10 Iconic Fantasy Franchises: Fantasy franchises thrive on expansive world-building, creating immersive universes that captivate audiences through books, movies, and TV shows. These worlds often grow into ever-expanding franchises, offering sequels, spinoffs, and continuations that allow fans to revisit beloved characters and settings. For many, these stories offer comfort and thrilling escapism, with each new iteration adding layers to the original tale.
However, the longevity of a franchise depends on its ability to evolve while maintaining the core elements that drew audiences in. While some fantasy stories lose their magic by extending too long, others succeed in continuously building upon their rich lore. The balance lies in knowing when to expand and when to conclude a narrative. A well-timed finale can be just as satisfying as an enduring series. Ultimately, franchises that respect their world-building and deliver consistent quality never fail to resonate with fans, offering endless adventures while knowing when to bow out gracefully.
10. The Lord Of The Rings (1937–Present)
- Created by J.R.R Tolkien, Patrick McKay and John D. Payne
- Streaming on Amazone Prime
J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, along with their adaptations in movies and TV shows, have become iconic in the world of fantasy. Tolkien’s intricate creation of Middle-earth, with its unique languages, races, and histories, set the foundation for countless stories in speculative fiction. The latest addition, The Rings of Power, sparked some controversy for deviating from Tolkien’s canon, but it still offers an exciting glimpse into the Second Age of Middle-earth.
Tolkien’s legacy is too vast and imaginative to leave unexplored. While the future of The Rings of Power remains uncertain, Middle-earth holds many untold stories waiting to be adapted. As long as new iterations respect Tolkien’s tone and style, there is immense potential for further exploration of his world on screen.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It explores the rise of evil, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the epic events that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
9. Game Of Thrones (1996–Present)
- Created by George R.R. Martin and David Benioff
- Streaming on Jio Cenema
While fans continue to anticipate the final installment of A Song of Ice and Fire, HBO is expanding the Game of Thrones universe with several intriguing spinoffs. The prequel series House of the Dragon delves into the Targaryen dynasty’s origins, focusing on the power struggles long before Daenerys’ rise. Yet, this is only one layer of Westeros’ vast history, leaving many untold stories from both sides of the Narrow Sea.
There are whispers of a new spinoff that could recapture the expansive, multi-layered drama of the original series. After the mixed reception of Game of Thrones’ final season, this offers a prime opportunity for the franchise to regain its footing, returning to the rich, character-driven storytelling that made its early seasons unforgettable.
8. Cosmere (2005)
- Created by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson has emerged as a standout fantasy author of the 21st century, with his Cosmere universe showcasing his remarkable world-building. Described as a “single creation myth,” the Cosmere connects many of his novels through shared themes like religion and cosmology, with a consistent magic system that ties it all together. This approach creates an expansive, interconnected world that allows readers to seamlessly move between stories while exploring the depth of his intricate universe.
Unlike many authors who reach a creative plateau, Sanderson’s imagination seems boundless. The Cosmere continues to grow, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Though he’s worked on projects beyond Cosmere, such as completing The Wheel of Time, his most resonant and lasting works for me are those within this vast universe.
7. Percy Jackson (2023)
- Created by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson & The Olympians centers on Percy, a young demigod who uncovers his divine lineage and must navigate a world where ancient Greek mythology blends with modern life. With his friends from Camp Half-Blood, Percy faces monsters, uncovers hidden truths, and embarks on perilous missions to prevent ancient prophecies from unfolding. The series skillfully intertwines mythological elements with themes of bravery, loyalty, and personal growth, offering readers an exciting and meaningful journey.
In 2024, the latest Percy Jackson book proves that the adventures of Percy and his companions are far from over. After the initial film adaptations failed to establish a lasting presence, the Disney+ series has rekindled the excitement, featuring Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri. While the show focuses on one storyline, Rick Riordan’s expansive universe also includes Heroes of Olympus and The Trials of Apollo. With the franchise’s growing success, Percy’s story shows no signs of concluding anytime soon.
6. The Chronicles Of Narnia (2005–2010)
- Created by C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia is a legendary fantasy franchise, originating from C.S. Lewis’ seven-book series written between 1950 and 1956. Set in the magical land of Narnia, the stories revolve around children who are transported from our world to fulfill prophecies, fight dark forces, and bring peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion.
The series has had various adaptations, from a BBC show in the late ’80s to the popular Hollywood films (2005-2010), and now, a highly anticipated reboot by Netflix. With its rich blend of allegory, Christian themes, and captivating fantasy, Narnia has remained iconic.
Despite the books being completed long ago, the quest for the ultimate screen version is still alive. While the Disney films hold nostalgic charm, the upcoming Netflix adaptations led by Greta Gerwig promise to elevate the material. She’s set to direct the first two films, and fans believe her creative style will bring new life to Narnia’s magic.
