If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones and its prequel House of the Dragon, you know how hard it can be to find other shows that capture the same epic scale, complex characters, and intense political drama. From brutal battles and intricate plots to fantastical worlds rich with history and mythology, these HBO hits set a high bar for fantasy television.
Whether you’re waiting for the next House of the Dragon episode or looking to fill the void left by Game of Thrones, this list of 13 shows is packed with fantasy, medieval intrigue, and gripping storytelling.
These picks blend dragons, dark magic, royal conspiracies, and complex characters in ways that should appeal to any fan of Westeros. Let’s dive into the best shows to watch if you love Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
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1. The Witcher (Netflix)
If you love the dark fantasy elements of Game of Thrones, The Witcher is a must-watch. Based on the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, the show follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a world filled with magic, monsters, and morally grey characters.
Like Game of Thrones, The Witcher explores the blurred lines between good and evil, featuring layered characters and political intrigue, set against a backdrop of sword fights and sorcery. The show’s gritty aesthetic and mature themes make it a great follow-up for fans craving complex fantasy worlds.
2. Vikings (History Channel / Amazon Prime)
Vikings delves into the brutal, treacherous world of Norse warriors and kings, full of bloody battles and epic quests for power — reminiscent of the harsh political struggles in Westeros. The series charts the rise of Ragnar Lothbrok and his descendants, blending mythology, family drama, and historical epic.
With its focus on tribal loyalties, betrayals, and violent conquests, Vikings shares the same raw, gritty atmosphere that drew audiences to Game of Thrones.
3. The Last Kingdom (Netflix)
For fans of historical drama with plenty of political intrigue, The Last Kingdom is a perfect fit. Set during the Viking invasions of England, the show focuses on Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman raised by Vikings who must navigate shifting allegiances and brutal warfare.
Like Game of Thrones, it combines personal drama with large-scale battles and political maneuvering. Its grounded, character-driven storytelling will appeal to viewers who appreciate the mix of history and fantasy.
4. Shadow and Bone (Netflix)
Based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels, Shadow and Bone is a fantasy series packed with magic, war, and dark conspiracies. The show centers on Alina Starkov, a young woman discovering her powerful magical abilities amidst a war-torn world.
The series offers an immersive fantasy world with complex characters, rival factions, and mystical creatures — all elements that fans of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon love.
5. Rome (HBO Max)
If you crave political intrigue and historical drama with a dash of scandal and violence, HBO’s Rome is a brilliant choice. The series follows the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire, focusing on the lives of both powerful figures like Julius Caesar and everyday soldiers.
Much like Game of Thrones, Rome features shifting alliances, betrayals, and brutal power struggles — all set in a richly detailed historical world. It’s a must-watch for fans of political dramas with epic scope.
6. Carnival Row (Amazon Prime)
Carnival Row blends fantasy, mystery, and romance in a Victorian-esque world where mythological creatures live alongside humans in tension and conflict. The series features a detective investigating a series of murders amid growing political unrest.
The dark, moody atmosphere and complex characters, combined with themes of prejudice and power, make Carnival Row a compelling watch for anyone who enjoys the moral complexity and fantasy elements of Game of Thrones.
7. His Dark Materials (HBO / BBC)
Based on Philip Pullman’s acclaimed fantasy trilogy, His Dark Materials is an ambitious and beautifully crafted show that explores themes of destiny, authority, and rebellion. The story follows Lyra Belacqua, a young girl caught in a struggle across multiple parallel worlds.
The epic scope, richly imagined settings, and coming-of-age themes give it a similar emotional depth to Game of Thrones, with less bloodshed but plenty of intrigue and fantastical elements.
8. Westworld (HBO)
For fans interested in complex narratives and dark philosophical themes, Westworld offers a futuristic, mind-bending experience. While not fantasy, its layered storytelling, political machinations, and morally ambiguous characters will appeal to those who enjoy the twists and turns of Game of Thrones.
The show’s exploration of power, free will, and identity makes it a thought-provoking addition to this list.
9. Penny Dreadful (Showtime / Netflix)
If you appreciate the gothic, supernatural side of fantasy, Penny Dreadful offers a dark, atmospheric blend of horror, mystery, and classic literary characters. It weaves together figures like Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dorian Gray in Victorian London, exploring themes of identity, evil, and redemption.
Its moody tone and complex characters make it a great pick for fans who enjoy Game of Thrones’ darker, more supernatural moments.
