The 20 best fantasy shows streaming right now

Entertainment Weekly's picks include cult classics, recent hits, and more.

What exactly makes the fantasy genre so, well, magical? For that matter, why can we never seem to get enough? From mythic moments in world history to realms beyond our universe, stories of enchantment to heroic quests, these strange tales stoke the fires of our imagination… and have us reaching for the popcorn bowl.

Here are Entertainment Weekly’s picks for the 20 best fantasy shows streaming right now on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, and more. So sit down, relax, and get ready to fall under their spell.

A Discovery of Witches (2018–2022)

In a world where supernatural beings hide in plain sight, Oxford historian and witch Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer) discovers a long-forgotten, enchanted manuscript that reveals the esoteric truths of magical creatures. As she joins vampire and biochemistry scholar Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode) in protecting the book from dark forces, their all-consuming attraction goes against the Covenant's strict ban on interspecies relationships.

Based on Deborah Harkness' All Souls trilogy, A Discovery of Witches unveils a steamy, Romeo and Juliet-style fantasy romance that remains true to its source material while also reimagining elements for the screen. Plus, Palmer and Goode's oh-so-palpable chemistry conjures up a hypnotic charm that even Harkness couldn't resist. —James Mercadante

Where to watch A Discovery of Witches: Netflix

Cast: Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Edward Bluemel, Louise Brealey, Malin Buska

Related content: Why A Discovery of Witches is a series with 'extra magic dust'

Bewitched (1964–1972)

In the grand scheme of campy sitcom silliness, Bewitched sweeps past the competition on a magic broomstick. ABC's eight-season classic flew Elizabeth Montgomery to fame as Samantha, a witch who marries mortal Darren (Dick York, later replaced by Dick Sargent) despite the disapproval of her all-powerful mother (Agnes Moorehead).

Though numerous attempts at a reboot have become non-starters — and the less said about the 2005 movie remake, the better — nothing beats the original fantasy show’s bubbly allure. Even 60 years after its debut, Bewitched proves to be timeless TV magic that EW's writer called the "most subversively feminist series of its era," with Montgomery's iconic nose wiggle casting an undying spell. —David Reddish

Where to watch Bewitched: Freevee

Cast: Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, Agnes Moorehead, Dick Sargent, David White

Related content: 24 actors who were replaced on their TV shows

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

The ultimate TV It Girl doesn't just rule Sunnydale High — she slays vampires...in heels! California teen Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) already has her hands full with the usual adolescent pressures, but throw in the responsibility of being the chosen Slayer, destined to defeat all evil? That's a whole other beast.

Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer became an Emmy-winning cult sensation, with fans obsessing over every battle, outfit, love triangle, and snappy Buffy-ism. Though some of its '90s quirks may now feel a little passé, the WB fantasy show still stands as a feminist touchstone, breaking away from the 1992 film's "damsel-in-distress" trope to deliver a complex, empowered hero. —J.M.

Where to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Hulu

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head

Related content: 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's greatest fashion moments

Charmed (1998–2006)

The Halliwell sisters — psychic Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), telekinetic Prue (Shannen Doherty), time-freezing Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and (later) healing Paige (Rose McGowan) — accede to their fates as the Charmed Ones, the most powerful good witches who must beat dark forces one spell at a time. In between saving the world, they're busy juggling their love lives, dodging skeptical FBI agents, and maintaining normalcy.

With plenty of drama both on and off screen, it's nearly impossible to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of Charmed (though the CW reboot gave it a shot with a four-season run). As EW's critic wrote, "This crafty cult classic...remains spellbinding thanks to its proper balance of quirky humor [and] Buffy-esque drama." —J.M.

Where to watch Charmed: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan, T. W. King, Dorian Gregory

Related content: Charmed cast: See the actors then and now

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)

Set in the mythical world of Thra, this prequel series to Jim Henson's 1982 cult feature follows tribes of the elf-like species, Gelflings, fighting back against the genocidal Skeksis (an alien race set on dominating the planet).

