Netflix boasts an enormous catalog of original fantasy TV series, which makes it easy to overlook a few. Many of these shows that are actually hidden gems get sadly swept under the rug — possibly because of an oversaturation of the genre, or thanks to less-than-stellar reviews by critics. However, there are still some fantasy shows on Netflix that are well worth the watch, and yet don’t get the credit they deserve.
While series like The Witcher and Arcane are definitely worth the hype, fans of the fantasy genre shouldn’t discount some of the streaming giant’s lesser-known titles. Some of them were female-led fantasy shows that were canceled too soon, while others enjoyed a reasonable run but simply aren’t talked about enough. Still, others have fans crossing their fingers that Netflix will grace them with a renewal, but for that to happen, more people need to watch these vastly underrated fantasy epics.
10 Castlevania
4 Seasons (2017-2021)
Based on the characters and story from the Konami video game franchise (mainly Castlevania III), season 1 of Castlevania introduces Trevor Belmont, a drunken layabout who has long since abandoned his family duties as a slayer of vampires and monsters. When the nefarious king of vampires, Count Dracula, threatens a city in pursuit of vengeance for the death of his beloved, Trevor must forces with a powerful sorceress and the son of Dracula himself to end the villain’s reign of terror.
Not only does it feature stunning animation, but it is jam-packed with action, humor, and plenty of gothic elements to keep both fantasy and vampire lovers entertained.
Completed in four seasons, Castlevania is a wild ride from start to finish, as the series only continued to get better and better. Not only does it feature stunning animation, but it is jam-packed with action, humor, and plenty of gothic elements to keep both fantasy and vampire lovers entertained. And while I personally prefer it over Castlevania: Nocturne, the sequel is also worth checking out.
9 Warrior Nun
2 Seasons (2020-2022)
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- Showrunner
- Simon Barry
In this paranormal superhero series, a young woman named Ava is brought back from the dead by a religious relic: the halo of an angel. She soon discovers that the halo gives her powers, like super-human strength and phasing through solid walls. Eventually, Ava is found by the Order of the Cruciform Sword, an ancient underground army created by the Catholic Church to fight the denizens of hell. Ava agrees to the order and become a warrior nun, ed by her fellow sisters as they face off against evil and discover treachery in their ranks.
Based on a comic book character from Ben Dunn’s Ninja High School, Warrior Nun is a unique occult fantasy that fans can’t get enough of. Perhaps the most impressive highlight of the show is the high-action fight choreography, which serves to even out the sometimes slow pacing. Netflix canceled the show after two seasons, and executive producer Dean English announced in 2023 that a trilogy of feature films was on the horizon for Warrior Nun (via Deadline), but there have been no recent updates since.
8 The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
1 Season (2019)
Following the trend of Netflix canceling fantastic shows before their time, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance tragically ended far too soon. A prequel to the 1982 cult classic film by Jim Henson, Age of Resistance brought viewers back to the world of Thra: a fantasy realm of magic, wonder, and danger. Long before the events of the movie, a race of gentle beings known as Gelflings thrive among three kingdoms. The Gelflings serve the Skeksis, whom they believe to be benevolent and wise rulers. In truth, the Skeksis are wicked and power-hungry villains who threaten all of nature.
Despite positive reviews from both critics and audiences, Netflix canceled The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance after just one season. It’s a shame, too, because not only was the show a visual feast but a truly compelling fantasy epic that deserved a satisfying conclusion.
7 Twilight Of The Gods
1 Season (2024)
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Twilight of the Gods is an animated series inspired by Norse mythology. It follows characters such as Thor, Loki, and Odin in a rich narrative that delves into their legendary conflicts and alliances. Directed by Jay Oliva, the series features voice talents including John Bradley, Jamie Chung, and Patton Oswalt, bringing the epic mythological tales to life.
This fantasy-action animated series was co-created by Zack Snyder, so that should give you some idea of how epic it is. Based on characters and legends from Norse mythology, the story begins with a warrior shield maiden named Sigrid, a half-human, half-giant who is engaged to a Viking king, Leif. However, the god of thunder, Thor, arrives on their wedding day to slaughter everyone in attendance, and only Sigrid and Leif survive. As grief turns into rage, Sigrid vows vengeance on Thor, determined to kill the god who slew her family.
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Featuring a number of familiar names from Norse myth, as well as a cast of compelling original characters, Twilight of the Gods is an exciting, action-packed fantasy that features eye-popping animation from American studio Stone Quarry and the French animation studio Xilam. The series also features LGBTQ+ representation and stellar performances from the voice actors, and though the ending leaves the story open for more adventures, there has been no recent update on a season 2 renewal.
6 Locke & Key
3 Seasons (2020-2022)
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Part fantasy, part horror, and part drama, the Netflix series Locke & Key is truly unique. Following the murder of Rendell Locke, his widow and their children move across the country and into the Locke family home, known as the Keyhouse. It turns out that the rundown estate has a dark secret that comes with it: a series of magical keys that unlock portals into other realms, and even into people’s minds. When a dark entity threatens the Locke family to gain control over the keys, they must stop it at all costs.
While its tone may stray somewhat from the original comics that it is based on, Locke & Key is nevertheless a compelling dark fantasy with enough thrills and chills to make it a binge-worthy series.
While its tone may stray somewhat from the original comics that it is based on, Locke & Key is nevertheless a compelling dark fantasy with enough thrills and chills to make it a binge-worthy series. Along with great performances by the cast, the show excels as a coming-of-age drama that blends fantasy and mystery elements seamlessly with impressive visual effects.
5 Disenchantment
5 Seasons (2018-2023)
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Disenchantment
- Release Date
- 2018 - 2023-00-00
- Showrunner
- Matt Groening
WHERE TO WATCH
Futurama may be the perfect sci-fi follow-up to the long-running animated comedy, The Simpsons, but there are still not enough people singing the praises of Matt Groening’s fantasy comedy on Netflix, Disenchantment. In the kingdom of Dreamland, Princess Bean goes against the convention of most fantasy princesses by drinking, partying, and fighting. ed by an elf named Elfo and a demon called Luci, Bean finds herself on extraordinary adventures as she learns that she is at the center of a dark prophecy.
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Filled with the same hilarious antics that folks love from The Simpsons and Futurama, Disenchantment is a delightful medieval fantasy romp that has been seriously overlooked. It not only dishes out delicious fantasy tropes, but also goes against the grain with its rebellious female protagonist and an assortment of unique ing characters. The series features performances by top voice actors and comedians, including Abbi Jacobson, John DiMaggio, and Matt Berry.
4 Ragnarok
3 Seasons (2020-2023)
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A bleak winter landscape is the perfect backdrop for this fantasy series about gods and monsters set in modern-day Norway. In Ragnarok, a family moves back to their small hometown of Edda, and troubled teen Magne discovers that strange powers have awakened within him. When Magne befriends an environmentally conscious girl only for her to be killed under mysterious circumstances, he discovers that the culprits may be the Jotul family, who are in charge of a local industrial company. The Jotul family may be more than what they seem — but then, with his increasing supernatural abilities, so is Magne.
Those familiar with mythological figures like Thor, Loki, and Odin will immediately recognize the parallels, which only adds to the show’s entertainment value.
A compelling teen drama based on Norse mythology, Ragnarok is one of the best fantasy series to come out of Norway. Those familiar with mythological figures like Thor, Loki, and Odin will immediately recognize the parallels, which only adds to the show’s entertainment value. I will it that I was a bit disappointed with the series’ ending, but it didn’t deter me from enjoying Ragnarok as a whole.
3 Hilda
3 Seasons (2018-2023)
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Lovers of folklore and fantasy will not want to miss out on the Netflix animated series, Hilda, which stars The Last of Us’s Bella Ramsey as the voice of the titular character. While many fairy tales begin with the hero leaving their normal life behind and traveling into a world of magic and wonder, Hilda is just the opposite: a little girl living in a magical forest of giants, elves, and trolls must adjust to “normal” life when she and her mother move into the city. That doesn’t mean that the magic ends, however, as Hilda discovers new adventures and makes interesting friends along the way.
Not only is Hilda a charming show with an enchanting fairy-tale feel, but it also goes into some deeply emotional territory about growing up, and learning what it means to be a family. The series is made up of three seasons and was followed up by a feature film, Hilda and the Mountain King, which wrapped up the storyline in 2021.
2 The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos
7 Seasons (2018-2024)
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- Showrunner
- Justin Richmond
While fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender are no doubt excited for the next series, Avatar: Seven Havens, Netflix’s The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos is a great animated fantasy to dive into while they wait. Head writer and co-exec Aaron Ehasz of the Avatar animated series also co-created The Dragon Prince, which is set in the fantasy realm of Xadia. At the center of a war between elves, humans, and dragons, two young brothers and a rogue elf together to protect a young dragon from dark magic and corruption.
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The seventh and final season of The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos aired in 2023, giving a satisfying conclusion to a deep and complex storyline. The animation is excellent, the writing is superb, and the voice acting is top-notch, so it’s a wonder that not more people are talking about this amazing series.
1 Cursed
1 Season (2020)
The legends of King Arthur have been adapted for film and TV in countless ways, yet there are only a few that feature a strong female protagonist. One such example is Cursed, which reimagines the tale of the mythical Lady of the Lake. Teenager Nimue is shunned by the people of her small village who call her a witch, yet she soon learns that her destiny is tied to a magical sword and a young man who will one day rule as the king of Britain.
A blend of dark fantasy and teen drama, Cursed is a unique take on the Arthurian legends unlike any other. Katherine Langford gives a sympathetic portrayal as Nimue, and Gustav Skarsgård is excellent in his role as the legendary magician, Merlin. Sadly, Cursed was canceled after only one season, but the show is still available to stream and should definitely be on your watchlist.
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