It's not uncommon for fantasy TV shows to be live-action. However, in many cases, it is simply easier to present these stories in the form of animation, usually because the worlds are so unreal and alien that portraying them in live-action would likely be a ridiculously expensive affair, even more so than usual. Naturally, many fantasy TV shows have opted for the cartoon route, appealing to a wide variety of ages and audiences.
Animated fantasy shows have been a thing since the '80s, and each year, it seems there are about a dozen new ones that pop up out of nowhere; sadly, man will never get their chance to shine. Still, some have appeared over the years and are still standing strong as key figures in the fantasy genre of animation. These are the greatest animated fantasy shows of all time, taking viewers away to magical worlds and allowing them to get lost in their wondrous environments.
10
'Sailor Moon' (1992-1997)
Directed by Junichi Sato, Kunihiko Ikuhara, & Takuya Igarashi
Image via Toei Animation
Sailor Moonis a Japanese anime series that fits into the "magical girl" subgenre, meaning it revolves heavily around a young girl with the ability to perform extraordinary feats. In this case, it is a middle school girl who is performing poorly in her academic pursuits and comes across a talking cat. This cat gives her a brooch that transforms her into the superhero figure known as Sailor Moon, who is destined to protect Earth from the forces of evil.
One of the greatest fantasy shows of the '90s, Sailor Moon is an enduring tale of friendship, adventure, and inner strength that has stood the test of time for over three decades. It is one of the all-time classics when it comes to Japanese anime, and though non-anime fans may not appreciate it as much, it's still a brilliantly executed series full of color and fun that has achieved legendary status.
The Legend of Vox Machinais a show based on a custom campaign from the tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons, specifically one made by the Critical Roleweb series. Now, most people would assume that a project based on a pencil-and-paper RPG is likely going to bomb horrifically, but there's a reason Critical Role took off as much as it did. The people behind the series are rather creative and really know how to get a story going, so this translated naturally to TV; thus, The Legend of Vox Machina was born.
As such, the series is pretty beat-for-beat identical to the D&D campaign seen on Critical Role, only this time, the action isn't limited to the viewers' imaginations and actually takes shape in front of them. It's pretty exhilarating, having moments of comedy and tragedy within the grand adventure that awaits audiences within. Each season has proven to be more exciting than the last, leaving fans constantly hungry for more.
Release Date
January 28, 2022
Showrunner
Brandon Auman
CastLaura Bailey
, Marisha Ray
, Ashley Johnson
, Taliesin Jaffe
, Liam O'Brien
, travis willingham
, Matthew Mercer
, Sam Riegel
Seasons
3
8
'Castlevania' (2017-2021)
Created by Warren Ellis
Image via Netflix
Castlevaniais what is known as "Americanime" in that it takes inspiration from Japanese anime and utilizes the same style of animation, but it originates in America, making for a bit of a blended experience. The show is actually based on a video game, which could have gone very wrong, knowing that there are loads of bad video game adaptations out there. Yet, Castlevania destroyed the stereotype and provided an audio and visual experience that was truly extraordinary.
The game and the show fit into the Gothic genre, making use of elements such as werewolves, vampires, and gargoyles in a 19th-century setting to provide a show that is equal parts horror and fantasy. Castlevania didn't just live up to expectations; it completely shattered them and was way better than anyone expected it to be, which is quite impressive considering the reputation of video game adaptations.
Directed by Tetsurō Araki, Masashi Koizuka, Yuichiro Hayashi, & Jun Shishido
Attack on Titanis another Japanese anime series set in a dystopian future where humanity has been confined into a giant city surrounded by enormous walls that keep them safe from the flesh-eating, wilderness-roaming giants. One fateful day, after a century of watchful peace, the Titans breach the walls, and what remains of human society is turned upside-down.
With its slightly steampunk, industrial setting and its terrifying titans, Attack on Titan is a true masterpiece of television featuring one of the most unique and detailed worlds to be presented on the small screen. Even those who don't like anime much at all can easily appreciate Attack on Titan because it's pretty dark and gritty and isn't a show to shy away from guts and gore. By far, the most thrilling part about the series is the valiant but admittedly hopeless effort put up by humanity in the war against the Titans, which instills true fear with their freaky expressions and abnormal behavior.Attack on Titan is one of the quintessential anime series and fantasy shows and has been extremely successful in its reception.
Gravity Fallsis a Cartoon Network show that operates in a low fantasy setting, meaning there are magical aspects that intersect with the real world. The story is about Dipper (Jason Ritter) and Mabel (Kristen Schaal), siblings who spend the summer with their eccentric uncle in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. Through the laughs and more comedic aspects of the show is a huge, intricate web of complex plotlines and ancient mysteries, proving that Gravity Falls is a town that is more than meets the eye.
Gravity Falls was a hit show with kids and adults alike because it's able to easily keep its audience hooked through the various mystery, fantasy, and horror elements that it presents, with a relatable and lovable cast of characters. Each episode only adds to the intrigue surrounding the fictional town, all interspersed with some top-quality and kid-friendly humor. Gravity Falls may not be the absolute best fantasy cartoon, but it has left a lasting legacy with a huge fanbase that has never stopped discussing potential theories.