10. Black Sails (Starz)
For those who love political drama and complex characters in a historical setting, Black Sails is a pirate saga that serves as a prequel to Treasure Island. It features brutal battles, shifting alliances, and power struggles among pirates and colonial powers.
The gritty realism, morally ambiguous heroes, and intense drama echo many of the elements that made Game of Thrones so addictive.
11. The Expanse (Amazon Prime)
While not fantasy, The Expanse is an epic sci-fi saga that shares Game of Thrones’ complex politics, large-scale conflicts, and character-driven storytelling. Set in a colonized solar system on the brink of war, it explores themes of power, survival, and identity.
Its sprawling universe and intricate plots make it an excellent choice for fans looking for an epic series with deep world-building and political intrigue.
12. The Mandalorian (Disney+)
For fans who enjoy the fantasy and adventure elements of Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian offers a Star Wars-flavored blend of space western and epic quest. The show follows a lone bounty hunter navigating dangerous territories while protecting a mysterious child with incredible powers.
With its rich world-building, memorable characters, and thrilling action, it’s a great pick for anyone craving heroic journeys and high-stakes drama.
13. Merlin (BBC)
If you want a lighter, more family-friendly fantasy with plenty of magic and medieval intrigue, Merlin is a charming pick. The series retells the legend of the young wizard Merlin and King Arthur, blending adventure, humor, and mythology.
Though less dark than Game of Thrones, it shares the same love of fantasy lore and character-driven storytelling.
Why These Shows Are Perfect for Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon Fans
All these series share several key traits that make them perfect for fans of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon:
- Complex Characters: Morally grey heroes, ruthless villains, and intricate relationships.
- Political Intrigue: Power struggles, betrayals, and shifting alliances that keep the tension high.
- Epic Worlds: Richly built universes with unique cultures, histories, and mythologies.
- High Stakes: Battles, wars, and quests that shape the fate of kingdoms or entire worlds.
- Fantasy Elements: Dragons, magic, mythical creatures, or fantastical lore to ignite your imagination.
Frequently Asked Question
What show is most like Game of Thrones?
The Witcher is often considered the closest to Game of Thrones in terms of tone, mature themes, dark fantasy elements, and political intrigue. Its complex characters, morally ambiguous storylines, and epic battles make it a top recommendation for Thrones fans.
Is House of the Dragon better than Game of Thrones?
House of the Dragon has been praised for its focused storytelling, tighter narrative, and compelling character arcs, especially compared to the controversial final seasons of Game of Thrones. However, fans often differ based on their preferences for world-building versus political drama.
Are there any fantasy shows with dragons like Game of Thrones?
Yes! In addition to House of the Dragon, shows like The Witcher, Shadow and Bone, and Merlin feature dragons or dragon-like creatures, along with rich fantasy lore that fans of Game of Thrones will enjoy.
Are there historical shows similar to Game of Thrones?
Absolutely. Vikings, The Last Kingdom, Rome, and Black Sails offer gritty historical settings filled with battles, betrayals, and political power plays — all without relying on magic but still capturing the same epic feel.
What should I watch while waiting for House of the Dragon season 3?
While waiting for new House of the Dragon episodes, binge-worthy options include The Last Kingdom, The Witcher, Carnival Row, and His Dark Materials. These shows blend fantasy, politics, and emotional drama much like the world of Westeros.
Is The Witcher connected to Game of Thrones?
No, The Witcher is a completely separate series based on Polish novels by Andrzej Sapkowski. While it shares similarities in tone and genre, it exists in its own universe with different lore, characters, and mythology.
Where can I stream shows like Game of Thrones?
The Witcher – Netflix
- Vikings – Amazon Prime Video
- The Last Kingdom – Netflix
- Rome – HBO Max
- Shadow and Bone – Netflix
- Carnival Row – Amazon Prime Video
- His Dark Materials – HBO / BBC iPlayer
- Westworld – HBO Max
- Penny Dreadful – Showtime / Netflix
- Black Sails – Starz
- The Expanse – Amazon Prime Video
- The Mandalorian – Disney+
- Merlin – BBC / Netflix (availability may vary by region)
Conclusion
Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon aren’t just shows — they’re phenomena that have transformed how fantasy is portrayed on television. Finding shows that capture their magic isn’t easy, but the 13 series on this list come close, offering a mix of epic storytelling, intense drama, and fantastical adventure. Whether you prefer medieval battles, dark magic, or political scheming, there’s something here to fill the gap between episodes or seasons of House of the Dragon — or to dive into if you’re not yet ready to say goodbye to Westeros.
