Do you ever wonder about alternative dimensions where you're a different version of yourself? Or perhaps though there was a magical realm out there where you'd be the hero with all these cool superpowers? If you've had thoughts such as these, you're most likely a fantasy buff.
Lately, Netflix has been upping its game in the fantasy genre. Whether it's navigating time travel, conjuring wishes, entering a realm of the unknown, battling angels and demons, or existing in a utopian environment - Netflix has a show for every fantasy element!
Although we're four months away from completing 2024 (yup, time has flown!) Netflix has given us some pretty impressive fantasy storylines and characters to fall in love with. Indulge in this rabbit hole of a list and add these top 10 fantasy shows from Netflix to your 2024 watchlist.
Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.
Binge-worthy fantasy shows on Netflix for your 2024 watchlist
1) The Umbrella Academy
The creme de la creme of this list is The Umbrella Academy. Since its release in 2019, the show has gained a lot of popularity among fans. The story revolves around the Hargreeves siblings each given both a number and a name.
The Characters Five, Viktor, Luther, Klaus, Diego, Allison, and Ben Hargreeves, each have special abilities. These include time travel, mind control, super-human (or ape) strength, and more! The storyline revolves around the Hargreeves and their adventures as they battle various dark forces.
While they're at it, they discover some pretty twisted truths about their own family. Notable members of the cast include Aidan Gallagher, Elliot Page, Robert Sheehan, Kate Walsh, Jake Epstein, Adam Godley, and Jordan Claire Robbins.
2) Wednesday
Wednesday is based on the Addams family member - Wednesday Addams. The show quickly grew popular, especially after witnessing actress Jenna Ortega's swanky dance moves as the protagonist of the show. Wednesday features the protagonist's journey at Nevermore as she becomes part of a sinister scheme at a school for outcasts.
The show is incredibly illusive with a jaw-dropping plot twist and of course, monsters, werewolves, sirens, medusa's son, and 'Thing' (Wednesday's hand-shaped companion)!
Although it is a teen drama, the show is everything a fantasy fan could easily indulge in. With Wednesday being as deadly as a black widow, who could possibly endanger her? After season 1's release in 2022, Netflix renewed Wednesday for season 2 which is set to come out sometime next year.
3) Stranger Things
Stranger Things continues to dominate the screens of every fantasy lover out there with its adrenaline-fueled plot. The story revolves around a group of childhood friends teaming up with a girl possessing incredible mind-bending abilities.
Sit back and watch their journey of battling against creatures like the Demogorgon, Mind Flayer, and others in the dreaded upside-down. The show became an ethos for many young stars such as Millie Bobbie Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin.
Also starring are veteran actors David Harbour and Winona Ryder. With four seasons of the show achieving resounding success, Netflix renewed it for a final season. However, it will be divided into two parts and is set to release sometime in 2025.
4) The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has grown to be a classic fantasy-horror teen drama. This Netflix show follows a very specially attuned witch named Sabrina Spellman [Kiernan Shipka] and her many creepy stages of witchhood.
From ghosts, demons, and otherworldly creatures - Sabrina has seen it all. While the show will leave you on the edge of your seat, its romantic storylines will both melt and break your heart. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina underwent four chilling seasons and came to an epic conclusion in 2020.
5) Locke & Key
After watching this show, you'd never look at keys the same way again. Locke & Key has all the right ingredients that make it a perfect show for fantasy lovers. This haunting yet intriguing story features the Locke siblings - Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode and their mysterious mansion belonging to the Rendell family, Keyhouse.
After the youngest of the Locke siblings begins discovering peculiar keys that open the doors to some rather unwelcome guests, they embark on a journey to find each key until they get to the final one with something relentless waiting for them.
After 3 successful seasons, Locke & Key made their curtain call in 2022 with a banger of a finale episode that offered fans the closure they needed.
6) The Witcher
It's a bird! It's a plane! Nope, it's Henry Cavil in the phenomenal show, The Witcher! Fans were initially on the fence about whether or not the Justice League actor would be able to take on such a diverse role. However, with Cavil's acting and the fantasy story - it was a huge success.
This story is perfect for the monster-hunting fandom because the show is packed with intense action sequences involving an array of creatures. Moreover, it sees Geralt of Rivia a.k.a 'The Witcher' taking down the maniacal dark forces in a world grappling with poverty, and the lines of good and bad are nearly blurred.
The Witcher has 3 seasons with a fourth one underway. However, the fourth and final season is set to star Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia instead of Henry Cavil. It would be interesting to see Hemsworth's rendition of Geralt as he takes the baton from Cavil for the upcoming season.
7) Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone grew in popularity not just because of its riveting plot but also the insanely good CGI. The show's primary success has been an amalgam of great writing and the characters themselves. Originally based on the novel, Shadow and Bone sees Alina Starkov finally tap into her powers - something she was in the dark about.
Shortly after discovering her powers, dark forces begin to target her fearing that she'd discover who she truly is. Accompanied by a few allies, they rage across the Shadow Fold encountering evil monsters and ghoulish fiends along the way. The has two seasons and concluded in 2021.
8) Arcane
Netflix dropped one of its coldest and possibly best animation series, Arcane. Originally adapted from the game, the story focuses on the background between two polar opposite sisters - Violet and Jinx, living in the underbelly of a technology-dominated world.
The sisters who get separated after a tragic accident reunite as completely different versions of themselves. While Violet remains the tough and concerned older sister, Jinx is never the same. From the sweet innocent gadget-making girl, she turned full-pshyco! With a stellar season 1, fans are eagerly waiting for the upcoming season in November this year.
9) The Vampire Diaries
Now for the show that featured the ultimate heartthrob and bad boy, The Vampire Diaries. This one might be an oldie, but it's certainly fantasy gold. As the title suggests, this vampire show follows the Salvatore brothers - Damon and Stefan Salvatore and their encounter with Elena Gilbert, the human doppelgänger of their former love interest, Katherine Pierce.
The Vampire Diaries primarily revolves around the complex relationship between Stefan, Elena and Damon in the fictional town of Mystic Falls. One of the most successful tv shows ever produced by the CW, The Vampire Diaries is renowned for its incredible plot twists and its themes of love, family, rivalry, and drama coming into a supernatural mix dealing with the complexities of immortality and the consequences of eternal life. Over its 8 seasons, the show delivers thrilling action, conflict and mystery between werevolves, vampires, hybrids, doppelgängers and witches. The fact that it inspired two spin-offs and one of the most dedicated and passionate fanbases of 2010s speaks volumes about its quality of storytelling.
10) Lucifer
Did you ever stop to ponder over what the devil incarnate would actually be like as a person? Lucifer does just that and portrays the menacing creature in a completely different light. While he still does retain traits such as sarcasm, loathsomeness, malice, and all those negative emotions.
There are times when he is known to be somewhat nice. But, that very particular portion of niceness is reserved for his love interest's daughter, Trixie. The show is a smashing success with fantasy lovers and all 6 seasons of it are enjoyed to date.
There are a plethora of fantasy shows out there, but almost none as mesmerizing and indulgent as these. So which fantasy show are you most looking forward to indulging in?
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