Like TV shows of every other genre,fantasyseries have their ups and downs, and none are immune to having a bad season or low point. While this is always disappointing, it’s expected, andmost fans can accept that one season in a show’s run is the weakest.This makes it all the sweeter when a series comes along that doesn’t falter, providing excitement, character development, and an engaging plot throughout each season. While this is rare, these series quickly cement themselves as the best the genre has to offer.
Manyfantasy TV shows that are almost perfecthave a string of well-crafted seasons and are criticized for smaller issues or dated elements that haven’t stood the test of time. When an older TV series is considered flawless from start to finish, this is even more impressive, as the standards for fantasy have gotten more exacting in recent years. Even iconic pieces of fantasy media that reignited interest in speculative fiction had their low points, as not every storyline will be for everyone. However, with every season garnering acclaim, these shows have it all.
It might be controversial to say that every season ofStranger Thingsis strong, butrevisiting the hit TV show proves just how much each installment has to offer.After the conclusion of season 1, the show had to reinvent itself and navigate where it was going next, and overall, it did an excellent job of keeping viewers interested in the story. Adding dynamic new characters and raising the stakes with chilling original villains helped maintain the fresh style ofStranger Things.
If the show can maintain its quality and end on a high note, it will have longevity to rival some of the best fantasy series of all time.
ThoughStranger Thingsseason 5 is taking a long time to release, it’s good that the series is taking its time, as a lot relies on the success of its final outing. If the show can maintain its quality and end on a high note, it will have longevity to rival some of the best fantasy series of all time. There are many ways thatStranger Thingscan make season 5 the best yet, and it will be exciting to see what happens to all the iconic characters.
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ThoughArcaneended after the explosive season 2,the series came to a natural end with Vi and Jinx’s stories reaching their inevitable conclusion. Set in the world of the video game seriesLeague of Legends,Arcaneis one of the best recent video game adaptations.Arcanetakes the settings, magic, and exciting details that makeLeague of Legendsso fun to play and expands them into a vivid world of original characters you fall in love with.
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While Vi and Jinx, the sisters and protagonists ofArcane, are at the forefront of the story,the show does a great job of giving every character their due and developing themthroughout the seasons. It’s disappointing that there won’t be any more installments ofArcane, but it’s been hinted that there are spinoff series in the works that will tackle the different corners of theLeague of Legendsworld. It’s not just well told but beautifully designed and styled, making it everything a fantasy story should be.
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Though theFullmetal Alchemistmanga was first adapted for the screen in 2003, the 2009 iteration is considered the definitive take on the story.Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis better understood as a series of arcs rather than seasons,but however audiences engage with the material, it’s undeniably an epic ride. Following the story of the brothers Ed and Al, two talented young alchemists,Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis full of more conspiracies than the viewer could ever guess.
Every piece ofFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis carefully crafted to take the audience on a journey unlike anything seen in fantasy before.
Though much of the series' success must be attributed to Hiromu Arakawa for her incredible work on the manga,Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodhas an intimate understanding of the heart of the story. As the series progresses and Ed and Al’s adventures grow more dangerous and complex, you’re drawn further into the narrative and magic of the world. Every piece ofFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis carefully crafted to take the audience on a journey unlike anything seen in fantasy before.
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The Good Placeis a fantasy sitcom that could’ve easily fallen off after the first season. Season 1 ends with an unforgettable twist, but it also means that the writers had to reinvent the premise and think of new ways to shake up the story with each installment. This isn’t an easy task, butThe Good Placewas more than up for the challenge.What started as a mystical comedy ended up becoming a complex discussion on ethicsand the concept of morality.
It helps that the charm and chemistry of the central cast would make any story easy to watch,butThe Good Placedidn’t rely on this goodwill to propel the narrative.The Good Placeis aTV show I miss coming up with theories for, as there were plenty of mysteries and red herrings to keep you guessing throughout the series' run. However, it wasn’t just the twists and turns that keptThe Good Placeso engaging; it was the emotional heart of the plot.
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It’s no secret thatPrime Video has been hitting it out of the park when it comes to animation and fantasy in recent years.With titles likeInvincible,The Wheel of Time, andThe Legend of Vox Machina, the streamer is cementing itself as a haven for intricate projects within the speculative fiction genre. Based on theDungeons & Dragonscampaigns from the web seriesCritical Role,The Legend of Vox Machinaexpands upon the world of the story and its vivid characters.
Though only three seasons have been released, each one surpassed both audience and critical expectations, carefully taking the structure of the role-playing game and translating it to the screen.
