The success of series like Ms. Marvel– currently airing on Disney+ -- demonstrates that there is an enduring desire among the viewing public for visions of the fantastic. It’s easy to see why such shows continue to have an appeal, as they immerse the viewer in a world unbound by the limitations of the real one, where teenagers can have superpowers and where people are capable of doing incredible things.
Indeed, this is something of a golden age for fantasy series and, fortunately, the users of Ranker have helpfully identified the best fantasy series that have emerged so far in 2022.
Note: Ranker lists are fan-voted, live, and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Feria: The Darkest Light (2022 - )
Stream On Netflix
Though many of the best fantasy series have emerged from the United States, Feria: The Darkest Light is a Spanish production (though it is also distributed on Netflix). It focuses on a pair of sisters who have to contend with ugly family secrets, many of which center around their parents and their participation in a deadly cult. Many things help to make this one of the great fantasy series.
In particular, it does an excellent job of blending together its fantastical elements and its family drama. It ultimately demonstrates the heavy toll that power takes on those who wield it.
Wolf Like Me (2022 - )
Steam On Peaco*ck
Josh Gad has acted in many notable roles, but one of his most recent is Wolf Like Me. The series follows three primary characters: Gad’s Gary, Isla Fisher’s Mary, and Ariel Donoghue’s Emma (Gary’s daughter). Mary and Gary repeatedly find themselves drawn together.
Unfortunately, things are complicated given that Mary is a werewolf. The series is notable for the way that it blends together different genres, drawing on both the fantastical, romance, and the comedy, as these three characters navigate the fraught nature of trauma and, of course, Mary’s secret (and very deadly) identity. It’s a unique spin on the well-worn figure of the werewolf.
The Quest (2022 - )
Stream On Disney+
There have, of course, been many notable reality TV series, but The Quest is arguably not only one of the best but also one of the unique. In this game’s competitive setting, a number of contestants follow a scripted narrative as they attempt to save the fictional kingdom from a great evil.
It’s the type of reality series that actually blurs the boundary between the traditional expectations of the genre and its scripted counterparts. In fact, it is precisely its high production values and the quality of its scripts that help to elevate it above many of its generic counterparts.
Ultra Violet And Black Scorpion (2022 - )
Stream On Disney+
Throughout its existence, the Disney Channel has excelled at creating strong family stories, and Ultra Violet and Black Scorpion takes its place among the network’s best series. Focusing on a niece and uncle who both possess superpowers, it follows their adventures both as superheroes and as regular people.
Most notably, it also features a very diverse cast, with numerous homages to traditional Mexican culture. As a result, it manages to set itself apart from many of the other superhero series that have occupied so much of the popular culture sphere.
Supernatural Academy (2022 - )
Stream On Peaco*ck
As its title suggests, Supernatural Academy focuses on a school where those with powers – as well as a variety of mythological and supernatural creatures – train. However, it is the series’ two main characters, twin sisters Mischa and Jessa, who help to establish this as a strong animated series.
What’s more, while the first season does fit neatly into the traditional superhero structure, in which the heroes try to save the world from destruction, it also engages with a number of other important issues, in particular, the various struggles that young people face as they confront difference.
Astrid And Lilly Save The World (2022 - )
Stream On Hulu
The concept of two young people teaming up to save the world from monsters is hardly a new one in television, but even so,Astrid and Lilly Save the World manages to be a worthy successor to many previous offerings. In large part, this stems from the strong chemistry between the two leads, as well as the humor and sharp writing that the series brings to bear.
Just as importantly, it manages to give equal attention to the two strands of its story, one of which focuses on the title characters’ attempts to defeat various monsters and the other that details their struggles in high school.
Theodosia (2022 - )
Stream On HBO Max
Theodosia is, in many ways, a bit of a combination of adventure movies and high fantasy, focusing as it does on a young archaeologist named Theodosia who battles against those who would control a powerful amulet and use its formidable powers for evil.
The series has a great deal of charm, due in large part to Eloise Little, who plays the title character. While it is clearly a series primarily aimed at younger viewers, its ability to draw on traditional fantasy storytelling elements should make it appealing to adults as well.
Parallels (2022 - )
Not Available For Streaming
Parallels is enough international fantasy offering, this time hailing from France. It focuses on a group of friends who are sent into parallel universes as the result of a physics experiment gone wrong. As with the best of fantasy television, it does a very good job of not only focusing on the various individuals, their motivations, and complicated personalities but also on the deeper philosophical issues.
In particular, it explores the nature of reality itself. What’s more, its narrative is driven by mystery, thus working to keep the viewer invested from the first episode to the last.
The Villains Of Valley View (2022 - )
Stream On Disney+
As is often the case with series on the Disney Channel, The Villains of Valley View focuses on a family striving to keep their identity secret from those who would do them harm. The twist, of course, is that they are, in fact, villains rather than superheroes.
Though it follows a traditional sitcom format and is clearly a comedy, it also takes time to give the characters time to grow and change. With its dry and witty sense of humor, the series has a great deal to recommend it.
The Legend Of Vox Machina (2022 - )
Stream On Prime Video
Prime Video has established itself as one of the best streamers, famous for producing many great series. It has particularly shown a strength in broadcasting fantasy series, one of which is The Legend of Vox Machina. Focusing on Vox Machina, the titular group of mercenaries, it follows their adventures as they attempt to protect the kingdom from a sinister threat.
It features fluid and often dazzling animation, as well as a tremendously talented voice cast. With its irreverent take on the fantasy genre, as well as its brutal depiction of violence, it establishes itself as one of the best animated series on television.
NEXT:
