If anything, the current decade has proven the power of the fantasy franchise. From high fantasies such as The Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings, and House of the Dragon, to series such as The Legend of Korra and Steven Universe, fantasy has proven itself to be an impactful genre, opening up the audience to an imaginative universe that provides nuanced answers to the universal inquiries many hold in the real world.
But fantasy television has obviously existed much longer than just these past few years. The 2000s, in particular, gave us a slew of entertaining new fantasy series propped up by advancements in technology and building upon the success of iconic ’90s shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Themes of family, morality, love, and justice have been dutifully explored in the aforementioned shows and in fantasy series altogether. During the dawn of a new century, these television series remain beloved due to their engagement with the evolution of the characters themselves, concrete worldbuilding, and captivating storytelling.
Here are the 10 best fantasy series from the 2000s that still hold up perfectly today.
10
‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009 – 2017)
Adapted from the L.J. Smith novels, The Vampire Diaries debuted at the tail end of the decade and yet would go on to be an iconic fantasy in the years to come. Taking inspiration from other popular fantasy franchises in syndication before its premiere episode, the series follows Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a young teenager from the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, who recently lost both of her parents.
Dealing with the grief of her loss, responsibilities as an older sister, and typical high school hurdles, Elena finds solace in her diary. That is until she meets new student Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). As the two grow closer, Elena and her friends quickly unearth the secrets of Mystic Falls and learn that Stefan is not who he appears to be, resulting in almost a decade’s worth of supernatural melodrama.
A Brooding and Enthralling Look into the Supernatural
A generally healthy combination of romance, mystery, and fantasy, The Vampire Diaries remains enthralling, even with its weaker moments. Be it because of the love triangle between Elena, Stefan, and Stefan’s older, mischievous brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder), a close look at witchcraft by way of friends like Bonnie (Kat Graham) and the menacing yet emotionally complex villains such as Katherine (Nina Dobrev), and the Originals, the series captured the attention of audiences eager for a new teen drama. Since its premiere, the series has been rightfully credited as influencing the next generation of supernatural teen dramas.
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9
‘Carnivale’ (2003 – 2005)
- Release Date
-
2003 – 2004
- Network
-
HBO
- Directors
-
Jeremy Podeswa, Jack Bender, Scott Winant, John Patterson, Rodrigo García, Tim Hunter, Alan Taylor, Alison Maclean, Dan Lerner, Peter Medak, Steve Shill, Todd Field
- Writers
-
Daniel Knauf, Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin, Tracy Tormé, Toni Graphia, William Schmidt
-
-
Bree Walker
Sabina Engstrom
Despite only airing for two seasons before a cancelation, Carnivale remains one of the most inventive dramas of the mid-2000s. Set during the Great Depression, the series follows a traveling carnival comprised of individuals tapped into the esoteric.
Divided into two main storylines, the audience follows a young hopeful named Ben (Nick Stahl), who joins said carnival and becomes privy to healing powers that he continues to hone in on throughout the series. Concurrently, a Methodist preacher named Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) learns of his own abilities, believing them to be a sign from God. As the series progresses, both plots slowly converge, resulting in an exciting and intriguing story about destiny and the complexity of morality.
A Uniquely Compelling Dark Fantasy
Taking inspiration from Christianity, Gnosticism, and the lore of the Knight’s Templar, the series quickly comes into its own as a universe with its unique worldbuilding, entrenched lore, and recognizable aesthetics, something most fantasy projects yearn for. Despite a swift cancelation and fans being left with a cliffhanger, many continue to look fondly on the show as an ambitious adventure that compelled audiences to rethink their relationships to their virtues as well as the nuances that make up and separate instances of free will from fate.
8
‘Charmed’ (1998 – 2006)
- Release Date
-
1998 – 2005
- Network
-
The WB
- Showrunner
-
Brad Kern
- Directors
-
James L. Conway, Joel J. Feigenbaum, John T. Kretchmer, Mel Damski, John Behring, Derek Johansen, Craig Zisk, Jonathan West, Stuart Gillard, Michael Grossman, Chris Long, David Straiton, Kevin Inch, James A. Contner, Noel Nosseck, Shannen Doherty, David Jackson, Anson Williams, LeVar Burton, Michael Zinberg, Michael Schultz, Richard Compton, Richard Denault, Les Sheldon
- Writers
-
Daniel Cerone, Chris Levinson, Zack Estrin, Krista Vernoff, Jeannine Renshaw, Alison Schapker, Sheryl J. Anderson, Monica Owusu-Breen, Cameron Litvack, Henry Alonso Myers, David Simkins, Rob Wright, Nell Scovell, Mark Wilding, Andy Reaser, Edithe Swensen, Vivian Mayhew, Peter Hume, Sheryl Anderson, Valerie Mayhew, William Schmidt, Erica Messer, Debra J. Fisher, Michael Gleason
-
Darcas Macopson
Uniformed Cop
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Holly Marie Combs
Piper Halliwell
-
-
Charmed follows the lives of the three Halliwell sisters as they learn of and make use of their magical powers. Set in San Francisco, the series introduces audiences to the eldest, mature sisters, Prue (Shannen Doherty), her middle, level-headed sister Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and younger, enthusiastic sister Piper (Alyssa Milano) as they vanquish demons, fall in love, and explore their sisterhood following the introduction of magic in their lives.
