10 must-watch fantasy shows that raised the bar

Let’s be honest - fantasy isn’t just a genre anymore, it’s a full-blown necessity for some of us. Dragons, doomed kings, magic potions, talking swords - all of it just hits different when you need an escape.

The best fantasy shows don’t just entertain, they stay with you. You quote them, you argue about them, you maybe even name your dog after a character.

Now, not every fantasy show makes a mark. Many come and go like a cheap spell that backfires. But then there are the ones that change the game. Whether it is through mind-blowing world-building, characters that feel too real, or scenes that leave you yelling at your screen, these shows went all in - and it paid off.

So if you are wondering which ones really raised the bar, here is a list to get you covered. Some are obvious hits, others might have flown under your radar. Either way, these shows are worth a weekend binge, or even several!

Top 10 must-watch fantasy shows

1) Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Yeah yeah, we know how it ended... so let’s get that out of the way. But before the final season had Twitter in a frenzy, Game of Thrones was the show that made fantasy cool for people who had never even touched a Dungeons & Dragons die.

It had everything - politics, blood feuds, ice zombies, dragons, betrayals that made your jaw drop. You couldn’t trust anyone to live, and that made watching it thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

Westeros felt like a real place - messy, brutal, and unpredictable. That’s why, no matter how you feel about the ending, the journey still earns its spot.

2) The Witcher (2019-present)

Geralt of Rivia doesn’t say much, but when he does, it's usually a grunt - and yet, somehow, Henry Cavill made that grunt iconic. The Witcher dropped us into a chaotic world of monsters, magic, and messed-up destinies, and it didn’t hold our hand while doing it.

The timeline jumps are confusing at first, but once it clicks, it’s worth it. Add some top-tier sword fights, a bard with the catchiest song you didn’t ask for, and some moral dilemmas that make your brain itch - and you’ve got a fantasy series that delivers more than just flashy visuals.

3) Shadow and Bone (2021-2023)

This one had the potential to be another forgettable YA adaptation. Instead, it turned out to be a total win. With its rich lore, charismatic characters, and that perfect blend of romance-meets-rebellion, Shadow and Bone proved fantasy doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.

Sure, it had magic and monsters, but what really hit was the emotional core. Alina’s journey from ordinary to chosen-one felt earned. And the Crows... honestly, they could’ve had their own spin-off (fans practically begged for it).

It didn’t last as long as we had hoped, but in just two seasons it carved out a place in modern fantasy that felt fresh.

4) The Sandman (2022-present)

This show is a different beast altogether. It’s not big on battles or dragons - instead, The Sandman dives into dreams, gods, and the strange little corners of existence we never really think about. It is slow, stylish, and sometimes just plain weird...in a good way.

Tom Sturridge plays Dream like he has been doing it in his sleep, and the storytelling feels poetic at times - there is death and darkness, sure, but also hope. Honestly, when was the last time a fantasy show made you want to Google metaphors afterward?

5) His Dark Materials (2019-2022)

Talking animal companions that are literally part of your soul? Sold! His Dark Materials took one of the most ambitious book trilogies out there and somehow made it work for the screen. It is not flashy all the time - this one plays the long game.

The themes are deeper than you would expect. We are talking religion, free will, childhood innocence - all wrapped up in a coming-of-age fantasy that doesn’t sugarcoat a thing, and Dafne Keen absolutely carried the show on her shoulders. So if you want fantasy that is thoughtful without being preachy, give this show a go.

6) The Wheel of Time (2021-present)

This one had big shoes to fill, as the book series is massive... like, “how did anyone finish all of these?” massive. While the show is still finding its rhythm, what it has pulled off so far is impressive.

The world feels ancient and alive - there is power and prophecy and a whole system of magic that is honestly quite unique, especially with how much it leans into female-led strength. Rosamund Pike as Moiraine is straight up commanding. If you have patience and love a good slow-burn, this is your show.

7) Stranger Things (2016-2025)

Yes, it is technically more horror and sci-fi, but let’s not split hairs - Stranger Things has earned its spot in fantasy TV royalty. It gave us a pocket universe full of monsters, psychic powers, and kids saving the world in walkie-talkie group chats. And let’s not forget the synth music... peak vibes!

What made this show stick wasn’t just the Demogorgon or the Upside Down, it was the heart - the friendships, the awkward middle school moments, the ride-or-die loyalty. The fantasy makes you feel nostalgic while totally creeping you out - it's a special combo!

8) Carnival Row (2019-2023)

This one flew under the radar for a lot of people, but it shouldn’t have. Carnival Row gave us a fantasy world that felt a lot like our own real world - only with fae creatures, steampunk vibes, and heavy politics. It wasn’t afraid to go dark, both visually and thematically.

The dynamic between humans and mythical beings? Tense. The setting? Gritty and beautiful. The story? A murder mystery wrapped inside a love story, wrapped inside a refugee crisis. It is layered - not always perfect, and never boring. Honestly, it deserved more attention than it got.

9) The Mandalorian (2019-present)

The show is technically sci-fi fare, but if you squint a little, it is basically a fantasy western in space. You have got a lone warrior with a code, ancient lore, mysterious powers, and a tiny green sidekick that broke the internet. Each episode plays like a short quest - always building toward something bigger.

What made it work wasn’t flashy action or fan service - it was the quiet moments, the slow-burn bond between Mando and Grogu, and the way the story gave you space to breathe. It didn’t try to be the loudest show in the room... just the most grounded. Somehow, that made it unforgettable!

10) House of the Dragon (2022-present)

A return to Westeros could have gone sideways... especially after how Game of Thrones ended. However, House of the Dragon surprised everyone. It didn’t just match the intensity, it brought its own flavor - more intimate, more political and, honestly, more brutal in some ways.

Watching the Targaryen family slowly tear itself apart was stressful, but in a good way. The performances are phenomenal, the pacing is sharp, and the dragons... let’s just say they looked even better this time around.

It reminded fans why they fell in love with this world in the first place - and it made newcomers feel like they didn’t miss the boat.

Final thoughts

Fantasy has had a wild ride on TV - from scrappy cult hits to mega-budget epics. These shows didn’t just raise the bar, they proved that fantasy can be bold, smart, emotional, and straight-up addictive. So whether you are here for the sword fights or the slow-burn world-building, there is something on this list that should pull you in.