Top Fantasy Series: 90%+ Audience Score Hidden Gems
Top 6 Fantasy Series with Over 90% Audience Score: Unveiling Hidden Gems for Your Next Binge
Finding the next captivating series can be a quest in itself, especially within the vast and ever-expanding realm of fantasy. For those who cherish intricate plots, compelling characters, and immersive worlds, audience scores serve as invaluable guides. This article delves into the top fantasy series that have garnered over 90% audience approval, moving beyond the mainstream to uncover truly exceptional hidden gems perfect for your next binge-watching adventure. We aim to provide a comprehensive comparison and analysis, offering practical solutions for your viewing dilemmas.
Understanding Audience Scores: Why They Matter for Top Fantasy Series
Audience scores offer a unique perspective on a series’ quality, distinct from critical reviews. While critics often focus on technical aspects, narrative innovation, and artistic merit, audience scores reflect viewer satisfaction, emotional resonance, and overall enjoyment. A high audience score, particularly above 90%, signals that a series has deeply connected with its viewers, building a loyal following and delivering an experience that resonates long after the credits roll. For the top fantasy series, this metric becomes even more crucial, as the genre often relies on sustained engagement with complex lore and character arcs.
These scores are a powerful indicator of a show’s ability to maintain consistency, deliver satisfying conclusions, and create a world that viewers genuinely want to revisit. They highlight series that might have initially flown under the radar, perhaps lacking the marketing budget of a blockbuster, but which have earned their acclaim through sheer storytelling prowess and dedicated fan bases. Trusting audience consensus can lead you to truly rewarding viewing experiences, ensuring your next dive into a fantastical world is well worth the time investment.
The Value of Viewer Consensus
- Authentic Feedback: Scores come from real viewers, reflecting genuine enjoyment.
- Community Validation: High scores often indicate a strong, engaged fan community.
- Hidden Gem Discovery: Helps unearth quality shows outside mainstream media buzz.
- Sustained Engagement: Suggests the series maintains quality throughout its run.
Ultimately, audience scores provide a democratic stamp of approval, guiding enthusiasts toward narratives that have proven their worth to thousands, if not millions, of fellow fantasy lovers. This collective endorsement is a strong signal for those seeking their next immersive escape.
Criteria for Selection: Beyond Just High Numbers
While a 90%+ audience score is our primary filter, the selection process for these top fantasy series goes deeper. We consider several qualitative factors to ensure that each recommendation offers a truly enriching and memorable experience. It’s not just about popularity; it’s about enduring quality, narrative depth, and the ability to transport viewers to another realm. Our goal is to present series that excel in world-building, character development, and thematic exploration, ensuring they stand as true exemplars of the fantasy genre.
We’ve looked for series that demonstrate originality, avoiding tropes where possible, or subverting them in clever ways. The production quality, while not always blockbuster-level, must be sufficient to convincingly portray the fantastical elements. Furthermore, the narrative structure and pacing are crucial; a great fantasy series knows when to build tension, when to provide exposition, and when to deliver exhilarating payoffs. Each entry on this list represents a series that has mastered these elements, earning its place among the elite.
Key Selection Metrics
- Narrative Originality: Unique plots and fresh takes on fantasy tropes.
- World-Building Depth: Rich, believable, and immersive fantastical settings.
- Character Development: Complex, relatable, and evolving protagonists and antagonists.
- Thematic Resonance: Exploration of universal themes relevant to the human experience.
By applying these stringent criteria, we ensure that our curated list of top fantasy series delivers not just entertainment, but also intellectual and emotional engagement, making each pick a truly valuable discovery for discerning viewers.
Series 1: "The Dragon Prince" – A Modern Animated Epic
"The Dragon Prince" stands out as a vibrant and emotionally resonant animated entry into the pantheon of top fantasy series. Boasting a consistently high audience score, this Netflix original captivates with its stunning animation style, complex political intrigue, and heartwarming character relationships. Set in the magical land of Xadia, where humans and elves are locked in a centuries-old conflict, the series follows two human princes and an elven assassin who embark on a perilous journey to return a dragon egg to its mother, hoping to restore peace between their warring nations.
