Tired of watching the same old crime dramas and rom-coms on Netflix? Looking for a way to get swept up in a fantastical world without having to let go of the comfort of your couch? Well, you’ve come to the right place then. Fantasy television can be a welcome escape for audiences because it offers something beyond the mundane. These small-screen sagas combine suspense, rich character dynamics, and just a touch of romance.
Fantasy shows let us engage our imagination and indulge ourselves in universes where anything is possible. A really good series introduces a compelling protagonist and takes us on a journey, alongside them, to medieval and magical landscapes, where mythical creatures and powerful forces are in control.
While Netflix has a vast catalog of binge-worthy options, there are still a bunch of fantasy gems that do not get the attention they deserve. This list brings together 12 underrated fantasy shows on Netflix that prove that there is so much more ground to cover in the genre.
‘Warrior Nun’ (2020 – 2022)
Warrior Nun, based on the comic book character created by Ben Dunn, is a series that revolves around Ava Silva, a 19-year-old quadriplegic orphan, who wakes up in a morgue with some sort of artifact embedded in her back. The unexpected change in her physique grants her supernatural powers and makes her part of a secret sect called the Order of the Cruciform Sword, which is tasked with battling demons on Earth.
A Heavenly Blend of Action and Intrigue
Warrior Nun was initially supposed to be adapted into a feature-length movie, but Netflix ordered a series, and the result was a unique mashup of action, adventure, mystery, and spiritual intrigue. Despite its cancellation after two seasons, the series is a hidden gem for fantasy lovers. It’s bolstered by a talented ensemble cast led by Alba Baptista as Ava, ambitious and cinematic direction, and a genuinely engrossing supernatural premise. It has also developed a cult following of viewers who are down to devour multiple narrative twists and bold world-building.
‘Bet Your Life’ (2025 – Present)
An intriguing addition to Netflix’s catalog of fantasy shows, Bet Your Life takes viewers on an adventure. It follows Isa, a down-and-out sports-betting journalist whose career takes an unexpected turn when he comes face-to-face with the ghost of Refik Argun, a recently deceased business tycoon. Apparently, Refik was murdered, and the guy is determined to solve the case. He ropes Isa into a whodunit adventure and together they uncover hidden truths, connections to Isa’s hometown, and some other inherent details about their lives.
Ghostly Mysteries With a Twist
This Turkish Netflix series, directed by Hakan Algül, offers a refreshing departure from the usual whodunits with its unique premise and whimsical tone. Laced with elements of fantasy, the murder mystery is filled with tense and subversive moments that leave audiences gasping at every turn. Ata Demirer delivers an outstanding performance as Isa, while Uğur Yücel’s portrayal of Refik adds charm to the ghostly dynamic. Overall, it’s an enjoyable series.
‘Cursed’ (2020)
Based on the Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler graphic novel of the same name, the spellbinding original series Cursed provides a refreshing spin on the Arthurian legend and features 13 Reasons Why star Katherine Langford as Nimue, a teenage Fey and sorceress who joins forces with mercenary Arthur (Devon Terrell) on a daring quest to find Merlin and deliver Excalibur to him. The show explores Nimue and how she becomes a beacon of rebellion and hope while fulfilling her tragic destiny to become the Lady of the Lake.
A Refreshing Reimagining of a Timeless Tale
Both Miller and Wheeler created the TV adaptation and also served as executive producers, which helped ensure that their small-screen version captured the essence and spirit of their graphic novel. Cursed also includes Vikings alum Gustaf Skarsgård as the iconic wizard Merlin, and its 10 episodes were propelled by the commanding performances of its stellar cast and Langford’s headstrong heroine, with many appreciating how the fantasy series fleshed out the famous characters included in the captivating legend. Sadly, Cursed was unceremoniously canceled after just one season.
‘Locke & Key’ (2020 – 2022)
Brimming with magic, mayhem, and mystery, Locke & Key focuses on Nina Locke (Darby Stanchfield) and her three children as they relocate from Seattle to the small town of Matheson, Massachusetts, following the devastating death of their husband/father and take up residence in his family’s sprawling family estate known as Keyhouse. Siblings Kinsey, Tyler, and Bode quickly learn that there are strange keys hidden in the house that can unlock doors in magical ways, and also make the frightening discovery that a demonic entity lurks within the walls.
Fantasy & Horror Epically Collide in ‘Locke & Key’
Adapted from the thrilling comic book series of the same name by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez, Locke & Key masterfully infuses its fantasy premise with elements of horror and the paranormal while also delving into heavier themes like grief, murder, and trauma. The immersive show featured plenty of suspense and genuinely spooky moments, and also touted stunning visual effects, with Locke & Key running for three seasons and 28 episodes before saying goodbye to audiences and giving them a solid series finale that left them hoping for more.
‘Miss Night and Day’ (2024)
Weaving a wonderful tale of dual identities and unexpected transformations, Miss Night and Day follows Lee Mi-jin, a young woman in her ’20s, trying her best to land her dream job, when she wakes up one morning and finds herself in her ’50s, as an older version. But as the sun sets, she turns to her younger self again. She uses the mysterious opportunity to work as a senior intern at the Seohan District Prosecutors’ Office by day and makes the most of life as a carefree young woman by night.
