Best tv shows like Merlin
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
The unlikely friendship between Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, and Prince Arthur, heir to the crown of Camelot.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 86000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: UK
Duration: 45 min
Plot tags: epic, exciting, arthurian, humorous, fairy tale, captivating, mythical, stylized, mystical, funny
Best tv shows and movies like Merlin (2008):
Similar in 88%
Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelot (2020)
Plot Summary:
King Arthur returns home after fighting the Roman Empire. His illegitimate son has corrupted the throne of Camelot and King Arthur must reunite with the wizard Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table to fight to get back his crown.
IMDB Rating: 3.3
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Action, Adventure, History
Country: UK
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: exciting, humorous, epic, captivating, stylized, semi serious, arthurian
Similar in 83%
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.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 59000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 1107 min
Plot tags: stylized, romantic, captivating, scenic, costume drama, enigmatic, gothic, epic, sad, demonic
Similar in 88%
Merlin's Apprentice (2006)
Plot Summary:
The great sorcerer Merlin has returned to Camelot, a kingdom now vulnerable to ill fates and war since the theft of the Holy Grail, its greatest gift and protection. With the help of Jack, an irascible young beggar-thief imbued with his own unruly magic, the fight against unknown dangers begins-to find the Grail, restore it to its rightful place, and bring Camelot back to its glory days.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Adventure, Fantasy
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 176 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, humorous, semi serious, arthurian, exciting, fairy tale, epic, costume drama, offbeat, vintage
Similar in 86%
The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself (2022)
Plot Summary:
Caught between two warring clans, the son of a notorious witch responsible for a deadly massacre tries to find his place in the world — and his powers.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Country: UK
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: supernatural thriller, spooky, homoerotic, queer cinema
Similar in 78%
Cursed (2020)
Plot Summary:
In this fresh take on the Arthurian legend, teenager Nimue joins forces with mercenary Arthur on a quest to find Merlin and deliver an ancient sword.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 32000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: captivating, exciting, atmospheric, surprise ending, visually appealing, arthurian, dark fantasy, epic fantasy, breathtaking, scenic
Similar in 81%
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
Plot Summary:
With magic long since lost to England, two men are destined to bring it back; the reclusive Mr. Norrell and daring novice Jonathan Strange. So begins a dangerous battle between two great minds.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Fantasy, War
Country: UK
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: exciting, semi serious, costume drama, period piece, enigmatic, bleak, stylized, atmospheric, gothic, mysterious
Similar in 76%
Labyrinth (2012)
Plot Summary:
She inherits a house in the South of France from an aunt she has never met; she is haunted by dreams of a woman from the past, whom she does not know; and now she stumbles upon an archaeological find that will bear witness to a genocide committed 800 years ago on European soil, which will lead Alice Tanner to the secrets of the Holy Grail.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, History
Country: Germany, UK, South Africa, Czech Republic
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: stylized, tense, serious, suspenseful, erotic, period piece, sensual, epic, epic fantasy, period drama
Similar in 89%
Earthsea (2004)
Plot Summary:
A reckless youth is destined to become the greatest sorcerer that the mystical land of Earthsea has ever known.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: captivating, serious, stylized, epic, historical drama, epic fantasy, vintage
Similar in 79%
Merlin (1998)
Plot Summary:
The legendary wizard tells his story of his war against Queen Mab of the Sidhe and his creation of Camelot.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 22000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Country: USA, UK
Duration: 182 min
Plot tags: fairy tale, epic, exciting, atmospheric, light, arthurian, dark fantasy, entertaining, mystical, gothic
Similar in 79%
Xena: Warrior Princess (1995)
Plot Summary:
