Best sad Tv Shows

Last updated March 2024

Jonesing to watch sensationally awesome Best sad Tv Shows ASAP? Dive right into our handpicked collection of 30 marvelous, universally adored Best sad Tv Shows available for instant streaming. Hailed as extraordinarily spectacular by revered IMDB critics and our own legion of savvy users, these world-class Best sad Tv Shows simply can't be matched. Lend a hand to fellow viewers by voting up the titles you consider keepers. We appreciate your stellar contributions highlighting elite titles!

BoJack Horseman (2014)

Plot Summary:

Meet the most beloved sitcom horse of the 90s - 20 years later. BoJack Horseman was the star of the hit TV show "Horsin' Around," but today he's washed up, living in Hollywood, complaining about everything, and wearing colorful sweaters


Duration: 1982 min

IMDB Rating: 8.8/10

IMDB Votes: 181000

Genere: Animation, Comedy, Drama

Country: USA

Plot tags: existentialism, depression, cynicism, down on your luck, sadness, anthropomorphism, hollywood, addiction, anthropomorphic animal, talking animal, mature, showbiz, satire, adult humor, nothing goes right, life is a bitch, mental illness, life philosophy, asexual, lesbian, serial killer, psychology, women, illness, moving


1883 (2021)

Plot Summary:

Follow the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. A stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land — Montana


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 8.7/10

IMDB Votes: 107000

Genere: Drama, Western

Country: USA

Plot tags: journey, wild west, cowboy, husband wife relationship, travel, old west, wildlife, family relations, life is a bitch, road trip, ancient, quarantine, intrigue, disease, coming of age, cop, law, scenery, convoy, american history, family drama, indian attack, horse, life, house


It's a Sin (2021)

Plot Summary:

A chronicle of four friends during a decade in which everything changed, including the rise of AIDS


Duration: 239 min

IMDB Rating: 8.7/10

IMDB Votes: 36000

Genere: Comedy, Drama, History

Country: UK

Plot tags: lgbt, gay, aids, lgbtq, gay relationship, gay sex, gay interest, hiv, adolescence vs adulthood, sexual relations, friendship, grownups, lgbtqi, youth, society, male female relationship, adulthood, lifestyle, boyfriend girlfriend relationship, one night stand, social relations, teenager, lesbian, doctor, news


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Yellowstone (2018)

Plot Summary:

Follow the violent world of the Dutton family, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. Led by their patriarch John Dutton, the family defends their property against constant attack by land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first National Park


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 8.7/10

IMDB Votes: 199000

Genere: Drama, Western

Country: USA

Plot tags: ranch, family business, family relations, cowboy, rivalry, death, cattle ranch, society, old west, dishonesty, violence, killings, small town, dishonor among criminals, gunfight, sheriff, boss, shooting, greed, lifestyle, racial slur, small town life, tough guy, hunting, criminal


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Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Plot Summary:

Based in Shinmiyangyo, or the U.S. expedition to Korea in the late 19th century, Mr. Sunshine tells the story of a Korean boy born into a family of a house servant running away to board an American warship, later to return to his homeland as a U.S. marine officer. He ironically falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter and discovers the dark scheme to colonize the country that he once ran away from


Duration: 80 min

IMDB Rating: 8.7/10

IMDB Votes: 10000

Genere: Action, Drama, Romance, War

Country: South Korea

Plot tags: japanese occupation of korea, love triangle, patriotism, culture clash, joseon dynasty, betrayal, destiny, wartime, boyfriend girlfriend relationship, survival, historical event, stereotypes, propaganda, childhood friend, tragic event, social realism, child abuse, military life, sniper, friendship, queen, faith, occupation, asian, female protagonist


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This Is Us (2016)

Plot Summary:

Follows the lives and families of three adults living and growing up in the United States of America in present and past times. As their paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways, we find that several of them share the same birthday - and so much more than anyone would expect


Duration: 45 min

IMDB Rating: 8.7/10

IMDB Votes: 154000

Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Country: USA

Plot tags: adoption, childhood memory, family relations, childhood, parenthood, husband wife relationship, father son relationship, depression, teenage angst, siblings, brother brother relationship, self esteem, love, pregnancy, overweight, miscarriage, estrangement, addiction, grieving, grief, love interest, breakup, high school, social worker, dysfunctional marriage


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Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Plot Summary:

