10 Best Fantasy TV Shows Of The Past 10 Years

Fantasy television has expanded significantly over the past 10 years, with more options to choose from and more diverse stories. Although many iconic fantasy TV shows have ended in the last decade — including Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, and Game of Thrones — there have been many more new fantasy shows. Many fantasy television programs explore the paranormal, such as Yellowjackets and Mayfair Witches, while others delve into various mythologies, such as Percy Jackson & the Olympians and American Gods.

Some established fantasy franchises should never end, and now have new TV shows to further expand on the intricate world-building, namely House of the Dragon and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Regardless, there is a new era of fantasy television, with many of the best fantasy TV shows established only in the 2020s. Unfortunately, some great fantasy shows that deserve more seasons ended early due to the streaming era changing the industry. Nevertheless, fantasy television has never been more abundant, and several fantasy TV shows from the last decade deserve recognition.

10 Shadow And Bone (2021-2023)

Based On The Grishaverse Books By Leigh Bardugo

A short-lived fantasy TV show that still deserves to be called one of the best fantasy shows of the last 10 years is Shadow and Bone. This adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels created something unique: Instead of adapting Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows as separate entities, Netflix combined them into one show. It was a bold decision, but the writers made it work beautifully by incorporating Six of Crows‘ Kaz Brekker and his crew into Alina Starkov’s story. However, this aspect did not work as well in season 2 when the show rushes and sidelines Alina’s narrative.

Shadow and Bone‘s showrunner insists that season 2’s changes improve the Grishaverse, but they still come at the expense of the main character. Unfortunately, Netflix canceled Shadow and Bone after season 2, leaving Alina’s story unfinished and the main storyline for Six of Crows hanging. Regardless, Shadow and Bone is still an excellent fantasy TV show. The magic system is exceptionally creative, the dynamics are complex, and the narrative comprises a compelling plot. Furthermore, it is exciting to see fan-favorite Grishaverse characters such as Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa on screen.

9 Shadowhunters (2016-2019)

Based On The Mortal Instruments By Cassandra Clare

Shadowhunters is the second attempt at an adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments books, revolving around Clary Fray as she discovers she is a Shadowhunter — humans with angel blood destined to fight demons. There are also faeries, warlocks, werewolves, and vampires, collectively referred to as downworlders. While Shadowhunters is not a completely faithful adaptation, there are many things about the show that make it better than the books. Shadowhunters covers critical topics in effective and sensitive ways, such as racism, police brutality, and Simon’s Jewish faith and culture.

Shadowhunters also diverges from the books through key character decisions. For example, in City of Ashes, Valentine gives Jace two options: he can go with Valentine willingly, and in return, Valentine will leave Jace’s friends and family alone, or he can reject Valentine and risk his wrath. In the book, Jace turns down Valentine, but he accepts Valentine’s offer to keep Clary and his other friends safe in the show. Shadowhunters also removed unnecessary storylines, such as Simon dating Isabelle and Maia simultaneously.

Shadowhunters also gave significant screen time to couples such as Helen and Aline, something that Clare has failed to do repeatedly in her books. It is also emotional to see what-if scenarios in Shadowhunters, such as Jace discovering his Herondale heritage while his grandmother is still alive. Of course, no book-to-screen adaptation is flawless, and Shadowhunters is no exception. Regardless, it was still disappointing to see Shadowhunters’ cancellation before it could adapt some storylines from the books. However, Shadowhunters remains an excellent and entertaining fantasy TV show.

8 House of the Dragon (2022-)

Based On Fire & Blood By George R. R. Martin

House of the Dragon depicts the Dance of Dragons era in George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, a prequel to A Song of Ice & Fire, and a pseudo-historical account of the first 130 years of the House Targaryen dynasty. Similarly to A Song of Ice & Fire and Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon does not tell the same story as Fire & Blood. However, that has worked out favorably in House of the Dragon so far, adding complex relationships between women and complicating female characters who lack substance in Fire & Blood.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is a multimedia franchise created by George R.R. Martin. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is the basis for the award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones, which lasted for eight seasons. After the incredibly divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the series was followed up by the prequel series House of the Dragon, which also received critical acclaim.

While House of the Dragon contains some plot holes and character inconsistencies, the show has improved Fire & Blood overall because there is more leeway to establish personal narratives in a TV show rather than a history book-styled text. The costumes are certainly better in Game of Thrones, but House of the Dragon still delivers incredible fantasy effects and detailed CGI dragons that complete the show. Despite some issues, Hosue of the Dragon is definitely one of the best fantasy TV shows of the last 10 years.

7 The Witcher (2019-)

Based on The Witcher Books By Andrzej Sapkowski

The Witcher revolves around the monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, the sorceress Yennifer of Vengerberg, and Cintra’s crown princess Ciri, as these three primary characters are irrevocably entwined. Geralt and Ciri’s lives are marked together by destiny due to The Witcher‘s Law of Surprise, obligating Geralt to protect Ciri from dark forces. Authors do not normally have a significant influence on their book adaptations, so when an author loves the adaptation of their books, it is a great sign. Andrzej Sapkowski, praised The Witcher season 2, even though he had some complaints regarding the show’s third season.

