Penny Dreadful is a gothic fantasy series that brings together iconic literary horror characters like Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and figures from Dracula in Victorian London. It's a show steeped in atmosphere and psychological depth, following explorer Malcolm Murray, the enigmatic Vanessa Ives, and American gunslinger Ethan Chandler as they confront supernatural threats. While less of a traditional adventure quest, the characters embark on terrifying investigations and face constant, thrilling peril from vampires, witches, and their own inner demons. The series is known for its lush production design, strong performances, and a pervasive sense of dread and mystery that makes it a compelling watch for fans of dark fantasy and period thrillers.

Based on Neil Gaiman's acclaimed novel, American Gods presents a unique fantasy adventure across the United States, where Old Gods from ancient mythologies clash with the New Gods of technology and globalization. Shadow Moon, a recently released convict, finds himself in the employ of the mysterious Mr. Wednesday (who is Odin in disguise) and is drawn into a brewing war between these divine factions. The show is visually stunning and steeped in rich mythology, taking viewers on a surreal road trip filled with bizarre and dangerous encounters. While it features elements of adventure as Shadow travels the country, its primary focus is on the atmospheric tension, the unsettling nature of the divine conflicts, and the pervasive sense of mystery that drives its thrilling narrative.

Slaying vampires while navigating high school drama? That's the premise of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a show that blended fantasy, horror, and adventure with sharp wit and emotional depth. Buffy Summers is the latest in a long line of young women chosen to battle the forces of darkness. Aided by her loyal friends, the Scooby Gang, she faces a constant stream of demons, vampires, and other supernatural entities lurking beneath the seemingly normal town of Sunnydale. The show excelled at using its supernatural elements as metaphors for the struggles of adolescence and young adulthood, while delivering thrilling fight sequences and genuinely scary monsters. It's a foundational series that proved fantasy adventure could be smart, funny, and terrifying all at once.

Once Upon a Time takes beloved fairy tale characters and thrusts them into our world, living in a small town in Maine called Storybrooke, unaware of their true identities due to a powerful curse. The series is a charming blend of fantasy and adventure, focusing on Emma Swan, the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, who is prophesied to break the curse. Each episode delves into the rich backstories of characters like the Evil Queen, Captain Hook, and Rumpelstiltskin, while the present-day narrative involves unraveling mysteries and facing magical threats. While perhaps lighter on the intense thriller aspects than others on this list, it offers plenty of suspense and peril as characters fight for their happy endings against formidable villains.

The Magicians offers a refreshingly dark and complex take on the fantasy school trope. Based on Lev Grossman's bestselling novels, the series follows Quentin Coldwater, who discovers that the magical world he read about as a child is real and far more dangerous than he ever imagined. Admitted to Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy, Quentin and his friends find themselves ill-equipped to handle not just the rigorous curriculum but also existential threats that cross dimensions. It blends classic fantasy elements with psychological depth and genuine peril, embarking on quests that are as much about internal struggles as external dangers. The show doesn't shy away from mature themes, making the stakes feel incredibly high and providing a constant undercurrent of thrilling uncertainty.

For fifteen seasons, Supernatural followed the thrilling, often terrifying, adventures of brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they hunted demons, ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings across America. What started as a monster-of-the-week format quickly evolved into an epic saga involving angels, archangels, Lucifer, and even God himself. The core of the show is the unbreakable bond between the brothers, constantly tested by the dangerous, nomadic life they lead. It's a blend of fantasy lore drawn from various mythologies and religions, coupled with tense, often horrifying, encounters that provide the thriller elements. Their cross-country road trips in the iconic Impala provided the adventure, making this a long-running fan favorite.

Crash-landing onto a mysterious island, the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 in Lost quickly discover their situation is far more complicated – and dangerous – than they could have imagined. This series became a cultural phenomenon by posing intricate mysteries and constantly raising the stakes. It's a thrilling adventure of survival against the elements, strange creatures, and unseen forces, layered with a deep, unfolding mythology that incorporates science fiction and elements that feel almost supernatural. The show was famous for its use of flashbacks (and later, flash-forwards and flash-sideways) to explore the complex backstories of its diverse cast, making you care deeply about their fates as they navigate the island's many secrets and the constant threat of 'The Others'.

Step back into the 1980s with Stranger Things, a show that masterfully blends nostalgic charm with genuine thrills and supernatural adventure. When a young boy vanishes in Hawkins, Indiana, his friends, family, and the local police chief uncover a series of terrifying mysteries involving secret government experiments and a terrifying alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. The heart of the show lies with its incredible young cast, whose chemistry is off the charts as they embark on dangerous quests to save their town and friends. It's got all the hallmarks of classic adventure tales – bikes, walkie-talkies, secret hideouts – mixed with sci-fi horror elements that deliver real scares and constant suspense. The Duffer Brothers creators drew heavily from Spielberg, Carpenter, and Stephen King, resulting in a series that feels both comfortingly familiar and utterly original.

The Witcher plunges you into the grim and gritty world of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire with a complicated destiny. This series excels at weaving together thrilling monster encounters with deep fantasy lore and intriguing political undercurrents. Based on the books that also inspired the hugely popular video games, it follows Geralt, the sorceress Yennefer, and the princess Ciri on separate, yet converging, paths across the Continent. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, and the show doesn't shy away from the darker, more mature themes of its source material. It's an adventure filled with dangerous beasts, powerful magic, and moral ambiguity, all wrapped up in a package that keeps you guessing what horrifying creature or human villain Geralt will face next.

Prepare for an epic journey into Westeros! Game of Thrones isn't just a fantasy show; it's a masterclass in political intrigue and high-stakes survival that perfectly blends thrilling suspense with grand adventure. Based on George R.R. Martin's sprawling novels, the series throws you headfirst into a world of warring noble houses, ancient magic, and chilling threats from beyond the Wall. Every episode feels like a move in a deadly chess game, keeping you on the edge of your seat as characters navigate treacherous alliances and brutal betrayals. The sheer scale of the production, from the breathtaking landscapes to the intricate costumes, is astounding. It's a true saga that redefined fantasy television, proving that dragons and direwolves can coexist with complex human drama and pulse-pounding tension.