Great phantasy shows invite viewers to tread aside from the average and figure novel realms where anything is possible . These humankind are anything but mundane , give up daze spectacles and character reference - driven stories that keep fans hooked for seasons on end . Whether it ’s sprawling kingdoms full of political warfare or magical orbit overrun by bizarre creatures , the genre has a variety of enthralling macrocosm to choose from .
From cultural phenomenon likeGame of Thronesto dear cult classics likeBuffy the Vampire Slayer , the good phantasy shows form and define the writing style . This spectacular serial offers fervor and escapism through the small screen , with the very good going on to be influential and awarding - winning classics that fans can revisit over and over again .
10. Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)
Xena : Warrior Princessis anostalgic fad classic from the 1990sthat wait on as a spinoff ofHercules : The Legendary Journeyswhere the nominal protagonist was innovate as a supporting part . Focusing on here as the star instead , the spinoff chronicle Xena ’s ( Lucy Lawless ) buyback arc as a former warlord wanting propitiation by using her acquisition as a warrior for trade good . Alongside the fabricator - turn - hero Gabrielle ( Renee O’Connor ) , the duo take on mythic creatures , warlord , and even graven image on their journey across the ancient macrocosm .
Xena‘s rig is inspired by Greek mythology , making each episode an interestingly - rich and reckon man brim with gripping fibre . The show also does n’t take itself gravely , with high - post drama complemented by campy humor that showcases the writer ’ wit . Xenawas also a trailblazer in fantasy TV , as it served as a precursor to modern female person - led action epics and tackled feminist radical through its chief characters ’ storylines .
StreamXena : Warrior Princesson Prime Video .
9. Charmed (1998-2006)
With the “ Power of Three,”Charmedcast a spell on multitudinous sports fan and became one of the most pop fantasy appearance of its era . The WB series follows the Halliwell baby — Prue ( Shannen Doherty ) , Piper ( Holly Marie Combs ) , and Phoebe ( Alyssa Milano ) — as they research their power and theatrical role as the Charmed Ones , the most powerful witches ever prophesied . Living in their transmissible San Francisco manor house , the trio struggle to balance their average lives with their supernatural side . The radical was also afterward fall in by Paige ( Rose McGowan ) .
Charmedoffered magical whimsy with some binge - worthy dramatic play , keeping devotee number back for more . At its core , the show is beloved for its festivity of the friendly relationship between three powerful women who take to be good enchantress . Its impact as a pioneering series is still felt today , with young audience key it on streaming platforms . Charmedhas even inspired a less successful reboot onThe CW , which premiered in 2018 .
StreamCharmedonPrime Video .
8. Outlander (2014-)
Outlanderis a historical dramatic event and fantasy series based on Diana Gabaldon ’s eponymic novel . The show follows Claire Randall ( Caitríona Balfe ) , a World War II nurse cryptically transfer back to 1743 Scotland through the standing stones of Craigh na Dun . While navigating a chaotic era where her exemption and identity are changed significantly , Claire by chance falls in love with the dash Highland warrior Jamie Fraser ( Sam Heughan ) . She ’s then caught between the liveliness she made in 1743 and the one she leave with her husband in 1945 .
After a decade ’s Charles Frederick Worth of storytelling , Outlanderhas catch spectator with its unique sentence - travel period story that tell an epic romanticism . On top of that , the series also places its protagonists in historical place setting , involving them in political events , real - life insurrection , and more . It becomes impossible not to rout for them as they experience the marchland of history and fight for their love across clock time and blank space . Fans of the serial publication can wait forrard to a confirmedspinoff titledOutlander : parentage of My profligate , which will further explore the original ’s one - of - a - form worldly concern .
StreamOutlanderonStarz .
7. Merlin (2008-2012)
In a reimagining of the Arthurian caption , Merlinsees the titular adept ( bring by Colin Morgan ) first as a young man who disclose his magical powers . He must keep them a enigma since King Uther Pendragon ( Anthony Head ) has criminalise the use of magic in his land . WhenMerlinis tasked with protecting the king ’s boy , Prince Arthur ( Bradley James ) , he realize that he must use his powers to protect him while also take him to become a well future ruler .
The bond that mold between Arthur and Merlin becomes the cornerstone of the series , with the dyad evolve as character with each new scourge they look . Merlinattracts audiences with its loose - hearted adventures but keeps them investing in the increasingly serious wager as Arthur face his part and Merlin find himself . While its CGI has n’t aged the adept and betray the show ’s low budget , it ’s still worth revisiting for sports fan of the genre .
StreamMerlinonPrime Video .
6. Bewitched (1964-1972)
Bewitchedisa must - see authoritative sitcomthat center on a charming witch , Samantha Stephens ( Elizabeth Montgomery ) , who marries deadly adman , Darrin Stephens ( Dick York , later Dick Sargent ) , and vows to live as an ordinary suburban housewife . Of naturally , repress her sorcerous powers proves easier said than done , as it ’s much easier to get through daily liveliness with them . There ’s also the problem of her tamper while - casting relatives , who mostly dislike her husband and begrudge her position .
The comedic series rely on funny domestic office with a twist on magic . What made it such a standout , however , is that it use this wicked mood to subtly remark on modern domesticity and gender use . Samantha ’s efforts to balance her build - in magic with her desire for a “ normal ” life mirror the struggles of charwoman in the sixties , cementingBewitchedas a groundbreaking and daring show that would inspire the fantasy situation comedy that watch .