Xena: Warrior Princess is an American–New Zealand supernatural fantasy adventure series that aired in syndication from September 4, 1995 until June 18, 2001. The series was created in 1995 by writer-director-producer Robert Tapert under his production tag, Renaissance Pictures with later executive producers being R. J. Stewart and Sam Raimi. The series narrative follows Xena, as an infamous warrior on a quest to seek redemption for her past sins against the innocent by using her formidable fighting skills to now, help those who are unable to defend themselves. Xena is accompanied by Gabrielle, who during the series changes from a simple farm girl into an Amazon warrior and Xena's comrade-in-arms; her initial naïveté helps to balance Xena and assists her in recognizing and pursuing the "greater good". The show is a spin-off of the television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys; the saga began with three episodes in Hercules where Xena was a recurring character originally scheduled to die in her third appearance. Aware that the character of Xena had been very successful among the public, the producers of the series decided to create a spin-off series based on her adventures. Xena was a successful show which has aired in more than 108 countries around the world since 1998. In 2004 and 2007, it was ranked #9 and #10 on TV Guide's Top Cult Shows Ever and the title character was ranked #100 on Bravo's 100 Greatest TV Characters. Xena's success has led to hundreds of tie-in products, including, comics, books, video games and conventions, realized annually since 1998 in Pasadena, California and London.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 48000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA
Duration: 45 min
Plot tags: exciting, sexy, captivating, retro, epic, heroic, juvenile, mythical, action adventure, saga
Similar in 87%
The Shannara Chronicles (2016)
Plot Summary:
A young Healer armed with an unpredictable magic guides a runaway Elf in her perilous quest to save the peoples of the Four Lands from an age-old Demon scourge.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 63000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA
Duration: 42 min
Plot tags: exciting, captivating, serious, suspense, apocalyptic, entertaining, sexy, costume drama, cliffhanger
Similar in 90%
The Magicians (2015)
Plot Summary:
Brakebills University is a secret institution specializing in magic. There, amidst an unorthodox education of spellcasting, a group of twenty-something friends soon discover that a magical fantasy world they read about as children is all too real— and poses grave danger to humanity.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 55000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: exciting, captivating, disturbing, fairy tale, suspenseful, suspense, erotic, funny, spiritual, costume drama
Similar in 85%
Camelot (2011)
Plot Summary:
Camelot is a historical-fantasy-drama television series based on the Arthurian legend, was produced by Graham King, Morgan O'Sullivan and Michael Hirst.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 25000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy
Country: Ireland, USA, UK, Canada
Duration: 45 min
Plot tags: exciting, captivating, stylized, serious, arthurian, epic, costume drama, historical drama, sexual, erotic
Similar in 90%
The Mists of Avalon (2001)
Plot Summary:
A unique re-working of the Arthurian epic, based on the novel by Marion Zimmer Bradley, The Mists of Avalon tells the familiar tale but with an important twist: The story is told through the eyes of the women who wielded power behind King Arthur's throne. Filmed on location in Prague, The Mists of Avalon follows the women of Avalon through the ultimate fulfillment of their destinies.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy
Country: Czech Republic, Germany, USA
Duration: 183 min
Plot tags: epic, exciting, fairy tale, atmospheric, arthurian, captivating, entertaining, serious, erotic, period piece
Similar in 90%
Emerald City (2016)
Plot Summary:
A modern reimagining of the stories that lead to 'The Wizard of Oz'.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, captivating, breathtaking, fairy tale, epic fantasy
Similar in 75%
Once Upon a Time (2011)
Plot Summary:
There is a town in Maine where every story book character you've ever known is trapped between two worlds, victims of a powerful curse. Only one knows the truth and only one can break the spell. Emma Swan is a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who has been supporting herself since she was abandoned as a baby. Things change for her when her son Henry, whom she abandoned years ago, finds her and asks for her help explaining that she is from a different world where she is Snow White's missing daughter.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 234000
Genere: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: fairy tale, offbeat, stylized, sentimental, captivating, touching, serious, mysterious, costume drama, mythical
Similar in 78%
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.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 83000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, enigmatic, suspense, exciting, sad, apocalyptic, crying, costume drama, juvenile, dark fantasy
Similar in 83%
Season of the Witch (2011)
Plot Summary:
A 14th century Crusader returns with his comrade to a homeland devastated by the Black Plague. The Church commands the two knights to transport a witch to a remote abbey, where monks will perform a ritual in hopes of ending the pestilence.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 97000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: dark fantasy, gothic, gothic horror, dark, suspense, stylized, exciting, scary, serious, brutal
Similar in 88%
Reign (2013)
Plot Summary:
Mary, Queen of Scots, faces political and sexual intrigue in the treacherous world of the French court.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 53000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 42 min
Plot tags: sexy, stylized, serious, historical drama, costume drama, tense, suspenseful, realistic, period piece, erotic
Similar in 82%
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Plot Summary:
Harry, Ron and Hermione continue their quest to vanquish the evil Voldemort once and for all. Just as things begin to look hopeless for the young wizards, Harry discovers a trio of magical objects that endow him with powers to rival Voldemort's formidable skills.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 928000
