Best Dark Fantasy TV Series, Ranked

As a lifelong fan of dark fantasy, I have to say that these three shows have captured my heart and imagination in ways few others have. From the blood-soaked battles of Castlevania to the political intrigue of Game of Thrones, and the haunting Victorian atmosphere of Penny Dreadful, each of these series has offered me a unique and captivating journey into their respective worlds.

In simpler terms, the realm of dark fantasy encompasses elements like gloomy settings, ethically ambiguous characters, magical phenomena, and legendary beasts. Compared to other forms of high fantasy, it tends to delve deeper into darkness and mystery. Stories within this genre may feature scary episodes or unsettling themes, but these are primarily associated with horror rather than dark fantasy itself.

In various forms like books, games, films, and television shows, this chilling subset of fantasy has found its way, frequently with impressive results. Television programs offer creators the luxury of weaving elaborate, gradually unfolding narratives across multiple episodes. For enthusiasts of this genre, these following series provide an ideal escape into haunting, mysterious, and captivating realms.

6 His Dark Materials

A Dark Adventure Spanning Multiple Worlds

Best Dark Fantasy TV Series, Ranked

Creator: Jack Thorne
Number of Seasons: 3
Original Release Date: November 3, 2019

Drawing inspiration from a collection of books titled “His Dark Materials“, this captivating narrative unfolds in an extraordinary and distinct universe where each human soul manifests as a specific animal companion, known as a daemon. A young girl named Lyra residing in an orphanage embarks on a journey to find her lost companions, which leads her deep into the harsh realities of her world, such as abductions and a prophecy by a witch.

In this show, a blend of grim, futuristic backdrops and animal allies creates an intriguing mix of bleak storylines and whimsical elements. From the get-go, the diverse worlds presented are sure to captivate audiences.

5 Angel

Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Darker Spinoff

Creators: Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt
Number of Seasons: 5
Original Release Date: October 5, 1999

Initially, Angel debuted as a character within “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” portraying a vampire who bore a soul and a possible romantic interest for Buffy. However, due to a curse afflicting him, if Angel experiences genuine joy, he will lose his soul and revert back to a typical, ruthless vampire. This predicament ultimately leads Angel to end things with Buffy and depart from the city, embarking on his own television series in Los Angeles.

It’s quite clear that Los Angeles, often referred to as the City of Angels, is crying out for another guardian angel due to its overpopulation with both tormented souls and malevolent entities. The television series “Angel” delves into this gritty urban landscape, portraying the city’s shadows as a breeding ground for the sinister forces that seep from every building and fissure in the streets.

4 Carnival Row

Shows the Hardship Fantasy Creatures Might Face in the Mundane World

Creators: Rene Echevarria, Travis Beacham
Number of Seasons: 2
Original Release Date: August 13, 2019

When considering mythical beings like fairies, images of child-oriented movies or literature usually spring to mind due to their frequent use in family-friendly high fantasy. However, Amazon’s Prime series “Carnival Row” presents an innovative perspective on the tales and escapades of these magical creatures, infusing a more ominous tone into their narratives.

In a tale that seamlessly blends enchanting folklore with gritty crime drama, mythical creatures are compelled to abandon their native land due to devastating warfare. However, they find little solace in human society, for the city is plagued by a wave of murders and simmering animosity between the two species. The gripping series, Carnival Row, serves up an enticing blend of timeless fairytales and intricate murder investigations, leaving viewers captivated.

3 Castlevania

Animated Excellence

Creator: Warren Ellis
Number of Seasons: 4
Original Release Date: July 7, 2017

The Castlevania franchise initially gained recognition as a well-known video game series and is credited with initiating the Metroidvania genre. However, in 2017, followers were introduced to an animated Netflix version that further expanded the fan base within the gothic universe of Castlevania.

Following his wife’s execution for supposedly dabbling in the occult, Count Dracula embarks on a destructive crusade against mankind, unleashing hordes of demons to indiscriminately slaughter everywhere they go. It falls upon Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard to put an end to his reign of terror. While it may be animated, Castlevania does not shy away from the gritty realities of dark fantasy, immersing viewers in its gloomy atmosphere, graphic violence, and genuinely terrifying demonic imagery.

2 Game of Thrones

A Masterclass in Morally Gray Characters

Creators: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
Number of Seasons: 8
Original Release Date: April 17, 2011

Drawing inspiration from George RR Martin’s epic A Song of Ice and Fire book series, the television show Game of Thrones stands as one of the most daring productions ever made. It wove together numerous character narratives, encompassing the conflict in Westeros and Daenerys’ odyssey with her dragons back home. Each character was masterfully portrayed, and for the majority, the writing was unparalleled. Regrettably, its final season was marred by a catastrophic downfall, yet it is undeniable that every other season was exceptional.

In this captivating series, you’ll find elements of ominous magic, dragons, and complex political intrigue – key features that dominate almost every episode. If you’re a fan of darker, mature fantasy, then Game of Thrones is an excellent choice for you. It offers an immersive experience to keep you engaged until the next book in the series arrives.

1 Penny Dreadful

An Excellent Show Aided by Iconic Book Characters

Creator: John Logan
Number of Seasons: 3
Original Release Date: May 11, 2014

As a lifelong fan of classic horror literature, I can confidently say that “Penny Dreadful” is a must-watch for anyone who shares my passion. The Victorian era setting perfectly captures the dark and gothic atmosphere that I’ve always associated with these timeless tales. From Dracula to Frankenstein and Dorian Gray, the show brings to life some of the most iconic characters from the pages of history, and it does so in a way that is both faithful to their original stories yet fresh and exciting. Eva Green delivers a captivating performance as Vanessa Ives, a character who grapples with her own inner demons while navigating a world filled with supernatural threats. Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or just someone looking for a well-crafted and engaging television series, “Penny Dreadful” is definitely worth checking out.

The television show, “Penny Dreadful,” focuses on Vanessa Ives, a talented character, who collaborates with Ethan, the father of her friend and a werewolf, to save Mina Murray from unknown, ominous forces. Rich in dark fantasy elements as well as gore, this outstanding series truly embodies the dark fantasy genre.

2024-08-03 09:33