Though only three seasons have been released, each one surpassed both audience and critical expectations, carefully taking the structure of the role-playing game and translating it to the screen. Even for audiences who aren’t familiar withDungeons & Dragons,The Legend of Vox Machinais a lot of fun and has enough in common with classic fantasy to be familiar. It’s likely that the series will be remembered as one of the bestD&Dadaptations of all time.
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One of the most iconicfantasy TV shows from the 1990s that still holds up,Buffy The Vampire Slayerhas stood the test of time for a reason. Though some would sayBuffyseason 1 is the weakest, even the low-budget debut has its strong points. It captures the audience’s attention with a perfectly structured pilot and features a fantastic season finale that colors the remainder of the show.Every installment ofBuffybrings something new to the tableand meets Buffy where she’s at in her development.
The later seasons ofBuffyget dark, not holding back from the hardest parts of Buffy’s life as a slayer and the toll her sacrifices take. It’s hard to imagine that the reboot currently in development will be able to top the show’s most iconic moments, and it will be an uphill battle to please longtime fans who have high expectations. However,it’s hard not to expect a lot for any continuation ofBuffy The Vampire Slayer, considering its influence and impact on fantasy.
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HBO’sHis Dark Materialsis a severely underrated recent addition to the fantasy genre that deftly brings to life the original book trilogy by Philip Pullman. Unlike the failed 2007 movie adaptation,His Dark Materialsis much more true to the novels and chronicles every phase of Lyra’s journey from beginning to end. Though the first book,The Golden Compass, is the most famous,His Dark Materialstakes just as much time and care in crafting every season.
Fans of the books are well aware of how much fun it is to watchHis Dark Materials, but all fantasy fans should be seeking out the project.
Dafne Keen leads the cast as Lyra, the young girl we see grow up inHis Dark Materials, and Keen showcases her strength as an actress through Lyra’s evolution. While every installment captures our attention, the fact that the final season is likely the strongest of an outstanding run is a testament to the series' abilities. Fans of the books are well aware of how much fun it is to watchHis Dark Materials, but all fantasy fans should be seeking out the project.
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The iconic anime seriesAttack on Titanis as bloody and gory as a TV show can get,animated or not. The darkness of the story isn’t limited to the visuals, asAttack on Titanis in conversation with the worst parts of human history through its fantasy lens. Bringing the beloved manga to life was a tremendous undertaking, as the illustrations and story in Hajime Isayama’s work are rich, complex, and full of subtle foreshadowing that results in shocking twists and blowouts.
However,the strength of the source material is what allows every season ofAttack on Titanto build to its devastating finaleand set up the tragic anti-hero arc of its protagonist, Eren. ThoughAttack on Titanhas a lot of lore and world-building that the audience has to understand to get to the heart of the story, this is part of the fun of watchingAttack on Titan. The series has a jaw-dropping payoff that connects the smallest details of the beginning to the ultimate conclusion.
Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
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AsThe Leftoversadvances, so does its mysterious premise, encouraging the audience to question everything they see and the nature of faith itself.The series stars Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon as Kevin and Nora,two of the ensemble cast members who grapple with intense grief and uncertainty in the wake of the inciting event. Set in a world where 2% of the population suddenly disappears,The Leftoversuses every season to touch upon a different way humanity interacts with the unknown.
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The deliberate pace ofThe Leftoversandthe incredible performances that anchor the series help keep the audience interested, even when the story borders on too bleak to bear.Unlike some of the more mystical and magical fantasy series out there,The Leftoversuses its otherworldly premise to root itself even further in reality. As the characters travel to new settings and uncover secrets in all three seasons,The Leftovershelps the viewer accept that some questions don’t have answers.
As time has progressed,the love and reverence forAvatar: The Last Airbenderhas only increased, solidifying the series' longevity.Though only three seasons long,ATLAtells a story with such breadth and complexity that it feels even more nuanced than much longer additions to the fantasy genre.ATLAmight be meant for kids, but that doesn’t stop the series from grappling with serious subjects and crafting emotionally impactful stories.
ATLAfeatures one of the best redemption arcs in TV history through Zuko’s characterization and development, but he’s far from the only figure who evolves inATLA. Each of the main characters comes face-to-face with their weaknesses and challenges, with every season pushing them to be better so they can face Firelord Ozai in the final season. It’s clear that the writers and showrunners knew where the show was heading from the start, allowingAvatar: The Last Airbenderto enjoy a rich lore and rarefantasyworld.
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