A Defining, Contemporary Fantasy
The only late ’90s entry in the article, Charmed continues to hold a special place in the hearts of its audiences. Managing to function strongly as a family sitcom as well as it functions as a fantasy adventure, the series would entertain audiences with its quick, comedic beats, savory romantic plots, as well as a fascinating look into witchcraft from the perspective of contemporary American sisters. Despite the controversy and pain attached to the series, Charmed remains integral to the fabric of modern fantasy television.
7
‘Smallville’ (2001 – 2011)
Smallville takes a simple premise and creates a compelling narrative about adolescence, ostracization, and genuine concern for the worldwide community. Following Superman (Tom Welling) through high school, college, and his coveted position as a Metropolis/based journalist, the series carefully introduces various, notable villains, allies, and foes, turning another coming-of-age story into an epic tale that lives up to the expectations set by the source material.
A Gratifying Story of a Champion’s Rise to Greatness
Throughout the series, Tom Welling provides audiences with genuinely relatable adolescent experiences, shattering rigid binaries that place the human in opposition with the other. Harnessing the nuances and contradictions that come with becoming Superman, Smallville manages to exceed the audience’s expectations. Balancing mundane moments of sincerity and growth with an exciting display of extraterrestrial power, the series is a must-watch for anyone wishing to have a close look at the makings of a superhero before their rise to recognizable glory.
6
‘Bleach’ (2004 – 2012)
- Release Date
-
2004 – 2023-00-00
- Network
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TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC, BS TV Tokyo
- Showrunner
-
Tite Kubo
- Directors
-
Mitsutaka Noshitani, Junya Koshida, Hodaka Kuramoto, Yasuto Nishikata, Hiroaki Nishimura, Kazunori Mizuno, Akira Shimizu, Rokou Ogiwara, Kazunobu Shimizu, Akane Inoue, Hikaru Murata, Tomoko Hiramuki, Kazuo Nogami, Taiji Kawanishi, Shigeki Hatakeyama, Eiko Nishi, Takushi Kimura, Koji Aritomi, Ogura Shirakawa, Kiyomu Fukuda, Yukio Okazaki, Mitsue Yamazaki, Yasuhiro Matsumura, Eitarou Ano
- Writers
-
Masahiro Okubo, Masashi Sogo, Kenta Shimoyama, Genki Yoshimura, Kazuyuki Fudeyasu, Rika Nakase, Michiko Yokote, Natsuko Takahashi, Kento Shimoyama
-
Masakazu Morita
Ichigo Kurosaki (voice)
-
Fumiko Orikasa
Rukia Kuchiki
-
Yuki Matsuoka
Orihime Inoue
-
Hiroki Yasumoto
Yasutora ‘Chad’ Sado
Alongside Naruto, Bleach stands as one of the most popular manga-turned-anime adaptations in recent memory. Following Ichigo Kurosaki (Masakazu Morita), a seemingly normal teen who gains powers and the status of a Soul Reaper, a Grim Reaper-esque figure that protects the balance between the living and the afterlife.
A Compelling, Comprehensive Look at Life After Death
An intriguing amalgamation of several Japanese and Asian religions and philosophies, Bleach is one of the rare examples of a series that uses its source material as a foundation for its televised adaptation. Venturing into new territory, the series has been lauded for providing audiences with plots and examples of character development that are not only well-written but also culturally aware. Offering audiences a broader and more enthralling look at the afterlife, moral grayness, and risk as a facet of life.
5
‘Supernatural’ (2005 – 2020)
- Release Date
-
2005 – 2020-00-00
- Network
-
The WB, The CW
- Directors
-
Philip Sgriccia, John F. Showalter, Robert Singer
Initially expected to conclude after the fifth season, Supernatural had already staked its claim into the hearts and minds of fantasy fans worldwide. For better or for worse, its continued production and subsequent conclusion in 2020 only emphasizes its importance and cultural relevance. Following the two Winchester brothers, Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki), as they traverse the continental United States in hopes of carrying their father’s legacy of hunting monsters. As their quests persist, they stumble upon a biblical conspiracy and soon realize they sit at the center of said divine plot.