With seven books to explore and untapped history within Narnia’s lore, the series offers endless possibilities. Lewis’ world leaves room for deeper storytelling, meaning Narnia could continue captivating audiences for years to come.
5. Invincible (2021)
- Created by Robert Kirkman
- Streaming on Amazone Prime
The Invincible comics, famous for their brutal, graphic narrative, have been stunningly adapted into an animated series on Amazon Prime Video since 2021. While the wait for new episodes can feel long, the intricate animation process justifies the delay. I’d much prefer a meticulously crafted season over one that feels rushed. Though Robert Kirkman’s comic series wrapped up with issue 144, “The End of All Things,” the TV adaptation still has plenty of ground to cover.
Potential spinoffs have already been teased, like the Atom Eve special that dove into her backstory. As season 3 approaches, the anticipation grows. Revisiting earlier episodes reminds us of the depth and endurance of the Invincible story, promising more epic arcs ahead.
4. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
- Created by Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko
- Streaming on Netflix
Avatar: The Last Airbender is a celebrated animated series that skillfully blends East Asian culture, epic fantasy, and coming-of-age themes. The story follows Aang, the last Airbender and the Avatar, on his quest to master the four elements and defeat the Fire Nation, ultimately aiming to restore balance and peace to the world.
Although the Netflix live-action adaptation struggled to meet the high standards set by the original series, it marks a notable improvement over the 2010 film, which was poorly received. While it may be challenging to replicate the tightly woven narrative of the animated version, the vast and rich Avatar universe is ripe for further exploration.
There are exciting opportunities for live-action adaptations of The Legend of Korra and various comic continuations. Revisiting Aang’s adventures is always enticing, but the journeys of other intriguing Avatars also deserve attention, highlighting the diverse stories waiting to be told.
3. A Court Of Thorns And Roses (2015)
- Created by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series has captured the imagination of readers since its launch in 2015. Beyond the enticing romance, the narrative immerses audiences in a vivid world of faeries and conflict, evolving through the perspectives of diverse characters. While Feyre remains a central figure, Maas expertly unveils the depth of secondary characters, enhancing the story’s richness.
This intricate character development is a hallmark of ACOTAR, distinguishing it from her other works. As readers eagerly await the sixth installment, the excitement builds for more tantalizing romance and gripping action, especially with lingering questions from A Court of Silver Flames. Maas has a talent for keeping fans on the edge of their seats, promising a thrilling continuation of this beloved series.
2. Arcane (2021–2024)
- Created by Christian Linke & Alex Yee
- Streaming on Netflix
Arcane, while technically rooted in the League of Legends universe, has flourished into its own distinct entity. Netflix’s animated series has enchanted viewers with its breathtaking animation and compelling narrative. As it approaches its conclusion with season 2, the excitement for the richly crafted world remains undiminished.
The intense rivalry between Vi and Jinx is set to reach a pivotal moment, but the lore of Arcane offers endless storytelling possibilities beyond these characters. The depth and complexity of the universe lend themselves to potential spinoffs, allowing new tales to emerge even without familiar faces. Given the critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience response, it seems inevitable that Netflix will continue to mine the Arcane universe for fresh content, ensuring fans stay engaged with this extraordinary world for years to come.
Season 2 released on 9 November, 2024, only on Netflix
1. The Hunger Games (2012)
- Created by Suzanne Collins
- Streaming on Amazone Prime and MX Player
Since its inception in 2008, The Hunger Games franchise has firmly captured the imaginations of audiences and critics alike. The series, which began as a young adult novel, saw its first film adaptation released in 2012, quickly establishing itself as a cornerstone of the YA dystopian genre. This success has inspired author Suzanne Collins to expand the narrative universe with compelling additions, such as the prequel A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the forthcoming Sunrise on the Reaping, centered on Haymitch’s Games.
While The Ballad received mixed critical reception, it still found success at the box office, setting a positive precedent for the upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping. Collins consistently surprises readers by deepening the lore of Panem, weaving intricate histories that enrich the original trilogy’s narrative. Fans remain eager to explore more about the complex world and the brutal history of the Games, ensuring that the franchise continues to thrive.
Article Analysis
The article discusses the significance of expansive world-building in fantasy franchises and how they maintain relevance and popularity over time. It emphasizes the importance of evolving narratives while staying true to core elements that attract audiences. Various franchises, including The Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and others, are highlighted for their unique approaches to storytelling, character development, and adaptation. The piece showcases how these franchises continue to evolve and captivate fans through new iterations and adaptations, ensuring their longevity in popular culture.