Lauded by EW’s writer as a “visually spectacular feat of magnificent world-building,” The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance combines cutting-edge special effects with the classic art of puppetry. The series was canceled after one season due to massive production expenses, but it undoubtedly surpasses the original in terms of technical achievement and storytelling, with more accessible characters, a grander plot, and deeper emotional resonance. —D.R.

Where to watch The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance: Netflix

Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nathalie Emmanuel, Shazad Latif, Harris Dickinson, Simon Pegg, Mark Hamill

Related content: The 5 most interesting performances in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Based on George R. R. Martin’s fantasy books, HBO's Emmy-winning series about political rivalry in a world of magic and dragons raised the bar on technical and dramatic innovation on television… not to mention wild sexual content.

Anyone who couldn’t get enough Lord of the Rings won’t want to miss this eight-season ride. Replete with plenty of shocking plot twists, violence, and soapy backstabbing, EW’s critic praised it for its ability to become a "generational phenomenon, uniting viewers in a shared symbolic perspective of the world." —D.R.

Where to watch Game of Thrones: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Cast: Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Rose Leslie, Gwendoline Christie, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey

Related content: All of the Game of Thrones seasons, ranked

Ghosts (2021–present)

When N.Y.C. journalist Samantha Arondekar (Rose McIver) inherits a beautiful country estate, she and her chef husband, Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), see only one option: turn it into a bed-and-breakfast! Little do they know the property is already occupied by quirky ghosts who haven't yet been "sucked off" to the afterlife — and they're more than ready to scare the couple out of their business venture.

Based on the eponymous British series, Ghosts has become a sleeper hit for CBS, with growing audiences (thanks to TikTok!) and four seasons currently under its belt. While each character comes from a distinct era and cultural background, the ensemble's unique and upbeat dynamic is the perfect recipe for some cozy, escapist entertainment. —J.M.

Where to watch Ghosts: Paramount+

Cast: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Danielle Pinnock, Richie Moriarty

Related content: Lamorne Morris is a lovesick poltergeist in Ghosts first-look photos

House of the Dragon (2022–present)

Thankfully, Game of Thrones fans didn't have to wait long for another trip to Westeros. House of the Dragon takes viewers to the height of the Targaryen dynasty, where King Viserys (Paddy Considine) defies centuries of tradition by naming his daughter, Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy), as heir to the Iron Throne. However, the birth of Viserys' son, Daemon (Matt Smith), erupts tensions that will ultimately cause the brutal war of succession known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Already racking up eight Emmy nominations, this HBO prequel series reinvigorates the franchise with breathtaking cinematography and CGI, stellar directing choices, and exceptional performances — offering a satisfying counterbalance to GOT's divisive end. —J.M.

Where to watch House of the Dragon: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Cast: Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Sonoya Mizuno

Related content: Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke slay the House down in EW's House of the Dragon cover shoot

Locke & Key (2020–2022)

After a decade of rotting in "development hell," Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez's horror-fantasy comic made it to the screen. Following the murder of their father, siblings Tyler (Connor Jessup), Kinsey (Emilia Jones), and Bode (Jackson Robert Scott) are relocated to his eerie Victorian estate in Massachusetts. There, they find themselves in a high-stakes battle with a demon (Laysla De Oliveria) over a set of magical keys hidden throughout the house.

While Locke & Key leans on a few fantasy clichés, it also elevates the genre with ingenious storytelling and tear-jerking depth. As EW's critic writes, the series is a "Goosebumps for grown-ups, or Stranger Things on antidepressants" — achieving "an entertaining and heartfelt family adventure about growing up [and] coping with loss." —J.M.

Where to watch Locke & Key: Netflix

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Connor Jessup, Emilia Jones, Jackson Robert Scott, Darby Stanchfield, Laysla De Oliveria

Related content: Locke & Key comic creators discuss the changes from book to screen

Masters of the Universe: Revelation (2021)

More than 30 years after He-Man and the Masters of the Universe aired, this Netflix sequel series takes the extraordinary step of letting the original plot grow into something darker and more mature. When a cataclysmic battle kills both He-Man (Chris Wood) and Skeletor (Mark Hamill), former enemies Teela (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Evil-Lyn (Lena Headey) must join forces to restore magic to the universe and save their dying planet.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation has no shortage of daring storytelling choices and gasp-worthy plot twists, but it also offers a thrilling adventure with first-rate voice acting and eye-popping animations. —D.R.

