7 TV Shows to Watch If You Loved Game of Thrones (Ranked)

Finished Game of Thrones and feeling the empty space it left behind? You are in good company. The series set a high bar for scale, drama and shock, and fans have been hunting for something to fill that gap ever since. This list picks seven series for that exact mood, from direct spin-offs to historical epics and other fantasy worlds. Each pick was judged on how well it captures the same sense of power struggles, strong characters and high stakes, and on how easy it is to get hooked. The list runs from worst to best, so number one is the strongest recommendation. Availability changes by country, so check a tracker such as JustWatch before you press play.

Who it's for: Younger fantasy fans who want romance and adventure over politics. Why it ranks here: Based on Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse novels, the series follows a young soldier who discovers a rare power that could change a war-torn world. It is stylish and easy to binge, but lighter and more youthful than Game of Thrones. It ran for two seasons. Skip it if: You want brutal, politics-heavy drama rather than a teen-leaning fantasy.

Who it's for: Viewers who love big, sprawling quest stories. Why it ranks here: Adapted from Robert Jordan's long-running novels, it follows a group of young villagers swept into an ancient struggle, led by an Aes Sedai (Rosamund Pike). The world-building is huge and the magic system is distinctive. It is more of a slow build than Game of Thrones and demands patience. Skip it if: You prefer fast pacing and quick payoffs.

Who it's for: Fans of grand, cinematic fantasy. Why it ranks here: Set thousands of years before The Lord of the Rings, the series explores the rise of dark forces and the forging of the rings. The production values are lavish and the scenery is stunning. It divided audiences, with some loving the scale and others wanting more fast-moving drama. Skip it if: You want gritty, morally grey politics rather than classic good-versus-evil fantasy.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants history, battle and big personalities. Why it ranks here: Following Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a farmer who rises to become a legendary Viking leader, the series mixes raids, family conflict and political ambition. It has no dragons, but it shares Game of Thrones' fascination with ambition and loyalty. It ran for six seasons. Skip it if: You are put off by long runtimes and realistic battle violence.

Who it's for: Viewers who like their epics grounded in history. Why it ranks here: Based on Bernard Cornwell's novels, it follows Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon-born warrior raised by Vikings during the fight for England's future under Alfred the Great. The battles, loyalties and divided identity give it a similar emotional pull. It has five seasons and a follow-up film. Skip it if: You want magic and fantasy creatures.

Who it's for: Fans of monster-hunting, dark humour and morally grey heroes. Why it ranks here: Based on Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, it follows a lone monster hunter, a powerful sorceress and a young princess whose fates are tied together. It has the grit, politics and creatures that Game of Thrones fans tend to enjoy. Its timeline can be confusing at first, but it rewards patience. Skip it if: Non-linear storytelling frustrates you.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants more of the same world. Why it ranks here: A prequel set roughly two centuries before Game of Thrones, it follows House Targaryen as a family feud threatens to tear the kingdom apart. It keeps the same mix of power struggles, betrayals and dragons, and it feels most like returning to Westeros. It is the closest match on the list. Skip it if: You haven't seen Game of Thrones, since some of the lore will be easier to follow with the original first.

Want more Westeros? Start with House of the Dragon.

Want gritty fantasy with monsters? Pick The Witcher.

Want history instead of magic? Go for The Last Kingdom or Vikings.

Want epic, cinematic fantasy? Try The Rings of Power.

Want something younger and lighter? Choose Shadow and Bone.

If Game of Thrones left you wanting more crowns, castles and surprises, one of these seven shows will keep the feeling alive. Which one is your favourite, and what should we add to the list? Tell us in the comments and save this list for your next binge.