ve Definitely Seen These 7 TV Shows

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Being a true fantasy fan means staying aware of what everyone is talking about in the genre. It’s about recognizing the shows that changed the game, the ones that caused big disagreements among fans, and the ones that became the standard examples when people mention things like magic, prophecies, or fantastical worlds. For a long time, television saw fantasy as a small, specialized interest, but certain shows proved that stories about dragons, monster hunters, and epic magical conflicts could attract huge audiences and become major cultural phenomena. If you’re a regular follower of fantasy, you’ve likely already seen these shows – either because you wanted to, or simply because they’re so prominent in our culture.

Okay, so this isn’t a list of the best fantasy shows ever made, because that’s subjective. Instead, it’s about the ones you just run into as a fantasy fan – the shows everyone’s seen because they’re kind of foundational to the genre. If you somehow haven’t watched these, consider it your homework! Here are 7 fantasy TV shows I’m pretty sure every serious fan has already experienced.

7) Stranger Things

While Stranger Things isn’t strictly a fantasy show – it’s more sci-fi and horror – it’s become a must-see for genre fans due to its massive popularity. The series centers on a group of children in Hawkins, Indiana, who become involved in mysterious government projects, a strange alternate world, and the story of a girl with powerful psychic abilities. It doesn’t feature traditional magic or mythical stories, but it does deliver plenty of monsters, alternate realities, and a consistently thrilling supernatural atmosphere.

If you follow fantasy at all, you’ve probably seen Stranger Things. While it’s not traditional high fantasy, it was a huge TV hit for years, and it’s hard to stay current with pop culture without having watched it. For many fantasy fans, it’s one of those shows everyone’s seen, even if it wasn’t their favorite.

6) Supernatural

With so many fantasy shows available, it’s rare for one to really stand out. But Supernatural, lasting an impressive 15 seasons, clearly did something right – and most genre fans are familiar with it. The show centers on brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) as they journey across America, hunting everything from demons and ghosts to angels and creatures from myth. What begins as a straightforward ‘monster of the week’ format gradually expands into a much larger story involving Heaven, Hell, and ultimately, even God.

While the show’s quality wasn’t always consistent, Supernatural was a defining series for many fantasy fans who grew up in the 2000s and 2010s. It developed a complex and expansive story, and fostered a remarkably dedicated fanbase. Even if a fantasy enthusiast doesn’t enjoy every season, they’ve likely invested a lot of time following the adventures of Sam and Dean Winchester.

5) The Witcher

Now fully embracing the epic fantasy genre, The Witcher immediately captivates viewers. The show centers on Geralt of Rivia (played by Henry Cavill and Liam Hemsworth), a monster hunter with enhanced abilities, as he navigates a continent filled with political turmoil. His destiny becomes linked with Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), a formidable sorceress, and Ciri (Freya Allan), a young girl with a mysterious, prophetic connection. Expect thrilling creatures, a well-defined magic system, clashing kingdoms, and complex moral dilemmas – everything you’d want in a modern fantasy saga.

Over time, The Witcher sparked some debate, particularly among those who loved the original books. However, this controversy didn’t diminish its impact—it actually kept people talking. Fantasy fans often enjoy discussing how adaptations compare to the source material, and many likely tuned in to see what all the excitement was about and form their own opinions. Even with the debate, The Witcher remains a major recent investment in high fantasy television.

4) Arcane

Animation isn’t for everyone, but Arcane is a truly exceptional fantasy series that’s worth checking out. It’s set in the cities of Piltover and Zaun, where the combination of magic and technology is creating both progress and growing social problems. The story focuses on sisters Vi and Jinx, who find themselves on opposing sides of a complex conflict. While the show looks amazing, it’s the strong and consistent storytelling that really makes it stand out – and has earned it several Emmy Awards.

What truly makes Arcane successful is its strong focus on detail and consistency. The world feels real because it has established rules and actions have believable consequences. The story isn’t just about impressive visuals; the characters are well-developed and their journeys are meaningful. For fantasy fans who appreciate rich world-building and compelling character growth, Arcane is a must-watch. It’s set a new standard for animated fantasy, and the genre can’t afford to ignore it.

3) Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Before streaming services were filled with fantasy shows, Buffy the Vampire Slayer was already a standout success, and it’s still considered a classic today – a reboot is even in the works! The series follows Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a teenager chosen to battle vampires and demons while also navigating the challenges of high school and growing up. What starts as a fairly straightforward story quickly becomes much more complex, with deeper mythology, more nuanced villains, and increasingly emotional storylines.

If you want to understand the origins of today’s fantasy TV shows, especially those set in cities, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a must-watch. The show popularized the now-common trope of the powerful female hero and heavily influenced countless supernatural shows that came after it. This isn’t just about fond memories – it’s a truly groundbreaking series, and dedicated fans recognize its lasting impact.

2) The Wheel of Time

For fans of classic, complex fantasy, The Wheel of Time delivers an expansive and detailed world. The story centers on Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a powerful magic user from an all-female order called the Aes Sedai, as she seeks out the Dragon Reborn – a legendary figure who could either save or doom humanity. The series quickly immerses viewers in a world of political intrigue, well-defined magic, diverse cultures, and large-scale conflicts. It’s a truly epic fantasy experience, and that’s enough to make it a must-watch for dedicated fans.

It’s important to remember this show is adapted from a huge book series, so not everyone was bound to love it – that’s typical when bringing a popular story to the screen. However, for fans who enjoy fantasy beyond what’s currently popular, The Wheel of Time was a noteworthy show, even though its cancellation came sooner than many hoped. You might disagree with some of the creative decisions, but watching it feels like experiencing classic fantasy storytelling.

1) Game of Thrones

Most people agree that Game of Thrones represents the high point of fantasy television. It truly changed what the genre could be. The show follows powerful families battling for the throne of Westeros, all while a dangerous, magical force emerges in the North. While political intrigue is central to the story, the series quickly escalates into full-scale war, with the return of dragons, the reawakening of ancient magic, and shocking character deaths. Its grand scope, intricate world, and complex characters made it a defining television event of the past decade.

The show’s ending is still a source of much debate due to its controversial nature. However, looking at the series as a whole, its influence on television was enormous. It led to significantly larger budgets for shows, a rush by studios to adapt books into TV series, and a shift in how fantasy programming was viewed – it moved from being a specialized interest to being considered high-quality, must-see television. If you enjoy fantasy and haven’t seen Game of Thrones, that’s quite surprising – it’s a truly foundational show for the genre.

What’s your favorite show from this list? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-16 21:14