Much like in literature, the fantasy genre in film and television has the unique ability to transport audiences into breathtaking worlds of magic and adventure, blurring the lines between magic and reality and making for extraordinarily effective escapism. One of fantasy's most defining elements is its visual storytelling, as creating vibrant and larger-than-life settings is extremely important to leave a lasting impression.
When it comes to television, some TV shows have stood out more than others, not just for their captivating stories, but for their breathtaking visuals that elevate the viewing experience. From gothic series like The Sandman and Wednesday to historically inspired epics like Outlander and Game of Thrones, we look back at some of the best and most visually stunning shows that have redefined what's possible on the small screen, ranking them by how striking they are.
10 'Wednesday' (2022-) Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar
Whether we're talking about its muted tones or gothic architecture, Wednesday is arguably one of the most visually atmospheric fantasy shows of recent times. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the 2022 show centers around the iconic Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega in her most notable performance so far. The story sees her character attempting to master her emerging psychic ability while thwarting a killing spree and solving the mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago.
For fans of gothic television, the Tim Burton-directed show is a must-see. Not only does it embrace gothic aesthetics beautifully, but it also elevates them through its incredibly immersive worldbuilding. At its core, Wednesday crafts a fantasy world that is equally chilling and enchanting, proving that the gothic isn't only a visual choice, but also a language for storytelling. What's more, the Netflix fan-favorite show does not rely on its visual feast alone but features great performances from an ensemble cast and a gripping narrative to keep viewers invested.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Wednesday TV-14 Comedy Fantasy Supernatural Release Date November 16, 2022 Showrunner Miles Millar, Alfred Gough Directors Tim Burton, James Marshall, Gandja Monteiro Writers Miles Millar, Alfred Gough Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
Powered by Expand Collapse 9 'Outlander' (2014-) Created by Ronald D. Moore
Based on the Diana Gabaldon book series of the same name, Outlander throws the period drama and fantasy genres into the mix to deliver something incredibly captivating. It sees a newly married WWII nurse (Caitriona Balfe) suddenly transported to 1743 and into a mysterious world where her freedom and life are threatened. There, she ends up with Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) to survive. However, when a passionate bond ensues, Claire is caught between two vastly different men in two lives.
Outlander transcends the historical drama genre, providing audiences with a fantastical world that is equally beautiful and tumultuous and drawing audiences in with its blend of romance and adventure. Visually, Outlander is nothing short of breathtaking, featuring historically accurate (even if limited) costumes that depict 18th-century Scottish clothing and beautiful cinematography that really transports audiences to another era.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Outlander TV-MA Sci-Fi Drama Fantasy Release Date August 9, 2014 Network Starz Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts Directors Metin Hüseyin, Jamie Payne Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
Powered by Expand Collapse 8 'The Mandalorian' (2019-) Created by Jon Favreau
An epic Star Wars story through and through, The Mandalorian sees Pedro Pascal's lone gunfighter making his way through the outer reaches of the lawless galaxy, where danger lurks at every turn. As the narrative unfolds, Pascal's performance becomes a fascinating character study, building on themes of identity and what it means to be a hero.
Visually, The Mandalorian is a true feast for the eyes, with the sleek armor and rugged landscapes coming together to build an immersive world that feels lived-in yet incredibly expansive. Guaranteed to appeal not only to fans of the franchise but also to those who might not consider themselves Star Wars enthusiasts, the storytelling of the Disney+ cultural phenomenon transcends its origins, with the adorable Baby Yoda (Grogu) at its center drawing many audiences in.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 The Mandalorian Fantasy Sci-Fi Release Date November 12, 2019 Showrunner Jon Favreau Directors Jon Favreau, Taika Waititi, Bryce Dallas Howard Writers Jon Favreau Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming
Powered by Expand Collapse 7 'The Witcher' (2019-) Created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
Although it went through a bit of a downfall in later seasons, The Witcher remains a visually stunning and ambitious series that captivated audiences with its world-building and layered characters. With a new season releasing this year (Liam Hemsworth is set to take on the lead role), the highly anticipated series follows Geralt, a mutated monster hunter who struggles to find his place in a world in which people often prove to be more wicked than beasts.
Despite its later struggles, The Witcher continues to captivate audiences with its fantasy world and lore, remaining a visually stunning and narratively ambitious series that has kept audiences' interest. Its stunning cinematography, filled with expansive landscapes ranging from forests to snow-covered mountains, is undeniably atmospheric and enticing. Furthermore, the meticulous production design adds a layer of authenticity to the show.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 The Witcher Adventure Drama Action Fantasy Release Date December 20, 2019 Network Netflix Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich Directors Lauren Schmidt Hissrich Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming
Powered by Expand Collapse 6 'His Dark Materials' (2019-2022) Created by Jack Thorne
Adapted from Philip Pullman's epic His Dark Materials fantasy trilogy, Jack Throne's 2019 fantasy series sees a brave young woman, played by Logan's Dafne Keen, who uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and a mysterious phenomenon called Dust during her search for her kidnapped friend.
