There’s been an influx of live-action fantasy shows since Game of Thrones, but some of the best additions to the genre are animated series — and the greatest hits among those are worth a watch. Whether you’re someone who reaches for animation regularly or watches it sparingly, the best animated fantasy shows have just as much to offer as their live-action counterparts.
In fact, one could argue it’s easier to depict the extraordinary in this medium, as animation tends to have fewer limits than live-action. That often means fewer obstacles when it comes to magic, supernatural creatures, and epic action sequences.
Clearly, animation suits the genre, though some series utilize it better than others. From the adventures of a human and his talking dog to a young boy’s journey to master the elements, the best ones deliver on all the conventions of a great fantasy narrative while finding ways to set themselves apart.
This article doesn’t include fantasy anime. There are too many great ones, and that would warrant its own list!
Hazbin Hotel
2019-
Hazbin Hotel only has one season to judge (though its second comes out this October). However, that’s enough to land the animated series among the fantasy greats. The Prime Video series offers a unique take on Hell, with its rehabilitation storyline placing a large focus on redemption and morality. These deeper discussions make it an emotionally satisfying watch, as do the complex characters.
Hazbin Hotel‘s dark humor balances its themes impressively, making it a show that’s genuinely fun to dive into. Only time will tell if it climbs the ranking of the best animated fantasy shows. It certainly deserves a place on it, though where it lands will depend on where its story goes.
Adventure Time
2010-2018
Adventure Time is known for its bonkers sense of humor, but the animated series is a great demonstration of what can be done in the fantasy genre. Although it’s lacking the overarching storyline that makes other shows great, Adventure Time makes up for that with its charming friendship between its two leads.
Finn and Jake’s dynamic offers enough reason to tune in, but Adventure Time crafts a surprisingly believable world despite its shorter episodes. The backdrop complements Finn and Jake’s adventures nicely, allowing them to come across everything from vampires and princesses to Cake People.
The unique world-building places Adventure Time above many similar shows, though the series’ humor and heart also make it one of the greatest animated fantasy titles. It ranks lower on the list because it’s less epic than some others. Of course, that doesn’t prevent it from packing an emotional punch when it wants to.
She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power
2018-2020
She-Ra: Princess of Power may have had its issues, but Netflix’s 2018 reboot, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, more than makes up for them. The five-season series does an impressive job of returning viewers to a familiar world while also modernizing the story in a way that lands.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power has all the ingredients of a compelling fantasy story: a relatable but flawed lead, compelling villain, lovable side characters, and high stakes. All these things make it easy to get emotionally invested in the show, and its strong heroines and LGBTQ+ representation contribute to that as well.
Sadly, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power‘s impact hasn’t lasted as long as many of the other fantasy series on this list. That could be due to pacing issues, but it places the Netflix reboot below some tighter narratives.
Gravity Falls
2012-2016
Gravity Falls is just two seasons long, but that doesn’t stop it from landing among the best animated fantasy shows. If anything, it proves the genre can benefit from shorter storytelling when it’s done right. And despite its shorter length, Gravity Falls manages to tell a thoughtful coming-of-age story centered on two siblings — one with well-established mysteries and resolutions.
These strengths elevate Gravity Falls, making it a cult hit in the fantasy category. Of course, the animated series isn’t without its flaws. There are a few missteps with certain characters and minor plots, and the show’s stakes never feel too pressing. The latter ensures it falls below titles that fit into the epic nature expected of fantasy.
The Dragon Prince
2018-2024
The Dragon Prince is an underrated Netflix series that doesn’t get enough love, but its fans know just how compelling it is — especially during its earlier seasons. Set in the world of Xadia, The Dragon Prince sees its young main characters becoming wrapped up in political conflicts and dark magic, giving its otherwise family-friendly story darker and more mature themes.
This complements the show nicely, allowing it to target audiences of all ages while still tackling important subjects and delivering on epic stakes. While there are debates about whether later seasons lived up to the early ones, The Dragon Prince strikes this balance nicely, developing a complex cast of characters and giving us great action along the way.
The Dragon Prince is a must-watch animated fantasy story, though a few more recognizable and mature narratives manage to top it. They prove just a bit more memorable, and many of them have stronger runs all the way through.
Castlevania
2017-2021
Based on the video games, Netflix’s Castlevania sees its central trio attempting to take down Dracula — and the series offers a surprisingly nuanced take on the iconic vampire. In general, Castlevania offers incredible complexity. Even its heroes are flawed, and that makes their willingness to band together and do what’s right all the more compelling.
Castlevania has great villains, too, and the relationship dynamics on both sides are incredibly memorable. Add in the action, solid animation, and poignant themes, and the series simply has to be included among the top five animated fantasy shows. Unfortunately, it does struggle with some pacing issues and loses its focus here and there, preventing it from ranking even higher.
The Legend Of Vox Machina
2022-
In fantasy, there’s no better setup than a band of outcasts coming together to fight evil — and The Legend of Vox Machina delivers on that premise masterfully. The Critical Role series manages to introduce a large and complex cast of characters with relative ease, and it gives each of them individual goals and storylines, even as they get wrapped up in much bigger problems.
The relationships between the show’s main group are touching, making The Legend of Vox Machina required viewing for fans of the found-family trope. There’s also plenty of action and some great commentary on serious issues, all of which feels seamlessly weaved into the story. It’s too soon to say if the Prime Video show will nail its ending, but it’s already a top five animated fantasy series.
Over The Garden Wall
2014
There aren’t many fantasy miniseries in general, much less ones that leave a lasting impression. However, Over the Garden Wall is a modern masterpiece, accomplishing a lot in just 10 episodes. Its animation style and atmospheric setting are perfect for those looking for a dark but cozy viewing experience. Its visuals are a huge part of the appeal, elevating it above the competition.
In addition to how well Over the Garden Wall utilizes its visuals, it also boasts well-crafted characters, mystery elements, and timeless themes. Anyone can relate to Over the Garden Wall‘s narrative about facing the darkness within yourself, and the fantasy miniseries’ ambiguous twist makes it even more interesting and memorable. Unfortunately, there are two other shows it can’t compare to.
Arcane
2021-2024
Arcane is one of the best animated shows of all time, and its blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements allows it to be a top watch within both genres. The League of Legends series does an incredible job expanding on the video game characters, making Jinx, Vi, and everyone around them interesting, flawed, and easy to invest in.
The sisterly bond between Jinx and Vi is the heart of Arcane, but its high-stakes political plot and conversations surrounding trauma are other highlights. Arcane also benefits from stunning animation that’s unlike anything else on TV, and it has an incredible soundtrack to bring its action and drama to life.
Arcane could easily be considered the best animated fantasy show overall, and there are people who won’t agree with it being second. It’s a very close call, but some pacing issues in Arcane season 2 place it just below Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
2005-2008
Twenty years after its debut, Avatar: The Last Airbender remains a masterpiece. It’s an animated fantasy show that has everything fans of the genre could ask for: a gripping plot, poignant themes, humor, and a dynamic world. Its magic system, which is based on the elements, truly makes the backdrop shine. And while Arcane struggles to convey its lore at times, ATLA successfully immerses viewers.
Avatar: The Last Airbender also balances its characters and storylines well over its three seasons. The show never lulls, and it never feels like one person or narrative overshadows another. The whole story is tightly crafted, and its lighthearted and hopeful approach to serious real-world problems makes it the best animated fantasy show to revisit over and over.
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