8 Fantasy Shows That Are 10/10, No Notes
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It's not common at all for a TV show to be a true 10/10—let alone a fantasy show, a genre that often lends itself to ambitious storytelling that can result in a few failures here and there. There have been a few precious televisual masterpieces over the years, however, that have come to define and re-define what fantasy can look like on the small screen at its most perfect. These shows are about as close as the medium can possibly get to fantatsical perfection.
Whether it's a criminally underrated classic like Carnivàle or a far-more-celebrated modern gem like Gravity Falls, these shows are perfect for those hunting down a new fantasy show to watch which won't ever frustrate them with any significant flaws. This is a list not necessarily inclusive of all the best fantasy series in history (just look at shows like Game of Thrones, which is clearly among the genre's best but clearly not a 10/10), but it is inclusive of the most faultless or nearly-faultless experiences that small-screen fantasy has ever had to offer.
'Castlevania' (2017–2021)
The Castlevania franchise is one of the most important, groundbreaking, and influential video game series in history. As such, a lot was riding on its Netflix adaptation as soon as it was announced. Not only did it live up to expectations—it surpassed them. It's one of the most perfect, 10/10, no-notes horror shows on Netflix, genuinely one of the best animated TV shows for adults in history.
Operatic, character-driven, surprisingly philosophically dense, and with plenty of elements and surprises that fans of the source material are guaranteed to love, Castlevania nevertheless is designed for viewers of all experience levels—whether they've played the games or not—to thoroughly enjoy. Smart, visually spectacular, and full of devilishly fun lore and world-building, it's a must-see for virtually anyone who loves animated dark fantasy.
'Pushing Daisies' (2007–2009)
Starring Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies is one of the quirkiest and most eccentric fantasy series of the 21st century. Its story about a pie-maker with the ability to bring dead things back to life with his touch makes for one truly unique and whimsical fantasy series, an oddball fairytale with some of the most imaginative storytelling that the genre saw at any point during the 2000s.
With its vibrant aesthetic and the perfect way in which it blends with its sharp exploration of themes of death and romance, it's no wonder why Pushing Daisies has remained a beloved cult classic throughout all these years. The premise is relatively simple, but the endless number of refreshingly original situations that it opens the door to is exquisite. With a third season in active development, today is the coolest it's been in years to be a Pushing Daisies fan.
'Over the Garden Wall' (2014)
Over the Garden Wall is one of the most acclaimed miniseries ever on Letterboxd, the very first miniseries in Cartoon Network's history. With a pair of delightful lead voice performances by Elijah Wood and Collin Dean, it's a whimsical and funny fairy tale that's nevertheless surprisingly unafraid to get dark and creepy. It's only 10 episodes long, but the emotional effect that they leave imprinted on the viewer lasts forever.
It's intentionally weird in all the right ways, managing to feel like a mystical folk tale that's nothing if not timeless. Deeply atmospheric, based on a world that mostly operates on dream logic, it's definitely not for those who prefer their fantasy shows to be relatively straight-forward and easy to consume. Over the Garden Wall does demand deep thought and one's full attention, but it rewards that with one of the most mature and universally enjoyable TV shows ever made for children.
'Gravity Falls' (2012–2016)
Gravity Falls is perhaps the biggest cult classic in the history of Disney Channel, a delightful fantasy show that wears its X-Files, Twilight Zone, and Twin Peaks influences out on its sleeve. It's an odd portfolio of references for a show aimed at kids, but that's just the thing that has kept Gravity Falls so timeless and widely beloved over the years: It's every bit as enjoyable for grown-ups as it is for the little ones of the family.
It is, indeed, one of those mystery shows that gets better on rewatch. It's incredibly addictive episodic television with an underlying element of serialization that only keeps growing stronger as the story progresses, concluding in a finale that's (deservedly) among the highest-rated TV episodes of all time on IMDb. It's a tightly-constructed mystery box with tons of wild ideas and an endless amount of heart.
'Carnivàle' (2003–2005)
Carnivàle is yet another criminally underappreciated fantasy show, a dark fantasy period drama that's easily among HBO's best genre shows of the 2000s. Following disparate groups of people in a traveling carnival during the Great Depression, it's a show that lends itself perfectly to a dark atmosphere, elements of brilliant surrealism, and some lore and mythology that has a surprising level of depth and density.
That thematic and lore density is precisely what keeps this masterpiece interesting throughout. With an atmosphere profoundly rooted in Americana, Christianity, and gnosticism, it's a delectably odd little gem that feels like it was designed in a lab to be a cult classic. It's deliberately paced and deeply character-driven, and its admirable commitment to its tone and its many mysteries is what makes it come across as truly flawless.
'Alchemy of Souls' (2022–2023)
Alchemy of Souls is not only one of the best K-drama series of the 2020s so far, but even one of the best international fantasy shows of all time. Yes, it's that good. It has some incredible technical qualities and production values (including gorgeous sets and special effects that will surely age like fine wine); and its unique blend of romance, action, and high fantasy is a real treat for fans of the genre.
Granted, those who don't typically like romantasy won't likely have their minds changed by the very-romantic Alchemy of Souls. Those who already enjoy the subgenre, however, are bound to have the time of their lives with this outing. It's perfectly genre-blending, it has one of the most unique magic systems of any fantasy show of the last decade, and the central dynamic between Jang Uk (Lee Jae-wook) and Mu-deok (Jung So-min) is electric. Romantasy doesn't get much better than this on the small screen.
'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' (2009–2010)
There are plenty of phenomenal fantasy anime series out there, but none of them come even remotely close to the level of quality of one of the highest-rated anime series on IMDb: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. A new adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's Fullmetal Alchemist manga series (following the 2003 version), it's a densely-plotted-yet-never-messy masterpiece through and through.
Fans of the medium adore the show's deeply intricate world-building, its consistently exciting action scenes, its fascinating ensemble of characters, and its gripping themes of loss, hubris, and redemption. It is, by all accounts, one of the best anime series of all time. With a perfectly-designed magic system and a perfect balance between plot and character development, it's a flawless example of animated fantasy done right.
'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (2005–2008)
There are many television fans out there who tend to look down on the animated medium as lesser. All they need to do in order to have their minds radically changed is watch the hyper-hyped masterpiece that is Avatar: The Last Airbender, a show fully worthy of the immense praise it always gets. It's the highest-rated animated show and fantasy show on IMDb, and that's for plenty of good reasons.
Aside from having some of the best world-building of any fantasy show, Avatar: The Last Airbender also has a ton of fascinating and emotionally cathartic character arcs, some genuinely drop-dead gorgeous animation, and a mythology that goes deeper every time you think it's gone as deep as it gets. It's perfectly written, perfectly directed, perfectly voice-acted, and perfectly paced. It is, from beginning to end, as close as fantasy television—and television in general—get to perfection.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Release Date
- 2005 - 2008
- Network
- Nickelodeon
- Showrunner
- Michael Dante DiMartino
- Directors
- Giancarlo Volpe, Ethan Spaulding, Lauren MacMullan, Dave Filoni, Joaquim Dos Santos, Anthony Lioi
Cast
-
Zach Tyler EisenAang (voice) -
Katara
- Writers
- Tim Hedrick, Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Joshua Hamilton, James Eagan, Joann Estoesta, Nick Malis, May Chan, Katie Mattila
- Franchise(s)
- Avatar
- Main Genre
- Animation
- Seasons
- 3
- Producers
- Bryan Konietzko
- Creator(s)
- Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
- Story By
- michael dante dimartino
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- Executive Producer(s)
- Bryan Konietzko
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