Sometimes, you need a little escape from the real world — and what better way than to dive into a TV show filled with magic, dragons, and/or time travel?

There is no shortage of fantasy literature and films to dig into, but TV has also proved a particularly fitting model to push the genre forward. And, thanks in large part to hits like “Game of Thrones,” they’ve gotten increasingly big-budget, which makes the immersion all the more effective. Viewers get blockbuster-level special effects and production, while an entire series allows more exploration into the world, lore and mythology.

Plus, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many have reason to want to escape right now. And whether you have access to Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime or any of the other plethora of options, there are deep fantasy worlds just waiting to be explored on all kinds of streaming services. Whether you’re into demon-slaying, magical academies or robots, there’s a little something for everyone.

  • Game of Thrones

    It’s only inevitable that the world of Westeros, created by George R.R. Martin in his still-unfinished series of novels and brought to life on the small screen by HBO, would be here. Sure, the final season was divisive, but if you’re one of the few who haven’t yet been engrossed in the saga of the Starks, Lannisters, Targaryens and more, remember that it was a phenomenon for a reason. With one of TV’s most lauded casts, “Game of Thrones” is a masterfully built fantasy escape. Also, dragons. Just really cool dragons.

    Where to stream: HBO Go, HBO Now

  • Outlander

    “Outlander,” both the Starz series and the Diana Gabaldon novels on which it’s based, has attracted one of the most devoted fanbases out there. Come for the political intrigue, gorgeous scenery and slow-burning relationships and stay for the explosive chemistry between leads Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. Plus, its sex scenes have a refreshingly female gaze — something that’s unfortunately rarely seen in much of fantasy television.

    Where to stream: Netflix (first three out of five seasons), Starz

  • The Shannara Chronicles

    This adaptation of Terry Brooks’ book series had a fairly troubled run on TV, bouncing from MTV to Spike and ending after just two seasons. But make no mistake, this series is full high-fantasy goodness of the tallest order, following a half-human/half-elf, elven princess, human rover and ancient druid on a quest to restore the Ellroys, a living tree that protected their realm from demons. Trust us, it all makes sense when you’re watching it unfold.

    Where to stream: Netflix

  • Supernatural

    If you’re really looking to get lost for awhile, consider “Supernatural,” the longest-running live-action fantasy series in TV history. Sam and Dean hunt evil creatures in a fantastical — and increasingly dark — world, weaving monster of the week-style episodes into a larger narrative about the two brothers, complete with a complex mythology. “Supernatural” can run from hilariously self-referential to heartbreakingly emotional, and it’s certainly worth the ride (in their ‘67 Chevy Impala, no less).

    Where to stream: TheCW.com, Netflix

  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    There is a lack to unpack in the world of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and its remarkably well-drawn characters — seriously, there is a whole subset of academia devoted to “Buffy Studies.” “Buffy” was far ahead of its time, inspiring countless sci-fi series that came after it, with creative and unique depictions of vampires and other forces of darkness. The real draw, though, is Sarah Michelle Gellar’s portrayal of Buffy’s complicated journey as she embraces her destiny.

    Where to stream: Hulu

  • The Umbrella Academy

    “The Umbrella Academy,” based on Gerard Way’s comic series, follows a group of superpowered adopted siblings as they reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death — and find out about the impending apocalypse. It has sleek action scenes, some unique superpowers and genuine intrigue, but the real magic is in the ensemble cast. Each character’s backstory, and their relationships to each other, slowly and deliberately unfold, revealing a lot more than what at first meets the eye.

    Where to stream: Netflix

  • The Magicians

    The premise of “The Magicians” might seem a little derivative, at first: A group of students are recruited into an academy that teaches them magic, and find out the fantasy worlds from their childhoods are real. But the show spends much of its time flipping the tropes of its genre on their heads in clever and refreshing ways, expertly balancing high stakes and grim storylines with witty humor. It largely gets better after the first season, so stick with it as it finds its footing.

    Where to stream: Netflix

  • The Witcher

    “The Witcher” is another series for those looking for a true high-fantasy escape. Henry Cavill stars as the titular monster hunter, Geralt of Rivia, with perspectives also coming from Princess Ciri (Freya Allan) and the sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra). It’s a slow burn as their three storylines come together, but it’s best enjoyed with some patience and appreciation for the immersion (and yes, “Toss a Coin Your Witcher” will be stuck in your head forever).

    Where to stream: Netflix

  • American Gods

    Neil Gaiman’s beloved “American Gods” novel hit the small screen in the most stylish of ways. The ambitious series, following former inmate Shadow Moon as he unwittingly finds himself in the middle of a power struggle between the Old Gods and the New Gods, is one of the most visually stunning series on TV, and its first season is utterly strange in the most delightful of ways. It takes a bit of a dip in Season 2, following some behind-the-scenes drama, but is still thoroughly entertaining.

    Where to stream: Starz, Starz on Hulu

  • His Dark Materials

    Alternate worlds, armored polar bears, witches, dæmons, and through it all, a coming-of-age story — what more can you ask for in a fantasy series? Building off the deftly built world in Philip Pullman’s novel series, BBC One and HBO’s “His Dark Materials” captures much of the magic of that universe with compelling performances from Dafne Keen and Ruth Wilson and some gorgeous visuals. There’s a lot of exposition in the opening episodes, but it quickly ramps up once the adventure kicks in.

