With worlds beyond audiences' imaginations, fantasy television has been captivating viewers for decades. From intriguing lore and unforgettable characters to fantastical machines and magic-filled lands, the genre has continuously proved why it's one of the most entertaining to indulge in. Over the years, some fantasy series have come and gone with a quick, albeit beautiful, flair -- but quite a few have the accomplishment of lingering for years, spanning five seasons or more.

Shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which stands as one of the top pioneers of the fantasy TV genre, and Adventure Time, an animated series that is enticingly rich in fantasy and great for people of all ages, are just a few of the great joys brought to fantasy television. On this list are some of the greatest long-running fantasy series that not only endured the test of time but created a lasting legacy.

10 'Inuyasha' (2000-2010)

This anime series is an underrated fantasy gem that not enough people talk about. Inuyasha centers on a modern teenager, 15-year-old Kagome Higurashi (Satsuki Yukino), who, while living at her family's ancient shrine, falls through a magical well and lands herself in the Sengoku period, 500 years in the past. There, she discovers new things about herself and meets the incorrigible half-human, half-demon boy, Inuyasha (Kappei Yamaguchi).

Inuyasha is a highly unique fantasy watch, perfect for even those who are new to the anime genre. The series is not only a blend of fantasy and adventure, but also a beautiful tale of genuine romance. There truly isn't another anime series like Inuyasha, and too often it goes unnoticed as a brilliant fantasy standout. Even with its age, Inuyasha wields a timeless charm that gifts viewers with fantastical Japanese folklore, an enchanting romance, and a long and action-filled story worth diving into.

9 'Doctor Who' (2005-)

Doctor Who is actually a series that straddles the fence of both fantasy and sci-fi. The popular British series follows "The Doctor," an alien Time Lord who travels through space and time in a mysterious blue police box that's bigger on the inside, known as the TARDIS, and journeys across the galaxies, reshaping destinies, protecting civilizations, and battling monsters along the way.

Doctor Who features a very fantasy-based spirit, one that assures the audience that anything magical is a very likely possibility. The show has weathered the storm of time, finding an impressive way to continue its story with finesse and reinvention. The series surpasses five seasons, anchored by its constantly regenerating hero -- something truly magical in itself. While there is a debate about the story being solely fantasy-based, every moment watching the long-running series is a moment enjoyed.

8 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' (1996-2003)

This teen fantasy sitcom is one that spawned not only a haunting reboot, but also an animated series. Sabrina the Teenage Witch follows the magical misadventures of teen witch Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart), who only discovers her witching abilities on her sixteenth birthday.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch stands as one of the pop culture staples of the late '90s. It's a family-friendly watch that gifts its audience with a unique and magical twist. The series wields a charm unlike any other and produced seven great seasons. Sabrina the Teenage Witch is a mix of adolescent drama and comedy, with a heaping dash of witchery to make it all the more fun. While delivering light moral lessons with a genuine laugh, the brilliant fantasy sitcom delivers a dose of magic that is able to charm any fantasy lover.

7 'Adventure Time' (2010-2018)

While Adventure Time isn't the typical adult's first choice when it comes to an enticing fantasy watch, the show is an incredibly surprisingly good time for those of all ages. The whimsical animated series centers around a brave 12-year-old human, Finn (Jeremy Shada), and his best friend and adoptive brother, Jake (John DiMaggio) the talking dog, as they roam the magical Land of Ooo.

For any fan of fantasy in search of a truly original watch, Adventure Time is a sure choice. While it may center on a 12-year-old boy, its story is a charming, chaotic, and surprisingly thought-provoking one. The show is a standout, beloved by both kids and adults for its world-building, creativity, and its willingness to tackle difficult themes, all in the guise of a whimsical, lighthearted cartoon. Adventure Time, during its run, gifted viewers ten epic seasons of fantastical fun, and continues to stand strong as one of the best shows -- not only of its time but even presently.

6 'Xena: Warrior Princess' (1995-2001)

This fantasy watch is a spin-off from the series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Xena: Warrior Princess follows the fierce and formidable warrior, Xena (Lucy Lawless), who tirelessly seeks redemption for her dark past.

Despite being a spin-off series, Xena: Warrior Princess grew into its own and currently stands as a fantasy phenomenon that leaped to unexpected heights, not that long after its debut. The show garnered enough viewership to deliver six entertaining seasons that broke new ground for strong female protagonists during its run. Not only did the fantasy series have a broad influence on Buffy the Vampire Slayer's creator, Joss Whedon, but the show is still often cited for its importance in tackling LGBTQ representation. Xena: Warrior Princess is an enchanting fantasy series worth watching, consistently lauded as one of the greatest long-running fantasy shows to hit the air.