What truly elevates "The Dragon Prince" is its commitment to diverse representation, nuanced moral dilemmas, and a narrative that balances lighthearted humor with moments of profound emotional depth. The characters, from the earnest Callum to the fierce Rayla and the enigmatic Ezran, grow significantly throughout their adventure, facing personal challenges and ideological conflicts that reflect real-world complexities. Its accessibility and appeal to both younger audiences and adults make it a versatile choice for family viewing, while its rich lore satisfies seasoned fantasy fans.
Why "The Dragon Prince" Resonates
- Stellar Animation: Unique blend of 2D and 3D animation creates a distinctive visual style.
- Rich Lore and World-Building: A well-developed magical world with distinct cultures and creatures.
- Compelling Characters: Relatable protagonists facing complex moral choices.
- Themes of Unity and Empathy: Explores reconciliation and understanding across divides.
This series proves that animation is a powerful medium for epic fantasy, delivering a story that is both grand in scope and deeply personal, making it a well-deserved inclusion among the top fantasy series with high audience approval.

Series 2: "Arcane" – A Masterclass in Visual Storytelling
“Arcane,” another animated marvel, transcends its video game origins to deliver a standalone narrative masterpiece that has taken the world by storm, earning an almost perfect audience score. Set in the dystopian, steampunk-infused world of Runeterra, specifically the opulent city of Piltover and its oppressed undercity Zaun, this series explores the origins of iconic League of Legends champions Vi and Jinx. It delves into the stark class divide, the intoxicating allure of power, and the devastating consequences of technological advancement without ethical oversight.
The visual artistry of “Arcane” is unparalleled, blending hand-drawn aesthetics with breathtaking CGI to create a style that is both unique and incredibly immersive. Beyond its stunning visuals, the narrative is a triumph of character-driven storytelling, focusing on complex relationships, tragic backstories, and moral ambiguities that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The emotional depth and mature themes make it a compelling watch for anyone seeking a sophisticated fantasy experience, regardless of their familiarity with the source material.
"Arcane"’s Defining Features
- Revolutionary Animation: Sets a new standard for animated storytelling.
- Mature Storytelling: Explores complex themes of class, power, and family.
- Deep Character Arcs: Protagonists and antagonists are multi-dimensional and relatable.
- Gripping Plot: A fast-paced narrative filled with twists, turns, and emotional gut punches.
"Arcane" is not just a fantasy series; it’s a cinematic achievement that proves animation can deliver narratives as profound and impactful as any live-action production, solidifying its place among the absolute top fantasy series.
Series 3: "Dark" – A Mind-Bending German Sci-Fi Fantasy
While often categorized as science fiction, "Dark" possesses significant dark fantasy elements, particularly in its exploration of fate, time, and the mystical connections between characters across generations. This German-language Netflix original has garnered widespread critical and audience acclaim, consistently maintaining an audience score well above 90%. Its intricate plot revolves around the disappearance of children in the fictional town of Winden, which unearths a complex web of interconnected families, hidden pasts, and a mind-bending time travel conspiracy that spans centuries.
"Dark" is a series that demands attention and rewards careful viewing. Its narrative is a meticulously crafted puzzle, with every detail, every character, and every seemingly minor event playing a crucial role in the overarching mystery. The show brilliantly weaves together philosophical questions about free will versus determinism, the nature of good and evil, and the cyclical patterns of existence. The atmospheric cinematography, haunting soundtrack, and stellar performances create an immersive and often unsettling experience that stays with you long after the final episode.
Why "Dark" is a Must-Watch
- Intricate Plot: A complex, multi-layered narrative that rewards deep analysis.
- Philosophical Depth: Explores profound questions about time, fate, and human nature.
- Atmospheric Tone: Haunting visuals and sound design create a unique mood.
