Fantasyshows often introduce audiences to amazing fictional worlds, and while these are great,sometimes a fantasy series set in a historical period inside our very own reality is even better.This is what is known as a historical fantasy series. While it is definitely intriguing to be thrown into a world unique from our own, and forced to understand new mechanics and types of magic, some truly outstanding fantasy series don’t need to go that far. By putting a spin on a time period viewers have studied in school,the best fantasy showsmake magic out of the ordinary.
The best historical fantasy shows are those which use equal parts historyand equal parts fantasy. It would be easy for a show to use their historical background as nothing more than that: a background. However,the greatest historical seriesuse their time period to their advantage, creating a vivid ambiance and an interplay between history and magic. The shows that reimagine historical events with magic or give a different perspective on history through a fantasy lens are those that truly stick out as something special. They will immerse their viewers and perhaps even teach them something new.
Dickinson
Cast
Dickinson is a comedy series starring Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld. Dickinson audaciously explores the constraints of society, gender, and family from the perspective of the rebellious young poet Emily Dickinson, all while putting a modern spin on the period piece era’s tone. The show takes liberties with this retelling of the Author’s life while attempting to stay faithful to her history.
The first historical fantasy series on this list is one that may be surprising.Dickinsonis a 2019 historical comedy-dramatelling the story of the legendary poet, Emily Dickinson. Though Emily is a talented writer and ambitiously seeks out education and a higher purpose, the standards of 19th century America keep her from pursuing anything that goes beyond her home in Amherst, Massachusetts. However, that does not stop Emily from trying to escape these societal chains in any way she can.
The reason whyDickinsonmight be a confusing pick is because many may not realize that the series has fantasy elements. At first glance, the show seems to be a simple historical reimagining. Notably, the show uses modern language and music, despite its 1800s setting. However, on top of its anachronisms,Dickinsonalso uses aspects of fantasy to portray Emily’s story. For example, Emily frequently talks to Death, waltzes with a giant bee, and briefly travels through time. Thus,Dickinsonmay be subtle, but it is a strong historical fantasy series.
Alchemy of Souls
Alchemy of Souls is a South Korean TV series set in the fictional Daeho kingdom, following the lives of mages whose fate is altered by the practice of soul-shifting. Directed by Park Joon-hwa, the series stars Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, and Hwang Min-hyun, weaving together themes of magic, mystery, and destiny as characters navigate their intertwined lives under the influence of powerful spells and political intrigue.
For those seeking more historical fantasy series,K-dramasare a good genre to explore.Alchemy of Soulsis just one of many great fantasy series set in Korean history. The series tells the story of Nak-su, a warrior whose soul is trapped inside the body of a weak young woman named Mu-deok. However,Nak-su begins to find new purpose when she becomes entangled with Jang Uk, the son of a noble family. The two teach each other important life lessons as they fall in love.
Alchemy of Soulsis definitely best forfantasy romance lovers. Unlike other entries on this list,the K-drama deftly combines historical fiction, fantasy, and romanceto create a story that feels epic in scale. Viewers not only become invested in the problem of Nak-su’s soul-switching, but also in the growing bond between Nak-su and Jung Uk. In reality, their love is the most magical aspect of the story.Alchemy of Soulsis magical and heartbreaking.
Britannia
Set in 43 AD, Britannia is an epic drama depicting the Roman Imperial Army’s quest to conquer the enigmatic Celtic land. The series explores a realm dominated by warrior queens and druids wielding mystical powers, capturing the intense clash between civilization and ancient tribal beliefs.
A show that uses an especially unique period of history isBritannia.This 2018 series is set in 43 AD,when the Romans are attempting to invade Britain. As a Roman general descends upon the unconquered lands of Britain, the magical Druids must protect their livelihoods in any way they can, including using the magic inherent inside them. Overall, the series follows an ensemble cast that includes both Romans and Druids.
Britanniais a great pick for those who want something that goes beyond the historical periods audiences are most familiar with.
