Vampires, Weres, and Magic

If you're a lover of the supernatural, then look no further; your ultimate guide to fantastic TV and movies starts here.

While my love of the fantasy genre started the day that I cracked open The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis when I was nine years old, it has since been fueled by a variety of television shows and movies. If, like me, you're obsessed with the idea of other worlds and sub-human species, then join me in this have-to-watch listing.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer originally aired while I was in junior high and high school. My mom and I eagerly tuned in to watch the episodes that catered to our need for a good supernatural story, as well as the romantic plots between Buffy and her various lovers. While my favorite was Angel, a doomed vampire, I was a sucker for Riley and Spike as well. The show aired for seven seasons with an ending that satisfied my need for a decent plot-ender. If you're okay with '90s hairstyles, clothing, and monster special effects, then this show is for you.

The Twilight saga is an easy go-to if you're into vampires. While the story feels familiar in 2021, the books-turned-movies seemed different during its original premiere dates. What teenage or twenty-something girl isn't going to get hooked on an epic love story between a boring human girl and a gorgeous, gentle, sparkling vampire? Though I preferred the books, the movies were able to capture the love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob, before revealing the magic of werewolf imprinting.

The Vampire Diaries is an underestimated show, in my opinion. While my husband dubs it, The Vampire Barbies, I have to disagree with his opinion. Yes, every actor/actress in the show is insanely beautiful, but isn't that a vampire trick to attract humans? Though I've never read the books that the show is based on, the show quenches some innate thirst I have for an-almost-happy ending. Each character draws me into their plotline before becoming intermingled with the others and the overall story. If you're into characters that never die combined with drama and a feel-good ending, then this show is for you.

If you've watched all of the above shows, then it's time for you to graduate to True Blood on HBO. The show is based off of The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. The show is heavy on adult themes; ie, sex, nudity, drugs, and foul language, but compliments the supernatural characters just fine, in my opinion. Vampires, weres, fairies, and more are prevalent in this dynamic series. If you are a fan of the books, the show moves into its own direction in season five, but wraps up nicely at the end of season seven, if you're a fan of plot wrap-ups and no ambiguous questions.

Though there aren't any vampires involved, The Hobbit trilogy, followed by The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is a staple in any fantasy-lover's favorite's list. The combination of magical creatures (hobbits, elves, dwarves, wizards, and orcs) with cutthroat war scenes and epic-level quests make these series must-reads and must-sees.

If you want outside-the-vampire-box shows, try Locke and Key, season one available on Netflix now. The series is based on a family that moves to a mysterious familial home that hides many secrets. *SPOILER ALERT* Who wouldn't want to move to a cliff house that has a key that lets you fly around the property, questioning your own ghost ancestors?

Want more fantastical shows to dig into? Try The Magicians, Fate: The Winx Saga, or The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, all available on Netflix. If you're interested in magical books, I recommend anything by Robin Hobb (read 'em all!) and The Belgariad by David Eddings.

Watched a series I forgot to mention? Hit me up with your favorite fantasy series and movies at [email protected].