Top 25 Fantasy TV Series

As a complete package, Lost has problems. At points, it feels like the show was stretched too long, writers gradually losing focus and penning a very controversial ending. It's not perfect, for sure, but at its highs, it's astonishing, and that propels it to number 3 on our list. Its hook is impossible to deny. A commercial airline crashes, stranding its 48 passengers on a south pacific island that's far stranger than it first appears. Lost's mystery, however, also comes in the form of character. As the viewer follows 12 of the survivors, they begin to learn about their fascinating pasts. Using flashbacks and dialogue, it explores each extensively - their drive, their failings, and their family. Through this, Lost manages to imbue a depth more complex than its synopsis suggests. Dialogue is superb and humorous, directing is stellar, and acting is solid across the board. But it's the feeling that it's all connected that keeps you watching, and the suspense of what will happen next.

Fantasy and comedy aren't two genres you'd think to put together. Amidst the seriousness of worldbuilding and magical ability, there's little room for jokes, but Misfits carves out space for itself. Following five young Brits as they complete community service, it quickly diverts into fantasy when a storm hits the town. Suddenly, Kelly can read minds, Curtis can turn back time, Simon can turn invisible, and Alisha turns anyone she touches into a sex-crazed maniac. The only person unchanged is Nathan, who claims his only symptom was "a strange tingling sensation in my anus." It continues in this dark comedy fashion, their powers mirroring each character's personalities as they find themselves in some pretty deep water. An hilarious script is performed skilfully by the young actors, revealing the people behind their character's stereotypes in an illuminating manner. The result is witty yet dark, fast-paced yet chilling, and will let suspense give way to grins as the brilliant dialogue shines through.

At first glance, Adventure Time looks like a kids' show, and to a certain extent, it is. But like all good children's shows, there's something in there for an older audience, too, and this show goes further than most. Inspired in part by Dungeons & Dragons, Adventure Time tells the story of a boy named Finn and his adopted brother Jake, who happens to be a shapeshifting dog. Both live in their treehouse, in the land of Ooo. Home to strange creatures like whywolves and rainicorns, a canny viewer will quickly realize something. They are the subject not of magic, but nuclear mutation - rusting street signs reveal a post-apocalyptic earth. Despite this subtly dark premise, the series lives up to its name. It's a tale of great adventure across a princess-filled land, characterized by bright animation and fantastic voice acting. A rich fantasy world begins to appear, complete with complex villains, meaningful relationships, and a touch of surreal humor.

The shows on this list are all great in their own way, but none have the same longevity as Supernatural. There have been plenty of ups and downs over its twelve years, but even now fans are entertained by its latest content. Part of its long life is undoubtedly due to its simple yet character-based nature. A mix of fantasy and horror, Supernatural follows brothers Sam and Dean as they hunt the supernatural and follow in their father's footsteps. However, thanks to the perfect casting of Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, it's as much about the character's demons as physical ones. Despite Sam's unusual ability of telekinesis, he wants a simple life, away from danger. With consistent conflict between the brothers, shapeshifters, vampires, and even gods, the show has incredible characterization and never a dull moment.

A mystery series with fantasy elements, The OA presents one of Netflix Original's  most inventive premises. Prairie Johnson returns to her family seven years after her disappearance, no longer blind, with scars on her back, and named 'OA'. It's clear that something strange and terrible happened during that time, but rather than tell the FBI, Prairie assembles a group of high school students to reveal her story to. Each night, she continues her tale, exhibiting the classic signs of an unreliable narrator. During the day, they work to verify her outrageous claims. The OA's compelling dynamic pulls viewers in with great acting, suspense, and constant twists. You'll find yourself questioning if the show is fantasy, or just the story of a crazy young woman, and whether that even matters. Dramatic visuals and chilling moments are brought to life as Prairie narrates, demanding an emotional response as the beautiful score accompanies her.

The Originals is, admittedly, the second vampire show on this list, but it's in no way less ambitious than True Blood. A spin-off from the hugely successful Vampire Diaries, it brings different tones and production values to create a clear improvement. Following three vampire siblings who have returned to New Orleans, it follows their return to power in the city they built. Unfortunately, it's an environment shared by werewolves, witches, and rival vampires, and war is looming. Meanwhile, one of the family members is about to sire a witch-wolf-vampire hybrid who may grow into extraordinary powers. A true mix of drama, fantasy, and horror, the show has elements that will appeal to anyone. The macro view of one family allows for great depth yet surprising variety, vampires presented complexly and with detailed backstories. It may not have the same thematic weight as True Blood, but it's worth a watch all the same.