Regardless of how you feel about the polarizing finale of Game of Thrones, there’s no denying that for the years it aired on HBO, it was a cultural phenomenon like no other. While appointment TV viewing used to be a regular thing back before the days of streaming, by the time Game of Thrones rolled around, it was rare to find a show that felt like it captured the attention of everyone you knew at the same time, every week. For eight seasons, it enthralled its massive audience with its tales of scheming families battling for an Iron Throne in a sprawling kingdom ravaged by brutal violence and populated by frozen, undead monsters and fire-breathing dragons.
And then, just like that, it was over, with a landing that more splattered than stuck. Still, even for those who found the ending disappointing, some may find themselves missing Game of Thrones. Along with the ways it served as a lightning rod for the cultural zeitgeist, it also felt unique in its storytelling, blending together lush fantasy, political intrigue, epic battles, complex characters, powerful friendship, steamy romance and dysfunctional families, all into an addictive cocktail that may have left a bitter aftertaste, but is still a concoction many of us crave.
While there’s not another show out there that feels just like Game of Thrones (at least, not yet), there are a number of series that scratch many of the same itches. Whether the part of Game of Thrones that appealed to you most was the magical worldbuilding, the political machinations, the brutal action, the quasi-historical setting, or the rivalries and bonds that formed between Game of Thrones’ expansive cast of characters, there will likely be something for you on this list.
20 shows like Game of Thrones
Vikings (Hulu, Amazon Prime)
With the exception of dragons, nearly everything appealing about Game of Thrones is also present in the History channel’s original series, Vikings. Loosely adapted from the Norse saga of legendary hero Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), Vikings mixes together history, legend and a touch of light fantasy in an epic tale that spans generations. Populated with a large ensemble of fascinating characters and featuring plenty of interpersonal drama, international conflict and conquest, and breathtaking battles, Vikings offers Game of Thrones fans a hefty portion of most of the same elements they have been missing, just presented in Scandinavian packaging.
Britannia (Amazon Prime)
For those who fell in love with Game of Thrones‘ medieval-adjacent fantasy setting, Britannia offers another historically set story with a dash of magic mixed in. Set in the year A.D. 43, the series is based loosely on history, during the Roman invasion of Britain. However, it intertwines its historical narrative with magic and mysticism, and leans hard into the creepy folklore of the time (along with a healthy dose of the creepy folklore of our time). And if the steamy sex and gritty violence of Game of Thrones were part of the show’s appeal for you, rest assured that Britannia embraces its mature content with similar gusto.
The Last Kingdom (Netflix)
Following characters in the Kingdom of Wessex during the Viking invasions of the late 9th and early 10th centuries, The Last Kingdom is another fictionalized historical tale offering plenty of stunning cinematography and impressive action. While Vikings focuses on an overlapping period of history and even features some of the same characters, The Last Kingdom centers the Anglo-Saxons while presenting its Great Heathen Army as more straightforward antagonists. While it lacks the fantasy elements of Game of Thrones, it delivers the compelling drama, high-stakes strategizing and high body count that Game of Thrones viewers have come to expect.
The Witcher (Netflix)
Based on the book series of the same name by Andrzej Sapkowski (which has also been adapted into a successful trilogy of video games), The Witcher follows legendary warrior Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), princess Ciri of Cintra (Freya Allan), and the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) in a medieval fantasy setting as their intriguing paths gradually intertwine. Not only does The Witcher offer a similar aesthetic to Game of Thrones, with its vast ensemble of dirt-smeared beautiful people all nursing their own dark secrets, but its storytelling also may feel familiar to viewers used to patiently following multiple wide-ranging, seemingly disparate storylines until they eventually intersect in surprising ways.
Westworld (HBO Max)
On its surface, the futuristic Westworld may not have much in common with the more historically styled Game of Thrones, but the two actually have several notable similarities. Not only do the two shows share a network (and actually briefly crossed over with each other at one point), but they also share a composer in Ramin Djawadi. While Djawadi’s Westworld themes don’t much resemble the memorable pieces he composed for Game of Thrones, there’s no denying that distinctive music plays a large role in both series, serving as an integral part of the storytelling in each. And while the setting and premise of Westworld are very different from those of Game of Thrones, with its immersive theme parks filled with hyper-realistic humanoid robots made to smash the Turing Test to smithereens, the two shows share a love of massive casts, morally ambiguous characters, ambitious and sprawling storylines and intricate power plays, all of which are sure to make Game of Thrones fans feel right at home.
Outlander (Netflix, Starz)
While Game of Thrones had its fair share of tender romances, it was rare for any of its couples to receive anything close to a happy ending. More often than not, romantic pairings in Westeros tended to end with one or both parties dead, occasionally even by the other’s hand. For viewers who loved all of the romantic drama (and the steamy scenes that came with it) in Game of Thrones, but yearned for better outcomes for the participants, Outlander may be just the ticket. Based on the series of books by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander follows a World War II nurse named Claire (Caitriona Balfe) who is accidentally transported back in time to 18th century Scotland, where she falls in love with a Highland warrior named Jamie (Sam Heughan). In addition to its central love story, Outlander also features political rivalries and betrayals, along with some intense action, all of which should appeal to Game of Thrones fans.
