Overrated Fantasy Series Everyone Seems To Like

The fantasy genre has experienced a massive resurgence over the last decade with streaming platforms investing heavily in epic adaptations. Fans often flock to these high budget productions for their world building and complex characters. However the sheer volume of content means some series receive more praise than their technical or narrative execution might warrant. Examining these popular shows reveals the varying ways they have captured the public imagination despite critical or pacing flaws.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

The adaptation of George R. R. Martin epic book series features noble families fighting for the Iron Throne. It became a cultural phenomenon due to its high production value and shocking character deaths. The narrative spans several continents while exploring themes of power and political intrigue. Many viewers followed the journey of Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow through eight seasons. The concluding episodes sparked extensive debate among fans regarding the resolution of several major character arcs.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–2025)

This series follows Geralt of Rivia as he hunts monsters in a world filled with magic and war. The show is based on the popular book series by Andrzej Sapkowski and originally starred Henry Cavill in the lead role. It utilizes a non linear timeline in its first season to introduce the three main protagonists. Fans enjoy the focus on creature design and the complicated lore of the Continent. The production has faced challenges with casting changes and significant deviations from the original source material.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–)

Set thousands of years before the events of J. R. R. Tolkien famous novels, this series explores the Second Age of Middle earth. It depicts the forging of the rings and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron. The production is notable for its record breaking budget and expansive visual effects. Multiple storylines follow characters across various kingdoms including the elven realm of Lindon and the dwarven city of Khazad dum. Critics and fans have offered mixed responses to its pacing and interpretation of the established lore.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–)

A humble farm boy learns he is the Dragon Reborn and must save the world or destroy it. Based on the expansive book series by Robert Jordan, the show focuses on Moiraine and her quest to find the prophesied hero. The story involves a complex system of magic called the One Power that only women can safely use. It features a large ensemble cast and travels through numerous unique cultures and cities. The adaptation has received attention for its diverse casting and high stakes magical battles.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–)

This prequel to ‘Game of Thrones’ focuses on the internal succession war within House Targaryen. Known as the Dance of the Dragons, the conflict pits family members against each other for control of the Seven Kingdoms. The series relies heavily on political maneuvering and the presence of numerous dragons. It explores the history of Westeros nearly two centuries before the original series began. Viewers have noted the intense family drama and the focused scope of the storytelling.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Alina Starkov discovers she has the power to summon light and could potentially destroy the Shadow Fold. This Netflix series combines the narratives of the Grisha trilogy and the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo. It features a unique industrial fantasy setting inspired by nineteenth century Russia. The plot follows Alina as she navigates the Royal Court and avoids the clutches of the mysterious General Kirigan. Despite a dedicated fan base, the series was canceled after its second season.

‘Once Upon a Time’ (2011–2018)

Fairy tale characters are transported to the real world and lose their memories due to a powerful curse. The story centers on Emma Swan who is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Most of the action takes place in the fictional town of Storybrooke, Maine. Characters from Disney and traditional folklore appear throughout the seven seasons. The show explores themes of redemption and the battle between good and evil.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

In a world where synthetic blood allows vampires to live among humans, a telepathic waitress falls in love with a southern gentleman vampire. The series is based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris. It explores social issues through the lens of supernatural creatures including werewolves and shapeshifters. The setting of rural Louisiana provides a gritty backdrop for the various romantic and political conflicts. It became known for its graphic content and dark humor during its run on HBO.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

A teenage girl finds herself torn between two vampire brothers in the small town of Mystic Falls. The series blends high school drama with supernatural elements like witches and hunters. Over eight seasons, the story expands to include ancient curses and the origins of the vampire species. It gained a massive following among young adults for its focus on romantic triangles and fast paced plot twists. The success of the show led to several spin off series within the same universe.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

Two brothers travel across America hunting demons and other paranormal creatures. Sam and Dean Winchester follow in their father footsteps while driving a classic 1967 Chevrolet Impala. The series evolved from a monster of the week format into a complex epic involving angels and the apocalypse. It holds the record for being one of the longest running fantasy series in television history. A passionate community of fans supported the show throughout its fifteen seasons.

‘His Dark Materials’ (2019–2022)

Lyra Belacqua searches for a kidnapped friend and uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and a mysterious substance called Dust. This adaptation of Philip Pullman trilogy features a world where human souls exist outside the body as animal companions. The narrative moves between multiple parallel universes with different levels of technology and magic. It explores philosophical themes and the conflict between science and religious authority. The production was praised for its faithful translation of the complex source material.

‘Outlander’ (2014–)

A military nurse from 1945 is mysteriously transported back in time to eighteenth century Scotland. There she meets a Highland warrior and becomes embroiled in the Jacobite risings. The series combines historical fiction with elements of fantasy and romance. It is based on the ongoing novel series by Diana Gabaldon. The show has earned acclaim for its costumes and the chemistry between its lead actors.

‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)

Shadow Moon is released from prison and becomes a bodyguard for the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday. He soon discovers that a war is brewing between the Old Gods of ancient mythology and the New Gods of technology and media. The series is an adaptation of Neil Gaiman novel of the same name. It is known for its highly stylized visual direction and exploration of belief in modern society. Behind the scenes changes led to shifts in creative direction before its eventual cancellation.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–)

Dream is captured and held prisoner for decades before escaping to find his lost tools of power. This series adapts the iconic comic book series by Neil Gaiman about the Endless. The story travels through various realms including the Dreaming and Hell. It features a diverse cast of characters ranging from historical figures to personifications of abstract concepts. The show was noted for its faithful recreation of the surreal atmosphere found in the original comics.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–)

Wednesday Addams enrolls at Nevermore Academy and attempts to master her emerging psychic ability. She investigates a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town while navigating new friendships. The series reimagines the classic Addams Family character for a modern teen audience. It became one of the most watched shows on Netflix shortly after its release. Directed in part by Tim Burton, the show features a distinct gothic aesthetic.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

The disappearance of a young boy in a small town leads to the discovery of a girl with telekinetic powers and a dark alternate dimension. Set in the 1980s, the series pays homage to the pop culture and films of that era. A group of friends must battle supernatural forces from the Upside Down while dealing with government conspiracies. It grew into a global phenomenon and helped define the modern era of streaming television. The final season concludes the long running battle against the powerful entity known as Vecna.

‘Good Omens’ (2019–2023)

An angel and a demon who have become fond of life on Earth must team up to prevent the apocalypse. Based on the novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, the show stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant. They attempt to find the misplaced Antichrist while avoiding the interference of their respective heavenly and hellish superiors. The series is celebrated for its witty dialogue and the dynamic between the two leads. It originally aired as a limited series before returning for a second season.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

A young woman is chosen by fate to battle vampires and the forces of darkness. She balances her duties as the Slayer with the typical challenges of high school and early adulthood. Along with her friends, she faces a variety of supernatural threats in the town of Sunnydale. The show is famous for its subversion of horror tropes and its influential writing style. It remains a staple of pop culture and a major influence on the urban fantasy genre.

‘Charmed’ (1998–2006)

Three sisters discover they are powerful witches known as the Charmed Ones. They use their collective Power of Three to protect innocent people from demons and warlocks. The series focuses on the bond between the Halliwell sisters while they live in a Victorian manor in San Francisco. It combined supernatural action with elements of soap opera and family drama. The show ran for eight seasons and remains popular in syndication.

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

This series reimagines the legend of King Arthur and his wizard advisor Merlin as young contemporaries. In this version, magic is banned in the kingdom of Camelot by King Uther Pendragon. Merlin must hide his abilities while serving Prince Arthur and protecting him from magical threats. The story follows their developing friendship and the eventual rise of the legendary kingdom. It was a staple of family television and is remembered for its lighthearted tone mixed with dramatic stakes.

‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)

Students at Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy discover that the magical world from their favorite childhood books is real and dangerous. The series is based on the novels by Lev Grossman and offers a mature take on fantasy tropes. It follows a group of friends as they navigate various magical realms and face world threatening entities. The show is known for its meta humor and willingness to subvert traditional narrative expectations. It concluded its run after five seasons on the Syfy channel.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

Clary Fray learns on her birthday that she comes from a long line of human angel hybrids who hunt demons. She enters the world of Shadowhunters to find her missing mother and recover her memories. The series is an adaptation of The Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare. It features a diverse cast of supernatural creatures including vampires and warlocks. The show developed a very vocal online following that advocated for its continuation after cancellation.

‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ (2021–2022)

This live action reimagining of the Winx Club animated series follows five fairies attending Alfea College. They must learn to master their elemental powers while dealing with rivalries and monsters known as the Burned Ones. The show takes a darker and more mature tone than the original source material. It focuses on the lead character Bloom as she uncovers the secrets of her past. Netflix canceled the series after its second season.

‘Cursed’ (2020)

The Lady of the Lake legend is told from the perspective of Nimue, a young woman with a mysterious gift. She joins forces with a mercenary named Arthur to find the wizard Merlin and deliver an ancient sword. The series explores themes of religious oppression and environmental destruction in a fantasy setting. It is based on the illustrated novel by Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler. Despite high production values, the show was not renewed for a second season.

‘Willow’ (2022–2023)

This series serves as a sequel to the 1988 fantasy film and sees Warwick Davis returning to his iconic role. A new generation of heroes embarks on a quest to save their world from an ancient evil. The journey takes them far beyond their home into dangerous and magical territories. It attempts to blend the nostalgic feel of the original movie with modern storytelling sensibilities. The show was removed from the Disney+ platform shortly after its initial release.

‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (2016–2017)

An elven princess and a half elf journey to protect an ancient tree that prevents demons from returning to the world. Based on the Sword of Shannara trilogy by Terry Brooks, the story is set in a post apocalyptic version of Earth. The series originally aired on MTV before moving to Spike for its second season. It features a blend of traditional high fantasy and science fiction elements. The production was noted for its scenic filming locations in New Zealand.

‘Legend of the Seeker’ (2008–2010)

A woodsman named Richard Cypher discovers he is the Seeker of Truth and must stop a tyrannical wizard. He is joined by a powerful woman known as a Confessor and an elderly wizard. The series is based on the Sword of Truth novels by Terry Goodkind and was produced by Sam Raimi. It follows an episodic format with overarching plotlines regarding the fate of the Midlands. The show gained a cult following but was canceled after two seasons due to distribution issues.

‘Carnival Row’ (2019–2023)

Mythological creatures have fled their war torn homelands and gathered in a city where tensions simmer between them and humans. A human detective and a faerie refugee rekindle a dangerous affair while investigating a string of murders. The series features a neo Victorian setting and deals with themes of immigration and prejudice. It stars Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne as the central couple. The story concluded with its second season on Amazon Prime Video.

‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021–2024)

Ten years after a global pandemic led to the birth of hybrid children, a deer boy searches for his mother. He travels across a dangerous and changing world with a gruff protector. The series is based on the comic book series by Jeff Lemire and features a unique post apocalyptic aesthetic. It balances whimsical elements with darker themes regarding human nature and survival. The show received critical praise for its emotional storytelling and visual style.

‘Locke & Key’ (2020–2022)

After their father is murdered, three siblings move into their ancestral home and find magical keys that unlock various powers. They soon discover that a demonic entity is also searching for the keys to achieve its own goals. The show is an adaptation of the comic book series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. It blends family drama with supernatural mystery and horror elements. The series ran for three seasons on Netflix and provided a definitive conclusion to the story.

‘A Discovery of Witches’ (2018–2022)

A historian and reluctant witch discovers a bewitched manuscript in Oxford University library. This discovery forces her back into the world of magic where she forms an unlikely alliance with a mysterious vampire. The series is based on the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. It explores the hidden history of supernatural beings living among humans in the modern day. The production was filmed in various international locations including the United Kingdom and Italy.

‘The Originals’ (2013–2018)

This spin off from ‘The Vampire Diaries’ focuses on the world first vampires known as the Mikaelson family. They return to New Orleans to reclaim the city they helped build and protect their growing legacy. The narrative deals with internal family power struggles and conflicts with other supernatural factions. It took a darker and more mature approach to the vampire genre than its predecessor. The show ran for five seasons and deepened the lore of the franchise.

‘Legacies’ (2018–2022)

The next generation of supernatural beings attends the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young and Gifted. The series follows Hope Mikaelson as she learns to control her powers as a tribrid of vampire and werewolf and witch. It features a monster of the week format while exploring the personal growth of its teenage characters. The show served as the final installment in the franchise that began with ‘The Vampire Diaries’. It was canceled as part of a network strategy shift at The CW.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

The Devil abandons Hell to run a nightclub in Los Angeles and becomes a consultant for the police department. He uses his ability to draw out people deepest desires to help solve crimes. The series is based on characters created for DC Comics by Neil Gaiman and Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg. It shifted from a procedural format to include more celestial drama and character development. After being canceled by Fox, the show was revived by Netflix for several additional seasons.

‘Preacher’ (2016–2019)

A hard drinking preacher becomes inhabited by a mysterious entity that gives him the power to command others. He embarks on a journey to literally find God with the help of his ex girlfriend and an Irish vampire. The series is an adaptation of the cult comic book series by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. It is known for its dark humor and graphic violence and irreverent tone. The show developed a dedicated audience during its four season run on AMC.

‘Constantine’ (2014–2015)

A seasoned demon hunter and master of the occult struggles with his past sins while protecting the innocent. John Constantine uses his knowledge of the dark arts to battle supernatural threats across America. The series is based on the Hellblazer comics from DC. Despite a strong performance by Matt Ryan, the show was canceled after a single season. The character later transitioned into other series within the Arrowverse to continue his story.

‘Grimm’ (2011–2017)

A homicide detective discovers he is a descendant of hunters who can see supernatural creatures hidden in human form. These creatures are known as Wesen and are often based on characters from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The series blends police procedural elements with a deep mythology of secret societies. It ran for six seasons and built a complex world set in Portland, Oregon. Fans enjoyed the unique creature designs and the evolution of the main cast.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

A high school student becomes a werewolf and must navigate his new life while protecting his town from supernatural threats. The series is a loose adaptation of the 1985 film but features a much darker and more dramatic tone. It follows a group of friends as they face various monsters including hunters and banshees and ancient spirits. The show became a major success for MTV and helped launch the careers of several young actors. A follow up movie was released several years after the series concluded.

