Within its original series and backlog of TV shows, Netflix houses some great works of television within thefantasygenre. However, many of these are still airing, with new seasons highly anticipated by audiences who discovered these shows on the service. There’s no question that it’s equal parts agonizing and exciting to await the arrival of the next installment of a beloved series.
However, it can be nice to start a show and know that you can watch it from beginning to end. Of thebest fantasy shows to watch on Netflix, many have completed their runs and are readily available to watch all the way through. Some of these titles only have a few seasons and can easily be binge-watched in a weekend, while others are iconic, long-running shows that will occupy audiences for a long time.
8Charmed (1998–2006)
As one of the definitive fantasy shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s,Charmeddidn’t just uplift its strong female characters, giving them power and agency in the narrative. The series also dug into the feminine side of its characters, making the argument that traditionally feminine aesthetics and interests go hand-in-hand with heroism, ambition, and ability, which the lead characters had in spades.
Airing for eight seasons,Charmedchanged a lot over the series' run, but spending time with the Halliwells and watching them grow into their identities as witches makes it easy to stick withCharmed. ThoughCharmeddoesn’t shy away from leaning into silly and campy territory at times, this is part of what makes the series so enduring, as it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
It’s easy to compareCharmedto other classic fantasy works of the era, likeBuffy the Vampire SlayerorXena: Warrior Princess, butCharmedformed its own identity.Charmedisn’t perfect from beginning to end, but the strengths of the early seasons and the performances by the central cast have helped the show remain a classic of the genre.
7Castlevania (2017–2021)
Loosely based on the video game series of the same name,Castlevaniaisn’t just in conversation with this niche of the genre, but with its well-known vampiric inspirations. Vampire narratives are a classic facet of fantasy, andCastlevaniadid an excellent job of carving out a place for itself within this narrative type, subverting audience expectations.
Though there are four seasons ofCastlevania, the series is a quick watch, with only four episodes in season 1, eight in season 2, and ten in both seasons 3 and 4. As the tension mounts and the stakes get higher, the viewer will find themselves unable to stop watchingCastlevania. Lucky for us, even though the show ended after season 4, the spinoff,Castlevania: Nocturne, is still airing.
While the story and characters are the reason we keep returning toCastlevania, the visual design and aesthetic of the series can’t be overlooked. Drawing inspiration from anime and leaning into the gothic elements of its settings,Castlevaniais gorgeous to watch. The action sequences are elevated by the design of the world, only growing more complex as the seasons progress.
6Lucifer (2016–2021)
It’s thanks to Netflix thatLuciferwas able to reach its natural end, as the supernatural crime show moved networks, finding a new home on the streaming service after season 3. It quickly became clear that this was the best thing that could’ve happened toLucifer, as the story and characters expanded in scope and became more fantastical.
Luciferis afantasy show that becomes a masterpieceas the seasons progress. The premise is gripping from the beginning, as the Devil himself decides to solve crimes in Los Angeles. However, the traditional crime procedural elements of the series bogged down the more magical parts of the story, which ultimately got to shine in the last three seasons after the move to Netflix.
Though there have been many takes on the Devil in all types of literature and media across time, Tom Ellis cemented himself as one of the definitive modern archetypes. Keeping the tone light enough to balance the moralistic themes inherent to the story,Luciferis the ideal series for audiences looking to get into fantasy, but who want familiar procedural structures.
5The Sandman (2022–2025)
The second and final season ofThe Sandmanrecently dropped on Netflix, and the series' ending proved to be just as beautiful and dramatic as the most groundbreaking episodes of the show. Though it’s bittersweet thatThe Sandmanonly got two seasons to explore the world of the Dreaming and the adventures of the Endless, the project did justice to the heart of the story.
Tom Sturridge perfectly embodies the King of Dreams, remaining vast and untouchable while simultaneously opening up, letting the audience get to know him, and even relate to him.The Sandmanmight chronicle the experiences of supernatural creatures and characters, but it says more about being human than many projects that are rooted in reality.