Related: Shows Like Outlander
The Tudors (Showtime)
A sensationalized and sensualized historical drama based around the life of King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), The Tudors is likely to draw in Game of Thrones fans who were much more interested in the battle for the Iron Throne than the supernatural forces descending upon Westeros. Rhys Meyers makes a far more dashing Henry than the actual historical monarch, and his tumultuous relationships with the women (including Game of Thrones‘ own Natalie Dormer as the doomed Anne Boleyn) who would go on to become his ill-fated wives make up much of the drama of the series. Additionally, there’s enough backstabbing, social climbing and political trickery to keep even a Lannister intrigued.
The White Queen, The White Princess and The Spanish Princess (Starz)
While Game of Thrones is a fantasy, author George R. R. Martin has often said that he was inspired by the real-life War of the Roses when coming up with his plots and characters. So it’s only fitting that Game of Thrones fans should check out a trio of miniseries set during the actual War of the Roses, The White Queen, The White Princess and The Spanish Princess. All based on novels by Philippa Gregory, The White Queen focuses on the women wrapped up in the civil war for the throne of England, nicknamed the War of the Roses for the flowers that represented each of the two royal houses enmeshed in the conflict. The White Princess then follows Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer) and Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy), whose marriage ended the war, and The Spanish Princess wraps up with the story of Catherine of Aragon (Charlotte Hope), who would become the first wife of Henry VIII. Although the three miniseries are still heavily dramatized, Game of Thrones fans will enjoy watching the historical story play out, knowing it served as an inspiration for the blockbuster fantasy series.
Black Sails (Hulu, Starz)
Although a few notable Game of Thrones characters take briefly to the sea during the run of the series, most of the show is fairly landlocked. Still, if you found yourself craving more of the pirating adventures of Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk), look no further than Black Sails. While the first season of the seafaring series was met with mixed reviews, it gained steam as it went along thanks to its thrilling action, captivating characters and swashbuckling storytelling. Black Sails serves as a prequel to the 1883 novel Treasure Island, following groups of pirates as they all search for treasure. With its lavish costumes, colorful characters, and raucous treasure-hunting fun, the nautical period drama will give Game of Thrones fans plenty to appreciate.
Gunpowder (HBO Max)
For Game of Thrones fans who found themselves missing their weekly dose of Jon Snow (Kit Harington) once he was exiled to the Wall (again), they can get another dose of the erstwhile Stark sibling in the miniseries Gunpowder, produced by Harington himself. The historical series stars Harington as Robert Catesby, leader of the infamous failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 (frequently commemorated nowadays as Guy Fawkes Day on November 5). Organized by Catesby, the Gunpowder Plot was a plan to assassinate King James I of England by a group of Catholics wishing to wrest the monarchy away from the Church of England and restore it to the Catholic church. Grounded in history and featuring solid performances and high production values, Harington’s take on the Gunpowder Plot doesn’t shy away from the grisly violence and torture present in the historical narrative, which may actually endear it to some Game of Thrones viewers.
Warrior Nun (Netflix)
Although Game of Thrones had its fair share of spiritual mythology and featured characters belonging to numerous faith groups, religion rarely took center stage in the series, serving more as a motivation for secondary characters than a central crux of the narrative. However, Game of Thrones viewers who always found themselves wishing the series would spend more time on its more mystical elements may find exactly what they’re hoping for in Warrior Nun. The Netflix series follows Ana Silva (Alba Baptista), a young woman who wakes up one day with superpowers, leading her to join an ancient order of warrior nuns who battle demons. Game of Thrones fans will also enjoy Warrior Nun‘s intricately choreographed fights, which feel different from Westeros’ grand and bloody battles, but are no less intense.
Camelot (On-Demand)
Nearly every medieval fantasy series winds up paying homage in one way or another to Arthurian legend, and Game of Thrones is no exception, especially when it comes to Jon Snow, who–much like King Arthur–didn’t realize he was born into royalty, only to find his destiny intertwined with the throne. So Game of Thrones fans will likely find much to appreciate in Camelot, which reimagines the classic tale of King Arthur (Jamie Campbell Bower), Merlin (Joseph Fiennes), Guinevere (Tamsin Egerton) and the other legendary inhabitants of Camelot. Much like Game of Thrones, the ten-episode series features royal rivals, feuding families, murderous plots and a healthy dose of magic, giving Game of Thrones fans no shortage of elements to enjoy.
Succession (HBO Max)
Although most of the series on this list are either historical or feel that way due to their medieval-inspired fantasy settings, Succession manages to evoke that Game of Thrones feeling while being set in modern times. The series centers around the Roy family, who own powerful media conglomerate Waystar RoyCo. Waystar serves as the Iron Throne of Succession, with the four Roy children and their families vying for power as their father’s health declines. While Succession lacks the battle violence and fantasy elements of Game of Thrones, it has every bit of the family dysfunction and cutthroat power dynamics that fans have come to expect from Westeros, making House Roy fit right in alongside the Starks, Lannisters and Targaryens.
