10 Most Magical Fantasy Shows Ever, Ranked by Fans

10. The Vampire Diaries ( 2009–2017)

Though largely attributed to the subgenre of supernatural teen TV shows, The Vampire Diaries is still a vampire fantasy series.

This show revived the audience’s interest in vampires and neo-gothic romantic stories. Set against the mystical backdrop of a small town draped in supernatural, the series does its job just right.

9. The Magicians (2015–2020)

What if Harry Potter was initially designed for the grown-up audience? Well, then it would have been called The Magicians. This show builds upon the now-classic trope of a magical school but boldly delves into darkness and adult topics. There is no love magic to save the world; even the local Dumbledore claims everyone will die.

8. The Witcher ( 2019–Now)

Unlike the fantasy realms we’re used to, The Witcher is based on Slavic mythology rather than Western European. The rich and unique experience offered by this franchise received a highly controversial TV adaptation by Netflix which is praised and cursed with almost similar frequency, so you should make up your own mind.

7. Grimm (2011–2017)

Folklore retelling in the modern setting became an increasingly popular genre in the late 2000s and early 2010s, and Grimm is among the best examples of that. A homicide detective discovers an entire hidden world of the supernatural that endangers humans and learns that he’s Grimm, the warden of our kind.

6. Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)

Many a fairy tale starts with these words, Once Upon a Time, this show included. The series follows several fairy tale characters and creatures who were forced to forget their past and live boring mundane lives in the small town of Storybrooke. As the two realities shift closer together, some of them start remembering the truth.

5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer ( 1997–2003)

Why is it always teens who save the world? Because the dangers and challenges of fantasy worlds provide brilliant metaphors and analogies to real-life situations and struggles. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was the first of many, bringing together the issues of coming-of-age and bizarre onslaught of demons, vampires, and villains.

4. Stranger Things ( 2016–2025)

Little to no introduction is needed for Stranger Things, Netflix’s proudest achievement on the original series’ front. The instantly iconic show follows a group of teens surviving in the 80s against otherworldly monsters, government conspiracies, supernatural threats, and their own inconsistencies. All of that with a great backdrop.

3. Merlin (2008–2021)

Everyone always asks, “Where is Merlin?” and not, “How did Merlin become so wise, talented, and handsome throughout his formative years amid political struggles and constant threats to Camelot?” Thankfully, this show does its best to answer the latter question, revealing the difficult path young Merlin took before becoming a legend.

2. Supernatural (2005–2020)

Supernatural is not just another story about mortals destined to fight paranormal and otherworldly threats; it’s the story that brought worldwide recognition to the genre. Dean and Sam Winchesters travel the US dealing with angels, demons, and various terrifying creatures on their quest to prevent as many tragedies as possible.

1. Game of Thrones ( 2011–2019)

Don’t tell us you’re surprised to see Game of Thrones rank first yet again because we certainly aren’t. The most popular and most-watched TV show of its time, the adaptation of George Martin ’s novel series brings viewers into the gruesome and brutal alternative medieval world where death and sex are the currency, and honor means nothing to those who intend to survive and thrive against all odds.

Source: Ranker