Following its release in 2019, Netflix’sThe Witcherbecame a fan favorite and, instantly, garnered much positive reception. With Henry Cavill taking over the role of the protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, the series falls within the fantasy genre but includes a riveting storyline filled with thrilling fights, plot twists, a complex narrative structure, and, of course, magical elements. For many viewers, it became a perfect source of escape from reality. Even thoughThe Witcherhas now become known as a TV series created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, who is known for Marvel’sDaredevil,The Umbrella Academy, and Marvel’sThe Defenders,The Witcherwas originally developed by Andrzej Sapkowski, a Polish author, in the format of a book and short story series.
You might have already heard of many other films and shows that became successful even though they were based on books. Along with some of those titles, we have compiled a list of movies and TV series that will be the perfect next-watch for you, followingThe Witcher. These titles include fantasy, action, and other forms of interesting elements and thus, they are able to remind you ofThe Witcher’s impact.
Castlevania
Beginning this list isCastlevania, a popular animated dark fantasy TV series available to be streamed on Netflix. Even though the series is based on the Japanese video game series of the same name, the animation became a huge hit and even went on to receive94% on the Tomatometer. The show uses the legend of Dracula and follows the protagonist, Trevor Belmont, an outcast and also a hunter, as he tries to save the people of Wallachia from being extinct due to Vlad Dracula Tepes’s revenge schemes.
It is definitely refreshing to watch an animation series on the Dracula storyline, since it allows the creators to do justice to the magical elements. At the same time, the battles, the schemes, and, of course, the fantasy genre, connects it toThe Witcher.
Related:15 Fantasy Shows Like The Witcher to Watch Next
Game of Thrones
It should not be a shocker thatGame of Thronesenters this list. In fact, beforeThe Witcherbecame such a popular topic in the fantasy genre, it wasGame of Thronesthat captured the fantasy fans. Based on the popular novels,A Song of Ice and Fireby George R. R. Martin,Game of Throneswas developed for HBO and ran from 2011 and 2019. With some fresh faces taking over the lead roles, the series focused on a war between several families for their claim to the iron throne that ruled the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
With some heartbreaking plot twists and also some enthralling battles, the show went on to surprise the viewers until the very end. Even if the ending ofGame of Thronescreated much debate, the series is still one of the most successful fantasy TV series. If you are one of the rare people who are yet to watch it, this should be your next stream.
The Hobbit Trilogy
Here is a film series that can be re-watched multiple times, and you will not be bored by it.The Hobbitfilm series includes the filmsAn Unexpected Journey(2012),The Desolation of Smaug(2013), andThe Battle of the Five Armies(2014). It is the prequel storyline toThe Lord of the Ringsand is based on the 1937 novel by J. R. R. Tolkien.
With Martin Freeman taking over the role of Bilbo Baggins, a stereotype-defying hobbit, and Ian McKellen reprising his role of Gandalf the Grey. From the brilliant cinematography, to the amazing storylines and, of course, the character arcs, especially that of Bilbo Baggins which ends up creating an unconventional hero.
Going back to another TV series,Merlinis a British fantasy adventure drama that has taken inspiration from the Arthurian legends. However, rather than focusing on the infamous King of Camelot (Bradley James), before he became the King, the series follows Merlin (Colin Morgan), Arthur’s servant and later, friend.
The story revolves mainly around the idea of magic, which had been banned from Camelot by Uther Pendragon, while focusing on the budding relationship between Merlin and Arthur as they fight to defend Camelot against evil forces.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Directed by Peter Jackson and based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s novels,The Lord of the Ringscomprises the three filmsThe Fellowship of the Ring(2001),The Two Towers(2002), andThe Return of the King(2003) and takes place after about 60 years ofThe Hobbitadventures. It revolves around the adventure of the Fellowship, which includes four hobbits, a Wizard, an Elf, a Dwarf, and two men, as they attempt to destroy the ring to defeat Dark Lord Sauron.
Regarded as one of the best fantasy trilogies ever,The Lord of the Ringsis known for its spectacular and nuanced storyline, the cinematography, and also its soundtracks.
Related:The Best Fantasy Films of the 21st Century, So Far
Seventh Son (2014)
Now this film might have received mixed reviews and may not have the best ratings, especiallybecause of the castingthat many were not fond of, but we still recommend giving it a try simply becauseSeventh Sonhas an intriguing plot. Of course, the plot mimics a very popular fantasy storyline where hunters track down and kill powerful witches.
However, the idea of the “seventh son of a seventh son” is what makes it interesting, even if the film fails to emphasize this. Additionally, Kit Harrington enters the scene for a brief moment as William, Master Gregory’s (Jeff Bridges) apprentice that gets killed by Malkin (Julianne Moore).
House of the Dragon
Of course, this HBO show enters the list.House of the Dragon,Game of Thrones’s prequel, takes place around 200 years before the events of the latter and focuses on the reign of the House Targaryen and their ultimate downfall. Thus far, the show has laid down the foundation to one upcomingintense battlethrough a mere 10-episode season. From the performances to the cinematography and, of course, the plot twists,House of the Dragonreceived positive reviews for a successful job and for making up for the unexpectedGame of Thronesfinale.
Now, the inclusion of dragons is one simple link between this show andThe Witcher, even if inThe Witcherdragons do not play a significant role as inHouse of the Dragon. Nonetheless, there’s a “help the main characters come toterms with their destiny” feel inThe Witcher, which is also seen inHouse of Dragons.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Witcherrevolves around a monster hunter, whileBuffy the Vampire Slayerrevolves around a vampire (and other demons) hunter. So, of course, there is a common underlying theme in these two series. Released in 1997 and ran till 2003, with Sarah Michelle Gellar playing the protagonist, Buffy, this series became a cult classic.
The show is also one that is still being talked about. Of course, likeThe Witcher, this series does not have a complex plot line and takes a more simple route. However, it is definitely nostalgic and is praised for having a strong female lead.
This is based on the infamousTheWizard of Oz,but is much darker and twisted than the original children’s story. While there have been manyadaptations ofThe Wizard of Oz,Tin Manis perhaps a hidden gem and one that is a must-watch for anyone who loves dark fantasy tales. With Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming, Neal McDonough and other big names taking over the roles of the main characters, this show delves into the psychological aspect of the well-know characters while developing their backstory and how they have come to be.
Moreover, it takes the dark nature of the bad witch to a whole new level and even gives her a backstory while connecting her to the protagonist, DG (Deschanel).
The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf
If you are a fan ofThe Witcher, you might have already come across this. But, just to be safe, a reminder thatThe Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolfexists and should be watched if you need to understand the backdrop of Geralt’s mentor, Vesemir. This animated film acts as a prequel to the series and focuses on the foundation ofThe Witcherstoryline, since it brings out important events.
So, it does fill some gaps and, asErik Kain of Forbessays, this “movie adds layers to theWitcheruniverse”. Even if you are not the biggest fan of animated films, this specific one is well worth your time.