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is the remake of Chinese drama Bu Bu Jing Xin that stars IU as a woman who gets time-warped back to the Goryeo dynasty, and becomes involved with a very large family of princes, some of whom are vying for the throne, or her affections, or both


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 8.6/10

IMDB Votes: 11000

Genere: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Country: South Korea

Plot tags: sweetheart, love triangle, time travel, palace, broken heart, royal family, rivalry, mad love, throne, romantic triangle, palace intrigue, love, king, prince, time traveler, bad mother, queen, death, mother son conflict, eternal love, marriage, proposal, princess, sibling rivalry, brother brother relationship


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Anne with an E (2017)

Plot Summary:

A coming-of-age story about an outsider who, against all odds and numerous challenges, fights for love and acceptance and for her place in the world. The series centers on a young orphaned girl in the late 1890’s, who, after an abusive childhood spent in orphanages and the homes of strangers, is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly woman and her aging brother. Over time, 13-year-old Anne will transform their lives and eventually the small town in which they live with her unique spirit, fierce intellect and brilliant imagination


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 8.6/10

IMDB Votes: 63000

Genere: Drama, Family

Country: Canada

Plot tags: orphan, friendship, coming of age, child's point of view, small town, teenage life, school, imaginary, family relations, children's home, teenager, feminism, society, parents and children, mischievous children, unrequited love, redhead girl, feminist, women, adoption, woman, lgbt, pandemic, prodigy, child prodigy


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House of the Dragon (2022)

Plot Summary:

The prequel series finds the Targaryen dynasty at the absolute apex of its power, with more than 15 dragons under their yoke. Most empires—real and imagined—crumble from such heights. In the case of the Targaryens, their slow fall begins almost 193 years before the events of Game of Thrones, when King Viserys Targaryen breaks with a century of tradition by naming his daughter Rhaenyra heir to the Iron Throne. But when Viserys later fathers a son, the court is shocked when Rhaenyra retains her status as his heir, and seeds of division sow friction across the realm


Duration: 50 min

IMDB Rating: 8.5/10

IMDB Votes: 350000

Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Country: USA

Plot tags: dragon, knight, kingdom, female nudity, king, legend, medieval, serial killer, sword and sorcery, queen, incest, revenge, women, evil, strength, gay couple, interracial romance, adaptation, wizard, sorcery, dysfunctional family, sexually dissatisfied wife, gay husband, female pubic hair, giant monster


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Anne of Green Gables (1985)

Plot Summary:

At the turn of the century on Prince Edward Island, Matthew Cuthbert and his sister Marilla decide to take on an orphan boy as help for their farm. But they get an unexpected jolt when they're mistakenly sent a girl instead: Anne Shirley. Anne's a dreamer with an unusual point of view, far removed from Marilla's pragmatic ways, and it's only on trial that Marilla agrees to keep Anne


Duration: 199 min

IMDB Rating: 8.5/10

IMDB Votes: 22000

Genere: Drama, Family

Country: Canada, West Germany, USA

Plot tags: adoption, orphan, imagination, teaching the ways of the world, teenage love, coming of age, countryside, best friend, young heroes, love and romance, island, foster home, fall in love, little girl, friends, friendship between girls, farm, love, heartwarming, family life, first love, free spirited, beauty, adopted daughter, mentor


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Horace and Pete (2016)

Plot Summary:

Horace and Pete (stylized as Horace and Pete's Est. 1916) is an American comedy-drama web series created by Louis C.K. starring himself and Steve Buscemi as Horace and Pete, co-owners of an Irish bar, Horace and Pete's


Duration: 437 min

IMDB Rating: 8.5/10

IMDB Votes: 17000

Genere: Comedy, Drama

Country: USA

Plot tags: family business, pub, parent child relationship, family relations, brothers, mental illness, hopelessness, father daughter relationship, sibling relationship, politics, voodoo, alcoholic, drug use, psychosis, family history, abusive father, age-gap relationship, brother brother relationship, brother sister relationship, one location, bar, show

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After Life (2019)

Plot Summary:

Tony had a perfect life. But after his wife Lisa suddenly dies, Tony changes. After contemplating taking his own life, he decides instead to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever he likes from now on


Duration: 30 min

IMDB Rating: 8.4/10

IMDB Votes: 149000

Genere: Comedy, Drama

Country: UK

Plot tags: bereavement, death of wife, dog, starting over, death wish, death, journalism, life, depression, suicide, grief, newspaper office, changing lives, newspaper reporter, character change, cancer, life is a bitch, relationship problems, family problems, lifestyle change, gross out humor, change of heart, complex characters, drastic change of life, serial killer