- Strong Ensemble Cast: Exceptional performances across multiple timelines.
For those who appreciate intellectual challenges alongside their fantasy, "Dark" offers an unparalleled journey into the unknown, cementing its status as one of the most compelling and highly-rated top fantasy series of recent years.
Series 4: "Avatar: The Last Airbender" – A Timeless Animated Classic
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is not just an animated series; it’s a cultural phenomenon and a universally beloved entry among the top fantasy series, consistently holding an audience score in the high 90s across various platforms. Set in a world where people can manipulate, or "bend," one of the four classical elements—water, earth, fire, or air—the story follows Aang, the last Airbender and the Avatar, a chosen one destined to master all four elements and bring balance to a war-torn world. His journey, alongside his friends Sokka, Katara, and Toph, is one of growth, sacrifice, and ultimately, hope.
The series is lauded for its masterful storytelling, which expertly blends elements of Eastern philosophy, martial arts, and epic fantasy. It tackles mature themes such as war, genocide, colonialism, and spiritualism with grace and nuance, making it accessible to children while offering profound insights for adults. The character development is exceptional, with each member of the "Gaang" undergoing significant personal evolution. Its vibrant animation, memorable score, and perfectly paced narrative make it a truly timeless classic that continues to inspire new generations of fans.
"Avatar"’s Enduring Appeal
- Universal Themes: Explores war, peace, destiny, and personal growth with depth.
- Exceptional Character Arcs: Deeply developed and beloved protagonists and antagonists.
- Innovative World-Building: A richly detailed world inspired by diverse cultures.
- Harmonious Blend: Combines action, comedy, drama, and spirituality seamlessly.
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is a benchmark for animated storytelling and remains a shining example of how to craft a truly epic and emotionally resonant fantasy narrative, rightfully earning its place among the most cherished top fantasy series.

Series 5: "The Expanse" – Sci-Fi with Strong Fantasy Undercurrents
“The Expanse,” while primarily a science fiction epic, consistently integrates elements of grand scale and ancient mysteries that resonate deeply with fantasy enthusiasts, earning it a stellar audience score often exceeding 90%. Set hundreds of years in the future, when humanity has colonized the solar system, the series follows a disparate group of characters—a detective, a ship captain, a politician, and a mysterious entity—who become entangled in a conspiracy that threatens to ignite an interstellar war and uncover the secrets of an alien protomolecule.
What makes “The Expanse” so compelling is its commitment to realistic physics paired with intricate political maneuvering and morally ambiguous characters. The show excels at building a believable future, rich with diverse cultures and ideologies, while also introducing a cosmic horror element that feels distinctly fantastical. The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, bringing to life characters whose struggles and triumphs feel profoundly human against the backdrop of a vast and indifferent universe. Its intelligent plotting and high stakes make it an addictive watch for anyone who appreciates complex narratives.
Defining Aspects of "The Expanse"
- Realistic Sci-Fi: Grounds its futuristic setting in plausible science.
- Political Intrigue: Complex power struggles between Earth, Mars, and the Belt.
- Cosmic Mystery: An ancient alien protomolecule introduces profound unknowns.
- Character-Driven: Focuses on the human element amidst galactic conflicts.
For those who enjoy their fantasy tinged with scientific rigor and geopolitical drama, “The Expanse” offers an expansive and intelligent narrative experience, solidifying its position as a highly-rated, thought-provoking entry in the broader spectrum of top fantasy series.
Series 6: "Good Omens" – A Divine Comedy of Epic Proportions
“Good Omens,” based on the beloved novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, is a delightful and witty fantasy series that has charmed audiences worldwide, consistently achieving an audience score well above 90%. This Amazon Prime Video original follows the unlikely friendship between an angel, Aziraphale, and a demon, Crowley, who have grown rather fond of Earth over the millennia. When they learn that the Apocalypse is nigh, they decide to team up to prevent Armageddon, a task made more complicated by the Antichrist’s accidental misplacement.