Britanniais a great pick for those who want something that goes beyond the historical periods audiences are most familiar with. While something like the Victorian Era is often used on-screen as a historical backdrop,Britanniauses an era that isn’t as well-known. In this way, audiences may learn something new while watching this show, along with enjoying its magical elements. Plus,Britannia’sancient time period allows for much more chaos and intensity than other fantasy series.
Renegade Nell
Renagade Nell is a Disney+ original series created by Sally Wainwright. The series follows a young woman named Nell Jackson who becomes a wanted outlaw after she is framed for murder. During her journey, she encounters a magical spirit named Billy, who reveals her true destiny.
A historical fantasy series with a protagonist who is younger than most isRenegade Nell.Streaming on Disney+,Renegade Nellfollows the eponymous Nell, a young woman who is framed for murderin 18th century England. As a result, Nell and her sisters must throw themselves into lives of crime, becoming feared highwaywomen. Luckily, though, Nell isn’t alone in her dangerous endeavor, as a friendly sprite named Billy offers his magic to help her survive.
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Renegade Nellis fun, action-packed, and great for all different kinds of audiences. Where many historical fantasy shows can become violent or graphic,Renegade Nelltoes the line between family-friendly and edgy. It is a show that is committed to its young protagonist, but doesn’t stray away from difficult content. On top of that, the series has amazing performances, especially from its lead, Louisa Harland, making it an underratedhidden gem on Disney+.
6Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (2015)
Two Men Try To Make Magic Acceptable In 19th Century England
Unsurprisingly, some of the greatest historicalfantasy series are those based on books. Before becoming a stunning BBC series,Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrellwas a 2004 novel by Susanna Clarke.This story follows Mr. Norrell, a magician who lives in the North of Englandduring a time when magic has fallen into disrepute. However, Norrell is convinced to come out of his hiding place by Jonathan Strange, a charismatic man who wants to redeem magic in London. Together, the men try to fix magic’s reputation, but end up becoming enemies over time.
The relationship between Strange and Norrell is vital to the story, and is likely one of the best parts of the entire series.
In just seven episodes,Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrelllays out an epic tale of friendship, magic, and reputation. Set in the dark depths of London’s 19th century, the series expertly weaves real history with magic. It is a world that audiences can easily become steeped in, but more importantly, they are invested as well. The relationship between Strange and Norrell is vital to the story, and is likely one of the best parts of the entire series. Audiences will see how magic can enlighten, but also tear people apart.
My Lady Jane
My Lady Jane is a Prime Video original series created by Gemma Burgess. The story is a “what if” style story of English royal history where King Henry VIII’s son Edward, Lady Jane Grey, and her husband Guildford all survive their real-life deaths. In the retelling of history, Jane Grey takes center stage, becoming queen and immediately finding herself facing nefarious villains.
In real history, Lady Jane Grey was only Queen of England for a day before being beheaded. However,My Lady Janeputs a magical twist on the tragic story. InMy Lady Jane,audiences follow Jane, an intelligent and strong-willed young woman who is forced to marry the womanizing Guildford. However, their lives become even more complicated when Jane is named Queen, giving her the chance to fix the unfair rules against magical individuals called Ethians. Yet, Jane’s good ideas aren’t so easily implemented as other players in the British court scheme to get rid of her.
Despite garnering a dedicated audience,My Lady Janewas canceled after one season.
My Lady Janestands out because, despite its cutthroat nature, the series manages to be very colorful, exciting, and funny. Jane is an admirable main character who is not only capable, but lovable. Her story is one that is seemingly impossible due to the rules of British succession, yet Jane and Guildford manage to scrape by due to their wit and skill. Plus, the magic in the story is quite unique and makes the stakes even higher, leaving audiences at the edge of their seats.
Interview with the Vampire
Based on Anne Rice’s novel series that began in 1976, Interview with the Vampire is a gothic horror fantasy series that explores the life of Louis de Pointe du Lac through an interview with a journalist. Told through flashbacks of Louis' life during the interview, the series examines Louis' relationship with the vampire that turned him, Lestat de Lioncourt, and a teenage girl named Claudia, whom he turns. The series is the first of Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe media franchise.
