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The Best New Fantasy Shows Of 2021
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Vote up the best fantasy series that premiered their first season in 2021.
- 1Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Won Jin-aHellbound, which premiered on November 19, 2021, is a gripping South Korean television series that blends supernatural thrills and crime drama. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho of "Train to Busan" fame, Hellbound centers on a society upended by the sudden appearance of supernatural beings who condemn people to hell, sparking moral, religious and societal chaos. The standout cast includes Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, and Park Jeong-min. The major themes include faith, human morality, and the struggle between good and evil. The show quickly made its mark, intriguing audiences internationally and resulting in a fervent, global fan base.More Hellbound
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- 2Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Ben BarnesIn a world torn apart by dark forces, Shadow and Bone seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure. The series, based on Leigh Bardugo's bestselling novels, has garnered critical acclaim for its intricate storytelling and stellar performances. Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) discovers her latent magical abilities, setting off a chain of events that will change the fate of her war-torn country. Alongside a diverse ensemble of characters, Alina navigates the treacherous political landscape and confronts her own personal demons. With its breathtaking visuals and compelling narrative, Shadow and Bone has earned a dedicated fan base worldwide.More Shadow and Bone
- 3Laura Donnelly, Olivia Williams, James NortonThe Nevers, an enthralling period drama with a touch of science fiction, transports viewers to the Victorian era where a group of women find themselves bestowed with extraordinary abilities. The show, which has garnered critical acclaim, masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, action, and human emotion. Central to the narrative is Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), whose leadership unites these "Touched" women as they navigate societal prejudice and sinister forces. With its rich storytelling and captivating performances, The Nevers offers a fresh and engaging take on the genre, leaving audiences eager for more.More The Nevers
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- 4Abigail Cowen, Hannah van der Westhuysen, Precious MustaphaFate: The Winx Saga is a coming-of-age drama that delves into the enchanting world of magic and self-discovery. This Netflix adaptation, inspired by the popular animated series Winx Club, follows the journey of five fairies as they navigate the complexities of life at the prestigious Alfea College. Bloom, portrayed by Abigail Cowen, leads the group through supernatural adventures while unraveling the mysteries behind their powers. Nominated for the 2021 Teen Choice Award for Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show, this series has garnered attention for its engaging storylines, vivid visuals, and exceptional performances from a diverse ensemble cast.More Fate: The Winx Saga
- #202 of 691 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #91 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #496 of 1,060 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 5Christian Convery, Nonso Anozie, Adeel AkhtarA boy who's half-human and half deer embarks on an adventure in a post-apocalyptic world.More Sweet Tooth
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- #45 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #420 of 1,060 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 6Joel Oulette, Crystle Lightning, Kalani QueypoTrickster is a Canadian supernatural drama that spotlights Indigenous mythology through the coming-of-age story of Jared (Joel Oulette), an Indigenous teen struggling to keep his dysfunctional family afloat. Jared's life spirals into chaos when he starts seeing strange visions and learns that he's the son of a trickster god. The series explores themes of identity, culture, and the impact of generational trauma, set against the backdrop of contemporary First Nations life. The show also stars Crystle Lightning, and Kalani Queypo. Trickster presents a compelling narrative that blends real-world issues with folklore. Despite its critical acclaim and a strong start, the show was canceled after its first season due to controversy surrounding the creator, Michelle Latimer's claims of Indigenous heritage.More Trickster
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- 7Jeremy Shada, Julia Stiles, Marcus ScribnerA group of misfit kids uncover the truth about dragons after a fissure in the Earth's surface opens.
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- 8Roselyn Sanchez, Kiara Barnes, John GabrielPeople with dreams and desires arrive at a luxury resort and depart enlightened and transformed.More Fantasy Island
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- 9Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha StradowskiMoiraine takes five people on a journey, thinking one might be the reincarnation of the Dragon.
- 10Richard Dormer, Adam Hugill, Jo Eaton-KentThe Watch is a fantasy police procedural series inspired by characters from Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. The show swirls around an unlikely group of misfits - the City Watch - as they seek to reignite the flickering flame of justice in the corrupt, crime-ridden city of Ankh-Morpork. Led by the terminally disenchanted Captain Sam Vimes (Richard Dormer), the team tackles magical mischief and uncovers dark conspiracies. The major themes include the fight against institutional decay and the redemptive power of belief in a better world. Artfully balanced between grimy realism and whimsical fantasy, The Watch carves out a unique space in the genre, although it didn't garner significant awards recognition.More The Watch
- #459 of 1,060 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
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- 11Cecily Strong, Keegan-Michael Key, Dove CameronSchmigadoon! is a musical comedy series that parodies Golden Age musicals, following a couple, Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) who stumble upon a magical town called Schmigadoon while on a backpacking trip. The catch is they can't leave until they find "true love." The show features an array of whimsically colorful characters, catchy tunes, and sharp-witted humor that both celebrates and satirizes the tropes of classic musical theatre. The series, created by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, taps into themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery as the couple navigates the obscure town.More Schmigadoon!