In each season, Kirby Howell-Baptiste catches our attention as Dream’s sister, Death, and is an example of how wellThe Sandmanunderstands its characters and its message. A sweeping, ambitious series,The Sandmangives its all to every episode, ensuring that even the seemingly small side quests are just as important to the narrative as the grandest gods depicted onscreen.
4Supernatural (2005–2020)
As the definitive modern monster-of-the-week TV show,Supernatural's legacy is far-reaching. The series might not be a Netflix original, but it’s been a standby of the streamer for many years, with all fifteen seasons readily available for audiences to dive into. While many Netflix shows are finished airing today because they were cut short, this isn’t the case withSupernatural.
While the series' original ending was supposed to be the season 5 finale, “Swan Song,” it quickly became clear that there was a lot more to explore within the show’s world. Some ofSupernatural’s best episodes and arcs unfolded after season 5, as the series was able to experiment further, exploring meta storylines and engaging with the fans' perception of the show.
It can be daunting to watch a series with as many seasons and episodes asSupernatural. However, the most important aspects of the series carry through from beginning to end. The relationship between Sam and Dean Winchester and their arc as brothers is mined for comedy as much as it’s used to craft emotionally resonant moments.
3Shadow And Bone (2021–2023)
Based on the book trilogy of the same name by Leigh Bardugo,Shadow and Bonehad the potential to be Netflix’s next great fantasy franchise. Though these hopes came crashing down when the series was canceled following season 2, this hasn’t changed the fact thatShadow and Boneis a thrilling adventure for all fantasy fans.
With romance, magic, and political intrigue, the show makes its magic system accessible, leaning on the protagonist, Alina, played by Jessie Me Li, as a newcomer to the world of the Grisha. Discovering her hidden powers and sudden influence on the trajectory of her country’s war, Alina grapples with the opposing parts of herself, as she can’t deny her attraction to the darkness.
One of the best parts ofShadow and Boneis the inclusion of the stories of the Crows, who take center stage in the spinoff duology,Six of Crows. Following Alina’s arc while watching the Crows engage with more morally ambiguous plotlines allowsShadow and Boneto successfully adapt its source material while also refreshing it for the screen.
2Cursed (2020)
Just one season long,Cursedflew under the radar when it premiered on Netflix, but fantasy fans shouldn’t be afraid to dig into this overlooked project. Starr Katherine Langford as Nimue,Cursedis an effective update on the legends of King Arthur, centering the experiences of a young woman grappling with the violent regime changes of her world while coming of age.
As one of thebest underrated fantasy shows,Cursedwalks the line between a magical teen drama and a searing interrogation of prejudice and injustice. Nimue’s people, the Fey, are ruthlessly pursued and slaughtered by the extremist group allowed to terrorize the land. Throughout her travels and quest to fulfill her destiny, Nimue encounters Arthur, and the pair team up.
Though most audiences are familiar with the general beats and characters of the stories of Camelot,Cursedmanages to surprise us and make the world new. Langford might be best known for her work in the teen drama13 Reasons Why, but she disappears into the role of Nimue, makingCursedthe perfect show to watch from start to finish without stopping.
1Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
SinceAvatar: The Last Airbenderfound a streaming home on Netflix, the beloved series has only become more iconic within the fantasy genre. For long-time fans of the show, seeing new audiences discover the magic and emotional journey of Aang and his friends is eternally exciting. Though it premiered twenty years ago, the story, visuals, and characters inATLAare just as gripping.
Since it was made for kids,ATLAdoes have plenty of silly moments, but these are just as important as the resonant, mature narrative that sees the characters go through more than in most adult dramas. In only three seasons,ATLAcovers the ground of a much longer series, and does so without ever losing the viewer’s attention.
While we could never get enough of the franchise, being able to watch the show straight through only makes its strengths more obvious. When it comes to animation and thefantasygenre in general,Avatar: The Last Airbenderis widely regarded as one of the best examples of a brilliantly crafted world, magic system, and brilliantly planned character arcs.