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Warrior (2019)

Plot Summary:

A gritty, action-packed crime drama set during the brutal Tong Wars of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the second half of the 19th century. The series follows Ah Sahm, a martial arts prodigy who immigrates from China to San Francisco under mysterious circumstances, and becomes a hatchet man for one of Chinatown’s most powerful tongs


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 8.4/10

IMDB Votes: 37000

Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, History

Country: USA

Plot tags: martial arts, gang war, rivalry, business, fistfight, corporation, hand to hand combat, sex scene, gang member, fight, gang, criminal, smuggling, master warrior, showdown, outlaw gang, lgbt, hitman, warrior, ancient, parents, organized crime, interracial romance, violent, nudity


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Anne of Avonlea (1987)

Plot Summary:

Anne Shirley, now a schoolteacher, has begun writing stories and collecting rejection slips. She makes the acquaintance of a handsome, rich, bachelor, chases a cow, and wins (to her chagrin) a baking soda company's writing contest. She acts as Diana's maid of honor, and refuses Gilbert Blythe's marriage proposal; which sends her to teach Kingsport Ladies' College, an exclusive girls school, where she meets opposition from one of the teachers, Miss Brooke, and the Pringle clan (one of whom is a rich, handsome bachelor). But while Anne enjoys the battle, and the friends she makes, she returns to Avonlea


Duration: 230 min

IMDB Rating: 8.4/10

IMDB Votes: 10000

Genere: Drama, Family, Romance

Country: Canada, USA, UK

Plot tags: friendship, coming of age, school, mentor, corporal punishment, teachers and students, love, heartwarming, anne of green gables, bittersweet, orphan, family relations, feminist, strong female presence, teacher, book, female protagonist, marriage, world war one, age difference, prodigy, child prodigy, lady, poor, makeover


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Pachinko (2022)

Plot Summary:

Follow the hopes and dreams of four generations of a Korean immigrant family beginning with a forbidden love and crescendos into a sweeping saga that journeys between Korea, Japan and America to tell the unforgettable story of war and peace, love and loss, triumph and reckoning


Duration: 55 min

IMDB Rating: 8.3/10

IMDB Votes: 11000

Genere: Drama

Country: USA, South Korea, Canada

Plot tags: immigrant, korean american, life is a bitch, social problems, generation, faith, girl, resistance, gambling, japanese occupation of korea, family history, immigrant family, east asian lead, life, earthquake, contract, domestic drama, family drama, apple, family, immigrants


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Bottom (1991)

Plot Summary:

Bottom is a British anarchic sitcom that originally aired on BBC2 between 1991 and 1995. It was written by and starring comic duo Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall as Richie and Eddie, two flatmates who live on the dole in Hammersmith, London. The programme ran for three series, and was followed by five stage show tours across the United Kingdom between 1993 and 2003, and a feature film Guest House Paradiso. The show is noted for its chaotic, nihilistic humour and violent comedy slapstick. In 2008, Bottom came in at number 45 in a poll to determine "Britain's Best Sitcom" by the BBC. The show continues to be shown in the UK on Gold and Dave, and has been dubbed in other languages. In Spain the show is known as La pareja basura which aired on Canal+. The theme music was provided by The Bum Notes, a band that once featured Edmondson, and is a cover of "Last Night" by The Mar-Keys. Plans were made in 2012 for a BBC spin-off series, Hooligan's Island, featuring the Richie and Eddie characters from Bottom. However, that project was cancelled that October prior to production as Edmondson explained that he wished to pursue other interests


Duration: 30 min

IMDB Rating: 8.3/10

IMDB Votes: 14000

Genere: Comedy

Country: UK

Plot tags: unemployment, fight, alcoholic, bachelor, humour, unemployed, boredom, sexual humor, scam, sketch, sketch show, breaking the fourth wall, friends, misfit, nazism, social misfits, guest, nothing goes right, partner, disorder, drinking problem, buddies, misfit partners, sexual activity, violence

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Murdoch Mysteries (2008)

Plot Summary:

A Victorian-era Toronto detective uses then-cutting edge forensic techniques to solve crimes, with the assistance of a female coroner who is also struggling for recognition in the face of tradition, based on the books by Maureen Jennings