Overall, the underrated Max fantasy His Dark Materials stays true to its source material, is anchored by great performances, and benefits from an enthralling plot. One of its strongest aspects, though, is its visual storytelling: the show doesn't just depict the fictional world but rather immerses audiences in it. With every setting steeped in history and mystery, His Dark Materials is indeed beautifully shot. The dæmons -- the external physical manifestation of a person's inner self -- are a standout, as they are artistically brought to life, making them vital characters in their own right.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 His Dark Materials Drama Adventure Release Date 2019 - 2021 Network BBC, HBO Max Directors Tom Hooper Writers Philip Pullman Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
Powered by Expand Collapse 5 'The Wheel of Time' (2021-) Created by Rafe Judkins
Drawing inspiration from Robert Jordan's beloved book series, Rosamund Pike in the lead role, The Wheel of Time sees Moiraine, a member of a magical organization, taking five young people on a journey, believing one of them might be the reincarnation of the Dragon, a powerful individual prophesied to save the world or destroy it.
A standout in the world of epic fantasy TV, The Wheel of Time has established itself as one of the most exciting fantasy series streaming today, and part of what makes it so wonderful is its intricate world-building and stunning landscapes, which fully draw audiences in, engulfing them in its visual storytelling. That said, The Wheel of Time is not just one of the most visually striking fantasy series currently streaming; it also counts on a diverse ensemble cast, with Pike's portrayal being nothing short of amazing.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 The Wheel of Time TV-14 Fantasy Sci-Fi Release Date November 19, 2021 Cast Barney Harris Rosamund Pike Daniel Henney Michael McElhatton
Powered by Expand Collapse 4 'The Sandman' (2022-) Created by Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg
For fans of dark fantasy, The Sandman is an absolute triumph that transports viewers into an otherworldly realm. This Tom Sturridge-led series follows a cosmic being who controls all dreams. When he is captured and held prisoner for more than a century, Sandman must journey across different worlds and timelines to fix the chaos his absence has caused.
The Sandman unarguably stands among the most visually stunning fantasy shows, whether because of how it masterfully merges dreamlike aesthetics with haunting imagery or the way it creates a seamless blend of surrealism and grounded reality. With the second season of Sandman set to release this year, this immersive fantasy series is off to a strong start, offering audiences a faithful adaptation of the beloved story that honors its intricate world and breathes new life into it.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 The Sandman TV-MA Horror Fantasy Drama Release Date August 5, 2022 Showrunner Allan Heinberg Writers Neil Gaiman, Allan Heinberg, David S. Goyer Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
Powered by Expand Collapse 3 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' (2022-) Created by Patrick McKay and John D. Payne
Although The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power was not well received by some fans (the second season has improved upon its predecessor), particularly those who feel the series has strayed too far from the spirit of J.R.R. Tolkien's original works, there is no doubt that the series is one of the most visually captivating in recent years. Prime Video's show brings to the screens for the first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history.
Visually-wise, The Rings of Power is a stunning feast, providing audiences with breathtaking landscapes and meticulous attention to detail in every frame, ultimately making each scene feel like it came straight out of a painting. While it may fall short in some aspects, the show still does an amazing job of capturing Middle-earth with remarkable precision, with the architecture also being a standout.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Adventure Fantasy Action Drama 8/10 Release Date September 1, 2022 Network Amazon Prime Video Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming
Showrunner John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip Powered by Expand Collapse 2 'Arcane' (2021-2024) Created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee
Frequently regarded as the most beautiful animated series of all time (so far), the groundbreaking Arcane, based on the popular multiplayer online battle arena game League of Legends, tells the origin stories of two League champions, set in the utopian Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun.
Only two seasons long, this binge-worthy show has had a lasting impact with its world-building and emotionally charged storytelling. Despite its brevity, the series delivers complex characters and arcs, a gripping narrative that hooks audiences from the start, and undeniably fascinating visuals. Its meticulous craftsmanship -- both hand-painted and computer-animated -- is certainly a standout aspect in this Netflix fan-favorite; the seamless blend of 2D and 3D animation brings the world of Arcane to higher ground.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Arcane TV-14 Action Adventure Sci-Fi Animation 8 10 10/10 Release Date 2021 - 2023 Showrunner Christian Linke, Alex Yee Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
Powered by Expand Collapse 1 'Game of Thrones' (2011-2019) Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
Despite its divisive ending, Game of Thrones endures an unparalleled series when it comes to the fantasy genre. Following an intricate web of characters and storylines, it is set against the backdrop of war and betrayal, depicting nine families' fierce struggle for power in a world where loyalty is tested.
Game of Thrones is a trailblazing series that reshaped the landscape of television and pushed the boundaries of what was possible storytelling-wise, particularly in fantasy. Naturally, its visuals -- consisting of jaw-dropping landscapes filmed in some of the most stunning locations across the globe, serving as the perfect backdrop to its epic narrative -- have drawn in both fans of fantasy and history. With the perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, set designs, and cinematography, this television production remains unparalleled to this day.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Game Of Thrones TV-MA Drama Action Adventure Fantasy 9.7/10 Release Date 2011 - 2018 Showrunner David Benioff, D.B. Weiss Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
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