Netflix is undoubtedly one of the biggest streaming platforms out there, and it is deftly balancing its catalog of TV shows by placing equal focus on all genres. Fantasy, particularly, is a huge win for the streamer because the genre offers worlds that are overflowing with magic, adventure, and intrigue. At the heart of every great fantasy lies the appeal of the unknown; the extraordinary chance to explore a world where even the impossible seems within reach.
From ancient kingdoms ruled by ferocious leaders to modern-day cities inhabited by supernatural beings, or post-apocalyptic worlds on the brink of destruction, fantasy TV shows know that one’s imagination is boundless and tapping into its extremes is what gives the most satisfaction. Netflix has a library filled with both original and licensed fantasy content; narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining. For those looking for a perfect binge-watching experience, here are the 10 best fantasy series Netflix has to offer.
10
‘Locke & Key’ (2020 – 2022)
Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez’s graphic novels come to stunning life in this Netflix series, which begins with the tragic murder of the Locke patriarch. Siblings Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode move with their mother to their ancestral home, Keyhouse, and discover a bunch of magical keys that unlock various doors and secrets. As the trio explores these wonders, they also confront an evil entity seeking to possess all the keys.
Supernatural Meets Family Drama
Locke & Key is a brilliant adaptation, and it’s known for a flawless mashup of fantasy and drama. It weaves together elements of mystery and magic with youthful adventures to keep viewers engaged from beginning to end. The direction by Carlton Cuse, Meredith Averill, and Aron Eli Coleite is ripe with impressive visual effects, a haunting score, and imaginative plot twists. The young cast, Connor Jessup, Emilia Jones, and Jackson Robert Scott, deliver truly amazing performances.
9
‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021 – 2024)
Release Date
2021 – 2023
Showrunner
Jim Mickle
Directors
Jim Mickle
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Sweet Tooth follows the journey of Gus, a young boy who is part human and part deer. Apparently, after a pandemic wiped out most of humanity, it led to the birth of “hybrids,” children with animal-like features. Now alone, Gus sets out to find his mother and learn the truth about his origins. Along the way, he’s joined by a gruff loner named Jepperd.
Mystical Coming-of-Age Story
Despite taking place in a dysfunctional future, Sweet Tooth is one of the few wholesome and heartwarming fantasy series out there. Based on the comic book by Jeff Lemire, it takes you on an adventure filled with danger and discovery and infuses it with emotional beats. They usually come from Christian Convery’s portrayal of Gus and Nonso Anozie’s performance as Jepperd. The show’s stunning visuals, whimsical tone, and sweet intent make it a must-watch.
8
‘Legacies’ (2018 – 2022)
Release Date
2018 – 2021
Network
The CW
A spin-off of The Originals, and by extension, The Vampire Diaries, this fantasy drama shines the spotlight on Hope Mikaelson, the tribrid daughter of Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall, as she attends the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted and learns to harness her powers. With her friends, which include werewolves, witches, and vampires, Hope faces several challenges and threats in her coming-of-age journey.
Expands on a Beloved Universe
Legacies expertly builds upon the rich lore established in the original series and offers a youthful perspective on the supernatural worlds. The perils and mysteries are still intense and exciting, but the characters are now also grappling with their complex teenage life. The young cast, led by Danielle Rose Russell, anchors the series with equal parts power and vulnerability, making its four seasons pass by effortlessly. Especially if you’re already a loyal TVD fan.
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7
‘The Sandman’ (2022 – 2025)
Release Date
August 5, 2022
Showrunner
Allan Heinberg
The Sandman is a one-of-a-kind fantasy horror series that follows an immortal being known as Morpheus, the King of Dreams, who is captured and imprisoned for over a century. His absence alters the cosmic balance and leads to nightmarish events. Now he must escape to restore order and reclaim his stolen power after confronting the consequences of his own past actions.
An Amazing Fantasy Horror Adaptation
Adapted from the acclaimed comic book series by Neil Gaiman, The Sandman stands out because of its epic scope and intricate storytelling. Unlike other fantasy adventures, this one explores the nature of dreams and reality in a way that’s haunting and hard to look away from. The vision of showrunners Allan Heinberg and David S. Goyer and the portrayal of Morpheus by Tom Sturridge has earned it a devoted following.
6
‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ (2021 – 2022)
Drawing from the enormous success of the animated series, Winx Club, which premiered on Nickelodeon in 2004, Fate: The Winx Saga takes viewers back to the mesmerizing world of Alfea, a magical boarding school where young fairies hone their powers. The series focuses on Bloom, a fire fairy who discovers her true origins and navigates growing up alongside her suite-mates Stella, Terra, Aisha, and Musa.