The Witcher is a great show, even without considering the books. Henry Cavill portrayed an excellent Geralt, and although Liam Hemsworth is taking over as Geralt starting in The Witcher season 4, his dedication to perfecting the role proves he will also be a great lead actor. Overall, The Witcher has strong acting, with stunning performances from Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan. The show’s dark fantasy elements make it even more riveting, resulting in one of Netflix’s more unique fantasy shows. The Witcher will end with season 5, but it is already one of the best fantasy shows of the last decade.

6 His Dark Materials (2019-2022)

Based On His Dark Materials By Philip Pullman

His Dark Materials is about a multiverse with characters that have daemons, animal counterparts that are the embodiment of their souls. The protagonist, Lyra Belacqua, learns she is part of a critical prophecy that suggests she will revolutionize the world. Although the show only has three seasons because it is based on a trilogy, it is a groundbreaking fantasy TV show. His Dark Materials received 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it is a faithful adaptation of the beloved books. The daemon aspect means the show uses CGI, but the effects are beautifully realistic.

Related

All 3 Seasons Of His Dark Materials, Ranked Worst To Best

His Dark Materials consistently maintained a high quality over its three seasons, but some chapters of the HBO show had more highs than the others.

The stunning daemon CGI provides an element of realism to this fantastical universe that not many fantasy shows or movies have, while the narrative of His Dark Materials explores intricate themes such as childhood, destiny, adulthood, religion, and freedom. Lyra is a relatable and compelling protagonist worth rooting for as her journey takes her across multiple universes — her character development is among some of the best in the fantasy genre. His Dark Materials also features an epic cast, with actors such as James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, Anne-Marie Duff, and James Cosmo.

5 A Discovery of Witches (2018-2022)

Based On The All Souls Trilogy By Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches explores complex vampire and witch lore. When the witch Diana Bishop falls in love with the vampire Matthew Clairmont, it creates potentially severe issues for their world since vampires and witches do not mix. Diana and Matthew eventually escape the Congregation — the organization representing vampires, witches, and daemons — by time traveling, effectively expanding the show’s landscape and raising the stakes. A Discovery of Witches revolves around Diana and Matthew’s epic romance, with the actors having electrifying chemistry that pays off immensely.

4 Arcane (2021-2024)

Based On League of Legends

Arcane is an astounding animated fantasy TV show based on the League of Legends video game, focusing on sisters Vi and Jinx. It is a rich, compelling narrative with stunning animation and an innovative setting. Arcane explores themes such as class, sisterhood, and oppression against a sci-fi fantasy backdrop. The best stories employ fantasy to convey critical themes, and Arcane successfully accomplishes this aspect. Arcane will end with season 2, but the story is already deeply intricate, with a clear narrative trajectory that will provide a legendary ending.

3 Outlander (2014-)

Based On The Outlander Books By Diana Gabaldon

Outlander is another time travel narrative revolving around the protagonist, Claire Randall, a woman from the 20th century who travels back in time to Scotland in the 1700s, where she meets and falls in love with Jamie Fraser. The show is rooted first and foremost in historical fiction, but its careful use of the fantasy genre raises the stakes because Claire and Jamie are from different eras. However, Outlander repeatedly proves that Jamie and Claire’s epic love story can overcome anything. Outlander flawlessly combines historical fiction, fantasy, and romance to create a compelling narrative, making it one of today’s best shows.

2 The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings of Power

Based On The Appendices From The Lord Of The Rings By J. R. R. Tolkien

Doubtlessly one of the best fantasy shows of the last 10 years is The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. It is based on only a few footnotes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books, but the show established an exemplary narrative by expanding the lore and complicating the rich characters and dynamics. The Rings of Power follows a young Galadriel during the Second Age as the Dark Lord Sauron rises to power again. The prequel show is another masterpiece in the Lord of the Rings franchise and does not disappoint with its captivating storyline.

1 She-Ra & The Princesses of Power (2018-2020)

Based On The Animated Series She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985)

The best fantasy TV show of the last 10 years is Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. It is loosely based on the 1980s animated TV show, but Netflix’s adaptation is far superior. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power has nonstop action and dazzling animation, creating an alluring aesthetic. The large cast of characters is diverse and entrenched with various backstories that further enhance their personalities. Although the main characters are Adora, Bow, Glimmer, and Catra, the secondary characters are just as riveting.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is also unafraid to portray the messier and more complicated sides to good and evil, which sets up Catra’s incredible redemption arc in season 5. It is rare for a TV show to get better with each season, but She-Ra and the Princesses of Power pulls off this feat by adding to the powerful story as it progresses. The theme song in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power contains the lyric, “We’re on the edge of greatness” — and the show perfectly captures that sentiment.