10 Best Historical Fantasy TV Shows, Ranked

Fantasy shows 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 shows make magic out of the ordinary.

The best historical fantasy shows are those which use equal parts history and 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 series use 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.

10 Dickinson (2019)

Emily Dickinson Sees The World Through Her Unique Lens

The first historical fantasy series on this list is one that may be surprising. Dickinson is a 2019 historical comedy-drama telling 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 why Dickinson might 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, Dickinson also 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, Dickinson may be subtle, but it is a strong historical fantasy series.

9 Alchemy Of Souls (2022)

A Warrior Is Trapped Inside The Wrong Body

For those seeking more historical fantasy series, K-dramas are a good genre to explore. Alchemy of Souls is 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 Souls is definitely best for fantasy romance lovers. Unlike other entries on this list, the K-drama deftly combines historical fiction, fantasy, and romance to 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 Souls is magical and heartbreaking.

8 Britannia (2018)

Druids Face Off Against Roman Conquest

A show that uses an especially unique period of history is Britannia. 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.

Britannia
is a great pick for those who want something that goes beyond the historical periods audiences are most familiar with.

Britannia is 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, Britannia uses 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’s ancient time period allows for much more chaos and intensity than other fantasy series.

7 Renegade Nell (2024)

A Young Woman Is Forced To Become A Highwaywoman

A historical fantasy series with a protagonist who is younger than most is Renegade Nell. Streaming on Disney+, Renegade Nell follows the eponymous Nell, a young woman who is framed for murder in 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.

Renegade Nell is fun, action-packed, and great for all different kinds of audiences. Where many historical fantasy shows can become violent or graphic, Renegade Nell toes 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 underrated hidden gem on Disney+.

6 Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (2015)

Two Men Try To Make Magic Acceptable In 19th Century England

Unsurprisingly, some of the greatest historical fantasy series are those based on books. Before becoming a stunning BBC series, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell was a 2004 novel by Susanna Clarke. This story follows Mr. Norrell, a magician who lives in the North of England during 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. Norrell lays 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.

5 My Lady Jane (2024)

A Reimagining Of The Story Of Jane Grey

In real history, Lady Jane Grey was only Queen of England for a day before being beheaded. However, My Lady Jane puts a magical twist on the tragic story. In My 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 Jane
was canceled after one season.

My Lady Jane stands 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.

4 Interview With The Vampire (2022)

A Vampire Recounts His Life In 20th Century New Orleans

What may be one of the most recognizable titles on this list is Interview with the Vampire. Based on the 1994 movie and 1976 novel of the same name, Interview with the Vampire follows Louis de Pointe du Lac, a vampire who 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.

Interview with the Vampire is one of the best 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’s Interview with the Vampire digs into the LGBTQ themes of 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.

3 Merlin (2008)

A Young Wizard Helps The Future King Of Camelot

Merlin may be the oldest show on this list, but it is still one of the best. Merlin is inspired 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, Merlin tells 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, Merlin still 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 Camelot at 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.

2 Penny Dreadful (2014)

Gothic Book Characters Come To Life In Victorian England

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 Frankenstein and his Creature. Despite their separate trajectories, each character ends up crossing paths, leading to chaos.

Penny Dreadful
has a 2020 spinoff series called
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

Penny Dreadful is 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’s Victorian 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.

1 Outlander (2014)

A Woman Is Set Back In Time To 18th Century Scotland

One of the most popular historical fantasy series, and for good reason, is Outlander. This show follows Claire, a British woman living in 1940s England, who is sent back in time to 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.

Outlander
is based on a book series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon.

Outlander is 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, Outlander does 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’s fantasy story represents an important part of British history.