The series is a masterclass in comedic timing, sharp dialogue, and whimsical storytelling, perfectly capturing the unique tone of its source material. David Tennant and Michael Sheen deliver iconic performances as Crowley and Aziraphale, their chemistry forming the heart of the show. Beyond the humor, “Good Omens” offers surprisingly profound reflections on good and evil, free will, and the nature of humanity, all wrapped in a visually imaginative and star-studded package. It’s a joyful, irreverent, and utterly charming experience that stands out in the fantasy landscape.
Why "Good Omens" is a Fan Favorite
- Exceptional Cast: Stellar performances, especially from the lead duo.
- Witty Dialogue: Sharp, clever, and often hilarious scriptwriting.
- Unique Premise: A fresh and irreverent take on biblical prophecy.
- Heartfelt Themes: Explores friendship, morality, and the value of humanity.
"Good Omens" is a testament to the power of well-crafted adaptation and proves that fantasy can be both profoundly entertaining and deeply thought-provoking, making it a truly cherished addition to any list of top fantasy series.
Minimalist Summary Table: Top Fantasy Series Highlights
| Series Name | Key Genre Blend | Audience Score Highlight | Why It’s a Gem |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dragon Prince | Animated Epic Fantasy | Consistently High 90s | Vibrant animation, diverse cast, emotional depth. |
| Arcane | Animated Urban Fantasy / Steampunk | Near 100% | Revolutionary visuals, mature themes, complex characters. |
| Dark | Sci-Fi / Dark Fantasy Thriller | Over 90% | Intricate plot, philosophical depth, atmospheric. |
| Avatar: The Last Airbender | Animated Elemental Fantasy | High 90s | Timeless storytelling, profound themes, character development. |
| The Expanse | Sci-Fi with Fantasy Elements | Over 90% | Realistic physics, political intrigue, cosmic mystery. |
| Good Omens | Urban Fantasy / Divine Comedy | Over 90% | Witty dialogue, exceptional cast, unique premise. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Top Fantasy Series
How are audience scores calculated for these series?▼
Audience scores are typically aggregated from user reviews and ratings on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Metacritic. These platforms collect feedback from thousands of viewers, providing a broad consensus on a series’ reception and overall enjoyment by the general public.
Are these top fantasy series suitable for all ages?▼
While "The Dragon Prince" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender" are generally family-friendly, “Arcane,” “Dark,” “The Expanse,” and “Good Omens” contain mature themes, violence, or complex narratives that are more suitable for older teens and adults. Always check parental guidance ratings.
Where can I stream these highly-rated fantasy series?▼
Most of these series are available on major streaming platforms. “The Dragon Prince,” “Arcane,” and “Dark” are on Netflix. “Good Omens” is on Amazon Prime Video. “The Expanse” is available on Amazon Prime Video and previously on Syfy. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is on Netflix and Paramount+.
What makes an animated fantasy series stand out among live-action ones?▼
Animated fantasy series often have greater creative freedom to depict elaborate magical systems, fantastical creatures, and impossible landscapes without the constraints of live-action budgets or special effects limitations. This allows for unparalleled visual storytelling and world-building that can be uniquely immersive.
Are there any common themes across these top fantasy series?▼
Yes, many of these series explore themes of destiny, morality, the struggle between good and evil, the importance of friendship and family, and the search for identity. While their settings and specific plots differ, these universal human experiences resonate deeply with audiences across diverse fantasy subgenres.
Conclusion
Embarking on a quest for your next binge-worthy adventure within the fantasy genre can be daunting, but armed with insights from audience scores, the journey becomes much clearer. The top fantasy series highlighted here, each boasting over 90% audience approval, represent a diverse collection of narratives that promise not just escape, but also profound engagement. From animated epics to mind-bending sci-fi with fantastical undertones, these hidden gems offer rich worlds, compelling characters, and stories that resonate deeply. Whether you seek grand adventures, philosophical puzzles, or heartwarming humor, this curated list provides a practical solution for discovering your next unforgettable viewing experience.