‘Sleepy Hollow’ (2013–2017)

Ichabod Crane is resurrected in the modern day to help a local sheriff stop the Headless Horseman and other demonic forces. The series reimagines the classic Washington Irving story as a supernatural mystery involving the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It features a partnership between the fish out of water Crane and the contemporary Lieutenant Abbie Mills. The first season was a breakout hit but the show struggled with creative shifts in later years. It concluded after four seasons on Fox.

‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014–2016)

Various characters from nineteenth century gothic literature are brought together in Victorian London. The story includes figures like Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray and many classic monsters. It features a dark and atmospheric tone with high production values and strong performances. The series explores the personal traumas and secrets of its ensemble cast. It ended somewhat abruptly after three seasons but was later followed by a spin off set in Los Angeles.

‘Hemlock Grove’ (2013–2015)

The brutal murder of a teenage girl in a Pennsylvania steel town reveals the dark secrets of its inhabitants. Two unlikely allies work together to investigate the crime while hiding their own supernatural natures. The series was one of the first original productions for Netflix and featured a blend of horror and fantasy. It is known for its graphic transformation sequences and strange narrative choices. The show concluded after three seasons on the streaming platform.

‘The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself’ (2022)

The illegitimate son of a notorious blood witch tries to find his own path while caught between two warring factions of witches. He must discover his unique magical ability before his seventeenth birthday or face a grim fate. The series is based on the novel Half Bad by Sally Green. It offers a gritty and violent take on the young adult fantasy genre. Despite positive critical reviews, Netflix canceled the show after one season.

‘Motherland: Fort Salem’ (2020–2022)

In an alternate history, witches ended their persecution by making a deal with the government to serve as the military. The series follows three young women as they undergo basic training in combat magic. They face a terrorist organization known as the Spree while navigating the politics of their matriarchal society. The show features a unique world building approach where sound and vocalization are the primary sources of magic. It concluded its story with a third and final season.

‘The Nevers’ (2021–2023)

In Victorian London, a group of people suddenly manifest extraordinary abilities after a mysterious event. These individuals are known as the Touched and must fight for their place in a society that fears them. The narrative centers on a widow with the ability to see the future and a brilliant inventor. The show blends steampunk aesthetics with superhero and fantasy elements. It faced a split release schedule and eventually moved to a different platform after its initial run on HBO.

‘Emerald City’ (2017)

A young woman is transported to a dark and gritty version of the Land of Oz. This reimagining features a Wizard who has banned magic and a struggle for power among various witch covens. The series was noted for its visual scale and international filming locations. It attempted to offer a more mature and complex take on the classic L. Frank Baum novels. The show was canceled by NBC after its first season aired.

‘The Letter for the King’ (2020)

A young knight in training embarks on a dangerous mission to deliver a secret letter to the king of a neighboring realm. He must cross enemy territory and face various obstacles to ensure the safety of his world. The series is based on the classic Dutch novel by Tonke Dragt. It features a more traditional medieval fantasy setting with coming of age themes. The show was produced as a limited series for Netflix and targeted a younger audience.

‘Warrior Nun’ (2020–2022)

A young woman wakes up in a morgue with a divine artifact embedded in her back and discovers she is part of an ancient order. She must join the fight against demons on Earth while navigating the politics of the Catholic Church. The series is based on the comic book character Warrior Nun Areala. It gained a devoted following for its action sequences and character development. After its cancellation, a series of feature films was announced to continue the story.

‘Ragnarok’ (2020–2023)

In a fictional Norwegian town, a teenager discovers he is the reincarnation of the god Thor. He must use his new powers to fight against an ancient family of giants who are masquerading as wealthy industrialist polluters. The series modernizes Norse mythology by connecting it to contemporary issues like climate change. It features a predominantly young cast and is told through the lens of a high school drama. The story concluded with its third season on Netflix.

‘Tidelands’ (2018)

A former criminal returns to her small fishing village and discovers a hidden community of sirens. She becomes caught in a dangerous conflict between the half human hybrids and the local townspeople. The series was the first Australian original production for Netflix. It combines supernatural mystery with elements of crime drama. The show featured high production values but did not return for a second season.

‘Luna Nera’ (2020)

In seventeenth century Italy, a teenage girl discovers she belongs to a family of witches. She must find her place among a secret coven while being pursued by witch hunters who include the father of her boyfriend. The series explores themes of female empowerment and religious superstition. It is based on a novel by Tiziana Triana and features a historical fantasy setting. The show was produced in Italy and released globally on Netflix.

Share your own thoughts on these series and tell us which ones you think are the most overrated in the comments.