10 Fantasy Franchises I Never Want To End

Fantasy books, movies, and TV shows are often spun into franchises because of the expansive worlds that the writers and creators of the series develop. While some spinoffs and sequels don’t live up to previous books or screen iterations, these franchises have never disappointed me. Returning to the fantastical worlds that lie within the pages or dazzling visuals of these franchises has provided comfort, escape, and thrilling adventures at every turn. Whether it’s through additional books, spinoffs, or multiple sequels, these fantasy stories have the potential to go on for a long time.

While there are some movies and fantasy TV shows that go on for too long, there are other franchises that are ever-expanding. World-building is a considerable factor in whether or not a fantasy series has the longevity to continue for many years. Of course, every audience is biased, as my favorite fictional universes that have captured my imagination the most are the ones I want to continue. However, there’s also something equally satisfying when it’s clear a narrative has run its course. Knowing when to conclude a franchise can be just as powerful as letting it go on forever.

10 The Lord Of The Rings (1937–Present)

Created by J.R.R Tolkien

Both the books by J.R.R. Tolkien and the movie and TV franchise the seminal fantasy story has blossomed into have become hallmarks of speculative fiction. The world of fantasy wouldn’t be the same without Tolkien’s work, and the world he created lends itself to continued exploration better than any other. The most recent addition to the franchise, the TV series The Rings of Power, has garnered some controversy. While I understand this, as it strays from Tolkien’s canon, it’s still enjoyable to see the Second Age brought to life.

Tolkien worked too hard creating the intricacies of the languages and races of Middle-earth for these innovative ideas to go unused and forgotten. Though the future of The Rings of Power‘s full series arc isn’t completely confirmed, the Second Age is hardly the last part of Middle-Earth’s history that can be uncovered. I would be interested in seeing more screen iterations of any period of The Lord of the Rings, as long as the key tenets of Tolkien’s style and tone were adhered to.

9 Game Of Thrones (1996–Present)

Created by George R.R. Martin

Though we’re still waiting for the conclusion of A Song of Ice and Fire, the original novel series that the iconic HBO show Game of Thrones is based on, there are many new spinoffs in store. The most recent addition to the Game of Thrones universe, the prequel series House of the Dragon, has tackled the history of the Targaryens long before Daenerys was born and the Targaryen dynasty lost the Iron Throne. However, this is just one facet of the storied history of the Seven Kingdoms and hasn’t begun to look across the Narrow Sea to Essos.

There are rumors that HBO’s new Game of Thrones spinoff will be more like Game of Thrones. The epic nature of the series and the intertwining histories of the characters make for compelling stories no matter when they take place in the canon. While I’m still hoping for another book from Martin, it will be enough for the TV series to keep expanding. Ever since the divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the franchise has needed to redeem itself and prove that the magic of the first few seasons of the show is still alive.

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8 Cosmere (2005–Present)

Created by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is one of the most prolific fantasy writers of the 21st century and has connected many of his works through the all-encompassing Cosmere universe. Describing Cosmere as “a single creation myth,” Sanderson uses religion and cosmology as central themes in his work (via BrandsonSanderson.com). This has kept the magic systems consistent and connected, allowing readers to easily transition between his projects. While there are details to remember, I’ve found the stories well worth keeping up with.

I’m not worried about the Cosmere universe ever coming to an end, as Sanderson hasn’t run out of ideas yet, and it seems it will be a long time before the author does. Though their styles are very different, it’s possible to compare Cosmere to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, as both are expansive novels that tackle multiple perspectives within the same franchise. Sanderson has written outside the Cosmere canon, like when he lent a hand to finishing The Wheel of Time, but his works that have stuck with me have been part of Cosmere.

7 Percy Jackson (2005–Present)

Created by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson & The Olympians

A young demigod named Percy Jackson learns about his divine heritage and must navigate a world where Greek mythology intersects with modern life. Alongside friends from Camp Half-Blood, he faces mythical creatures, uncovers family secrets, and undertakes perilous quests to thwart ancient prophecies. The series intricately weaves classical mythology with contemporary challenges, exploring themes of bravery, loyalty, and self-discovery, captivating audiences with its rich blend of adventure and timeless legends.