Where to watch Masters of the Universe: Revelation: Netflix

Cast: Chris Wood, Mark Hamill, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liam Cunningham, Lena Headey

Related content: Sarah Michelle Gellar says women were afterthoughts on Masters of the Universe, but sequel has 'so much more'

My Lady Jane (2024)

While Lady Jane Grey's real historical reign was cut short by a wrongful execution, Emily Bader's anachronistic character skirts around the guillotine but is still roped into marrying Lord Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel) — an Ethian who transforms into a horse — and being crowned queen overnight. Once Jane takes the throne, she becomes the prime target of villainous schemers eager to usurp her.

A feminist revision of history, My Lady Jane is a campy, Princess Bride-meets-Ladyhawke romp full of romantic tension and Oliver Chris' hilariously self-aware narrations. Though Amazon Prime Video pulled the plug after one season, more than 75,000 fans have signed a petition to bring it back. —J.M.

Where to watch My Lady Jane: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Emily Bader, Edward Bluemel, Anna Chancellor, Rob Brydon, Jordan Peters

Related content: My Lady Jane star Emily Bader reveals series recreates a shot from The Princess Bride

Outlander (2014–present)

World War II combat nurse Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe) is mysteriously transported to 1743, where she meets hulking Highland warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). Despite her marriage to MI6 officer Frank (Tobias Menzies), neither war, sickness, captivity, nor multiple time jumps can break the kismet between Claire and Jamie.

Based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series, Outlander has lured audiences with its sweeping historical fantasy and once-in-a-lifetime(s) love story. As the show approaches its eighth and final season, fans are eager to see how one of TV's best romances will conclude. EW's critic says it best: "What gets me the most hot is the romance — and how everything else the show does well makes the romance more ravishing." —J.M.

Where to watch Outlander: Starz

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Cast: Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies, Graham McTavish

Related content: Outlander: Before they were stars

Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)

Great horror fantasies often walk the line between terror and camp, and Penny Dreadful finds the razor’s edge. This show about a haunted woman (Eva Green) on the run from evil takes a page from the Universal Monsters playbook, as it mashes up tales of vampires, werewolves, witches, Satanists, and monsters as they run amok in Victorian London.

Gothic visuals and bombastic performances are sure to pull horror buffs into Penny Dreadful's world. Yet what elevates the show, as EW’s critic points out, is its focus on gender relations and atoning for the sins of the past, adding layers of depth beyond its lurid plotting and somewhat ridiculousness. —D.R.

Where to watch Penny Dreadful: Paramount+

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Reeve Carney, Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Rory Kinnear, Billie Piper, Danny Sapani, Harry Treadaway, Josh Hartnett

Related content: Penny Dreadful creator John Logan looks back on Dorian Gray's 'provocative' portrait

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023–present)

Percy Jackson readers had every reason to lament the lackluster film adaptations of Rick Riordan's YA fantasy novels. Thankfully, this Disney+ series captures Camp Half-Blood the way it was always intended to be seen. Walker Scobell takes on the role of the titular 12-year-old who discovers he's the son of Poseidon with extraordinary powers (oh, also that Greek myths are true and he's been framed for stealing Zeus' lightning bolt).

With Riordan penning scripts and serving as a producer, this show faithfully revives fan-favorite elements while embracing the youthful spirit of its main characters. As EW's critic writes, "Scobell brings a wide-eyed charisma to the role" while the lead trio of Percy, Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), and Grover (Aryan Simhadri) "have a crackling chemistry." —J.M.

Where to watch Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Disney+

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Daniel Diemer, Dior Goodjohn, Charlie Bushnell

Related content: Percy Jackson and the Olympians stars say season 2 is 'more mature' — and 'very wet'

Stranger Things (2016–present)

Combining classic horror tropes with '80s nostalgia, Netflix's groundbreaking phenomenon follows a group of plucky, small-town kids that stumble onto a government conspiracy involving a parallel universe brimming with monsters. Known as the show that redefined binge-watching from casual viewing to ravenous fixation, the real appeal of Stranger Things, as EW’s critic writes, comes from its "fresh locales, appealing new characters, and a rewarding expansion of the mythology." We feel the same joy every time we watch. —D.R.

