Four World-Building Fantasy Titles to Stream After the ‘Rings of Power’ Finale
There are plenty of other epic fantasy series to enjoy now that ‘Rings of Power’ is all wrapped up!
The world of Tolkien has never been seen on screen quite like it has in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” The show delves deeply into lore only mentioned in passing in other “Lord of the Rings” projects, and it’s wrapping up its second season on Thursday, Oct. 3. We’ll take a look at what should come next in your watchlist if you loved “Rings of Power,” so you can keep the good times rolling while you wait for the show to return with new episodes.
What to watch after “The Rings of Power” Season 2:
Peter Jackson’s ‘Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies
In the early 2000s, Peter Jackson achieved what many fans of the “Lord of the Rings” books thought would never be possible: a live-action adaptation of the trilogy. His works were a masterpiece, and even today they stand the test of time; their CGI, the acting from a huge ensemble cast, and the work that went into crafting the films were rightly rewarded with a shower of accolades.
His adaptations of “The Hobbit” were less well-received. Fans of Tolkien’s work still acknowledge them but point out flaws such as less-stunning visual effects and a bloated storyline that clumsily tries to adapt material not in the original “Hobbit” book.
Both trilogies can be found on Prime Video currently, but fans who want to stream the extended editions with deleted scenes added back in should head over to Max to watch.
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The Lord of the Rings Movies
The Lord of the Rings trilogy consists of three epic fantasy films, based on the influential novels written by J. R. R. Tolkien, directed by Peter Jackson.
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The Hobbit Movies
The Hobbit collection is a three-part epic fantasy-adventure film directed and produced by Peter Jackson and based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel of the same name. The trilogy of films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings”, and will act as a prequel to Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
‘The Wheel of Time’
“The Rings of Power” isn’t the only fantasy epic that Prime Video has tried to win over audiences with in recent years. Before it came “The Wheel of Time,” the ambitious adaptation of the fantasy novel series first penned by Robert Jordan, which spans more than a dozen books.
The series follows Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), who embarks on a world-spanning journey to defeat evil by finding the Dragon Reborn, an incredibly powerful individual who has the ability to destroy darkness forever. She believes it’s one of her five traveling companions, and the group faces various dangers as they try to put an end to the Dark One. The show features the type of world-building and huge ensemble cast that Lord of the Rings fans will be quite familiar with.
The Wheel of Time
Follow Moiraine, a member of the shadowy and influential all-female organization called the “Aes Sedai” as she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women. Moiraine believes one of them might be the reincarnation of an incredibly powerful individual, whom prophecies say will either save humanity or destroy it.
‘Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell’
This series takes viewers to England in the Napoleonic era. It’s not quite the England viewers already know, however; rather, it’s a world where the power of magic is freely acknowledged instead of scoffed at. However, almost no one uses magic any longer, and it’s become a relic of an increasingly distant past.
Mr. Norrell is already a practitioner of magic when he learns from a traveling Vinculus that he will be one of the greatest magicians on the planet. The roguish Jonathan Strange also happens across this mystical Vinculus who shares the same prophecy with him, setting up a rivalry that could have implications for magical beings and humans alike.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
With magic long since lost to England, two men are destined to bring it back; the reclusive Mr. Norrell and daring novice Jonathan Strange. So begins a dangerous battle between two great minds.
‘Galavant’
“Galavant” is less of a high fantasy series than it is a fantasy/comedy/musical mashup, but if you love to laugh then it’s a great choice. Don’t get me wrong, there are still battles featuring zombies, magic spells, hulking henchmen, and all the other fantasy facets that make the genre great, but there are also plenty of goofy musical numbers and bumbling but loveable characters too.
The show follows Sir Gary Galavant, a handsome and charming knight whose epic quest is laid out for the taking when his intended Madalena is kidnapped by the dastardly King Richard. The problem is, Madalena decides she’d rather stick with Richard, who may be weak-willed but has a ton of money. How will Galavant get back his lady love? You’ll just have to watch and find out. The show also just so happens to feature songs written by the legendary Alan Menken who wrote the songs to “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and many more iconic stage and screen musicals.
Galavant
Once upon a time, the dashing hero, Prince Galavant lost the love of his life, Madalena, to the evil King Richard. Now, our fallen hero is ready to take revenge and restore his “happily ever after.” But it won’t be without a few twists and turns along the way in this fairytale musical.