Nostalgic Trip to the 2000s
Like any other fantasy series, the ultimate battle between good and evil takes center stage in Fate: The Winx Saga as the fairies face dark creatures and sinister threats strong enough to jeopardize the very fabric of their magical society. Being live-action, the series offers a mature take on the original and balances the coming-of-age elements with dark undertones. However, critics called it “flat” and “forgettable” and the show was canceled after two seasons.
5
‘Lockwood & Co.’ (2023)
Lockwood & Co.
Release Date
2023 – 2022
Network
Netflix
Based on the book series of the same name by Jonathan Stroud and developed for Netflix by Joe Cornish, Lockwood & Co. is set in a world where ghosts are terrifying and real. We follow a trio of young paranormal investigators – Anthony Lockwood, George Cubbins, and Lucy Carlyle – as they form a ghost-hunting agency and tackle various supernatural cases. Despite being the smallest agency in London, their adventures are grand and their encounters are scary.
Canceled Before Its Time
Set against the backdrop of the ghost-infested city of London, the series captures the atmospheric tension and the lighthearted camaraderie of the source material and infuses a lot of supernatural intrigue into the stories. It features a strong ensemble cast including Ruby Stokes, Cameron Chapman, and Ali Hadji-Heshmati. Despite holding a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and being described as “an addictive, sophisticated supernatural thriller,” Lockwood & Co. was canceled after just one season.
4
‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021 – 2023)
Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov, a young mapmaker living in the war-torn world of Ravka. She discovers that she possesses the rare and powerful ability to summon light, and as a Sun Summoner, who could tip the scales in an ongoing conflict between her country and the mysterious region known as The Fold. Now thrust into the world of the Grisha, she must learn to use her powers and deal with the war.
Fantasy Saga Filled With Intrigue
Netflix’s adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling Grishaverse novels is nothing short of captivating. The sweeping scope, the political intrigue, rich world-building, and tense character dynamics make the viewing experience incredible. Directed by Eric Heisserer, the series spans two seasons and explores the Grisha magic system, the treacherous Fold, and epic battles. It quickly became a fan-favorite in the fantasy genre, but Netflix pulled the plug on Shadow and Bone due to various reasons.
3
‘Outlander’ (2014 – Present)
Release Date
August 9, 2014
Network
Starz
Showrunner
Matthew B. Roberts
-
Caitriona Balfe
Claire Randall Fraser
One of the most beloved and longest-running fantasy shows of all time is actually a historical romance. It revolves around Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who is on a second honeymoon with her husband in Scotland, as she’s mysteriously sent back in time from 1945 to 1973. There, she encounters the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser, falls in love with him, and gets caught in the middle of a brutal conflict between the Highlanders and the English.
Combines Historical Drama, Romance, and Time Travel
Outlander‘s enduring appeal lies in the way it effortlessly transitions between sweeping historical storytelling, a soul-shattering romance, and the fantastical elements of time travel. It is based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series and is adapted for screen by Ronald D. Moore. The show boasts stunning production values, a detailed period setting, and a narrative that explores themes like loyalty and the power of love across time. Also a reason to watch the show is the sizzling chemistry shared by Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan, who play Claire and Jamie.
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2
‘The Witcher’ (2019 – Present)
Release Date
December 20, 2019
Showrunner
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
Based on the best-selling book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher is Netflix’s most successful property in the fantasy genre. It’s set on a fictional, medieval-inspired Continent, and it follows Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter navigating a world where the beasts he slays and the humans he encounters are equally dangerous. His destiny gets entwined with that of a powerful sorceress named Yennefer and a young princess named Ciri.
Narratively Complex and Emotionally Charged
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich deserves all the praise in the world for bringing Sapkowski’s novels to glorious life. The entire appeal of the series is the immersive visuals, gorgeous production values and adherence to the source material. Henry Cavill leads as the gruff yet sentimental Geralt, perfectly capturing the essence and moral ambiguity of the character. With each season, new layers of the Witcher lore are peeled back and while the time shifts are complex, it’s always intriguing to watch.
1
‘The Good Place’ (2016 – 2020)
In The Good Place, Eleanor Shellstrop, a self-absorbed woman, finds herself in the afterlife’s perfect utopian side known as the “Good Place.” She quickly realizes that she does not belong there, and in order to conceal her truth from the ever-watchful neighbors and architect of the community, Eleanor strives to become a better person and earn her spot there.
A Whimsical Fantasy Comedy
The Good Place, created by Michael Schur, may kick off as a wholesome fantasy about discovering oneself, but over the course of four seasons, it takes viewers through several unexpected twists and existential musings, explores ethics, one’s emotional intelligence, and moral philosophy, and urges you to understand what it means to live a meaningful life. But that doesn’t mean the show’s all serious. It’s clever writing and Kristen Bell’s turn as the main character is hilarious. She’s supported by an equally amazing cast that includes Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, and Jameela Jamil.
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