With shows like Dragon House and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Continuing the success of their respective franchises and the fantasy genre as a whole, fans are now eager to get their fix wherever they can find it. The fantasy genre is incredibly versatile, thanks to the fact that it’s inherently imaginatively rewarding and can be combined with other genres.
And while the live action space always attracts mainstream attention, audiences can find great shows to stream in the bustling space. The tastes of Castlevania sure to satisfy fans of dark fantasy, and there are plenty star wars content for those who like a mix of sci-fi with their fantasy.
Castlevania (2017-2021)
Stream on Netflix
Perhaps the first major small-screen video game adaptation, Powerhouse Studios Castlevania visually dripping with lively gothic whimsy and impeccable style. The series draws heavily from the anime stylistically, creating a serialized television take on Konami’s video game franchise legacy. Castlevania opens with this fictionalized version of Europe plunged into darkness as Dracula is determined to avenge the collective moral corruption of mankind murdering his wife.
It then follows Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard as an unlikely team to stop the vampire lord’s genocide. The Netflix exclusive wowed audiences with its memorable writing, art direction, animation, and voice acting performances. A sequel to the series, titled Castlevania: Nocturneis currently in development.
Arcane (2021-)
Stream on Netflix
Whereas Castlevania is partly credited with pushing animation forward at Netflix, the streamer’s most recently acclaimed effort is Esoteric. The series is another video game adaptation, this time from Riot Games. League of Legends MOBA. Esoteric was critically acclaimed, largely for its compelling CG animation and art style, as well as the deeply layered characters along with their respective story arcs.
This world mixes elements of steampunk sci-fi with fantasy, while mostly following the emotional and heartbreaking story of sisters Vi and Jinx. But even outside of Hailee Steinfeld’s role as Vi, the show’s cast was filled with powerful performances.
The Legend of Vox Machina (2022-)
Stream on Prime Video
On a lighter, but no less engaging note, the Prime Video exclusive The Legend of Vox Machina series is more than worth investing in. Based on Dungeons & Dragons and one of the campaigns that the critical role broadcast web series, The Legend of Vox Machina is a surprisingly effective blend of high fantasy, comedy, drama and modern wit.
It follows the titular group of mercenaries as they tackle increasingly difficult tasks to make ends meet. VoxMachine was well-received for that aforementioned balance of comedy and fantasy, as well as telling some truly intimate character-driven stories about the band members.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Stream on Netflix
One of the earliest examples of anime’s influence in Western pop culture, Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the most beloved and enduring animated shows, even 14 years after the series finale. It’s an inventive story and world inspired by Eastern fantasy, combining Chinese martial arts with other Asian cultures. Revolving around Aang, the last of his kind, he joins Katara and Sokka in suppressing the Fire Nation’s attempts at war with the other nations of the world.
Avatar: The Last Airbender was an icon of his time, praised for the way he tackled poignant themes of anti-war sentiment, social prejudice and the dangers of imperialist practices while maintaining an upbeat sense of adventure, compelling character dramas and the action.
The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)
Stream on Netflix
While it may not have reached the same heights as its predecessor, The Legend of Korra nevertheless received strong critical acclaim. This sequel series is set farther in the future, following new protagonist Korra – Aang’s successor from generations past – as she embarks on various quests to deal with the turmoil facing the country. to cultural and technological change. world.
As The last air Master, The Legend of Korra was also acclaimed for its skillful nuance. It also cleverly explored themes of social unrest, terrorism, and even spotlighted LGBTQ+ representation.
Primal (2019-)
Stream on HBO Max
Creator Genndy Tartatovsky’s (from star wars and samurai jack celebrity), Primitive is a gripping and brutal prehistoric tale. However, what makes Primitive particularly creative is its expert combination of horror, fantasy, and an anachronistic take on prehistory by throwing dinosaurs, Homo sapiens, and other prehistoric hominids into the same world.
The first two seasons were dubbed spear and fang storyline and centers on a Neanderthal named Spear with his companion T. Rex as they struggle to survive in an unforgiving world. Primitive received massive praise at the start of its third season, and it’s one of the most ingenious animated fantasy series available.
Samurai Jack (2001-2017)
Stream on HBO Max
Genndy Tartatovsky’s dark atmosphere and minimalist art style are instantly recognizable, and perhaps his most iconic work is with samurai jack. A standout anime series from the 2000s, the series revolves around the sprawling battle between the titular samurai prince and the towering demon lord Aku who has conquered his kingdom.
As Primitive after that, samurai jack has a unique Tartatovsky take on its historical premise, combining elements of Eastern fantasy and mysticism with science fiction, as it sees Jack travel through time to find a way to defeat Aku. Its acclaim went in large part to its mature tone and wild fusion of artistic directions that push the animation format to its limit.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
Stream on Disney+
For star wars fans, Dave Filoni has delivered some of the franchise’s best content in animated form. The Clone Wars premiered in 2008 to help fill in the gaps left by the prequel trilogy, introducing a host of new (and now beloved) characters like Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan Ahsoka Tano.
And after spending six years in limbo following the Season 6 finale, Disney+ has revived the show for one final season, culminating in a climactic overlap with Revenge of the Sith. The series has long been considered by fans as one of the best star wars shows ever released, as well as some of the best storytelling in the franchise as a whole.
Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
Stream on Disney+
The fantastic world of science fiction star wars goes back to entertainment with Filoni’s rebels. This sequel to the series is set more than 10 years after the events of The Clone Wars and, by extension, Revenge of the Sith and brings back fan favorites like Ahsoka, alongside a new main cast of characters.
Additionally, portrayals of characters from the original trilogy also make appearances. A little like The Clone Wars before that, rebels was well received to pay homage and gracefully expand on the vast mythology of the star wars the universe, completing the plots and settling the details began in the films.
The Dragon Prince (2018-)
Stream now on Netflix
The Dragon Prince is another of the most beloved original series in Netflix’s animated catalog. This fantasy epic tells the tale of two brothers and a moon shadow elf as they raise the baby dragon Prince Azymondias, while embarking on the greater quest to help end a conflict of thousand years between humans and the kingdom of mystical creatures of Xadia. .
It’s a vibrant high-fantasy original story, with The Dragon Prince gaining well-deserved audiences and overall critical acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and voice acting performances. Likewise, the series has been particularly praised for delving into themes of social diversity and humanity’s relationship with the surrounding environment.