Based on the beloved Dungeons & Dragons campaign from theCritical Roleweb series, Amazon Prime’sThe Legend of Vox Machinahas blossomed into much more than the creators could have imagined. Though it still pays tribute to the original campaigns and incorporates the best parts of the role-playing game,The Legend of Vox Machinahas become a fully-fledged series, creating complex characters and developmentthat the audience has witnessed grow over the past few seasons. As the show progresses, it will likely be remembered as one of the best animated series of the past few years.
The Legend of Vox Machinaseason 3 just ended, and though the series will be returning for a fourth outing, the wait for the next installment will be excruciating (viaVariety). Fortunately,there are plenty of fantastic series, live-action and animated, that will scratch the same itchasVox Machina. By incorporating elements of fantasy, games, comedy, and incredibly realized magic systems, these shows have strong followings and fanbases of their own. The fact thatVox Machinahas connected with so many viewers since its inception bodes well for the show’s future.
The Wheel of Time
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The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
The Wheel of Timehas an undeniably more serious and dark tone thanThe Legend of Vox Machina, butthe magic systems and use of high fantasy are prevalent in both series.The novel series thatThe Wheel of Timeis based on is a classic work of speculative fiction. Much of Dungeons & Dragons draws inspiration from these tales, as well as traditional myths and folklore. One of the biggest sects inThe Wheel of Timeis the magical Aes Sedai.
Rosamund Pike leads the series as Moiraine Damodred, one of the many strong and complex female characters thatThe Wheel of Timeelevates.
Rosamund Pike leads the series as Moiraine Damodred, one of the many strong and complex female characters thatThe Wheel of Timeelevates.The Legend of Vox Machinais known for its diverse and engaging cast of characters who allow all audiences to see themselves on their epic quests. Additionally,both shows revolve around specific quests and adventures that the characters must completewith interweaving development and growth. This gives them a similar structural feel, even thoughThe Wheel of Timehas a longer overarching plot.
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Good Omens
Based on the bestselling novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Good Omens follows an angel and demon as they attempt to defy the forces of Heaven and Hell in order to avert the apocalypse. With Pratchett and Gaiman’s funny and irreverent style shining through, Good Omens stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant as Aziraphale and Crowley, with a larger cast that includes John Hamm, Francis McDormand, and Michael McKean.
The humor, dialogue, and character dynamics inGood Omensall share the same spirit and charm as those inThe Legend of Vox Machina.Crowley (David Tennant) and Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) feel like they could be characters in aCritical Rolecampaign,and their dynamic is unforgettable. Even thoughGood Omensseason 2 was more character-driven than plot-driven, it still expanded upon the world and storylines of season 1 successfully. However, the series will have to wrap up quickly since season 3 will be its last.
Good Omensseason 3 must accomplish a lotin its singular special episode, but based on the way the first two installments told such tight and compelling stories, it won’t be a problem.The Legend of Vox Machinaalso packs in a lot of story and plot developments into every episode,with fast pacing that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. WhileVox Machinais more action-oriented,Good Omensstill throws in a few decent fight scenes every now and then.
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Disenchantment
Simpsons and Futurama creator Matt Groening dabbles into fantasy with Disenchantment, an animated satirical television series created for Netflix. The show follows disheveled and rebellious princess Bean and her partners in crime, an elf named Elfo and a demon named Luci. Bean’s quest to avoid her royal duties involves copious amounts of alcohol, compromising situations, and more as she slowly finds herself in the unlikely heroine role.
Disenchantmentis a recent project by Matt Groening, the creator ofThe SimpsonsandFuturama,set in a fictional medieval past. LikeVox Machina,Disenchantmentuses the setting of the fantastical past to influence the stories and characters.Disenchantmentcleverly finds humor and tongue-in-cheek commentary on the medieval realm while also clearly paying homage to the fairy tales and high fantasy works that inspired it. This is similar to howVox Machinapokes fun at the fantasy and role-playing genres while clearly holding a deep love for them.
Both series rely on and are elevated by their voice casts, as the actors playing the characters are just as invested and interested in the story as the audience.
