With the release of the new breakout show, First Kill, on Netflix, the teen sci-fi and fantasy genre only continues to grow in popularity. Other streaming giants, such as Disney+ and Paramount+, offer their mega-hits in the genre. With network television and countless streaming services, there's no shortage of binge-worthy TV series to watch.
From vampires to Demogorgans to teenage witches, fans love the distinct storylines and original concepts. The genre is a great reprieve from everyday life and offers viewers the chance to escape to a unique world. As technology and special effects continue to get better each year, there are endless possibilities for the supernatural shows that are to come. Teen fans are especially a large audience of the genre and they voted for their favorites over on Ranker.
Note: Ranker lists are subject to change due to their live-ranking features. This list is accurate as of publication.
The Order (2019-2020)
The Order is an original Netflix series that follows a college student as he s a secret society, battles magical creatures, and seeks to avenge his mother's death. As the series progresses, each episode adds more questions and mystery to the fate of the protagonist. Viewers resonate with the grief of the main character as he struggles to make sense of his mother's untimely death and adapt to a new phase of life.
The suspenseful storylines in the first season left fans hungry for more. The mediocre acting may have caused the show's cancellation after 2 seasons, but the intriguing characters, familial sacrifice, and themes of corruption and power make for an interesting story.
Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)
Clouded under a spell by the Evil Queen, the citizens of Storybrooke, Maine are trapped under the illusion of false reality. Once Upon A Time thrills audiences with a darker take on classic fairytale characters. The show gives new meaning to the lives of Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White, and even the Evil Queen.
The show ran for 7 seasons on ABC and recently Lost, which ran for 6 seasons. The writers' previous experience with Lost's success helped them build and retain an engaged audience for Once Upon A Time. With memorable characters, fascinating romances, and dark, suspenseful storylines, this show will always go down as an all-time favorite.
Merlin (2008-2012)
Merlin follows a young sorcerer of the same name as he discovers his magical powers in Camelot. Audiences always love an underdog story, and Merlin embodies that image. As he gains control of his powers and faces evil foes, the audience grows up with him as the show progresses. Themes of medieval adventure, fantasy, and wizardry magic also create suspenseful and thrilling storylines.
The series ran for five seasons on the BBC. The late John Hurt starred as the voice of The Dragon, Merlin's mentor in his journey. With clever humor sprinkled throughout the episodes and a wide range of character development, Merlin is a classic binge-worthy series.
Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018-2020)
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is another best supernatural teen TV show. The series is a unique throwback to the 1996 TV series Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. Although it's hard to sur the original, new and old fans alike enjoy the classic reimagining of their favorite teenage witch. The series connects with the younger generation through a dark coming-of-age drama filled with horror, witchcraft, and mystery.
Netflix revamped the classic series for 4 seasons. The show was also produced by the creators of CW smash-hit Riverdale. With a similar dark, eery tone, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is another hit among teenage fans.
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
Elena Gilbert is torn between two vampire brothers as spiritual darkness overwhelms her small town. Romance, suspense, and mystery pull viewers along in this binge-worthy fantasy show. The Vampire Diaries is based on a book series of the same name and ran for 8 years on the CW.
The series is praised for crafting True Blood with a seductive love triangle and unimagined terror threatening the community. With these successful vampire influences, it didn't take long for viewers to fall in love with the series.
Shadowhunters (2016-2019)
Imagine a world where some humans are born with angelic blood and destined to protect the world from demons. Shadowhunters follows Clary Fray as she embraces this unique identity and sets off to rescue her kidnapped mother.
The show ran for 3 seasons on Freeform and is based on the best-selling book series The Mortal Instruments. While the books focus on telling the story from Clary's perspective, the TV series is a hit because the audience is immersed in other characters' points of view. This gives each character more depth and creates more suspense throughout the show.
The 100 (2014-2020)
The 100 takes place 97 years after a nuclear apocalypse destroys earth. Survivors habitat a space-like "ark" until several prisoners are selected to explore the new earth. Tasked with the mission of learning if the earth is habitable again, they face unknown dangers as they revisit their old planet.
The 100 aired for 7 seasons on the CW. The series is the only apocalyptic show on the list, but it approaches the genre in a fresh way. With new monsters, mysterious villains, and a different way of living, viewers explore a world that is entirely different from their own. Full of engaging storylines and interesting characters, The 100 is another favorite teen binge-worthy show.
The Originals (2013-2018)
The Originals is a spin-off of the popular Vampire Diaries. Fans of the original series enjoy the reboot that follows the villainous vampire Klaus as he and his family seek revenge and attempt to take back their home.
The series ran for 5 years on the CW and gives an interesting perspective to the additional characters of the Vampire Diaries. The show also struck an emotional note by featuring several heartbreaking deaths throughout the series. With compelling storylines and rewarding character development, fans preferred this over the original Vampire Diaries show.
Teen Wolf (2011-2017)
Teen Wolf follows high school student, Scott McCall, after he's bitten by a werewolf. He soon transforms and his whole world changes. Audiences are captivated by the main character as he's conflicted by living a normal teenage life and his powerful new deathly urges.
The series ran for 6 seasons and is praised for maturing with its audience. Every episode advances in complex storylines and unique character development with some truly series-defining quotes. Viewers are hooked as the characters face complicated relationships, suspense, and horror that terrorize the small town.
Stranger Things (2015-Present)
It should come as no surprise that Stranger Things is currently the favorite teen sci-fi and fantasy TV series. With lovable characters, suspenseful storylines, and a fun throwback to life in the 80s, the Netflix series quickly became a worldwide phenomenon.
A perfect blend of horror and sci-fi, Stranger Things only continues to get darker and stranger with every new season. This show is also one of the best fantasy and sci-fi series in 2022. With a break in the middle of season 4, fans eagerly anticipate Season 4, Volume 2 which premieres July 1st, 2022.