Rome (HBO Max)
Set in the first century A.D., long before the medieval period in which Game of Thrones and a large amount of other mainstream modern fantasy is based, Rome centers around both the powerful rulers of Rome as it transforms from a republic to an empire, and the lives of the common people who lived there. The narrative balance between the political elite and the working class will feel familiar to Game of Thrones fans, who are accustomed to the series pushing on the tensions between the privileged and the regular citizenry, although Rome gives more screen time to the latter than Game of Thrones tended to. Game of Thrones fans will appreciate the lavish production design, ruthless political climbing and intricate character dynamics that make Rome worth visiting.
Versailles (On-Demand)
For all the opulent pageantry and courtly scandal and intrigue of Game of Thrones minus the epic battles and fantasy elements, check out Versailles, a decadent period drama following the reign of Louis XIV of France during the 1600s. George Blagden (who also starred in Vikings, mentioned earlier on this list) stars as Louis XIV, the King of France, as he attempts to control the nobility within the gilded walls of his luxurious new palace. Much like Game of Thrones, Versailles offers a visually splendid mix of sex, violence, political intrigue and courtly drama. Unlike the former, whose story so far-ranging that the opening credits are a literal map in order to keep viewers oriented within its vast fantasy world, Versailles‘ narrative is nearly entirely confined within the walls of Louis’ titular abode, presenting a much more contained offering of Game of Thrones‘ familiar elements.
The Expanse (Amazon Prime)
Although Game of Thrones‘ setting is made to resemble the past far more than the future, the futuristic sci-fi series The Expanse still may hold a lot of appeal for Game of Thrones fans. Based on the novels by James S.A. Corey, The Expanse follows a diverse ensemble of characters living in a fraught society in which various interplanetary governments exist in a state of constant tension with one another. Characters navigate conflict on both the micro and macro levels, dealing with interpersonal struggles while also working to prevent interstellar wars from breaking out. If you change the setting from space to Westeros, the plot of The Expanse isn’t so far removed from Game of Thrones, and fans who enjoyed watching the power struggle play out between the various families and factions of Westeros may get a kick out of watching a similar story unfold in outer space.
Boardwalk Empire (HBO Max)
If the Starks, Lannisters and Targaryens existed in 1920s New Jersey and not the fictional kingdom of Westeros, their dynamic may have looked a lot like that of the characters on Boardwalk Empire. Centered around a corrupt politician (Steve Buscemi), Boardwalk Empire follows him through his interactions with all sorts of colorful characters, from gangsters and crooked government agents to politicians and ambitious bootleggers. Set against the backdrop of Prohibition, the power that is coveted and traded on Boardwalk Empire isn’t about running a country, but about being able to live lavishly by any means necessary, without consequences–which is also something more than a few Game of Thrones characters can probably relate to.
The Borgias (Netflix)
Game of Thrones may be set in the fictional land of Westeros, but the series on this list are set in locations that span all over the globe and beyond. The Borgias takes viewers to Italy, in the midst of the Renaissance movement during the late 15th century. Like Game of Thrones and many of the other shows which strike a similar tone, The Borgias follows a power-hungry family clawing to hang on to their control in the face of tumultuous circumstances. At the center of the cast is Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia, the head of the Borgia family, who at the beginning of the series is elected as Pope Alexander VI through nefarious methods. The series follows Rodrigo and his family as they pull both political and religious strings in order to hold onto and consolidate their power, as well as delving into the complicated interpersonal relationships in their own ranks. Eventually, that even leads to a Lannister-like relationship between two of Rodrigo’s children, which, while probably not a selling point for Game of Thrones fans, is still definitely a parallel.
Into the Badlands (Netflix)
While distinctly different in tone from Game of Thrones, if your favorite part of the HBO series was Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) making her way all throughout the Seven Kingdoms while honing her fighting skills, Into the Badlands may be the show for you. Loosely modeled on the Chinese tale Journey to the West, the series follows a principled warrior named Sunny (Daniel Wu) who winds up teaming up with a mysterious boy with a dark past named M.K. (Aramis Knight). Together, they embark on a journey of enlightenment across the Badlands, a post-apocalyptic territory in what was once the central United States. Game of Thrones fans will be drawn to the exciting action (modeled on classic martial arts films), as well as the vast scope of M.K. and Sunny’s perilous journey, and the ruthlessness of the land in which they are attempting to travel.
Peaky Blinders (Netflix)
The forces vying for control of the Seven Kingdoms may have been largely composed of ambitious nobles in Game of Thrones, but in practice, the various Houses of Westeros often functioned more like rival heads of organized crime families. This is more the dynamic of Peaky Blinders, which follows the Shelby crime family following the end of World War I. The large and impressive ensemble cast will undoubtedly appeal to Game of Thrones fans who enjoyed having a wide array of characters populate their screens each week, and the messy intersection of organized crime, law enforcement and politics will surely feel recognizable to fans of Westeros’ intricate socio-political dynamics. Featuring powerful performances, compelling plots and a bold creative approach that often subverts viewer expectations, Peaky Blinders promises to be a satisfying chaser for Game of Thrones fans open to finding familiar themes in a new genre.
Looking for something a little lighter? Try these shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
