8 Near-Perfect Fantasy Shows That Make Game Of Thrones Look Small

Game of Thrones introduced millions of viewers to high fantasy worldbuilding, but it's not without worthy contemporaries. With numerous warring bloodlines, ginormous dragons, and enough sprawling scenery to spare, George R. R. Martin's bestselling book series is renowned for its detailed setting. Westeros has become such an iconic fictional world, in fact, the HBO drama remains at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist years after its series finale. As such, it's unsurprising that the Game of Thrones universe is constantly expanding, with new spinoffs, sequels, and prequel series helping to expand the central world.

Nevertheless, the acclaimed series has its flaws, be it gratuitous violence, nagging plot holes, or an uncomfortable focus on incestuous sex scenes. Some aspects are so divisive, there are many viewers who reject the franchise entirely, insisting there are plenty of fantasy shows better than Game of Thrones. Whether you're the number one fan of A Song of Ice and Fire or have avoided the series like the plague, however, there's a long list of detailed fantasy titles with impeccable worldbuilding, convoluted lore, or an otherwise grandiose viewing experience.

The Magicians

2015–2020

Based on Lev Grossman's novel trilogy of the same name, The Magicians is a massively underrated fantasy show that keeps getting better. The drama follows Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), a graduate student who is suddenly admitted to Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy. As he soon learns, Quentin has been connected to the magical realm all his life, starting with the Fillory and Further book series he read as a child.

The deeper down the rabbit hole he goes, the more Quentin realizes Fillory and Further is far from fiction. What starts as a so-called "adult Harry Potter" college drama gradually shifts, incorporating exponentially more fantasy elements with each passing season. By the end of the series, The Magicians is borderline unrecognizable from the urban drama it started as, but the evolution is a steady progression that pulls the viewer in rather than catching them off-guard.

Arcane

2021–2024

Despite only airing two seasons, Arcane's worldbuilding is more in-depth than some titles that span decades. Adapted from the bestselling multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game League of Legends, Arcane centers on two sisters— Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell)— as they navigate Zaun, a dark city overrun by crime and destitution. While the tense class disparity looms overhead, the two Zaunites find themselves increasingly at odds as the conflict comes to a head.

The steampunk action adventure may be short, but it certainly packs a punch. Arcane is considered one of the best fantasy shows of the century for a multitude of reasons, ranging from its impressive voice cast to its rich subtext and social commentary. Regardless, by far its most impressive aspects stem from its nuanced worldbuilding and lore. The Netflix original fantasy is a grand puzzle that reveals itself piece by piece, captivating audiences of all demographics.

Shadow and Bone

2021–2023

Conversely, Shadow and Bone was canceled before its ambitious plans could fully come to fruition, but the Grishaverse is still spectacularly fleshed out. The drama fuses two of Leigh Bardugo's bestselling book series (Six of Crows and the titular Shadow and Bone) seamlessly, incorporating Kaz (Freddy Carter) and his ragtag gang of criminals alongside the "chosen one" narrative of Alina (Jessie Mei Li) as she begins cultivating her magic sun summoning powers. ​​​​​​​

The short-lived adaptation was so beloved, a Shadow and Bone fan campaign emerged begging Netflix to renew it for a third season. While the backlash was to no avail, the sentiment was felt far and wide, earning Shadow and Bone some posthumous street cred as a hidden gem fantasy series. The show's major selling point remains its impressive magic system that is rife with detail, including a full-blown hierarchy differentiating elemental powers as a poignant reflection of class-based subjugation.

The Legend of Vox Machina

2022–Present

Considering it was derived from a 115-episode Dungeons & Dragons series, it makes sense that The Legend of Vox Machina is one of the best fantasy worlds in TV history. Upon its 2022 premiere, it was abundantly clear that Prime Video's adaptation of Critical Role's first campaign would be an instant classic. Beyond already expanding with the equally popular spinoff The Mighty Nein, The Legend of Vox Machina is dense with carefully-curated lore and a detailed fictional world called Exandria.

It's no surprise that translating D&D elements makes for an immersive experience, but the animated adventure comedy is in a league of its own. From its diverse ensemble cast of intrepid heroes to its high-octane battle sequences, the action fantasy is sheer perfection. Undoubtedly, The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 will only delve deeper into Exandria and the endearing titular team, and the future is brimming with further franchise potential.

Outlander

2014–2026

Outlander is just as renowned as Game of Thrones— if not more so— though the time travel period piece definitely caters to a slightly different audience. Assuredly, the allure of Outlander is the escapist romance between Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan), two people who were never meant to meet, let alone fall in love.​​​​​​​

Consequently, Claire and Jamie's relationship remains the backbone of the series throughout the dangerous political plots and time-slip shenanigans. The flagship title recently came to an end after nearly 12 years, but the Outlander series finale left the door open for potential spinoffs, which would only make the show's universe all the more enriching.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

2005–2008

Avatar: The Last Airbender may have aired on Nickelodeon, but only a fool would write it off as a kid's show. The three-season masterpiece changed the fantasy genre forever, and it's a timeless classic that lives on over two decades after it first premiered. The foundation for the series is a tried-and-true magic system based on the elements, but the factions of the Air Nomads, the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom, and the Fire Nation turn a simple premise into a thematically robust allegory for war.

Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, and Toph may be children, but their individual character arcs deal with themes of genocide, oppression, totalitarianism, and the ethical dilemma of being complicit in international war crimes. The heavy subject matter is wrapped in easily accessible packaging, making Avatar: The Last Airbender a prime fantasy series for newcomers and longtime fans alike.

His Dark Materials

2019–2022

When her best friend disappears without a trace, Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen) must travel far and wide to find her— including traveling to another world entirely. Immediately, His Dark Materials establishes a lush fantasy world, complete with a strang invaluable element called Dust, mystical animal companions known as daemons, and a band of witches that convince Lyra she must fulfill her prophecy to save both her friend and the world at large.

His Dark Materials is a flawless high fantasy show, as it introduces complex ideas, but it's able to back everything up with a comprehensive world. The melding of religion and politics into the antagonistic Magisterium is intriguing enough, but the fantasy drama manages to juggle its societal threats with its more subdued, emotional conflicts. The result is a perfectly balanced series that will only get better with age.

Attack on Titan

2013–2023

Attack on Titan is widely considered to be one of the best anime of the 2000s, but it has universal appeal. The dark fantasy series takes place in a world held hostage by the eponymous Titans, cannibalistic creatures who aggressively attack without reason. To combat the giants, eligible humans join the Survey Corps, a special task force meant to protect the world from Titans while investigating their origin and true nature.

Admittedly, Attack on Titan is vastly more popular in the anime community than the general fantasy sphere, but a single episode should be enough to enthrall even the staunchest genre purist. The post-apocalyptic setting grows more interesting with each of its 94 episodes, making Attack on Titan the perfect watch for anyone who wants to enjoy the scope of Game of Thrones without as many controversial subplots.