GoKawiilNetflix is the streamer all other streamers want to be like. You can see that in its programming quality and its roster of must-watch series. One place where the platform truly shines is in the genre space, and when it comes to fantasy TV, Netflix delivers the goods.
Like sci-fi and horror, fantasy has found its fandom on the small screen, and TV programs have helped expand the genre and push the narrative forward over the past two decades. Netflix has helped along the way, and all you have to do is scroll through its extensive library to see what I mean. All types of fantasy series are here -- from light-hearted to bloody and brooding -- but where do you start? I gave you a roadmap below to help.
What are you in the mood for? If it's a monster-hunting adventure, I suggest The Witcher. You want a gothic murder mystery? Head on over to Wednesday. And when all else fails, you could join Monkey and crew on their treasure hunt in One Piece.
Below is CNET's guide to the best fantasy TV shows Netflix has to offer. I'll be updating this list regularly, so be sure to check back.
Read more: 55 of the Best TV Shows on Netflix That Will Keep You Entertained
Larry Horricks/AMC Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire If you recall the original movie adaptation of Anne Rice's horror fantasy classic novel, die-hard fans were up in arms about casting Tom Cruise as the vampire Lestat. Well, AMC did something about those woes by bringing Rice's Vampire Chronicles to the small screen. AMC's horror series leans heavily into the romantic fantasy realm of Rice's books, and thanks to the writing and casting -- Sam Reid and Jacob Anderson's portrayal of Lestat and Louis is *chef's kiss* -- this adaptation is a delight.
John P. Fleenor/Netflix Lucifer Lucifer is a crime procedural that follows, well, the King of Hell as he helps solve crimes. If that premise sounds sort of silly, it is, and it's what makes the show work. It began as a typical drama on Fox and when Netflix acquired it as an original series, the show really thrived. Sure, the character is inspired by Neil Gaiman's Lucifer Morningstar -- who you can find in the Sandman series, also featured in this list -- but this version of Lucifer (played by the delightful Tom Ellis) is just more fun to watch.
Netflix One Piece Eiichiro Oda's One Piece is a global phenomenon. The hit anime got the live-action works on Netflix and, thanks to the insight provided by Oda, this One Piece instantly became a hit with fans the world over. The cast's fun collective performances and the program's immersive world-building and action-packed vibe proved that a live-action adaptation can absolutely work.
The program, like the anime and manga before it, follows Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) as he pursues his dream to become a pirate and find Gol D. Roger's legendary treasure known as, wait for it, the One Piece.
Susie Allnutt/Netflix The Witcher The Witcher stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, the program's titular hero. Based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski -- which first inspired the popular video game franchise -- the Netflix show follows the adventures of Geralt as he hunts monsters. Thanks to the detailed world-building and ensemble performances, The Witcher is a must-watch for any fans of the fantasy genre. Cavill left the series after season 3, with Liam Hemsworth taking over the role.
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