The pandemic era sparked a golden age for fantasy television. As audiences sought refuge from reality, streaming platforms delivered a treasure trove of magical worlds, mythical creatures, and epic quests. From dark reimaginings to faithful adaptations, these shows have redefined the genre and captured our collective imagination. Here are the best fantasy series to debut since 2020, ranked for your viewing pleasure.
10. Moon Knight (2022)
Marvel's Disney+ lineup has been a mixed bag, but Moon Knight stands out as a bold, self-contained triumph. Oscar Isaac delivers a mesmerizing dual performance as Steven Grant, a mild-mannered museum worker, and Marc Spector, a mercenary bound to the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. The series blends psychological drama with supernatural action, exploring identity and faith against a backdrop of stunning visual effects. With Ethan Hawke as a chilling antagonist, Moon Knight proves that not every Marvel story needs a sprawling crossover to be unforgettable.
9. Locke & Key (2020–2022)
Based on the acclaimed comic series, Locke & Key weaves a dark fantasy tale around the Locke family, who move into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, after a tragic loss. The house is filled with magical keys that grant extraordinary powers—from controlling minds to traveling anywhere. The show masterfully blends horror and fantasy, creating a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on edge. Its rich mythology and compelling characters make it a must-watch for fans of both genres.
8. Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023–Present)
Finally, a faithful adaptation of Rick Riordan's beloved books! Percy Jackson and the Olympians follows the titular demigod, played by Walker Scobell, as he discovers his divine heritage and embarks on epic quests. The series has been praised for its adherence to the source material, winning over both new viewers and longtime fans. With impressive special effects and a charismatic cast, it's a refreshing addition to the fantasy TV landscape, and its ongoing success promises more adventures to come.
7. Lockwood & Co. (2023)
This hidden gem from Netflix offers a fresh take on supernatural fantasy. Set in a London plagued by ghostly apparitions, only children possess the psychic ability to see them. The series follows a trio of young ghost-hunters as they navigate a dangerous world. Lockwood & Co. excels in atmosphere, with eerie visuals and a compelling mystery at its core. It's a shame it was canceled after one season, but it remains a standout for its inventive world-building and character dynamics.
6. Wednesday (2022–Present)
Tim Burton's darkly whimsical vision brought Wednesday to life, and the show became an instant phenomenon. Jenna Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, who enrolls at Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts. The series blends mystery, supernatural elements, and teenage angst with Burton's signature style. Ortega's deadpan performance and the show's gothic aesthetic made it a cultural touchstone, proving that the Addams family's appeal is timeless.
5. House of the Dragon (2022–Present)
The Game of Thrones prequel had massive shoes to fill, but House of the Dragon rose to the challenge. Set 200 years before the events of the original series, it chronicles the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons. With political intrigue, dragon battles, and a stellar cast led by Paddy Considine and Emma D'Arcy, the show has captured the epic scale and moral complexity that made its predecessor iconic. It's a must-watch for any fantasy fan.
4. Arcane (2021–Present)
Based on the world of League of Legends, Arcane is a visual and narrative masterpiece. The animated series explores the conflict between the utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun. With stunning hand-painted visuals and a deeply emotional story, it transcends its source material to become a standalone work of art. The characters, especially sisters Vi and Jinx, are complex and compelling, making Arcane a must-watch for both gamers and non-gamers alike.
3. One Piece (2023–Present)
Live-action adaptations of anime are notoriously tricky, but Netflix's One Piece defied expectations. The series captures the spirit of Eiichiro Oda's beloved manga, following Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the legendary treasure. With a charismatic cast, vibrant production design, and a faithful yet streamlined story, it won over critics and fans alike. It's a swashbuckling adventure that proves fantasy can be fun, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining.
2. The Sandman (2022–Present)
Neil Gaiman's seminal comic finally received the adaptation it deserved. The Sandman follows Morpheus, the King of Dreams, as he escapes captivity and rebuilds his realm. The series is a rich tapestry of myth, horror, and fantasy, with stunning visuals and a standout performance by Tom Sturridge. It's a faithful and ambitious adaptation that captures the essence of Gaiman's work, making it a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy.
1. The Rings of Power (2022–Present)
Amazon's massive gamble on The Lord of the Rings prequel paid off. The Rings of Power is a breathtaking epic that explores the Second Age of Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events of the original trilogy. With a sprawling cast, jaw-dropping visuals, and a story that weaves together multiple threads, it's a monumental achievement in fantasy television. While it faced some criticism, its ambition and scope are undeniable, making it the definitive fantasy show of the decade so far.
These shows represent the best of what fantasy TV has to offer since 2020. Whether you're in the mood for dark intrigue, epic battles, or heartfelt adventures, there's something here for everyone. So grab your remote, settle in, and let these worlds transport you.