What may be one of the most recognizable titles on this list isInterview with the Vampire.Based on the 1994 movie and 1976 novel of the same name,Interview with the Vampirefollows Louis de Pointe du Lac, a vampirewho is revealing his life story to journalist Daniel Malloy. Louis recounts how the charming Lestat de Lioncourt turned him into a vampire in the 1910s, and later, how Lestat’s young vampire fledging came between them.
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Interview with the Vampireis one of thebest vampire stories, therefore it is a great choice for historical fantasy lovers. The series makes the most of its historical setting by utilizing stunning costumes and settings. Furthermore,2022’sInterview with the Vampiredigs into the LGBTQ themesof the original story, making it feel fresh and different from previous adaptations. It also cannot be ignored that both seasons of the show have garnered 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Thus, it is a series viewers do not want to miss.
Merlin
Merlin is a 2008 fantasy television series following the formative years of the legendary wizard Merlin, portrayed by Colin Morgan. Set in Camelot, it explores Merlin’s early friendship with Prince Arthur, played by Bradley James, amid a kingdom where magic is banned.
Merlinmay be the oldest show on this list, but it is still one of the best.Merlinisinspired by the myth of King Arthur.It follows the famous wizard, Merlin, in his youth, as he learns magic and forms a bond with the young Prince Arthur. Where other Arthurian stories like to focus on the big events of the legend, such as Arthur pulling Excalibur from the stone,Merlintells a completely different tale. The show offers a glimpse into the youthful mistakes of both Merlin and Arthur as they simply learn how to be people.
Despite its age,Merlinstill holds up as a riveting and charming fantasy TV show. With 13 episodes per season,the show gets to dig deep into the problems plaguing both Merlin and Camelotat large. Viewers also get a closer look at iconic characters such as Morgana and Guinevere. The best part of all is the budding friendship between Arthur and Merlin. Though this show is based on well-known myths, audiences should be prepared to have their expectations subverted.
Penny Dreadful
Penny Dreadful is a gothic horror thriller series that follows characters forced to brave historic British literature creations in Victorian London. Centering on Vanessa Ives across the series, the show has Vanessa and her allies face-to-face with supernatural entities that will challenge their reality while dealing with their own personal demons.
A number of Gothic book characters travel through Victorian London in the 2014 series,Penny Dreadful.The horror series centers on Vanessa Ives, an enigmatic and dark heroine who is assisting a man in finding his last surviving relatives. Alongside her quest,audiences meet characters such as Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray and Mary Shelley’s Victor Frankensteinand his Creature. Despite their separate trajectories, each character ends up crossing paths, leading to chaos.
Penny Dreadfulhas a 2020 spinoff series calledPenny Dreadful: City of Angels.
Penny Dreadfulis a moody and vivid series. Of all the shows on this list, this is the one that will likely suck audiences in the most.Penny Dreadful’sVictorian London is bursting with unique characters, each of whom has an engaging story. Without a doubt, viewers will become attached to this ensemble cast, and will be eager to see them all come together. Overall, this is the type of show that is a bit complex and hard to explain, but is most definitely worth the journey.
Outlander
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst political intrigue and danger, she navigates life in the past and becomes torn between loyalty to her husband and the love for a dashing young warrior.
One of the most popular historical fantasy series, and for good reason, isOutlander.This show follows Claire, a British woman living in 1940s England, who is sent back in timeto 18th century Scotland during a second honeymoon with her husband. In order to survive, Claire must partner up with a handsome yet quiet Scotsman, Jamie. Thus, Claire is stuck between two men in two different timelines, but as the story goes on, Claire begins to see strange parallels between history and her own life.
Outlanderis based on a book series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon.
Outlanderis dramatic, intense, and completely appealing.Claire’s story is horrifying in many ways, so to see her persevere is incredible. Plus, her relationship with Jamie is so complex and heartwarming, even when it is dangerous and strange. Overall,Outlanderdoes a great job at explaining both its magic and its history. The show delves into an aspect of history that not everyone is familiar with. In this way, Claire and Jamie’sfantasystory represents an important part of British history.
