After his unexpected success with the iconic manga/anime One piece adaptation, returns to Earth with a coup for Netflix in the live-action remake space.
In fact, Netflix Avatar the last airbender – the streaming giant's latest version of a beloved animated series – has divided fans and critics alike. As of this writing, reviews for the show are mixed: the Netflix version has a score of 59% on the popular review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes (RT). However, viewers in general have enjoyed it much more, with Avatar sitting pretty with a more positive rating of 75%.
Like many reviewers, we were not particularly impressed by the Avatar the last airbender. In our review, we called it a “brave but frustrating remake that blows hot and cold,” so we can't say it's a must-see slice of television. However, the following shows with similar positions are must-watches, so pick up one of these five fantasy series on Netflix instead of the streamer's latest big-budget offering.
Avatar the last airbender
Seasons: 3
RT Score: 100% (critics); 98% (audience)
Widely considered one of the best anime of all time. Avatar the last airbenderThe original series, which initially aired on Nickelodeon, is an incredibly lively and emotional rollercoaster of television.
Michael Dante DiMartino and Brian Konietzko's TV show tells the same story as the Netflix remake: Aang, the sole 12-year-old survivor of the Air Nomads and the last reincarnation of the all-powerful Avatar, must reluctantly accept his fate and stop the tyrannical Fire. nation rule over its sister nations.
That brief synopsis of the story, however, doesn't do justice to how epic the story was. Avatar animated series is. It's funny, heartbreaking, action-packed, and full of compelling characters that evolve as the series progresses. It also tackles difficult topics (genocide, imperialism and death, to name just three) that are often overlooked in programs aimed at children. A rare breed of anime-style show, which is as fantastic now as it was in 2005.
Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender is also available on Paramount Plus (United States, United Kingdom and Australia) and main video (US and UK) and Sky (UK).
castlevania
Seasons: 4
RT Score: 94% (critical); 89% (audience)
Based on Konami's beloved 2D side-scrolling dark fantasy horror game of the same name, castlevania is an R-rated animated show that deserves a lot more attention than it got during its four seasons on the world's best streaming service.
Trevor Belmont, the last living member of a legendary and once feared family of monster hunters, joins forces with magician Sypha Belnades and Alucard, the son of Dracula, to fight the iconic vampire lord and his army of undead and liberate the nation of Wallachia. Dracula's dictatorial rule.
Netflix castlevania plays a little fast and loose with his original material, mostly Castlevania III: The Curse of Dracula and Castlevania: The Curse of Darkness – but weaves together the stories of Konami's games into a highly entertaining, gore-filled package that's devilishly delicious to watch. The derived series Castlevania: night It's equally brilliant too.
One piece
Seasons: 1
RT Score: 85% (critical); 95% (audience)
The only one of three live-action remakes of Netflix's iconic anime (the others are bebop cowboy and the aforementioned Avatar – One piece is a largely faithful adaptation that captures the charming essence of its animated and manga namesakes.
It tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy, an enthusiastic and big-hearted pirate who dreams of becoming King of the Pirates. Along with his eclectic crew (collectively known as the Straw Hats), Monkey embarks on a mission traversing the world to find the titular One Piece, a legendary treasure that would help him achieve his goal.
Netflix One piece was the streaming king on the high seas after its first season reached the number one spot on the streaming television charts in August 2023. Given its unprecedented success, it also didn't take long for Netflix to greenlight a second season of One Piece. You can read everything we know about it in our One piece season 2 guide. You know, once you've seen its first eight-part installment.
Six seasons of the One Piece anime series are also available to stream on Netflix (US and Australia). Several other seasons can be seen at Hulu and Pluto TV (USA), and crispy roll (United States, United Kingdom and Australia).
The Sandman
Seasons: 1
RT Score: 88% (critical); 80% (audience)
It took 35 years for Neil Gaiman's legendary, mind-bending and creative graphic novel series to finally get a live-action adaptation befitting its source material. However, that is exactly what happened in mid-2022, with the arrival of The Sandman season 1 on Netflix.
Gaiman's seminal works follow Morpheus (also known as Dream), one of the seven immortal beings known collectively as the Endless, whose kingdom falls into disrepair when he is unexpectedly captured by a cult in 1916. When more than one A century later, Morpheus sets out to rebuild his kingdom, but there are many obstacles in his way before he can fulfill his *ahem* dream.
In our review of The Sandman season 1, we called it a “remarkably authentic adaptation that's almost brilliant.” It is full of clever ideas and philosophical puzzles that may be a bit off-putting and confusing. Mainly, however, The Sandman is a fantastic fantasy series that deserves its place on our list of the best Netflix shows. Read what we know about The Sandman season 2 once you've streamed it.
shadow and bone
Seasons: 2
RT Score: 84% (critics and audience)
Despite its unceremonious cancellation after two seasons (an ongoing fan campaign is not pure fantasy, even four months after the show was abandoned) shadow and bone is a fun-filled young adult fantasy that's less intellectual than The Sandman.
Its first season introduced audiences to Alina Starkov, a seemingly ordinary cartographer who has been discovered as the Grishaverse's new Sun Summoner, a rare breed of Grisha (this universe's word for magicians) who can create light and fight dark forces. Worldwide. Essentially, she's like The last AirbenderHe's Aang, aka a character who reluctantly accepts the thankless task of being the savior of his world.
In our review of season 1 of shadow and bonewe suggested that it was “a faithful fantasy television adaptation that rivals The Wizard“. Unfortunately, shadow and bone Season 2 failed to live up to the lofty expectations set by its forebear; in fact, we called it “a magic-fueled hodgepodge,” which no doubt led Netflix to pull the plug rather than renew it for a third outing. Still, based on its RT scores, it's worth a look.
For coverage based on Netflix TV shows, read our guides at Arcane season 2, Strange things season 5, Wednesday season 2, and Cobra Kai season 6.
