Sometimes, in all the hustle and bustle of modern life, all that one wants is to take a day or a weekend to kick back, relax, and settle into a new television series. It’s a normal feeling, and can benefit one’s mental health with how it allows them to escape their current reality, even if only momentarily. And what better genre to slip into than fantasy, which provides worlds far beyond the deepest reaches of human imagination?
Not everyone has an entire weekend to spare, but if this is the case, don’t worry, because some of the best fantasy TV series can easily be consumed within one short day. Some can even be done in one sitting, with plenty of time to kill for the rest of the day, leaving them completely guilt-free.These are the best fantasy TV shows that can be binged in just one day, if that’s the kind of thing you’re up for.
10’First Kill' (2022)
First Killis perfect for fans of the vampires of Gothic fantasy, as well as supernatural teen dramas a laBuffy the Vampire Slayer. The premise centers on 16-year-old vampire Juliette (Sarah Catherine Hook), who, in order to earn his rite of passage as an adult in her community of bloodsuckers, has to perform her first kill. The person Juliette selects happens to be Calliope Burns (Imani Lewis), who belongs to a secret cabal of monster hunters and also needs to carry out her first kill in order to earn her rite of passage. Instead of killing each other, however, the two end up falling in love.
First Killis a modern Gothic romantasy for new and veteran fans of supernatural dramas, especially those who have been searching for something new to sate their love of the genre.First Killis only one season long and consists of eight episodes, meaning it’s not quite as long asBuffyor other similar shows. However, this is both a blessing and a curse, as this means it can be safely and easily consumed within the span of one day.
9’Avatar: The Last Airbender' (2024–)
The Nickelodeon animated seriesAvatar: The Last Airbenderis a few seasons long and not exactly a good choice if you’re looking to quickly finish a series. However, the live-action Netflix series only has one season right now, so it’s super easy to cram it in over the course of one sitting. Like the animated series, the show is about four nations, each represented by one of the four elements, air, earth, fire, and water, which are at war until the arrival of the Avatar, who will master the elements and unite the nations.
The live-action show isn’t quite as good as the original, but it still maintains its signature level of charm and comedy, combining laughs, adventure, and moral lessons that make it a fantastic watch for any fantasy fan, regardless of age.Since it’s only one season long, and only consists of eight episodes, it’s simple to crush this show without needing to take a break, if that’s what you’re hoping to do.
8’One Piece' (2023–)
The originalOne Pieceanime is absolutely impossible to binge in one sitting, considering it’s been running since 1999 without stopping, and has over a dozen (and sometimes two dozen) episodes per season. However, the live-action series is completely doable if you’re looking to binge a show in one day. Or at least, it is for now, as the show currently only has one season, though more are planned eventually.
The critically acclaimedpirate-themed adventure seriesis about a legendary treasure map that will supposedly lead to the greatest treasure ever hidden. The problem is, it’s missing a piece, which, of course, is the most crucial piece, prompting aspiring and experienced pirates to begin a quest to find the missing piece of the puzzle.The live-action version ofOne Pieceis much more digestible for non-anime fansand is easy to get lost in and finish in less than half a day.
7’Star Wars: Visions' (2021–)
George Lucas, the man behind the creation of theStar Warsfranchise, has himself stated that theseries is more in line with fantasy than sci-fi, soStar Wars: Visionstotally counts as a fantasy series. This anime series is an anthology of shorts all created by different animation studios, meaning every single episode bears its own unique story and art style. None of the stories are officially part of theStar Warscanon, which was intentional, as Disney wanted to allow the studios maximum freedom with their stories.
There are two seasons ofVisionsso far, each with nine episodes, but at a length of only 15 minutes each, the entire show can be binged in just four and a half hours. Even with a third season on the way later this year, it’ll still be totally feasible to crush it in one day. From stories of samurai-inspired Sith Lords to screaming wraiths living in the mountains,Visionskeeps the viewer hooked, providing not just eye candy but short, yet moving stories, too.
6’Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell' (2015)
Based on a novel of the same name bySusanna Clarke,Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrellis set in an alternate version of the early 19th century, specifically around the turn of the century, during the Napoleonic Wars. The main difference is that, in this world, magic is known to exist—in fact, it’s common knowledge amongst pretty much everybody that magic is real. The problem is, no one knows how to do it anymore, or at least, no one except for the two protagonists after which the series is named, who are the only known practitioners of the art.
