Some of the best short fantasy TV shows can transport viewers into the world of magic and adventure. Equipped with stellar visuals and fantastical fights, the beauty of fantasy shows is that they can make the viewers feel whimsical and broaden their imaginative and creative horizons. Fantasy shows can have humor, action, and even tragedy. Therefore, they are not bound by any limitations. However, it must have magic and adventures. Therefore, here are the 10 best short fantasy TV shows that are either miniseries or have a limited number of seasons.
Tin Man, Agatha All Along, and other best short fantasy TV shows that one must watch
1. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

Based on the novel of the same name by Susanna Clarke, this British historical fantasy miniseries is adapted by Peter Harness. Directed by Toby Haynes and featuring Bertie Carvel, Eddie Marsan, and others, the show aired for one season and received widespread acclaim. The story is set in England at the beginning of the 19th century and follows Mr Norrell (Marsan), who can use magic. While magic is widely acknowledged in the land, it is rarely practiced. On the other hand, there is the dissolute Jonathan Strange (Carvel), who is told by a street magician that he is destined to be a great magician. He therefore begins to study magic and becomes an apprentice under the tutelage of Mr Norrell. The show has a lot of action, intrigue, and a dark sense of humor, and is one of the best short fantasy TV shows. Fans of magic and adventure will surely like the show as it is one of the best short fantasy TV shows.
2. Lost Ollie

Created by Shannon Tindle and based on the children’s book by William Joyce, this live-action and animated fantasy miniseries features Jake Johnson and Gina Rodriguez and is one of the best short fantasy TV shows. It also has the voices of Jonathan Griff, Mary J Blige, and others. The series is about a lost rabbit toy, Ollie, who ends up at a lost and found section of an antique shop. Determined to meet his owner and friend, Billy, he decides to undertake a journey and reconnect with his friend. However, he has limited memories of Billy, and as he embarks on his adventure, he rediscovers his fond memories and also finds new friends. The show blends live-action performances with computer-generated animations. With only four episodes in tow, the show is heartfelt, poignant, and is the perfect watch for fans of magic and fantasy. Universally acclaimed, it is one of the best short fantasy TV shows.
3. Tin Man

Starring Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming, and others, this fantasy and adventure series is adapted from the novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The miniseries reimagines the novel for modern viewers and adds touches of science fiction and fantasy. With only three episodes, the show tells the story of a small-town waitress, DG (Deschanel), who finds herself in the magical realm of O.Z. As she embarks on a journey full of magic and adventure, she uncovers her memories and befriends Glitch, Raw, and Cain. Together, they must now foil the evil sorceress Azkadellia’s plot to trap O.Z. into darkness. The show received widespread acclaim and was the highest-rated miniseries of 2007. The show was also nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, and critics noted the show’s visuals and performances. Full of flights of fantasy and heaps of adventure, the show is one of the best short fantasy TV shows that viewers must watch.
4. The Sandman

Based on the comic book written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics, this fantasy and drama series is developed by Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg. Featuring Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, and others, the show is about Lord Morpheus, or Dream, who is the personification of dreams and nightmares. He is also the ruler of his realm, called the Dreaming. However, Morpheus is captured in an occult ritual in 1916. After finally being able to escape in 2022, he sets out to restore order in the Dreaming. Viewers and critics' reviews were positive, and the show is noted for its tone, atmosphere, grand production values, and authenticity towards the source material. The series is the perfect watch for viewers who love all things magical and fantastical. Therefore, it is one of the best short fantasy TV shows that one must watch.
5. The Witcher: Blood Origin

Created by Declan de Barra and Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, this fantasy miniseries is based on the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski. Starring Sophia Brown, Laurence O’Fuarain, and others, the show is a prequel to the original show, The Witcher. With only four episodes in tow, the show is a great option for viewers who have watched the original series and want to know more about its origins, or want to start watching the prequel before heading into the main show. Set 1200 years before the events of the original show, the series focuses on the creation of the first Witcher and the events that lead to the “Conjunction of the Spheres.” It also focuses on the ancient civilization of Xin’trea before it died out. While the show received mixed reviews for its story and characters, it was noted for its action sequences.
6. Agatha All Along