An Unforgettable Duo and A Rich Exploration of Mythology
Much of the show’s appeal rests with the cast. From Ackles’ portrayal of the resourceful yet humorously immature and crafty Dean, Padalecki’s performance of the more level-headed Sam, and frequent contributions from the likes of Mark Pellegrino, Misha Collins, and Mark A. Sheppard, the series is able to make light of the treacherous journey the two brothers find themselves in. With an impressive mythology taking inspiration from Abrahamic religions and various folklore from around the world, Supernatural makes the most of its influences while also sharing a touching tale of two brothers finding their way back to one another and developing an impenetrable bond.
4
‘True Blood’ (2008 – 2014)
True Blood follows the lives of several supernatural souls based in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. Through the eyes of Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), the series takes place in a world where vampires are not only widely known to the greater world but also live alongside humans. A dark, gritty, steamy, and momentarily silly story of love, dread, and the risks one takes to defend the ones they love and find meaning in their respective existences, True Blood may very well be one of the most influential vampire-led series of its decade.
A Sublime Supernatural Epic
Between the love triangles between Sookie and characters like the brooding Bill (Stephen Meyer), the cold and menacing Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), and the loyal Alcide (Joe Manganiello), and the depth in lore surrounding the various species in Bon Temps, True Blood stands as a strong example of refreshing worldbuilding. Delving deeper into the characters themselves, the creative minds behind True Blood have provided audiences with an astonishingly rich lore filled with all the character development, (blood)lust, and drama that fans of fantasy have come to appreciate.
3
‘Merlin’ (2008 – 2012)
Derived from Arthurian myths, the exemplary BBC fantasy series from the 2000s follows a young Merlin (Colin Morgan) as a teen growing up alongside then-Prince Arthur Prince Arthur (Bradley James). Sent to Camelot by his mother, Merlin realizes that his true destiny is to protect Arthur. However, with magic banned by King Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head), among the introduction of other magical foes, Merlin’s responsibilities are further complicated as the series goes on.
A British Fantasy Marvel
An imaginative retelling of the story of King Arthur, the series buoys itself on the strength of its comedic beats, strong appeal to maturing viewers, and the collectively stellar performances from its cast members. With each season, fans have been gifted with improved portrayals, expansions on the riveting magical universe at the center of the series, and the clever depiction of close relationship dynamics. The series stands as a great fantasy adaptation that makes use of familiar tropes as a basis for enthralling storylines baked with intriguing lore that pulls from the ancient tales of Arthur while offering new illuminating perspectives a chance to sit at the center.
2
‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007 – 2009)
For fans of Lee Pace, seeing him gain more recognition for his performances in shows like Foundation and films like Bodies, Bodies, Bodies must feel rewarding. Be it through word of mouth or off the strength of his recent projects, many have found their way back to the underrated fantasy-drama Pushing Daises. With Pace in the leading role as Ned, the series follows a seemingly normal baker with supernatural powers. Gifted, for better or for worse, with the ability to reanimate the deceased with a single touch. Despite the caveats to said abilities, he quickly aligns himself with Detective Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), who relies on Ned’s powers to solve cold cases.
Paranormal Pleasantries with a Dose of Dread
Known by many as a forensic fairytale, Pushing Daisies expertly combines the appealing intrigue of a police procedural with the lightness that can come out of fantasy stories. Including well-written characters with equally enthralling backstories and the series making the most of its magical properties, Pushing Daisies was an underrated marvel. With the advent of streaming, more people than ever can now dive into the captivating stories of Ned, Cod, and their respective ties to the great beyond.
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1
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005 – 2008)
Developed by Bryan Koneitzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, Avatar: The Last Airbender takes place on an Earth-like planet influenced by Asian and Native American cultures and follows 12-year-old Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) and his friends on a global mission to liberate said world from the threat of the Fire Nation. In three, robust, seasons, Avatar: The Last Airbender combines a jovial youthfulness with the darkness of topics such as genocide and imperialism, creating an authentic and ultimately enjoyable series for fans to dive into.
A Worthwhile Display of Fierce Optimism, Hope, and Camaraderie
The series continues to be commended for its groundbreaking approach to depicting sensitive topics while also remaining accessible for all ages. The sincerity bleeds through the screen as characters confront the consequences of imperialism and genocide, pushing back against systems that strip children of their agency. Between moments of comedic relief from characters like Sokka (Jack DeSena) and moving examples of redemption from the likes of Zuko (Dante Basco), the series remains a beloved story of grief, resilience, and resistance and an inspiration for animated epics to come.
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