Fantasy Romance with Lighthearted Comedy
A humorous and imaginative fantasy series that uses elements of magical realism to tell its story, Miss Night and Day is directed by Lee Hyeong-min and Choi Sun-min. With just 16 episodes and a relatively low profile, it charms audiences. It also features outstanding performances by Jung Eun-ji and Lee Jung-eun, who share the kind of chemistry that adds depth to the narrative.
‘YuYu Hakusho’ (2023)
Narratively similar to its manga and anime counterparts, YuYu Hakusho brings to life Yoshihiro Togashi’s original series to life in a thrilling live-action adaptation. It follows Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious teenager who sacrifices his life to save a child from a car accident. When he enters the afterlife, he’s given a second chance and sent back to Earth as a Spirit Detective tasked with investigating and resolving supernatural crimes as well as battling yokai. He encounters allies like Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei, and confronts the dark forces that threaten peace.
Fresh and Nostalgic Take on a Classic
Developed by Akira Morii and Kaata Sakamoto for Netflix and directed by Shō Tsukikawa, this adaptation condenses the sprawling manga into five action-packed episodes. Takumi Kitamura shines as Yusuke, supported by Jun Shison and Kanata Hongō, who play Kurama and Hiei. Boasting stunning visual effects, decent action, and deeply personal character arcs, it has been criticized for the rushed plot, but otherwise received great reviews for staying faithful to the source material.
‘I Am Not Okay with This’ (2020)
Adapted from Charles Forsman’s graphic novel of the same name, I Am Not Okay with This follows Sydney Novak, a 17-year-old carefully treading the turbulent waters of adolescence, high school, family drama, and the pangs of first love. Her normal life takes a not-so-normal turn when she discovers that she possesses a mysterious superpower that is triggered by her emotions. The grief from her father’s death, her strained relationship with her mother, and growing feelings for her best friend, Dani, all send Sydney’s powers spiraling out of control.
Teen Angst and Superhero Origins
Set in a small, sleepy town, I Am Not Okay with This is a refreshingly original fantasy that does not get its due praise and recognition. It’s a coming-of-age drama with a potent supernatural twist on the surface, but underneath, it deftly explores themes of identity, power, grief, and sexuality, all while delivering a visually striking and narratively unpredictable superhero origin story. With an aesthetic reminiscent of The End of the F***ing World, it had promise and was renewed for a second season after a cliffhanger ending. But Netflix eventually pulled the plug and cited “circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic” as the reason.
‘If I Hadn’t Met You’ (2019)
If I Hadn’t Met You tells the emotional story of Eduard, a man devastated by the loss of his wife and children in a tragic car accident. He has an encounter with Dr. Everest, a mysterious scientist who grants Eduard the ability to travel to alternate universes and look for a reality where his family survives. Eduard journeys through parallel worlds and faces the ripple effects of his own choices.
Time and Fate in Parallel Universes
Altering the fabric of time means facing profound consequences and learning about loss, love, and destiny over and over again. It’s got to be exhausting, right? Well, If I Hadn’t Met You is a unique and challenging series that forces viewers to ponder the delicate balance between free will and the forces that shape our lives. It is elevated by a nuanced performance from Pablo Derqui as Eduard, who captures the complexity of his character flawlessly.
‘Disenchantment’ (2018 – 2023)
Touting a stacked ensemble cast led by Abbi Jacobson, Eric André, and John DiMaggio, the animated sitcom Disenchantment marks TV titan Matt Groening’s (The Simpsons, Futurama) first project to appear exclusively on a streaming platform, with the series taking place in the medieval kingdom of Dreamland where the rebellious, booze-loving princess Tiabeanie ‘Bean’ gets into some wild adventures with her personal demon Luci and companion elf Elfo. Together, the misfit trio explores Dreamland and nearby kingdoms, and Bean wondrously discovers she possesses magical powers.
Animated Universes Collide in ‘Disenchantment’
Amusingly described as “the offspring of The Simpsons and Game of Thrones” by lead star John DiMaggio, Disenchantment is a must-see for fans of Groening and his signature animation style, as the creator included exciting crossovers with Futurama and revealed that the shows share the same universe. Praised for its slapstick shenanigans, witty humor, and empowering female heroine, Disenchantment proved to be a major success with audiences and nabbed an impressive 80% Popcornmeter from fans, keeping them laughing at every turn during its five batches and 50 episodes.
‘Ragnarok’ (2020 – 2023)
A captivating retelling of Norse mythology, Ragnarok is set in the fictional Norwegian town of Edda in Hordaland and centers on the community as it is ravaged by pollution and climate change caused by the local wealthy Jutuls, who are secretly giant supernatural beings known as jötnar and have been posing as a normal, human family. When teenager Magne Seier (David Stakston) and his younger half-brother Laurits (Jonas Strand Gravli) discover that they are the reincarnations of Thor, god of thunder, and Loki, god of mischief, the duo must fight to protect Edda from malevolent forces.
‘Ragnarok’ Provides an Enchanting Atmosphere & Storytelling
Ragnarok is an addictive, slow burn fantasy series that will dazzle you with its breathtaking cinematography, riveting exploration of Norse folklore, and eclectic characters, and audiences eagerly tuned in to see the epic battle play out between the Gods and the Giants over the course of its three seasons. Fans of the MCU will enjoy seeing a new and refreshing depiction of Thor and Loki that is vastly different from the blockbuster Hollywood films, with Thrillist writing that Ragnarok, “shows a surprising amount of zest. It is at its unabashed best when it leans into its weirdness.”