Starring Kathryn Hahn, Joe Locke, and others, this fantasy miniseries is created by Jac Schaeffer and is based on the character Agatha Harkness in Marvel comics. The show is a spin-off of the original show, WandaVision, and is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While Hahn plays the lead role of Harkness, the series is set three years after the events of the original show. Agatha Harkness is trapped under a magical spell in New Jersey, and the witch finally escapes with the help of a mysterious teenager, who wants to face the various trials and challenges along with her. While Agatha Harkness is without her magical powers, she and her teen companion decide to form a new coven of witches and face the trials. Amidst all this, Harkness also has to battle with some old enemies. The show has one season and was praised for its plot twists and character development. The show has plenty of magic and mayhem, and is one of the best short fantasy TV shows to watch.
7. Onimusha

Based on the video game franchise of the same name by Capcom, this original net animation series is directed by Shinya Sugai and is one of the best short fantasy TV shows. The show is set in the early Edo period in Japan and depicts a society where peace reigned supreme and warfare was on the decline. Amidst all this, an aging Musashi decides to begin a covert mission. He also has the mythical and powerful “Oni Gauntlet”, which has magical powers, and Musashi decides to go on a journey full of fantastical challenges and adventures to destroy the evil forces. The show is a cult classic and is considered one of the best video game adaptations to come on screen. It has plenty of scenes with magic and fantasy, and is full of adventures. Therefore, it is one of the best short fantasy TV shows to check out.
8. Over the Garden Wall

Created by Patrick McHale and based on his short film, this animated dark fantasy miniseries features the voices of Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Christopher Lloyd, and others and is one of the best short fantasy TV shows. The series is about two half-brothers who must travel through a mysterious forest and find their way back home. However, on their journey, they encounter a variety of mystical and fantastical creatures and things, and also make some new friends. The show has ten episodes and has received widespread praise. As the first miniseries produced by the Cartoon Network, the show has brilliant visuals and a whimsical atmosphere. The show has a cult following, and it is considered one of the best fantasy miniseries of all time. Therefore, fans of magic and fantasy should definitely check out one of the best short fantasy TV shows.
9. Dinotopia

Based on the book series of the same name by James Gurney, this fantasy miniseries is directed by Marco Brambilla. Starring David Thewlis, Katie Carr, and others, this show focuses on a fictional utopia where dinosaurs and humans coexist. The series essentially serves as a sequel to the books and has just three episodes. The show focuses on a pair of teenage half-brothers, Karl and David, who are on a flight journey with their father. However, the plane crashes into the sea, and the brothers get stranded in the magical world of Dinotopia. The brothers must now adjust to a new kind of society. The series is full of adventures and fantasy, and also has path-breaking visuals for its time. The show even won an Emmy Award for its visuals. The show is highly underrated, and fans of fantasy should not let this one slip. One of the best short fantasy TV shows.
10. Fate: The Winx Saga

Starring Abigail Cowen, Hannah van der, and others, this supernatural and fantasy teen series is based on the animated show, Winx Club, by Iginio Straffi, and is one of the best short fantasy TV shows. Created by Brian Young, the show is about Bloom (Cowen), who is a fairy with fire powers. When she enrolls at a magical boarding school in anotherworld land called Alfea, she makes new friends as she shares a room with other fairies called Stella, Aisha, Terra, and Musa. All these fairies have their own powers. While Bloom begins to learn more about her past, she and her friends must also save Alfea from evil creatures called the Burned Ones, who have come back to destroy the peace of the land. The show has just two seasons, and it is full of magical fights and heartfelt moments. One of the best short fantasy TV shows to watch currently.