5 'Once Upon a Time' (2011-2018)

This fairy-tale fantasy drama is a unique combination of fairytale lore in a single cohesive and ultimately thrilling universe. Once Upon a Time is mainly set in a fictional New England town, following a tough Boston bail bondperson, Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), as she finds herself stranded in town with the intention of sticking around for the son she once gave up for adoption. Unbeknownst to her is the fact that the charming residents of said town are all trapped under a curse that hides their true fairytale identities.

Once Upon a Time was the ultimate fantasy hit during its run, praised for its inventive storytelling and entertaining characters. It's a fantasy show that masterfully balances darkness and optimism, with hope as a consistent and prominent theme that makes its audience just as wishful. Running for seven seasons, Once Upon a Time stood as a rare treat -- a high-concept fantasy on network television that achieved what most fantasy shows couldn't: last.

4 'Charmed' (1998-2006)

Charmed is an urban fantasy drama that enticingly blends romance, humor, and family drama, with spells and thrilling magical showdowns. Set in San Francisco, the series follows the Halliwell sisters -- responsible Prue (Shannen Doherty), compassionate Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and free-spirited Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), as they discover that they are the world's most powerful witches tasked with protecting innocents from evil.

With eight seasons under its belt, Charmed drew a cult following and positive ratings. The series currently stands as one of the most popular shows made about witches, holding up decades after its first episode. Not only does Charmed feature magic and melodrama, but it also maintains an entertaining momentum that showcases the relatable reality of being a young woman -- dealing with relationships and careers. With its solid mix of sorcery and sisterhood, Charmed is definitely one of the greatest long-running fantasies worth investing in.

3 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' (1997-2003)

This groundbreaking fantasy drama embraces a young woman's resilience and independence. Buffy the Vampire Slayer centers around California teenager Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), who discovers she is the "Chosen One" destined to slay demons, vampires, and other dark evils.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is well-known as the series that redefined TV storytelling during its run, influencing countless shows with its unique brilliance. The iconic series boasted a feminist, genre-blending good time that showcased a tiny teen girl fighting hulking monsters and taking them down. Delivering seven seasons of entertainment, the beloved show inspired generations of writers and showrunners in genres ranging from teen dramas to fantasy. With its witty dialogue, rich character development, and enchanting fantastical moments, Buffy the Vampire Slayer definitely earned its fame as one of fantasy's greatest.

2 'Outlander' (2014-)

This series is another one that straddles the fence between sci-fi and fantasy. This epic fantasy romance drama, Outlander, follows a married WWII combat nurse, Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), as she finds herself tumbling through time and landing in 1743 Scotland. There she tackles the Jacobite rising and other turbulent politics, all the while falling desperately in love with the brave Highland warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan).

There aren't many series like Outlander. With a brilliant and unique story, adapted from Diana Gabaldon's bestselling novels, Outlander is the perfect blend of fantasy, historical drama, and romance. The series stands strong with seven seasons, and remains consistent with its quality throughout. The fantasy show grew so popular that it gained its own spin-off prequel, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, extending its universe. With fantasy intrigue and a once-in-a-generation screen romance, capable of making any viewer swoon, Outlander is absolutely one of the best fantasy greats.

1 'Game of Thrones' (2011-2019)

Game of Thrones is an unforgettable watch that once dominated the TV fantasy genre with its masterful storytelling. The medieval fantasy chronicles the vicious struggle among noble families, as they fight with swords, schemes, and dragons, all for the ultimate seat of power, the Iron Throne.

Adapted from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels, the Game of Thrones series stormed screens and took over the fantasy genre in a burst of shocking betrayals and cinematic spectacle. The incredible series redefined fantasy on television, lauded for its unpredictability and willingness to subvert clichés and tropes alike. At its peak, the fantasy epic often broke viewership records as HBO's most-watched series. It definitely raised the bar for fantasy TV, standing strong with eight excellent seasons that captivated millions. Game of Thrones is no doubt the pinnacle of long-running fantasy TV.

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Game Of Thrones TV-MA Drama Action Adventure Fantasy 59 9.3/10 Release Date 2011 - 2019-00-00 Showrunner David Benioff, D.B. Weiss Cast See All Kit Harington Jon Snow Isaac Hempstead Wright Brandon Bran Stark Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY

Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.

Directors David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff Writers D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, David Benioff Franchise(s) Game of Thrones Main Genre Drama Seasons 8 Creator(s) David Benioff, D.B. Weiss Story By George R.R. Martin Streaming Service(s) MAX Powered by Expand Collapse