StreamBewitchedonThe Roku Channel .
5. The Witcher (2019-)
found on the eponymic record book series by Polish generator Andrzej Sapkowski , The Witcheris a granular fantasy show that follows Geralt of Rivia ( Henry Cavill ) , who hunts monsters for a living . The series is set in a fictional medieval - inspired world where the titular witcher see himself following the destine path that head him to Princess Ciri ( Freya Allan ) and the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg ( Anya Chalotra ) . The trio then ferment together as they fight bigger military force and take part in bigger political conflicts that escalate into all - out warfare .
Fans of both the books and the biz can appreciateThe Witcher‘s interpretation of its source material . It thrives thanks to its morally grayish approach , impart the show a darker and grittier feel for fantasy fancier who choose those types of stories . While it remain to be realize how Cavill ’s controversial recasting — with Liam Hemsworth take over the role of Geralt of Rivia — will sham the serial , it ’s secure to say that for now , it ’s considered among the best modern phantasy show .
StreamThe WitcheronNetflix .
4. Stranger Things (2016-2025)
Netflix ’s coronate achievement in the sci - fi and fantasy genres , Stranger Thingsis a megahit that needs no insertion . Set in the fancied town of Hawkins , Indiana , the series begins in 1983 with the mysterious fade of young Will Byers ( Noah Schnapp ) . As his Friend — Mike Wheeler ( Finn Wolfhard ) , Lucas Sinclair ( Caleb McLaughlin ) , and Dustin Henderson ( Gaten Matarazzo)—search for him , they come up Eleven ( Millie Bobby Brown ) , a cryptic girlfriend with telekinetic abilities . Their journey shortly leads to the uncovering of a surreptitious government experiment and a parallel proportion known as the Upside Down .
Stranger Thingssoars thanks to the friendshipbetween its characters and the square way fans have grown up alongside the talented cast . It also seamlessly fuses 1980s nostalgia with a supernatural story that can be shivery at time , without ever losing sight of the merriment times between the grouping . The fifth and final season , slated for exit in 2025 , forebode to provide an explosive ending to what the show has been building up to all of these year , and viewers can only desire that they stick the landing .
StreamStranger ThingsonNetflix .
3. Supernatural (2005-2020)
Supernaturalis a musical style - delineate serial that run for an unprecedented 15 seasons , becoming one of the most beloved and abide TV shows of all time . It ’s center on the brothers Sam ( Jared Padalecki ) and Dean Winchester ( Jensen Ackles ) , who move across America on what is fundamentally a “ monster - of - the - week ” route misstep . The show evolve to incorporate more complicated storylines that adjoin on the brothers ’ familial proceeds and bigger supernatural foes .
Supernaturalembraces its revulsion roots , drawing inspiration from urban legends , folklore , and pop culture to make enrapture tale every week . The buddy ’ relationship is at the kernel of the serial , which made it so popular . The Winchester brothers are the iconic distich that service as the anchorman for the show for all those class , keeping fans coming back for more each calendar week . The show would eventually focus on their arcs , center on their struggles and inner battles , giving audiences even more reasons to stay tuned .
StreamSupernaturalonNetflix .
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
A pioneering work within the supernatural and illusion genre , Buffy the Vampire Slayeris an addictive blend of action , wit , and dramatic event . It revolves around Buffy Summers ( Sarah Michelle Gellar ) , a eminent school student who reluctantly accept her purpose as the Chosen One — destined to combat moody force like vampires and devil . relocate to Sunnydale , a California town situate over a Hellmouth , Buffy struggles to poise her supernatural obligation with the everyday hardship of teenage life .
Each season ofBuffy the Vampire Slayerfeatures a “ Big Bad ” or a major antagonist like the ancient vampire The Master . To take them down , Buffy is back up by the “ Scooby Gang , ” made up of her supporter and mentor . With sharp storytelling and numerous modern twist on classic tropes , the serial publication became a notable classic that many fans continue to reference and revisit today . It has an active fandom that pick up its hundreds of tie - in products , and the show also spawn the “ Buffyverse , ” which includes its popular spinoff titledAngel .
StreamBuffy the Vampire SlayeronHulu .
1. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
HBO ’s epic adaptation of George R.R. Martin’sA Song of Ice and Fireseries , Game of Thronesis a monumental achievement in fantasy television and an undeniable ethnical phenomenon . lay in the fictitious continents of Westeros and Essos , the serial publication start as stately families compete for dominance of the Iron Throne while a looming menace from beyond the Wall — the White Walkers — threatens to upend the known world . Over eight seasons , the show explores the various political factions , novel romances and alliances , dramatic betrayal , and so much more .
Despite its terrible net season , Game of Thronesstill stand as the peak of phantasy TV , thanks to its cut - edge visuals , ambitious and far - reaching arcs , and awesome dramatis personae . The series is a spectacle that render an unequalled sense of weighing machine to the small screen , all while relying on Shakespearian drama to keep devotee glued to their screenland every hebdomad . While it did n’t finish on a high note , Game of Thrones’influence on the genre has cement it alongside the greats , with numerous planned spin - offs being a testament to its legacy .
StreamGame of ThronesonMax .
