The 10 best dark fantasy reality series on television

Live-action dark fantasy is a growing genre that offers suspense and thrills through the classic battle between good and evil. In a chaotic world filled with hate, these stories may seem disingenuous, but they offer a form of escapism and reflect reality, which makes dark fantasy particularly appealing.

Dark fantasy challenges traditional heroics, morals, and fairy tale ideals. It contains elements such as violence, horror, gothic style, existential themes, and flawed protagonists. The genre has gained popularity in both anime and live-action TV shows, captivating viewers with its imaginative and twisted storytelling.

1.Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones and its spin-off House of the Dragon are popular fantasy television series based on the books by George RR Martin. Both series have their roots in high fantasy, with unique magic systems, rich history, and complicated rules. However, due to their intense themes and storylines, they often move towards dark fantasy as morally questionable characters commit violent acts.

2. Wednesday

Netflix’s Wednesday is a dark fantasy series for teens and young adults. It follows the sarcastic Wednesday Addams as she investigates a school shooting and uses her psychic abilities to run a school for the supernatural. While the series doesn’t delve deeply into dark themes, it stands out for its visually striking gothic and macabre style.

The series pays homage to dark fantasy and horror writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley, underlining its tone and mood. There is great anticipation for the second season of Wednesday, which promises an even darker tone and themes than its predecessor.

3. The Sorcerer

The Witcher is a dark fantasy series that follows Geralt, a monster-hunting mercenary, as he makes his way through a corrupt and twisted world. The series features morally questionable characters who put their own interests first, which is a departure from the black-and-white nature of many high fantasy series.

Despite mixed reviews from critics and audiences, The Witcher has become the most in-demand streaming show since its debut. Netflix announced it was the second most popular show of 2019, only surpassed by Stranger Things. The Witcher’s acting, soundtrack, visual effects, makeup, hair, and camera work make it one of the best dark fantasy TV shows.

4. The Sandman

The Sandman is a dark fantasy television series that follows Morpheus, the anthropomorphic personification of dreams, as he attempts to restore his kingdom after escaping from captivity. The series features gothic imagery, a dark tone, and a jaded protagonist, creating a grim and nihilistic atmosphere. The plot and characters are based on DC Comics and are well-crafted and human, with attention to detail in costumes and production design. The score influences the plot and mood, and unlike many dark fantasy series, The Sandman conveys a hopeful message about human nature.

5. Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone, a dark fantasy live-action television series, follows Alina Starkov, an orphaned cartographer who discovers her heritage and magical gifts. The series is praised for its technical excellence, clear voice, and distinct aesthetic. The acting and writing are notable for creating layered characters. The series ranks as the 24th most-watched streaming original series of 2023 across all platforms and was voted the fan favorite series of 2023 on Rotten Tomatoes with 54 percent of the vote.

6. Supernatural

Supernatural is a popular television series about brothers Dean and Sam Winchester who hunt supernatural creatures. As the longest-running horror series, it falls into the dark fantasy genre, with moderate bloodshed, a somber tone, and cinematography styles common in fantasy. The series’ fan base is devoted and passionate.

Supernatural is a highly acclaimed dark fantasy series with a long tradition that attracts a passionate fan base due to the strong chemistry between Dean and Sam. Their perfect chemistry counterbalances the darker storylines. The series has been nominated nine times for Saturn Awards, six of which were for Best Network Television Series, making it a top choice among fans.

7. The Originals

“The Originals” is a dark fantasy spin-off of “The Vampire Diaries” and revolves around the vampire-werewolf hybrid Niklaus Mikaelson and his siblings, who are embroiled in a turf war in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where vampires, witches and werewolves vie for dominance.

Unlike its predecessor, the series features morally questionable and Machiavellian characters, which adds to the dark motives and gruesome plots. Storylines include human sacrifice, evil rituals, and spirit possession that border on horror. The series is often hailed as the best in the Vampire Diaries universe due to its darker, more mature tone. Seasons 2 to 4 of The Originals in particular boast an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 100%.

8. Interview with a Vampire

The AMC series Interview with the Vampire, based on the books by Anne Rice, is a highly rated dark fantasy series. It follows a vampire named Louis de Pointe du Lac who interviews journalist Daniel Molloy about his past, particularly his romance with Lestat de Lioncourt in 1910s New Orleans. The series, which features gothic horror and LGBTQ+ elements, received critical acclaim for its script, soundtrack, and production design.

Both seasons have a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating of 98%, and a third season is in the works. The series was also named to IndieWire’s list of the 25 most important LGBTQ+ TV series of the 21st century.

9. Penny novel

Penny Dreadful, a three-season dark fantasy television series from Showtime, follows Vanessa Ives, a medium who interacts with characters from gothic horror literature such as Dorian Gray, Victor Frankenstein, and Count Dracula. The series blurs the line between horror and dark fantasy, featuring supernatural elements and morally complex characters. The series has received 13 Primetime Emmy nominations and a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating for its second season. The showrunner decided to end the series at a natural end to the story rather than expecting a cancellation.

10. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a dark horror television series that tells the story of half-human, half-witch Sabrina Spellman as she tries to reconcile her two worlds and her family’s legacy in the Church of the Night. The series contains elements of horror, witchcraft, occultism, demons and dark forces, with blood and violence. The main characters often use black humor and challenge the norms of teen drama. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina successfully blends school, drama, teen romance, horror and fantasy without compromising on any of the genres.