While almost all television can provide some sort of escape from our daily lives, perhaps no genre provides this quite like fantasy, as it immerses us in worlds completely different from our own. At its best, however, fantasy is much more than just a journey to another world — acclaimed and beloved fantasy series also feature compelling stories and interesting, complex characters, and they can not only entertain but also say something profound about our own world and time.
Fantasy has been experiencing something of a Golden Age — with so many options thanks to streaming services, audiences have plenty of fantasy shows to get lost in. While some of the most popular and beloved series are also flawed and criticized, some stand out as examples of what the genre can be at its best. Some of the best of them have been animated series, and the format can provide an excellent entry into the complex and often stunning worlds the genre has become known for. But no matter the medium, the best shows with skillful plotting, great characters and expansive worlds have earned impressive scores on Rotten Tomatoes, including more than a few with 100%.
10
‘Steven Universe’ (2013–2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
The animated coming-of-age series Steven Universe, set in the fictional town of Beach City, followed a group of mineral-based aliens who protected the Earth known as the Crystal Gems — Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz), and Pearl (Deedee Magno Hall) — and the titular character (Zach Callison), a half-human, half-gem 12-year-old boy. Together, the group faced a number of dangerous scenarios, even though Steven was not as powerful or intelligent as the others. The story continued with Steven Universe Future, as well as tie-in comics.
Throughout its run, Steven Universe had a dedicated fanbase, although some of its character arcs — notably, the redemption of villains — remain controversial. It was praised not only for its diversity and LGBTQ representation, most notably through the character of Garnet, but for its positive themes of love and the importance of healthy relationships, as well as its handling of complex themes. The series also received critical acclaim for its storytelling, characters and animation.
9
‘Delicious in Dungeon’ (2024–)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
After a failed raid on a dungeon, Laios’ younger sister was eaten by a dragon, and he set out to get to her before she could be digested in Delicious in Dungeon. But without any provisions, including food, he’s forced to cook and eat whatever he can find in the dungeon. The series was based on the manga of the same name. While only one season has aired so far, a second season is expected.
Delicious in Dungeon has proven to be a surprising gem, despite its strange and unique but lighthearted premise. It takes place in a brilliantly constructed fantasy world, with great attention to detail — all the pieces fit together in a way that makes sense, which isn’t always the case in fantasy or other complex stories. And while that alone makes it worth the watch, it’s also a fun series with great storytelling, and, so far, it’s been faithful to the manga.
8
‘Solo Leveling’ (2024–)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
In Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo transforms from a low-level hunter struggling to make ends meet to a strong force to be reckoned with as he fights monsters, improving in both strength and skill. The anime was based on the web novel of the same name. Netflix is set to release a live-action adaptation of the story, and although Season 3 of the anime has not been officially announced, the series is expected to continue.
Solo Leveling is a must-see series from its very first episode, demonstrated by the hype around it — it’s proven to be just as popular as its source material. It’s also received plenty of critical praise, from its 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes to winning Anime of the Year at the 2025 Anime Awards. It’s essentially a power fantasy, with Sung Jinwoo improving and taking down his foes quickly, and it clearly resonates with audiences.
Solo Leveling
- Release Date
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2024 – 2025
- Network
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Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
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Genta Nakamura
Yoo Jin-ho
7
‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018–2024)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
In the animated Netflix series The Dragon Prince, after the Dragon King was attacked, his only surviving egg, the Dragon Prince, went missing. Some time later, two human princes, Prince Ezran (Sasha Rojen) and his half-brother, Callum (Jack De Sena), form an unexpected bond with an elfin assassin sent to kill them, and together, they team up to bring peace to the worlds of humans and elves, whose worlds had been divided for thousands of years.
The Dragon Prince told an epic fantasy story, and it was consistently good throughout its seven seasons. It took many of the familiar tropes and beats of fantasy storytelling and made them into something fresh, with a great balance of humor and seriousness, especially as later seasons took on a darker tone and ended with a few cliffhangers. The series also featured a cast of complex characters, which only made it more interesting to watch.
The Dragon Prince
- Release Date
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2018 – 2023
- Network
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Justin Richmond
- Directors
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Justin Richmond
6
‘Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
The Netflix animated series Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld, set in a small town in Texas, follows a girl (Ali Wong) who, as she approaches her 16th birthday, rediscovers the impressive powers she had long been suppressing after she learns she is being hunted by a demon king who wanted those very powers. Her great-aunt Gugu (Lori Tan Chinn) aims to help her master her powers, and, of course, she still has normal teenage problems to deal with.
Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld was unique for its blend of the Chinese and Texan cultures, and it also featured a cast of complex characters — although they didn’t always make the best decisions, they remained likable, and their growth was great to watch. It ended on a practically perfect note, leaving fans satisfied in case it were to be canceled. It also featured stunning animation, with bright colors and great character design.
5
‘Blood of Zeus’ (2020–2025)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
In the Netflix animated series Blood of Zeus—previously known as Gods & Heroes—commoner Heron (Derek Phillips), who had been shunned for being an illegitimate child, learns he is really the demigod son of Zeus and is destined to save both Olympus and Earth. In the process, Heron also saves his brother, Seraphim (Elias Toufexis). The series ran for three seasons, and each built on Heron and Seraphim’s journey and relationship, which was often strained.
Pop culture turns to Greek mythology seemingly endlessly for stories, but with its interpretation of the famous stories and gods, Blood of Zeus presented a compelling story in a stunning format. It featured great character design and impressive fight scenes, as well as voiceover work from a star-studded cast. And while it’s not uncommon for shows, especially in fantasy, to have sudden, unsatisfying endings thanks to cancellation, that was certainly not the case for the show’s final season.
4
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
In the Nickelodeon animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, set in a world where people are capable of telekinetically manipulating the elements, two siblings discovered a young boy, Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), known as the Avatar. As Aang worked to master all four elements, the group also battled the evil Fire Lord (Mark Hamill). The series was followed by the sequel The Legend of Korra, and it was also adapted into a live-action movie and, most recently, a live-action series.
With its blend of Japanese and Western influences, Avatar presented a unique world. The series also explored heavy themes, including sexism and genocide, making it the perfect example of how good an animated series can be and how much it can have to offer audiences of all ages. Given its many strengths, it’s no surprise the series holds 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and remains as popular now — if not more popular — as it was when it first aired.
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric search for the Philosopher’s Stone in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, after an attempt to revive their dead mother — the biggest taboo in alchemy — goes very wrong. Along the way, they encounter the villainous Homunculi, each named for one of the seven deadly sins. The show was based on the Fullmetal Alchemist manga and followed it more closely than the first Fullmetal Alchemist series, released in 2003.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is regarded as both an incredible anime and fantasy series overall — it’s not only held up as one of the best of the 2000s but of all time. Its acclaim was thanks in large part to the great chemistry between the two brothers and the show’s excellent and deliberate plotting, including its satisfying ending, which perfectly tied up all the show’s loose ends. The series is also a great entry point for audiences new to anime.
2
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
Set decades after a war during which an elf, Frieren, and her friends defeated an evil king, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End follows the group as they return to their way of life. It was based on the manga of the same name. One season has aired so far, and a second season is currently in production.
With an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Frieren immerses audiences in a rich and visually stunning world — and it can only get better in Season 2. It also tells a refreshing story, as it begins after the characters have already defeated a villain, and they have great camaraderie with each other. And although things unfold slowly, it’s worth watching for the character development and exploration of larger, thought-provoking concepts.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- Release Date
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September 29, 2023
- Network
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Nippon TV, YTV, FBS, Chukyo TV, RNB, FCT, STV, KNB, HTV, YBS, RAB, TVI, YBC, UMK TV Miyazaki, TSB, MMT, TeNY, RNC, NIB, KKT, KTK, NKT, ABS, JRT, Daiichi-TV, FBC, RKC, KYT, KRY
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Atsumi Tanezaki
Frieren (voice)
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Kana Ichinose
Fern (voice)
1
‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score: 100%
The Netflix series Arcane followed two orphaned sisters — Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) — as they found themselves on opposite sides of a conflict with their native oppressed city of Zaun and its sister city, the utopia Piltover, as they disputed over new technology—specifically, the hextech, a way for anyone to control magic. The series ran for two seasons and was based on the world of the video game League of Legends.
Arcane was among the most recent shows to earn an impressive score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Although its second season received more criticism than the first, it was still critically acclaimed and held up as one of the best seasons of television ever, and it appealed to audiences familiar with the game and newcomers. But its story wasn’t its only strength — it boasted an incredible art style unlike those seen in most other animated shows.
Arcane
- Release Date
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2021 – 2024
- Network
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Netflix