There’s no shortage of fantasy shows to dig into, especially in recent years, but some are required viewing — both for fans of the genre and for those who don’t often reach for it. Not every addition to the category has a universal appeal. Some can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers who aren’t as familiar with genre conventions or classic fantasy titles.
However, there are a handful of fantasy shows that demand to be watched at least once, whether you frequent fictional realms full of dragons and magic or not. Some, like Game of Thrones, are just too massive to miss. Others deliver important takeaways and provide comforting watches, and those are things anyone can appreciate.
Game Of Thrones
2011-2019
Game of Thrones proved that high fantasy could appeal to mainstream audiences, and that’s precisely why everyone should watch it. Diehard fantasy lovers are likely familiar with the HBO series and the Song of Ice and Fire books. Their popularity is incentive enough to dive in, especially if you haven’t already.
Judging by its reach while it was on air, Game of Thrones’ compelling political storylines and characters are likely to land with newcomers to the category as well. It’s the ideal choice for those looking to get into the genre but unsure of where to start. Despite its sprawling setting and complexity, it’s easy enough to follow. And its brutal twists will hook anyone.
Given what a splash Game of Thrones made when it was on air, everyone should see it once, if only to learn what all the hype is about. If you’ve somehow managed to avoid Game of Thrones after all this time, it’s worth understanding what all those water-cooler conversations were referring to throughout the 2010s.
His Dark Materials
2019-2022
His Dark Materials had a quieter run on HBO than Game of Thrones, but the fantasy show is another that boasts poignant themes, great actors and characters, and a story that’s easy to fall into. Although certain concepts, like Dust, seem like they’d be hard to follow, the adaptation does a solid job of explaining them.
In general, His Dark Materials is easy to follow, making it a must-watch for both fantasy fans and general audiences alike. The fact that it’s a near-perfect series from start to finish also drives home why everyone should check it out. Dafne Keen gives one of her best performances, something MCU fans will appreciate, and her character’s journey is likely to resonate, no matter who you are.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
2005-2008
There’s a reason Avatar: The Last Airbender remains so popular, even 20 years after it premiered, and everyone should understand where its legacy comes from. The Nickelodeon show’s blend of timeless commentary and humor is what made it a hit in the 2000s. Those elements continue to stand out today, offering a great reason to dive in.
The Last Airbender is as relevant now as it was when it was airing — perhaps even more so — and the fact that it’s an obvious comfort show makes it a perfect modern binge. Whether you’re revisiting it for the 10th time or starting it from scratch, The Last Airbender deserves a spot on your watchlist. And despite its intended audience, it holds up regardless of how old you are.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
1997-2003
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a classic fantasy series, and it’s one of two lengthy shows that fans of the genre need to watch — especially if they love the supernatural side of it. Despite coming out in the ’90s, Buffy the Vampire Slayer holds up fairly well today. Its coming-of-age story remains resonant, and its characters and themes are mostly ahead of their time, despite a few missteps.
Buffy is an influential fantasy show that many later series copied, making it a must-watch for those seeking to see where so many later series drew inspiration from. Additionally, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is just an all-around fun time, whether you’re really into fantasy or just dabbling in it.
Supernatural
2005-2020
The other lengthy fantasy show that everyone must watch once is Supernatural, which is a big commitment at 15 seasons. However, it’s worth diving into, as there’s a reason it ran for so long. Those who love fantasy and horror will appreciate how Supernatural perfectly blends both genres while also delivering humor and heart.
Even those who don’t gravitate towards fantasy should give Supernatural a try, as its focus on brotherhood, monster-of-the-week adventures, and incredulous humor all have a wide appeal. It’s The CW’s best fantasy show, and it continues to have a strong fan base, five years after its ending. That’s a testament to how worthwhile it is.
Arcane
2021-2024
Arcane is nothing short of a masterpiece, and you don’t need knowledge of League of Legends or a history of watching sci-fi and fantasy to enjoy it. The Netflix series is only two seasons long, making it an ideal length for those dipping their toes into the genre. It also boasts political intrigue, morally complex characters, and incredible writing.
On top of that, Arcane has one of the best TV soundtracks of all time and animation that makes everything from its action sequences to its smaller character moments stand out. These selling points make a good case for everyone experiencing the show at least once, since there’s really nothing else like it.
The Vampire Diaries
2009-2017
The Vampire Diaries has its low points, but it’s a staple of 2010s television — and it’s a fantasy show still referenced and rewatched so often that everyone should have some knowledge of it. And although TVD dips in quality during its later outings, the earlier ones really are a ton of fun. They offer teen drama, supernatural creatures, and plenty of suspense.
The show has one of the most iconic love triangles in television, and despite its tragedies and emotional beats, it makes for a great comfort watch. There’s a reason some fans revisit The Vampire Diaries annually, and even those who don’t will likely find the series’ antics entertaining.
Merlin
2008-2012
I’m still not over Merlin‘s tragic ending, and the fact that the series remains so memorable more than a decade later is exactly why it’s required viewing. The only reason the conclusion has such an emotional impact is because the characters and their dynamics are so sound. Anyone can appreciate that, making it easy to get invested.
They’ll also appreciate this series’ take on something as commonly known as Arthurian legend; the fact that Merlin focuses on well-known mythology makes it accessible to just about anyone, but fantasy lovers will especially find themselves enamored.
The Legend Of Vox Machina
2022-
The Legend of Vox Machina is the only series on this list that isn’t yet completed, but it’s far enough in that I can safely say this: it’s a must-watch, no matter who you are. Even if you have no knowledge of Critical Role, The Legend of Vox Machina has so much to offer: lovable characters, hilarious jokes, and a heartfelt and meaningful story.
At its core, The Legend of Vox Machina is about friendship and love having the ability to overcome the greatest challenges. That may sound corny, but it makes the series an especially relatable and uplifting watch. It’s fun and comforting, though it doesn’t shy away from darker topics. It’s an ideal show to pick up, and everyone should do so ahead of season 4.
The Magicians
2015-2020
The Magicians isn’t a perfect fantasy series, but it offers a fresh take on common genre conventions, like magic school settings and portals. The fact that The Magicians feels reminiscent of stories like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia ensures that general audiences and longtime fantasy fans will pick up on what it’s doing.
The Magicians takes a darker and more realistic approach to such stories while also capitalizing on what makes them so universally appealing. This balance is one that everyone should experience once, and the fact that the fantasy show also delivers on compelling world-building and characters makes it even more necessary.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
