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10 Greatest Fantasy TV Masterpieces of the 21st Century, Ranked
This Collider article, published on 12 July 2026 and written by Dawson Nyffenegger, presents a ranked list of what it considers the ten greatest fantasy television shows of the 21st century. The piece argues that fantasy TV has flourished over the past 26 years thanks to advances in filming technology and the rise of streaming and on-demand viewing, which have given studios larger budgets and higher production values. The author frames the genre's popularity as rooted in escapism, offering viewers a taste of worlds more interesting than their own.
The countdown begins at number ten with The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019), a visually lavish Netflix prequel to Jim Henson's 1982 film that was critically praised but cancelled after a single season. Number nine is Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022), a dark fantasy and horror anthology miniseries drawn from the director's own "ideas" box. Number eight is Gravity Falls (2012–2016), an animated Disney/Cartoon Network series about two children uncovering supernatural mysteries in small-town Oregon, which developed a cult following for its unexpectedly deep, philosophical themes. The remainder of the ranked list is cut off in the provided text.
In short
- Collider ranks the ten best 21st-century fantasy TV shows.
- Streaming and bigger budgets fuelled a fantasy TV boom.
- The Dark Crystal, Cabinet of Curiosities and Gravity Falls make the list.
Explained simply
Fantasy television, which depicts worlds of magic, mythical creatures and epic adventures, has grown into one of the most popular genres on screen over the past two decades. As audiences increasingly seek escapism and immersion in imaginative worlds, the genre has become a significant part of mainstream entertainment.
Advances in filming technology and the expansion of streaming services have been crucial to fantasy's growth. Higher production budgets and improved special effects have made it possible to bring complex fictional worlds to the screen more convincingly, whilst on-demand viewing has given audiences new ways to engage with longer, episodic storytelling.
Fantasy television spans multiple formats, from elaborate live-action series to animated programmes and anthology collections exploring darker themes. Shows in the genre often attract devoted audiences, with viewers drawn to their visual spectacle, detailed world-building and thematic depth.