- #132 of 1,060 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
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- 12Zoe Saldana, Gabriel Iglesias, Allen MaldonadoMaya and the Three, which premiered on October 22, 2021, is a vibrant animated miniseries that immerses viewers in Mesoamerican mythology. The story follows Maya (Zoe Saldana), a warrior princess who embarks on a quest to recruit three legendary fighters to help save the world of gods and humankind. This epic tale is filled with themes of courage, friendship, and destiny. The series boasts an impressive voice cast including Gabriel Iglesias and Alfred Molina. Despite its recent release, the show has already garnered positive reviews for its stunning animation and compelling storytelling.More Maya and the Three
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- 13Marco Pigossi, Manu Dieguez, Alessandra NegriniInvisible City is a Brazilian fantasy streaming television series. The show fuses mystery and folklore as it reveals the hidden world of mythical entities from Brazilian folklore living among humans. The story kicks off with an environmental police officer, Eric (Marco Pigossi), who stumbles upon a mermaid's corpse. This discovery leads him down a rabbit hole into a clandestine world where these creatures live in disguise. As Eric investigates further, he also uncovers long-hidden family secrets. The show examines cultural identity and the clash between the modern world and ancient traditions.More Invisible City
- #484 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #1017 of 1,060 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
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- 14Lee Jin-wook, Kwon Na-ra, Lee JoonBulgasal: Immortal Souls, a South Korean fantasy drama series that premiered in 2021, delves into the lives of immortals who survive by consuming human souls. The plot thickens when a 600-year-old immortal, played by Lee Jin-wook, encounters a woman with the same face as his dead sister, portrayed by Kwon Nara. The series weaves a complex narrative around themes of immortality, revenge, and love. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls stands out for its unique premise, intricate storytelling, and compelling performances from its lead actors. The blend of fantasy and drama has resonated with audiences globally.
- #442 of 652 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #972 of 1,053 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
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- 15Rob Collins, Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Yael StoneWhen vampires start to arrive in an Australian mining town, two Aboriginal renegades fight back.More Firebite
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- 16Chris Wood, Mark Hamill, Lena HeadeyThe war for Eternia begins again in what may be the final battle between He-Man and Skeletor.
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- 17Preston Oliver, Kyliegh Curran, Elle GrahamA 12-year-old boy and a thrill-seeking classmate discover a secret portal and probe a town mystery.
- 18Ann Eleonora Jørgensen, Rasmus Hammerich, Peder Thomas PedersenWhile spending Christmas on a remote island, a family discovers that the area has terrifying elves.More Elves
- #465 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
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- 19Eduard Fernández, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Megan MontanerAn exiled priest tries to escape his demons while living in a remote village in Spain.More 30 Coins
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- 20Spencer Grammer, Drew Massey, Colleen SmithThe Barbarian and the Troll is a fantasy adventure comedy that premiered in 2021, it combines puppetry with live-action to create a special family-friendly viewing experience. The series follows Evan, a bridge troll in search of excitement, and Brendar, a fierce female barbarian on a quest to vanquish an evil demon who has ensnared her brother. Their journey is filled with magic, creatures of lore, and humorous banter. The main themes include friendship, bravery, and self-discovery as the unlikely duo faces various challenges and forms an endearing bond. The show features voice work from Spencer Grammer as the brave Brendar.
- 21Sophia Reid-Gantzert, Ava Augustin, Daphne HoskinsScaredy Cats is a family-friendly series that centers on the adventures of Willa Ward, a young girl who discovers on her 12th birthday that she comes from a long line of witches. When she inherits a magical amulet, Willa and her two best friends Scout and Lily delve into a world of spells, enchantments, and broomsticks. The trio faces off against the villainous witch Wilma, who seeks to steal Willa's amulet. The show combines elements of magic and mystery, featuring themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. Scaredy Cats has been appreciated for its whimsical and engaging storytelling for kids.More Scaredy Cats
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