Genere: Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Mystery
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: exciting, atmospheric, entertaining, sad, epic, saga, stylized, action adventure, psychotronic, mystical
Similar in 75%
The Wheel of Time (2021)
Plot Summary:
Follow Moiraine, a member of the shadowy and influential all-female organization called the “Aes Sedai” as she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women. Moiraine believes one of them might be the reincarnation of an incredibly powerful individual, whom prophecies say will either save humanity or destroy it.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 132000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: dark fantasy, exciting, captivating, suspenseful, atmospheric, sad, epic fantasy, queer cinema
Similar in 78%
Eragon (2006)
Plot Summary:
In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy happens upon a dragon's egg -- a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realized he's the one person who can defend his home against an evil king.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 129000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Country: USA, UK, Hungary
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: fairy tale, exciting, mythical, serious, epic, captivating, semi serious, mystical, educational, fantasy adventure
Similar in 82%
Stardust (2007)
Plot Summary:
In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 282000
Genere: Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: fairy tale, romantic, feel good, light, dark fantasy, captivating, atmospheric, exciting, offbeat, scenic
Similar in 78%
Atlantis (2013)
Plot Summary:
A fantasy drama set in a world of legendary heroes and mythical creatures. Far from home and desperate for answers, Jason washes up on the shores of an ancient land. A mysterious place; a world of bull leaping, of snake haired goddesses and of palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants - this is the city of Atlantis. Aided by his two new friends, Pythagoras and Hercules, Jason embarks on a voyage of discovery, and salvation, which sees him brush shoulders with Medusa, come face to face with the Minotaur and even do battle with the dead.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 45 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, atmospheric, captivating, costume drama, mythical, epic fantasy, stylized
Similar in 88%
Legend of the Seeker (2008)
Plot Summary:
The adventures of woodsman Richard Cypher, who discovers that he was born to fulfill a prophecy of becoming a guardian hero to oppressed people. With the help of a mysterious woman named Kahlan and a wise old wizard named Zedd, he must stop a ruthless and bloodthirsty tyrant from unleashing an ancient evil and enslaving the world.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 36000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA, New Zealand
Duration: 44 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, heroic, dark fantasy, feel good, entertaining, humorous, captivating, sweet, mythical
Similar in 82%
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Plot Summary:
The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 693000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: New Zealand, USA
Duration: 161 min
Plot tags: epic, breathtaking, heroic, entertaining, dark fantasy, exciting, tense, intense, saga, stylized
Similar in 89%
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Plot Summary:
When the child Arthur’s father is murdered, Vortigern, Arthur’s uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword Excalibur from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy... whether he likes it or not.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 229000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: UK, USA, Australia
Duration: 126 min
Plot tags: epic, entertaining, suspense, arthurian, period piece, costume drama, visually stunning, stylized, psychotronic, fairy tale
Similar in 80%
The Witcher (2019)
Plot Summary:
The witcher Geralt, a mutated monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher Saga.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 558000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Country: Poland, Hungary, USA, UK
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: dark fantasy, exciting, atmospheric, captivating, brutal, epic, serious, suspenseful, bleak, erotic
Similar in 77%
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Plot Summary:
Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring arrives at its final destination: Mt. Doom, the only place where it can be destroyed.
IMDB Rating: 8.8
IMDB Votes: 20000000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: New Zealand, USA
Duration: 178 min
Plot tags: epic, atmospheric, scenic, breathtaking, stylized, exciting, fairy tale, heroic, suspenseful, captivating
Similar in 76%
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Plot Summary:
Frodo and Sam are trekking to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn search for the orc-captured Merry and Pippin. All along, nefarious wizard Saruman awaits the Fellowship members at the Orthanc Tower in Isengard.
IMDB Rating: 8.8
IMDB Votes: 17000000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: New Zealand, USA
Duration: 179 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, epic, captivating, exciting, dark fantasy, scenic, heroic, breathtaking, visually stunning, cult classic