11.Bulgasal: Immortal Souls(2021)
Bulgasal: Immortal Soulsis a revenge story that spans 600 years, between a man who becomes immortal after losing his soul and the mythical blood-drinking creature who stole his soul.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
Bulgasal: Immortal Soulsjumps between time periods, starting 600 years in the past and eventually ending up in the present day. However, due to amnesia, we don’t fully know what happened back then, and the full mystery is gradually revealed.
If your favorite aspect ofGame of Throneswas the worldbuilding, the fantasy, the mysterious lore of the past, thenBulgasal: Immortal Soulswill help scratch that itch. The incredible production value also makes this a step up as far as fantasy television goes.
This series isn’t perfect by any means, and the scope of characters is far smaller thanGame of Thrones. But few shows can boast a narrative that spans 600 years, and that alone is epic in its own right.
Related:Must-Watch K-Dramas on Netflix That Are Deservedly Popular
10.Westworld(2016–2022)
Welcome to Westworld, a theme park like no other, where advanced life-like robots driven by artificial intelligence exist for the sole purpose of enabling visitors to live out their wildest fantasies.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
In a lot of ways,Westworldrode on the coattails ofGame of Thronesin establishing its success. While I wouldn’t say it’s as good, I do enjoy it quite a bit.
It’s an extremely imaginative show with a huge cast, excellent acting, and tight plotlines heavy with mystery. It’s philosophical in its exploration of various sci-fi themes, and it’s one of the most beautifully shot TV shows ever. HBO is known for this kind of stuff.
9.Lost(2004–2010)
When a transpacific flight crash lands on a deserted tropical island, the survivors must work together if they want to survive—but discover that the island is not what it first seems.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
Lostwas one of the first mainstream TV series to feature an ensemble cast with multiple thematically-linked plotlines per episode.
It’s rife with fully fleshed-out characters, compelling character backgrounds, and tons of inter-character drama. But the key here is thatLostisn’t just a show about surviving a plane crash…
There’s a whole of lot of mystery involving the island, which is sure to appeal toGame of Thronesfans who have always been caught up in the show’s lore and mythology.Losthas its own supernatural mythology that will keep you hooked to the end.
Related:The Best Geeky TV Shows on Hulu
8.Arthdal Chronicles(2019)
Arthdal Chroniclesis a Korean-language fantasy series that’s inspired by ancient history—specifically, Korea before it was Korea, back during the Bronze Age (between 3,300 BC and 1,200 BC). The setting is a fictional land called Arth and the city called Arthdal within.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
The historical-fantasy approach ofArthdal Chroniclesis reminiscent ofGame of Thrones, except with a Korean twist. The costumes, the set pieces, the mystical elements all feel similar.
There’s also a hefty dose of romance and political intrigue, with Arthdal inhabitants struggling for power and control. It’s on a much smaller scale thanGame of Thrones, but the character dynamics and plot twists have enough substance to be intriguing.
When it first came out, manyGame of Thronesfans criticizedArthdal Chroniclesfor failing to live up to their expectations. Of course,Arthdal Chronicleswas never intended to be “the KoreanGame of Thrones,” so keep that in mind and temper your expectations.
7.Battlestar Galactica(2004–2009)
Hunted by the Cylons (an old race of murderous robots), the crew aboard the Battlestar Galactica must lead and protect humanity’s last known fleet as they search for the fabled planet known as Earth.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
Military drama, political intrigue, ensemble cast, mystery, suspense, romance, complicated mythology—Battlestar Galacticahas it all, and manages to pull it off on a miniscule budget. This is what an epic TV series should be!
Don’t expect the same production quality asGame of Thrones, but if you can get past that, you’ll be in for a ride.Battlestar Galacticahas some of my favorite season finales of any TV show.