Where to watch Stranger Things: Netflix

EW grade: B (read the review)

Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke

Related content: Where was Stranger Things filmed? 8 iconic locations from the show

Supernatural (2005–2020)

Demons, witches, gods, ghosts… nothing is too mighty for the Winchester brothers. Supernatural kicks off with monster-hunting siblings Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) crisscrossing America in search of their father and the entity that killed their mother when they were kids.

After that, the show veers into increasingly outlandish and offbeat storylines — who could forget the Scooby-Doo crossover? — throughout its 327 episodes, becoming the second-longest-running fantasy show of all time. But between all the hokum, Ackles and Padalecki's chemistry (both on and off screen) is what truly kept the engine running. —J.M.

Where to watch Supernatural: Netflix

Cast: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Katie Cassidy, Lauren Cohan

Related content: Supernatural cast: Here’s where Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, and their co-stars are now

Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

Critics originally wrote off Twin Peaks as both too sophisticated and satirical for mainstream TV (EW's own critic declared there wasn't “a chance in hell” the show would ever connect). Yet the show, centered on the murder of Laura Palmer, became a surprise sensation — lasting two seasons, spawning a prequel movie, and returning two decades later for a third season.

But wait: Isn’t the show just a soap opera? Surrealist nonsense? Not quite. Twin Peaks is a world rife with magic and mystery, filled with demonic possessions, time travel, parallel dimensions, and ritual sacrifice. Just like all things Peaks-related, the seemingly standard whodunnit premise holds mystical secrets of its own. —D.R.

Where to watch Twin Peaks: Paramount+

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook, Richard Beymer, Lara Flynn Boyle, Sherilyn Fenn

Related content: Twin Peaks cast: Where are they now?

What We Do in the Shadows (2019–2024)

Staten Island might be home to several Jersey Shore icons, but it also holds four centuries-old vampire roommates: self-appointed leader Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), sexually liberated Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), British dandy Laszlo (Matt Berry), and day-walking Colin (Mark Proksch). Among them is their human familiar, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), who tries to keep up with the clan's everyday chaos in hopes of one day becoming immortal.

Viewers adore FX's What We Do in the Shadows — inspired by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi's 2014 film — for its irreverent, Addams Family-meets-The Office spin on the vampire mythos, with its ensemble cast delivering some of the sharpest, toothiest lines on TV. —J.M.

Where to watch What We Do in the Shadows: Hulu

Cast: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch, Kristen Schaal

Related content: How What We Do in the Shadows hit its Twilight homage out of the park

The Wheel of Time (2021–present)

Based on Robert Jordan's beloved book series, The Wheel of Time stars Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike as Moiraine, a sorceress investigating an ancient prophecy about a reincarnated being powerful enough to save the world — or destroy it.

Though EW's critic noted that this series wants to be heir to Game of Thrones' success, despite being less accessible, its massive budget delivers lush visuals and top-notch effects. The dense mythology may challenge some viewers, but even GOT had early hurdles in adapting its source material. With that in mind, we expect The Wheel of Time only to get better as it has more room to grow. —D.R.

Where to watch The Wheel of Time: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Josha Stradowski

Related content: The Wheel of Time showrunner discusses the Forsaken and what's coming in season 3

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001)

No list of great fantasy shows would be complete without Xena: Warrior Princess, the '90s adventure series that made a household name out of star Lucy Lawless. Each episode finds Xena (Lawless) and her companion Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) encountering characters from both history and mythology.

Originally a by-product of the action series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena would go on to even greater success over its six-season run. With EW naming it as one of the five greatest TV spinoffs ever, this series maintains a devoted fan base all these years later, one which holds the title character up as a feminist icon. —D.R.

Where to watch Xena: Warrior Princess: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor, Ted Raimi, Kevin Smith, Hudson Leick

Related content: Lucy Lawless explains — and demonstrates — how she came up with Xena's war cry

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.