    Where to stream: HBO Go, HBO Now

  • The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

    Jim Henson’s 1982 film “The Dark Crystal” is a classic, building the fantastical world of Thra, using then-groundbreaking animatronics and inspiring a fanbase that’s lived on for decades. So when Netflix announced that it was doing a prequel series, it had a lot to live up to — and it delivered. Both an artistic and storytelling achievement, “Age of Resistance” adds to the lore introduced the in original while serving up a whole new adventure as three Gelflings set off to ignite a rebellion and save their world.

    Where to stream: Netflix

  • Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend of Korra

    “Avatar” and its sequel, “The Legend of Korra,” take the best of the fantasy genre and wrap it in a beautifully animated, kid-friendly package. Both use the story of a protagonist who can wield the power of all four major elements as a vehicle for some of the best world-building on TV, backed up by top-notch voice acting, fully multi-dimensional characters and a genuinely thrilling adventure. Plus, they gracefully tackle some serious topics — ranging from genocide to depression — in ways that are still very relevant to the real world.

    Where to stream: “Avatar” now on Netflix; “Korra” on CBS All Access

  • Love, Death and Robots

    If you’re looking for creative, imaginative new sci-fi ideas — but want them served up in bite-sized chunks — look no further than “Love, Death and Robots,” an anthology of shorts all under 20 minutes long. The shorts all touch on one or some combination of the titular themes, but no two look alike, spanning various styles of animations and genres (and many include some graphic violence and sex scenes, so be noted that this entry is not one for the kids). Consider it something of a sampler plate for some fun fantasy experiments, though some of the best installments will leave you wishing it was a full meal.

    Where to stream: Netflix

  • Doctor Who

    If you haven’t jumped into “Doctor Who” yet, trust us, it’s not as daunting as it might sound (though it should be noted that we’re talking about the revival that started in 2005 here). “Doctor Who” follows a Time Lord who goes by The Doctor as they travel through pockets of time and space that pique their curiosity or require their help, accompanied by a human companion from Earth. As Time Lords have the ability to regenerate their bodies when mortally wounded, each version of The Doctor offers something of a soft reboot of the series, with a new actor and different personalities. In full, it offers some of the biggest, most inspired world-building on TV — but at its heart, it’s a story about compassion, empathy and friendship.

    Where to stream: HBO Max

  • Westworld

    What would society do with a futuristic amusement park where rich attendees could indulge any fantasy with its ultra-realistic robot “hosts” — no matter how depraved or illegal in the real world — without any consequences? That’s the overarching idea in “Westworld,” a series that has built on that premise to deliver a consistently enthralling and unpredictable story — even with a fanbase that works diligently to get ahead of its twists. In building a fantasy world of androids, “Westworld” has skillfully posed some insightful questions about humans in the real world.

    Where to stream: HBO Go, HBO Now

  • The Man in the High Castle

    If escaping to another cinematic world isn’t distraction enough during quarantine, consider escaping to another universe (of sorts). “The Man in the High Castle” imagines an alternate reality (and SPOILERS multiple alternate dimensions) in which the Axis powers won World War II. America is divided between the Japanese on the West Coast and the Germans on the East Coast. Based on the Philip K. Dick novel, the ’60s-set Amazon series recently wrapped its fourth and final season in spectacular (albeit ambiguous) fashion. Despite the dystopian premise, it’s worth watching during these somber times for its high-concept story, compelling characters and top-notch production value (as chilling as the Nazi imagery is).

    Where to stream: Amazon Prime

  • Russian Doll

    Okay, so “Russian Doll” takes place in a much more grounded, realistic setting than the rest of this list (really, it’s just New York), which makes its inventiveness all the more impressive. Natasha Lyonne, at her jaded, sarcastic best, brilliantly anchors the series about a woman stuck in a time loop, starting over at the same party every time she inevitably meets her demise. It takes an inherently cyclical premise and clear influences to create something utterly fresh and unpredictable, making it very easy to quickly binge all eight episodes.

    Where to stream: Netflix

  • Steven Universe

    “Steven Universe” lures you in with a seemingly simple coming-of-age tale of a half-human boy, who’s raised by three anthropomophic Gems that protect the Earth, and then delivers an sophisticated mythology that gets more expansive as you go on — while never losing its sense of wonder and joy. Unlike many of its fantasy counterparts, “Steven Universe” is stubbornly (and delightfully) optimistic, with an uplifting message even at its most dire moments. Its smooth pacing allows its characters to develop in meaningful and believable ways, making it an endlessly entertaining and rewarding journey.

    Where to stream: Hulu

  • Stranger Things

    Beyond the ‘80s nostalgia, there’s a reason that “Stranger Things” has become such a hit. Along with creepy creatures like the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer, the Duffer brothers’ wholly original series also boasts a strong ensemble (including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder and David Harbour) of young actors. Whether you identify with the powerful Eleven or playful Dustin, there’s someone in the small town of Hawkins, Ind., for you.

    Where to stream: Netflix

    Maane Khatchatourian contributed to this story. 

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