Related:The Most Rewatchable Sci-Fi TV Series
6.See(2019–Present)
In the distant future, most of humanity has been wiped out by a virus; those who survived have lost the ability to see, resulting in a post-apocalyptic world plunged into darkness. But one day, everything changes when two twins are born with the gift of sight.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
Despite taking place in the future, the villages and towns ofSeehave lost all technological advancements and live primitively. The feel of the world resembles that of Westeros in many ways.
The most interesting aspect ofSeeis its breadth of worldbuilding, which considers how the world would truly change without sight. These small details are littered everywhere, and it’s obvious that the writers put a lot of effort into crafting a unique society.
You’ll need to suspend your disbelief sometimes as some characters almost seem superhuman with what they can do while blind. ButGame of Thronesrequired much of its own suspension of disbelief, right?
5.Rome(2005–2007)
A true-to-history depiction of Rome’s leaders, soldiers, and civilians in the last days of the Roman Republic under the rule of Julius Caesar.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
Romeis an older HBO show that, in some ways, was the precursor toGame of Thrones. In fact, there’s a good chance HBO never would’ve picked upGame of Thronesif it weren’t for the critical success ofRome!
It paved the way for expensive ensemble series that rely heavily on large sets and tons of costumes. Sound familiar? Not to mention that the acting is superb, the stories told are mature, and you’ll spot some familiar faces among the cast.
4.The Boys(2019–Present)
In a world where superheroes are commercialized and seen as celebrities, a group of vigilantes who call themselves The Boys work to bring down Vought International, the corporation behind the marketing and spread of superheroes.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
On the surface, there doesn’t appear to be any similarities betweenThe BoysandGame of Thrones. When it comes to genre, they’re as opposite as they could be. But beneath that, they’re alike.
If you’re looking for an epic-scale story with a wide cast of characters who have constantly evolving dynamics, plus several narratives that revolve around a central mystery, and mature content that doesn’t pull its punches, then you’ll enjoyThe Boys.
Just asGame of Throneswas the fantasy story that upended the fantasy genre,The Boysis the superhero story that upends the superhero genre. It’s subversive, irreverent, gritty, and a thrilling blast.
3.The Wire(2002–2008)
A team of Baltimore police and detectives are tasked with bringing down the criminal mastermind that drives the city’s drug trade.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
The Wireis the king of politics, intrigue, complex plots, heartwrenching interpersonal drama, and detailed worldbuilding. No fantasy or sci-fi here, but who cares?
Arguably the deepest and most intricate TV series ever made,The Wireis a must-see no matter who you are—but fans ofGames of Throneswill have a special appreciation of it.
I recommend watching with subtitles enabled because the true-to-life dialogue can be hard to understand at times.
Related:The Best HBO Series of All Time, Ranked: Must Watch for Every Geek
2.The Last Kingdom(2015–2022)
Set in the 9th century, Uhtred of Bebbanburg—a man born a Saxon but raised by Danes—is caught up in a war between Alfred the Great (king of England) and Danish invaders.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
I like to think ofThe Last Kingdomas “Game of Throneslite” because the scope isn’t as grand and the cast isn’t as enormous, but the general feel of it is similar.
The stakes are much more personal, and there’s a deeper focus on character themes like identity, allegiance, honor, etc. And in some ways I like this show more because it more accurately portrays the “medieval fantasy” feel.
Related:The Best Fantasy TV Shows of All Time Worth Watching
1.The Expanse(2015–2022)
In a future where Earth has colonized Mars and the Asteroid Belt, a police detective’s investigation uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens mankind and possibly the universe.
How is it likeGame of Thrones?
Tons of political intrigue, wrapped up in world-threatening stakes, but without ever sacrificing the individual stories of its sprawling cast.
It’s hard science fiction—one of the most scientifically rigorous TV series ever produced—with a few fantastical elements, especially starting in the third season.
With every season,The Expansestrengthens its claim as one of the most epic TV series ever made. There’s a reason it’s often described as “Game of Thronesin space,” you know!
Read next:The Best Geeky TV Shows to Watch on Amazon Prime Video