Duration: 48 min

IMDB Rating: 8.2/10

IMDB Votes: 17000

Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Country: Canada, UK

Plot tags: police detective, partners against crime, uncover truth, riddles and clues, police investigation, twists and turns, forensics, unconventional method, murder investigation, who done it, victorian england, morgue, police station, mind game, workplace, boss and employee, whodunit, manipulation, police, murder, investigation, law enforcement, intelligence agency, writers, inventor


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Forever (2014)

Plot Summary:

Doctor Henry Morgan, New York City’s star medical examiner, has a secret. He doesn't just study the dead to solve criminal cases, he does it to solve the mystery that has eluded him for 200 years—the answer to his own inexplicable immortality. This long life has given Henry remarkable observation skills which impresses his new partner, Detective Jo Martinez. Each week, a new case and their budding friendship will reveal layers of Henry’s long and colorful past. Only his best friend and confidant, Abe knows Henry’s secret


Duration: 43 min

IMDB Rating: 8.2/10

IMDB Votes: 61000

Genere: Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Country: USA

Plot tags: immortality, supernatural, investigation, friendship, law enforcement, immortal, supernatural ability, crime scene, friends, murder investigation, female detective, deduction, morgue, laboratory, police partner, buddies, medical examiner, female police detective, hidden identity, murder, doctors and patients, curses spells and rituals, police, coroner, medical examination


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I Know This Much Is True (2020)

Plot Summary:

The parallel lives of identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey in an epic story of betrayal, sacrifice and forgiveness set against the backdrop of 20th century America


Duration: 378 min

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

IMDB Votes: 23000

Genere: Drama

Country: USA

Plot tags: brother brother relationship, family relations, brotherhood, mysterious past, life is a bitch, loss of child, psychology, psychiatry, disorder, mental health, schizophrenic, child abuse, dysfunctional family, twin brother, breast cancer, stepfather stepson relationship, tragedy, sacrifice, childhood trauma, monkey, twins, male nudity, waterfall, aspiring actor, flashback


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Resident Alien (2021)

Plot Summary:

Crash-landed alien Harry takes on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor. Arriving with a secret mission, he starts off living a simple life…but things get a bit rocky when he’s roped into solving a local murder and realizes he needs to assimilate into his new world. As he does, he begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his mission and asking the big life questions like: “Are human beings worth saving?” and “Why do they fold their pizza before eating it?”


Duration: 44 min

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

IMDB Votes: 45000

Genere: Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Country: USA

Plot tags: extraterrestrial, alien race, alien, human alien, alien disguised as human, alien contact, alien space craft, fish out of water, ufo, body horror, alien on earth, moral dilemma, alien life-form, humanoid alien, alien invasion, friendship, space, male protagonist, friends, alien creature, society, lifestyle, social relations, culture clash, supernatural


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Killing Eve (2018)

Plot Summary:

A security consultant hunts for a ruthless assassin. Equally obsessed with each other, they go head to head in an epic game of cat-and-mouse


Duration: 42 min

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

IMDB Votes: 130000

Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Thriller

Country: USA, UK

Plot tags: lgbt, psychopath, female protagonist, lesbian, psycho killer, investigation, woman with a gun, female assassin, peril, odd couple, obsession, lesbian love, strong female character, hitman, killings, violence, girl fight, spy, blood, sapphic, dark humor, strong sexual content, lesbian attraction, murder, female spy


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ZeroZeroZero (2019)

Plot Summary:

Based on the book of the same name by bestselling author Roberto Saviano, ZeroZeroZero is an unforgettable exploration of the inner workings of the global cocaine trade


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

IMDB Votes: 29000

Genere: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Country: Italy

Plot tags: italian mafia, mafia, cartel, drug cartel, cocaine, drug dealer, drug trade, drug dealing, drug smuggler, drug, brutality, gunfight, shooting, organized crime, apocalypse, stephen king, spy, ghetto, gang, obsession, criminal, addiction, conflict, african, nypd


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The Good Doctor (2017)

Plot Summary:

A young surgeon with Savant syndrome is recruited into the surgical unit of a prestigious hospital. The question will arise: can a person who doesn't have the ability to relate to people actually save their lives?