Gravity Falls
Release Date
June 15, 2012
Creator
Alex Hirsch
Seasons
2
5
'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (2005-2008)
Created by Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko
Image via Nickelodeon
Avatar: The Last Airbenderwas sort of an unexpected hit for Nickelodeon. Many Nickelodeon shows don't follow a complete, overarching story, yet this one does and is made all the better for it. The story of Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), who is the last of a group of magical beings called "benders" able to manipulate the air, Avatar portrays a land at war with itself as the four nations take a deep dive into chaos. Aang, who is the Avatar, must master the four elements and unite the four nations before they destroy themselves.
With it being a kid-friendly Nickelodeon show, there are, of course, many comedic moments to it. Aside from the humor, Avatar is gorgeously done, with a lot of good life lessons and fantastic character development. Each of the main characters is nothing short of iconic and can be endlessly quoted for any situation. Among the best fantasy shows of the 2000s, the buzz surrounding Avatar: The Last Airbender has hardly died down since its release, prompting a live-action Netflix series and a spin-off in the 2010s.
Release Date
February 21, 2005
Showrunner
michael dante dimartino
Rating
Seasons
3
4
'The Dragon Prince' (2018-2024)
Created by Aaron Ehasz & Justin Richmond
Image via Netflix
The Dragon Princeis a Netflix show that successfully created and developed a unique world without source material or extended lore to fall back on. Everything in the show is 100% original, which helps it feel so much grander and infinitely more impressive because there are fantasy shows based on books out there that are nowhere near as in-depth as The Dragon Prince is.
The story takes place in a high fantasy setting, in a world that is far beyond the limits of our own. This world is known as Xadia, a magical continent that hosts a war between humans, elves, and, yes, dragons. The 3D animation is colorful, smooth, and gorgeous, bringing Xadia to life on a truly awe-inspiring scale. The Dragon Prince is super easy to jump into with how engrossing it is, and once it latches on, it refuses to let go.Viewers will never wish to leave Xadia due to its vast landscapes and complex worldbuilding.
Release Date
August 14, 2018
Showrunner
Justin Richmond
Cast
Jack De Sena
Rating
Seasons
7
3
'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' (1983-1985)
Developed by Lou Scheimer
Image via Filmation Associates & Mattel
He-Man and the Masters of the Universeis actually based on a Mattel toy line from the 1980s. Ordinarily, a whole TV show based on a line of action figures is a recipe for disaster that is meant to sell the product without putting too much thought into quality. But you know what? He-Man is actually pretty good. Quite frankly, the show had no right or reason to be as good as it is, but it is anyway because its creators cared about it so much.
Sure, it's pretty cheesy, but this crucial quality is actually pretty endearing rather than off-putting. Its cast of memorable and highly quotable characters gives it a lasting strength that definitely leaves an impression on anyone who watches it. He-Man established itself not just as one of the finest animated fantasy shows ever made but also as the finest fantasy series of the 1980s, period.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Release Date
September 26, 1983
Showrunner
Lou Scheimer
Cast
John Erwin
, Alan Oppenheimer
, Linda Gary
, Lou Scheimer
, Erika Scheimer
, Jay Scheimer
Seasons
2
2
'Arcane' (2021-2024)
Created by Christian Linke & Alex Yee
Image via Netflix
Arcaneis another show based on a video game, this time on the popular MOBA League of Legends. Ithas a large, active community, but also one that is pretty niche, yet this show managed to attract a whole slew of new fans, many of whom hadn't even heard of the game or played it in their entire lives. Yes, it's just that good and offers an interesting and visually stunning style of 3D animation.
Focussing on the adventures of Vi (Hailee Steinfeld), one of the playable champions from the game, Arcane delved into elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and steampunk, making for a really enticing experience. Though the show was sadly short-lived and ended in 2024, it has still been the subject of a lot of buzz, with critics and audiences endlessly praising it in pretty much every single aspect. Arcane will go down as one of the all-time best and most complex animated shows of the 21st century; not too shabby for a show not many expected much of.
Release Date
November 6, 2021
Showrunner
Christian Linke
, Alex Yee
Seasons
2
1
'Adventure Time' (2010-2018)
Created by Pendleton Ward
Image via Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network's Adventure Timeis by far the greatest animated fantasy show because of how consistently wonderful it was. From start to finish, it maintained its quality and charm, taking viewers to the magical Land of Ooo with Finn the Human (Jeremy Shada) and Jake the Dog (John DiMaggio). The Land of Ooo is home to many wondrous creatures and characters and serves as a vessel for the boundless creativity of the writing team behind the hit animated series.
By far, the best part about Adventure Time is its universal accessibility. It's safe for kids to watch and even entertaining to adults, with an ageless sense of humor and an overarching aura of whimsy and happiness. Adventure Time is a show that feels reassuring, almost like a warm hug, because it takes viewers to the safe place that is the Land of Ooo, where friendship and wonder prevail over all. That's what makes this show the greatest animated fantasy show ever made, no question about it. Adventure Time spawned spin-offs and even a movie, ensuring its legacy on the small screen.
Release Date
May 10, 2010
Cast
Tom Kenny
, Hynden Walch
, Jeremy Shada
, John DiMaggio
, Niki Yang
Custom Image by Federico Napoli
Image via Toei Animation
Image via Amazon Prime Video
Image via Netflix
Image via Cartoon Network
Image via Nickelodeon
Image via Netflix
Image via Filmation Associates & Mattel
Image via Netflix
Image via Cartoon Network
English (US) ·