2024’s new Percy Jackson book proves that even though Percy and his friends have been on mountains of adventures, there’s no end in sight for their stories. Though the early film adaptations of Percy Jackson and the Olympians failed to carve out a place for the franchise onscreen, all of this changed when the Disney+ series premiered. Starring Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri as Percy, Annabeth, and Grover, I’m excited to watch the actors grow up and evolve with the novel’s beloved characters.

However, the TV show is only adapting one of many storylines with the Percy Jackson universe, as Rick Riordan has also penned the Heroes of Olympus novels and the spinoff series, The Trials of Apollo. Even the Magnus Chase and Kane Chronicles books take place within the same canon as Percy Jackson. If Riordan continues growing Percy’s story and the TV series remains successful, fans might never have to say goodbye to Percy Jackson.

6 The Chronicles Of Narnia (1950–Present)

Created by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.

Created by

C.S. Lewis

Character(s)

Aslan , Lucy Pevensie , Peter Pevensie , Edmund Pevensie , Susan Pevensie , Prince Caspian , The White Witch , Reepicheep , Eustace Scrubb , Mr. Tumnus

It’s true that C.S. Lewis’ written work on The Chronicles of Narnia ended many decades ago, but the quest to find the right screen adaptation is still going strong. While I find the Disney movies from the early 2000s nostalgic and atmospherically enjoyable, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. This is where Greta Gerwig will come in with her highly anticipated film adaptations for Netflix. Though she’s only slated to direct the first two movies, I’m sure she’s the right person to take on the project.

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There are plenty of ways that the upcoming Narnia movies will expand upon the original world, but some problems will be difficult to resolve.

With seven total books to draw inspiration from, the Narnia series has the potential to tackle each installment of the story, which could go on for years. Additionally, within the world of Narnia​​​​​​, there’s room for spinoffs and explorations about the history of the magical land. It’s no secret that Lewis left the world-building of The Chronicles of Narnia open-ended, and while this means the films will have to flesh out these details, it also means the franchise is open to interpretation.

5 Invincible (2003–Present)

Created by Robert Kirkman

Based on the comic book character by Robert Kirkman, Invincible follows Mark Grayson,  a seventeen-year-old who leads a seemingly average life save for the fact that he lives behind the shadow of his superhero father, Omni-Man. Mark goes on to develop superhuman abilities, but he must also learn that his father’s legacy isn’t as glitzy and glamorous as he’s been led to believe.

Cast

Mark Hamill , Gillian Jacobs , Jon Hamm , Mae Whitman , Steven Yeun , Walton Goggins , Ezra Miller , Jonathan Groff , Sandra Oh , Djimon Hounsou , Khary Payton , Seth Rogen , Jeffrey Donovan , Sonequa Martin-Green , Mahershala Ali , Malese Jow , J. K. Simmons , Clancy Brown , Zazie Beetz , Zachary Quinto , Jason Mantzoukas , Nicole Byer

Release Date

March 26, 2021

Seasons

2

Network

Amazon Prime Video

Showrunner

Simon Racioppa

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The gory, bloody, and brutal story of the Invincible comics has been brilliantly brought to life on Amazon Prime Video since 2021. Though I find it difficult to wait for the next installments of the story, I understand that the intricate animation style takes time, and I would rather hold out for another perfectly crafted season than have the creators rush through it. Robert Kirkman’s comic series ended with issue 144, “The End of All Things,” there’s still a long time before the TV show catches up to this point in the story.

Invincible has already hinted about potential spinoffs and continuations through the Atom Eve special that delved into her backstory and fraught relationship with her family. As Invincible season 3 draws closer, and we wait with bated breath to see where the next installment will take Mark, revisiting the early episodes of Invincible demonstrates how enduring the story is. Even if the show concludes where the comics do, it should be sure to flesh out every arc from the source material.

4 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–Present)

Created by Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a critically acclaimed animated television series that blends elements of East Asian culture, epic fantasy, and coming-of-age narratives. The franchise explores themes of balance, harmony, and the struggle between good and evil, focusing on the journey of Aang, the last Airbender and the Avatar, who must master the elements and defeat the Fire Nation to restore peace to the world.

Cast

Zach Tyler Eisen , Mae Whitman , Jack De Sena , Dante Basco , Jessie Flower , Grey DeLisle , Mark Hamill , Gordon Cormier , Kiawentiio , Ian Ousley , Dallas Liu

Created by

michael dante dimartino , bryan konietzko

The Netflix live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender struggled to live up to the legacy of the original animated series, but this doesn’t mean that the show shouldn’t progress. Already, the series is a vast improvement from the unfortunate 2010 film, which was met with negative reviews. Though I doubt anything will beat the tightly paced and crafted hero’s journey of the animated show, the Avatar world is so sprawling and intriguing that I can’t help wanting more from it.