Duration: 41 min

IMDB Rating: 8.0/10

IMDB Votes: 109000

Genere: Drama

Country: USA

Plot tags: autism, medicine, medical, doctor, hospital, prodigy, talented, surgeon, surgical operation, male doctor, sick, childhood memory, nursing, asperger's syndrome, nurse, physician, flashback, flashback sequence, autistic, autist, talent, serial killer, genius, psychopath, mission


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The End of the F***ing World (2017)

Plot Summary:

James is 17 and is pretty sure he is a psychopath. Alyssa, also 17, is the cool and moody new girl at school. The pair make a connection and she persuades him to embark on a darkly comedic road trip in search of her real father


Duration: 25 min

IMDB Rating: 8.0/10

IMDB Votes: 214000

Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller

Country: UK

Plot tags: teenager, underage, murder, psycho, road trip, psychopath, teenage love, relationships, dark humor, boyfriend girlfriend relationship, tragic love, love, search for father, love interest, police investigation, serial killer, coming of age, forbidden love, teenage girl, apocalypse, superhero, fashion, killer, strong female lead, life


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Superstore (2015)

Plot Summary:

A hilarious workplace comedy about a unique family of employees at a super-sized mega store. From the bright-eyed newbies and the seen-it-all veterans to the clueless summer hires and the in-it-for-life managers, together they hilariously tackle the day-to-day grind of rabid bargain hunters, riot-causing sales and nap-worthy training sessions


Duration: 22 min

IMDB Rating: 7.9/10

IMDB Votes: 66000

Genere: Comedy

Country: USA

Plot tags: workplace humor, store, employee, workplace, workplace situations, rivalry, friendship, salesman, teamwork, workplace romance, supervisor, employer employee relationship, love interest, misfit, exodus, youth, escapades, unsupportive coworkers, department store, strong female lead, stoner, couples, mature, supermarket, working class


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Masters of Sex (2013)

Plot Summary:

William Masters and Virginia Johnson are real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality. Their research touched off the sexual revolution and took them from a midwestern teaching hospital to the cover of Time magazine and multiple appearances on Johnny Carson's couch. He is a brilliant scientist out of touch with his own feelings, and she is a single working mother ahead of her time. The series chronicles their unusual lives, romance, and unlikely pop culture trajectory


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 7.9/10

IMDB Votes: 38000

Genere: Drama, Romance

Country: USA

Plot tags: sex, sexuality, strong sexual content, sexual exploration, nudity, sexual relations, sex scene, sexual tension, unfaithfulness, couple relations, watching sex, female nudity, sexual dysfunction, determination, workplace, infidelity, masturbation, scientist, adultery, against the rules, casual sex, sexual identity, couples, porn, psychology


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Elementary (2012)

Plot Summary:

A modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his worst nightmare - a sober companion, Dr. Watson


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 7.9/10

IMDB Votes: 117000

Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Country: USA

Plot tags: investigation, sherlock holmes, private detective, talented, female partner, prodigy, mastermind, mind game, riddles and clues, unconventional method, law enforcement, friendship, resourceful, police detective, police investigation, intelligence, friends, teamwork, whodunit, expert, loyalty, multiple suspects, supportive friend, coworker, hotshot


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Modern Love (2019)

Plot Summary:

Over eight standalone episodes, the series explores love in its multitude of forms – including sexual, romantic, familial, platonic, and self love


Duration: 513 min

IMDB Rating: 7.9/10

IMDB Votes: 36000

Genere: Comedy, Romance

Country: USA

Plot tags: women, love, relationships, dating, dating show, unfulfillment, love and romance, love affair, male female relationship, boyfriend girlfriend relationship, love story, loneliness, society, love interest, couple relations, teenager, serial killer, passion, lgbt, bipolar disorder, fall in love, in love, coming of age, gay couple, lgbtqi


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His Dark Materials (2019)

Plot Summary:

Lyra is an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Lyra's search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children, and turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. She is later joined on her journey by Will, a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. As Lyra learns the truth about her parents and her prophesied destiny, the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds


Duration: 60 min

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

IMDB Votes: 83000

Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Country: UK, USA

Plot tags: travel, magic, prophecy, friendship, children, child protagonist, steampunk, journey, conspiracy, coming of age, church, multiverse, talking animal, alternate universe, parallel universe, arctic, animal, supernatural, religion, demon, distopia, time travel, painter, witchcraft, ancient


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A Discovery of Witches (2018)

Plot Summary:

Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he's a vampire and witches should never trust vampires


Duration: 1107 min

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

IMDB Votes: 59000

Genere: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Country: UK

Plot tags: witch, vampire, magic, supernatural, danger, vampire human love, love and romance, witchcraft, impossible love, interspecies romance, love interest, magical power, book, female protagonist, magical, demon, time travel, superhero, religion, mysterious character, wizard, fight, relationships, black magic, love affair


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