Let’s get real—there are times when real life just doesn’t quite do it. Between emails, bills, and never-ending to-do lists, getting lost in a realm of dragons, spells, and epic quests can seem like the ultimate escape. That’s where fantasy television comes in. Whether you came of age reading fairytales or simply found your fantastical fixation, these series aren’t merely tales—whole worlds to be discovered. These are 14 of the greatest fantasy series that have transported audiences far, far away—and left a lasting impression in the process.
14. The Originals
Need some supernatural drama with teeth? The Originals is a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, focusing on the original family of vampires as they attempt to regain power in a magical version of New Orleans. Ancient feuds, tangled curses, and centuries-old baggage make it the ideal blend of gothic drama and family drama. Dark, chic, and compulsively moody—this one has claws.
13. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Sabrina Spellman is not your typical teen. She’s half-witch and half-mortal and completely wedged in between worlds, balancing high school, love, and the forces of evil. This take on the character is heavy on horror and the occult, updating the iconic character to a gritty, witchy upgrade. Set your expectations for eerie spells, dark agonies, and non-stop supernatural mayhem with a coming-of-age spin.
12. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
If you enjoy your fantasy with a dash of time travel and heaps of personality, this is your show. Legends of Tomorrow is a crazy ride that never gets too full of itself. It sends misfit heroes on history-hopping quests, where they battle everything from bad wizards to fairy-tale monsters. Quirky, witty, and always keeping you guessing, it’s like a comic book brought to life—with a wicked sense of humor.
11. Sweet Tooth
In a post-apocalyptic world that has a strangely whimsical feel, Sweet Tooth tells the story of Gus, a half-deer, half-human boy who seeks answers in a new world. It’s a fairy tale, a road trip, and all heart. It’s about hope, survival, and found family, and it shows that even in the bleakest moments, wonder can still flourish.
10. The Dragon Prince
From the same minds that brought us Avatar: The Last Airbender, this animated series builds a vast world of magic, dragons, and richly human tales. When human, elf, and dragon worlds fight over old scores and new friendships, three unlikely heroes have to end a war and bring balance back. Intelligent, it’s emotive, and beautifully animated—a genuine fantasy gem.
9. Lucifer
Picture the Devil sick of managing Hell and deciding to launch a nightclub in Los Angeles. That’s the captivating premise of Lucifer. Half crime drama, half supernatural thriller, half smart rom-com, it’s anchored by a charming performance that gets you strangely invested in the Prince of Darkness. The appeal of the show is how it marries heavenly conundrums with all-too-human emotions.
8. Wednesday
Everyone’s favorite dark girl takes center stage in this new take on the Addams Family lore. Wednesday adds mystery, magic, and a wickedly deadpan sense of humor as the titular protagonist works through psychic abilities, school drama, and murder mysteries at a boarding school for gifted kids. With a crisp visual style and a standout central performance, it’s creepy, clever, and oddly winning.
7. ONE PIECE (Live-Action)
Sail into the Grand Line with this action-packed live-action retelling of the favorite anime and manga. ONE PIECE retains the crazy energy and endearing adventure of its origins, as Monkey D. Luffy and his motley team pursue treasure and dreams. It’s goofy, sentimental, and filled with personality—exactly the sort of crazy enchantment you didn’t realize you required.
6. The Sandman
Dreams, nightmares, and mythical creatures converge in The Sandman, a haunting retelling that unfolds Neil Gaiman’s universe in beautiful and gritty fashion. Morpheus, brooding king of the Dreaming, is at its core as he must repair what’s been undone after decades in captivity. It’s philosophical, visual poetry—one part myth, one part contemplation, and wholly enthralling.
5. The Witcher
Monsters take heed—Geralt of Rivia is on the scene. Sword in hand and darkest of senses of humor, the stoic monster hunter makes his way through a world replete with magic, treachery, and dirty politics. The Witcher combines merciless violence with rich lore, adding in snappy wit and painful loveliness. And yes, the bard’s ballad is still in everybody’s head for a reason.
4. Arcane
Rooted in the world of League of Legends but open to all, Arcane isn’t great—it’s stunning. The animation is gorgeous, the narrative engaging, and the characters heartbreakingly human. Focused on two sisters torn on opposing sides of an impending war, the series delves into issues of power, change, and loyalty. It’s fantasy at its most emotionally naked.
3. Avatar: The Last Airbender (Live-Action)
The story of Aang and the four nations comes back in a new light. This live-action adaptation respects the original while reimaging it for a new generation. With its dense elemental universe, memorable friendships, and fundamentally human struggle, it continues to show that fantasy can be fun, significant, and profoundly emotional all at once.
2. The Dragon Prince (Again)
Yes, again—and deservedly so. As the series continues to expand its universe and fill in its characters, The Dragon Prince has only increased in emotional resonance and storytelling sophistication. It’s not another cartoon program—it’s a genuine fantasy epic, complete with tough decisions, moral ambiguities, and a heart that beats at its center.
1. Game of Thrones
You saw it coming. Love it or loathe the way it ended, you can’t deny the effect Game of Thrones had on television and fantasy storytelling altogether. With its massive cast, over-the-top drama, and dragons that we believed in, the show redefined what we think TV can be. It made politics and power struggles mythic and indelible.
Why do we love fantasy so much? It might be the magic, the countless options, or how these made-up worlds look like ours. Fantasy makes us dream of more—more than what’s real, more than what can happen. And in a messy world, that’s a strong thing. So go on—walk into the closet, fly on the dragon. These tales are not just for fun—they call us to dream big.