7 Fantasy Books That Need To Become TV Shows

There are some amazing fantasy books that would make fantastic TV shows, and we’re really hoping to see seven of them adapted for the screen. For a long time, fantasy stories were mostly made into movies because they were too costly for TV networks. Fantasy shows on television used to be limited to stories with smaller budgets or set in cities.

With shows like Game of Thrones and The Rings of Power proving popular, high fantasy stories now have a better chance to come to life on TV. Thanks to bigger budgets, these adaptations can successfully capture the intricate worlds and magical elements of the original books. Here are ten of the most anticipated fantasy book-to-TV adaptations currently in development.

But there are other great stories that deserve a chance, too. These seven fantasy books are full of exciting and original ideas, and we really hope they’re adapted into a TV series or movie someday.

7. Mistborn “Era One” by Brandon Sanderson

Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore

Brandon Sanderson is widely considered one of today’s top fantasy writers, so it’s surprising his Mistborn series hasn’t become a movie or TV show yet. The series currently includes seven books and a shorter story, all set in the same world, with more planned for the future. Each installment tells a different story within that world.

The first phase of the Mistborn series would make a great TV show. It centers on a team of Allomancers—people who gain special powers by swallowing different metals—as they attempt to topple a cruel and oppressive empire.

Hollywood has tried multiple times to make a Mistborn movie, but those plans never worked out. Honestly, that’s probably a good thing. Mistborn would be a much better fit for a TV series, as the longer format would give the creators the space they need to fully develop the rich world and unique magic system from the books.

6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The fantasy novel Graceling would make a fantastic TV series. It’s set in a world called the Seven Kingdoms, where certain people are born with special, extraordinary talents known as Graces.

Graceling Book Series
Book #	Title	Release Year
#1	Graceling	2008
#2	Fire	2009
#3	Bitterblue	2012
#4	Winterkeep	2021
#5	Seasparrow	2022

Katsa is a young woman with a dangerous gift – she can kill with almost no effort. Because of this ability, she’s been forced to work as the king’s assassin since childhood. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Prince Po and uncovers a secret that threatens all seven kingdoms.

Graceling is a captivating and fast-paced story. The world-building is incredibly detailed – it’s so rich and complex that it wouldn’t translate well to a film. There’s a romantic subplot with some mild mature themes, and the characters are believable and engaging. At its heart, it’s a coming-of-age story about self-discovery.

5. Raven’s Mark Trilogy by Ed McDonald

Few fantasy shows explore the gritty, dark world of grimdark, but the Raven’s Mark Trilogy would be a perfect fit for television. It’s a bleak story, but with a small glimmer of hope.

Ryhalt Galharrow is a bounty hunter living in the Misery, a dark and dangerous world created by chaotic magic and overrun with terrifying beasts. As the Misery begins to fall apart, Ryhalt finds himself caught up in a web of political conflict and the reawakening of long-forgotten powers.

The Raven’s Mark Trilogy is a dark and pessimistic series featuring characters with complex morals. It’s set in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world with realistic and often violent scenes. Although it’s not for all readers, this type of grim fantasy would make a compelling television show.

4. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely book series is a standout in the young adult dark fantasy genre. Because stories about faeries are rare in film and television, this series would be an excellent introduction to the world of fae.

Aislinn, who has the unusual ability to see faeries, finds herself caught between two powerful fae: Keenan and Donia. Both are determined to gain her favor, as they believe she holds the key to an ancient conflict between their rival faerie courts.

I absolutely love how Wicked Lovely blends the gritty feel of urban fantasy with the grand scope of high fantasy. The characters really drew me in – they’re so complex and everyone seems to be hiding something! There’s a fascinating power struggle between the Winter and Summer Courts, and the romance isn’t just thrown in there for fun; it’s actually vital to what’s happening in the story.

3. Unholy Blood by Lina Lim

The webcomic Unholy Blood originally appeared on Webtoons and has since been adapted into graphic novels. It’s a fantasy story I really love, and I’m a huge advocate for it to be made into a TV series – I’d be happy with either animation or a live-action adaptation! The story offers a unique and compelling take on vampires.

I’m completely captivated by this series! It centers around Hayan Park, a pureblood vampire who just wants to live a normal life, which is tough when you consider the world she lives in. A decade before the story begins, these terrifying vampire-human hybrids took control, and she’s been trying to stay hidden ever since. But when someone close to her is tragically killed, she knows she can’t stay on the sidelines anymore. She has to embrace her powers and fight back, and thankfully, she’s getting help from an unexpected ally – a member of a team dedicated to hunting vampires!

Even though I’d love to see it as an anime, Unholy Blood would be a fantastic TV show in any form. The story and characters are really engaging, and Hayan is surprisingly relatable, especially given her unique nature. Plus, the villains are exceptionally well-developed.

2. A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

While the Trojan War may have roots in actual events, the popular stories we know are filled with legendary heroes and the intervention of gods. These Greek myths are wonderfully imaginative. However, these accounts typically focus solely on the experiences of men, and even when women appear in the stories, their perspectives are filtered through a male lens.

In A Thousand Ships, classicist Natalie Haynes offers a fresh take on Homer’s story of the Trojan War. Rather than simply retelling it, she reimagines the events through the eyes of the women impacted by the conflict – both famous figures like Hecabe and Calliope, and the often-overlooked ordinary women whose lives were also changed.

As a reader, I was completely captivated by the story’s unique perspective and how dramatically it unfolded. It honestly feels like it’s already structured as episodes, jumping between different characters’ viewpoints. And honestly, with all the popular shows currently using Greek mythology, now feels like the perfect time to adapt this into a miniseries or TV show!

1. Blackheart Knights by Laure Eve

If you’ve ever imagined King Arthur’s knights as motorcycle-riding, leather-clad rebels in a city like Gotham, then Laure Eve’s Blackheart Knights is for you. This high fantasy series is fresh, edgy, and naturally includes diverse relationships, with just a touch of darkness. It’s so compelling, it feels like a TV show waiting to happen.

Blackheart Knights takes place in a gritty, futuristic London where magic is outlawed and conflicts are resolved through fighting. Instead of horses, armored knights ride motorcycles, ready for sword battles. Those who practice magic are forced to hide beneath the city, fearing capture and punishment. The unique world and premise are instantly captivating.

The story follows two timelines. Long ago, a talented young man named Art overcomes challenges to become king. Currently, a woman named Red, who is hiding a mysterious past, is training to become a knight, driven by a desire for revenge. It’s difficult to say much more without giving away key details, but this fantasy novel is exciting, steamy, and full of action.

2025-11-22 19:42