While the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender is the first and most iconic installment of the franchise, the stories hardly stop there. There are possibilities for a live-action The Legend of Korra or even animated and live-action iterations of the many comic continuations. It will always be fun to revisit Aang and delve further into his life as the Avatar. However, he isn’t the only interesting character in the universe, and many other Avatars faced incredible odds as he did.

3 A Court Of Thorns And Roses (2015–Present)

Created by Sarah J. Maas

While Sarah J. Maas’ romantasy series has garnered lots of attention thanks to its steamy subject matter, there’s still a lot more to enjoy in the books besides the spice. Beginning in 2015 with A Court of Thorns and Roses, Maas transports the reader into a world of faeries and fighting, slowly centering on new characters’ perspectives in the following books. Though Feyre serves as the protagonist for much of the series, learning more about the overlooked and underdeveloped individuals as the story has progressed has been one of the best parts of ACOTAR.

Maas’ other works utilize similar fantasy tropes and magic systems, but ACOTAR is special and one of her most popular projects for a reason. Waiting for A Court of Thorns and Roses book six has been difficult, as there are many questions still left in the air after the conclusion of A Court of Silver Flames. However, there’s no question that Maas will keep audiences on the edge of their seats with more forbidden romance and thrilling action in the next installment.

2 Arcane (2021–2024)

Created by Christian Linke & Alex Yee

Set in the League of Legends universe, Arcane focuses on sisters Violet and Powder (later Jinx) as they end up on opposite sides of a growing conflict between the wealthy utopia of Piltover and its dark undercity whose citizens wish to break away from their oppressors. Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, and Kevin Alejandro star in this animated adventure. 

Release Date

November 6, 2021

Seasons

1

Writers

Christian Linke , Alex Yee

Directors

Pascal Charrue , Arnaud Delord

Showrunner

Christian Linke , Alex Yee

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Though technically part of the League of Legends franchise, Arcane has blossomed into something all its own. While Netflix’s amazing animated series is ending after season 2, I could keep watching the brilliantly crafted show for years to come because of its visuals and compelling story. I understand that Vi and Jinx will have to reach the climax of their battle sooner rather than later, but that doesn’t mean the world of Arcane has to go away forever.

Of all of Netflix’s animated series, Arcane has the greatest potential for spinoffs within Piltover, as the world that the creators built is strong enough to sustain itself. Even if future narratives within the Arcane universe don’t touch on any of the characters from the original series, I would still be interested in watching. Considering the rave reviews and audience reaction to Arcane so far, it seems impossible that Netflix won’t return to this IP to keep making content.

1 The Hunger Games (2008–Present)

Created by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a multi-movie franchise starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. The films are based on the young adult dystopian book series by author Suzanne Collins. The first film was released in 2012, followed by Catching Fire in 2013, Mockingjay Part 1 in 2014, and Mockingjay Part 2 in 2015. In 2023, the fifth film in the series was released, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Cast

Jennifer Lawrence , Josh Hutcherson , Liam Hemsworth , Elizabeth Banks , Woody Harrelson , Stanley Tucci , Donald Sutherland , Lenny Kravitz , Willow Shields , Phillip Seymour Hoffman , Rachel Zegler , Tom Blyth , Viola Davis , Peter Dinklage , Hunter Schafer , Jason Schwartzman

Created by

Suzanne Collins

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Ever since the inception of The Hunger Games in 2008 with the release of the YA series, audiences and critics haven’t been able to get enough of the franchise. When the first film premiered in 2012, The Hunger Games was cemented as the best of the YA dystopian genre, and its continued success has inspired the author, Suzanne Collins, to keep adding to the world. The prequel A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the upcoming novel about Haymitch’s Games, Sunrise on the Reaping, have proven to be just as compelling as the original trilogy.

Though the film iteration of The Ballad wasn’t reviewed as warmly as the original films, it still performed well at the box office, and it’s likely that the movie version of Sunrise on the Reaping will follow suit. I’ve always been most interested in Katniss’ story, but Collins keeps surprising me by adding details and lore to the fantasy prequels that make me hungry for more information. Learning about Panem and the history of the Games will never grow boring.