16 fantasy TV shows and movies that are essential for Gen Z

This entire series is basically a core personality trait for a generation, taking us from a cupboard under the stairs to a full-blown wizarding war. The Harry Potter saga is the ultimate comfort watch, a story about friendship, courage, and finding your chosen family that remains timeless.

Don't let this cartoon fool you; it's a masterpiece, boasting some of the finest character development and world-building of all time. It expertly balances goofy humor with mature themes of war, destiny, and spirituality, making Avatar: The Last Airbender a series you can watch over and over.

The Lord of the Rings is that epic, high-fantasy saga that has set the standard for every adventure that followed. It's a beautiful story about fighting for good against impossible odds, and the found family dynamic of the Fellowship is truly iconic.

Set against the backdrop of fascist Spain, this dark fairytale follows a young girl who escapes into a mysterious, magical, and often terrifying world. This 2006 production is a stunning and heartbreaking film that proves fantasy is one of the most effective ways to explore real-world horrors.

Game of Thrones was more than a show; it was a weekly global event that had everyone debating allegiances and fearing for their favorite characters' lives. Its blend of brutal political drama, epic battles, and high fantasy redefined what was possible for television, for better or for worse.

The Hunger Games series took the concept of a dystopian society and made it a pop culture phenomenon, centered on the fiercely independent Katniss Everdeen. The saga, written by Suzanne Collins, is a gripping story about rebellion and survival. 

This Netflix series perfectly captured 80s nostalgia and wrapped it in a thrilling sci-fi fantasy story about a group of nerdy kids fighting interdimensional monsters. Its iconic synth soundtrack, lovable characters, and D&D-inspired lore made it an instant classic for the streaming age.

This show delivered a gritty, monster-hunting adventure with a complex timeline and an even more complex hero in Geralt of Rivia. The Witcher's blend of dark fantasy, dry humor, and incredible fight scenes made it a massive hit on Netflix's global platform. 

Netflix's Wednesday gave the iconic Addams Family daughter a delightfully morbid and mysterious world of her own to explore at Nevermore Academy. The show's deadpan wit, gothic style, and a viral dance scene made this supernatural mystery an absolute smash hit.

What starts as a story about a Viking boy and his forbidden friendship with a dragon evolves into an epic, heartwarming saga about love, loss, and growing up. The How to Train Your Dragon films are visually spectacular, with some of the most beautiful flying sequences ever put to screen.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was the book that made every kid check the back of their closet just in case. This 2005 film adaptation perfectly captured the magic and wonder of stepping into a frozen, mythical land and fighting alongside a talking lion.

Twilight wasn't just a movie series; it was a full-blown cultural reset that had an entire generation debating whether they were Team Edward or Team Jacob. The moody, blue-tinted world and its dramatic vampire-human romance defined a whole era of young adult fantasy.

After some questionable movie adaptations, this Disney+ series finally delivered the faithful and fun adaptation of the beloved books fans had been waiting for. Percy Jackson & The Olympians brought the world of Greek gods and demigods to life for a new generation, with a perfect blend of humor, heart, and adventure.

For a Nickelodeon and animated take, this show is perfect. A 14-year-old boy gets ghost powers in a lab accident and must juggle the horrors of high school with catching ghosts that escape from his parents' portal. Talk about a binge-worthy series!

This show took a classic family sitcom and added a brilliant, magical twist, centering on three wizard siblings competing to become the one who ultimately retains their powers. Led by Selena Gomez's iconic, sarcastic slacker, their constant magical mishaps and blatant rule-bending made for hilarious chaos. It perfected the formula of blending everyday teen problems with world-altering magical ones.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is the quintessential predecessor to Wizards of Waverly Place. It’s a hilarious 90s sitcom about a girl who discovers she's a witch on her 16th birthday and has to learn the magical ropes with her quirky aunts and a talking cat.