5 Overlooked Fantasy Miniseries That Deserve a Rewatch
Fantasy miniseries are super innovative because of a couple reasons. First off, they transport you to another time – or to another world – or sometimes both. The restrictions are few because, hey, it’s all imaginary. The sky is the limit on what they can be about. Secondly, when it’s a television miniseries, it’s a predetermined number of episodes, therefore often reaching a conclusion faster. This is actually a good thing.
Why a Fantasy Miniseries is Better Than a Longer-running Series
Sure, it’s great to tune in every week and see what our favorite characters are doing, and what secret entity they’re battling. Watching out-of-this-world crimes get solved – or seeking an adventure in the olden days is quite the diversion and definitely hits the spot. But what about if you want to wrap it up? Have a definitive ending? A miniseries with less of a commitment is frequently good for tying up loose ends.
5 Fantasy Miniseries to Rewatch
We’ve listed here our favorite fantasy miniseries, most of which have been overlooked and/or underrated. What constituted our list? A few things: an original plot line, interesting character development, and relevancy today.
“Tin Man” (2007)
With all the “Wicked for Good” hype happening, let’s check out “Tin Man.” Led by Zooey Deschanel, this is a contemporary take on Dorothy (DG) and her friends in OZ (the “Outer Zone”). DG, Glitch, Raw, and Wyatt Cain (the Tin Man, played by an excellent Neal McDonough), are thought-out characters who help DG in her battle with Azkadellia, a modern-day sorceress. Creatively produced, talented portrayals, and remarkable scenery all provide a pleasant update to the old Oz.
“The 10th Kingdom” (2000)
It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since this gem of a miniseries came out. Before there was the beloved “Once Upon a Time,” there was “The 10th Kingdom.” What happens when the Evil Queen (Dianne Weist) rules the realm? Virginia (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) and her dad (John Larroquette) are fighting evil in present-day New York. Oh – and this fairy tale comes in all forms: Snow White, Cinderella, Trolls, Giants, Ghosts, and a Wolf-man, played wonderfully by Scott Cohen.
“The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe” (1988)
A classic tale, this UK version still holds up when compared with all of the other modern updates. Admittedly, it doesn’t have the slick special effects or polished CGI, but the effects are decent. This fantasy miniseries is more about the storytelling and the depth of characters (and nuanced acting) than the often over-the-top visuals. This follows the Pevensie children’s journey through an old wardrobe into a fantasy world – complete with a lovable and extremely oversized lion, Aslan.
“Merlin” (1998)
Our only complaint about “Merlin” is that it’s too short! In this two-part fantasy miniseries, we see Sam Neill (“Jurassic Park,” “The Twelve”) in the title role as the wizard Merlin. The rest of the cast reads like a who’s who of actors, to include Helena Bonham Carter, James Earl Jones, Miranda Richardson, Martin Short, Rutger Hauer, and Lena Headey. With fabulous actors, excellent and rich storylines, this show doesn’t disappoint. Also, this iteration of Merlin has an amazing score by Trevor Jones.
“WandaVision” (2021)
Flying into the 21st century, we find stars Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany as Wanda Maximoff and Vision. The two MCU heroes move into Westview, a neighborhood which could be compared to those of yesteryear. Think MCU characters trying to navigate “Pleasantville.” Strong performances, bold effects, and a creative approach all enhance this fantasy miniseries. Although technically this is not “overlooked,” we can see this show being memory-holed soon.
Some Final Thoughts
Great shows deserve to be recognized. The fantasy miniseries listed here convey mystery, complex plots, and characters who are driven to action. The production values are germane to each of the shows. Whether it’s visiting the days of King Arthur, Disney princesses, or checking out your wardrobe to see if there’s a secret passage (cause you never know!), you won’t be disappointed with any of these shows. All provide a perfect escape after a long day.