This seven-part miniseries has episodes that are a bit on the longer side, but with how few of them there are,it’s definitely doable to binge the series in one day, or even one sitting if you’re feeling up for it.The urban fantasy remains one of the most underrated fantasy miniseries and was praised for its entertainment value and its faithfulness to the original novel. Of course, another standout aspect was the performances of its principal actors, who really made the magic of the universe come to life.
5’Lost Ollie' (2022)
Lost Ollieisa heartwarming fantasy miniseriesthat can be safely consumed in just a few short hours. The show only consists of four episodes, so it’s not even that hard to view it as one long movie rather than a TV show with four parts. The kid-friendly story has also resonated with adults due to its themes of childhood innocence and growing up, and for its beautiful stop-motion animation and vibrant sense of nostalgia.
The story concerns a stuffed rabbit that is accidentally left behind one day, prompting the discarded toy to embark on a quest to find his owner by any means necessary, making many friends along the way.It’s a fantasy miniseries that is truly special, giving life to childhood toys and leaving audiences in tearsof joy and sorrow with its emotional impact. Truly, there’s no better way to consumeLost Olliethan all at once.
4’Over the Garden Wall' (2014)
Cartoon series are a dime a dozen on the aptly-named Cartoon Network, but it’s not very often that these shows are presented as a limited miniseries rather than a multiple-season comedy or adventure.Over the Garden Wallconsists of just 10 episodes, each less than half an hour long, so to consume it in just a couple of hours is nothing strange or unusual. It might bear a similar animation style to other Cartoon Network shows of the 2010s, but don’t let that fool you—it’s something completely different.
The star-studded voice cast ofOver the Garden Walltells the story of two half-brothers who become lost in the Unknown, a strange and foreboding forest where the trees touch the sky. Despite being released relatively quietly and being nowhere near as popular as other Cartoon Network originals,Over the Garden Wallreceived numerous awards and lots of excellent reviews, prompting a special episode to air years after its release.If you haven’t seenOver the Garden Wallyet, now is your sign to do so. It won’t take you long to watch it all.
3’Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities' (2022)
Film directorGuillermo del Torois known for his dark fantasy films, many of which have received critical acclaim. Fortunately, anyone who’s a fan of his particular style can consume a little more of it withGuillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, aNetflix original anthology seriesof dark fantasy and horror stories, all curated by the man himself. Because it’s an anthology, each episode functions as its own self-contained story, with its own characters and setting.
https://collider.com/best-anthology-shows-on-netflix/,Cabinet of Curiositiesmay have episodes that are a bit on the longer side, but with only a few of them in this limited series, it’s completely possible to burn through all of them before you even know you’re finished. What’s more, many of them are complex and mind-bending, perhaps inviting multiple rewatches. If you’ve got a free weekend and are in the mood for some dark fantasy, this is a great series to binge on a lazy day.
2’Percy Jackson and the Olympians' (2023–)
In contrast to the movie adaptations of the early 2010s, the Disney+ reboot ofPercy Jackson and the Olympiansis a much more faithful and entertaining adaptation of the books byRick Riordan. Riordan was much more involved in the process of the show, so it maintains his personal touch that made fans fall in love with his YA novels. The story, of course, is about Percy (Walker Scobell), a boy of 12 who discovers he is a demigod, and the son of an Olympian deity, causing him to be sent off to a camp for other demigods.
The show currently only has one season, but the episodes are generally shorter, most hovering around 30-40 minutes rather than a full hour, likely to make it more palatable for younger viewers. In any case, it’s extremely exciting, regardless of age, introducing tons of villains from Greek mythology.Percy Jackson and the Olympianswill leave audiences on the edge of their seats, wondering what powerful creature Percy and his friends will encounter next, which is why it’s so easy to lose yourself and consume the entirety of it within a few short hours.
1’The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance' (2019)
By far one of the best fantasy TV shows in recent years,The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistanceis a prequel to the 1982Jim Hensonmovie, taking viewers once again back to the distant world of Thra. This series examines the emergence of the vulture-like Skeksis and how they came to enslave and exterminate the native Gelflings and Podlings of Thra, using the power of the Dark Crystal to fuel their war machine.
This gorgeously done series is full of stunning set design, an immersive lore, and intricate puppetry for a dark, yet family-friendly adventure.Netflix’s abrupt cancellation ofThe Dark Crystalwas a sin that is absolutely unforgivable for many fantasy fans, as the critically acclaimed series had so much potential.In spite of being axed, it’s easy to consume in one day with its single season, which makes it palatable, but also highly bingeable, with the binge best concluded by a viewing of the movie itself, of course.