Abbi Jacobson voices Bean, the princess protagonist ofDisenchantment,and she’s joined by a colorful cast of characters, with an elf and a demon featuring prominently. Incorporating different magical races and creatures is a key facet of Dungeons & Dragons andVox Machina. Both series rely on and are elevated by their voice casts, as the actors playing the characters are just as invested and interested in the story as the audience.
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Scavengers Reign
Expanding on the short film Scavengers concept, Scavengers Reign is a sci-fi adventure-drama series created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner for MAX. When their ship crashlands on a strange new planet, crewmembers attempt to find other potential survivors and their downed vessel as they navigate a hostile but beautiful alien world.
Though it’s sci-fi rather than fantasy,Scavengers Reignfeels just as transportive and mystical as any great Dungeons & Dragons campaign.This total immersion into the story is something thatScavengers Reignhas in common withVox Machina. The two narratives serve as escapism on one hand while also presenting thought-provoking and philosophical narratives. ThoughScavengers Reignisn’t as outwardly funny asVox Machina, it does find moments of humor throughout the show.
10 Best TV Shows Like Scavengers Reign
Scavengers Reign is a fantastic blend of sci-fi and strong storytelling, and fortunately, there are a few other TV shows with similar qualities.
Aesthetically gorgeous and innovative,Scavengers Reignuses its setting as a living element of the show,forcing the characters to evolve and grapple with their surroundings every minute of the show. This leaves no time for the characters or the viewers to catch their breath as they hope the survivors of the crash will come together and find a way off the mysterious planet. Even thoughScavengers Reignisn’t getting a season 2, the singular outing is easy to fall in love with.
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Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
The 1980s saw a huge uptick in the popularity of D&D, especially with young men coming of age during this period. This makes it obvious why the central four young boys thatStranger Thingsfollows would be playing the game in the very first episode of the series and always feel a connection to the activity.Themes and motifs from D&D follow the characters throughout the series,with many of the settings and creatures named after real places and monsters in the game’s world.
Stranger Thingsseason 5 will have a time jump, among other changes that are set to make the final installment of the show as memorable as possible. However,it’s unlikely thatStranger Thingswill lose its D&D connection in the last season,as it’s a large part of what has kept audiences invested in the show. LikeVox Machina, theStranger Thingscharacters have to use their wits and resources to solve the problems in front of them.
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The Dragon Prince
The Dragon Prince is a Netflix-created animated fantasy series created by the original minds behind Avatar: The Last Airbender. It follows two human princes, an infant dragon prince, and an elven assassin, as they embark on an epic quest to stop the endless war between their worlds and bring peace to the magical continent of Xadia.
Thougha series doesn’t necessarily need dragons to relate toVox Machina,The Dragon Princehas plentyof these mystical creatures, making them a compelling facet of the story.The Dragon Princesees two human princes team up with an elf to save the world from a devastating war between humans, elves, and dragons after they find themselves caring for the baby dragon prince. Despite following a group of children,The Dragon Princeputs them in intense and dangerous situations from the beginning of the show.
SinceThe Dragon Princeseason 1 premiered, it’s had universal critical acclaim and is a great fantasy story for viewers to start with before tackling an even more fast-paced narrative likeVox Machina.
The Dragon Princehas drawn comparisons to other well-crafted animated children’s series likeAvatar: The Last AirbenderandThe Legend of Korra. However, all three of these shows are considered excellent examples of TV that transcends genre and target audiences. SinceThe Dragon Princeseason 1 premiered, it’s had universal critical acclaim and is a great fantasy story for viewers to start with before tackling an even more fast-paced narrative likeVox Machina.
The Witcher
The Witcher, released in 2019, follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter navigating a turbulent world where humanity’s darker nature often eclipses the monstrous.
Geralt (Henry Cavill), the protagonist ofThe Witcher, has much in common with the sweeping fantasy heroes found in D&DandVox Machina. Though Cavill will soon be replaced by Liam Hemsworth as Geralt inThe Witcher, this won’t take away his core characteristics and his incredible skills in battle. Similarly to the characters inVox Machina, every individual inThe Witcherhas their own specific abilities and strengths that make them valuable in different battles and circumstances.
Based on the seminal book series by Andrzej Sapkowski,The Witcherhas much in common with the best literary elements of fantasy, likeVox Machina. Watching Geralt and the other characters fight is one of the best parts ofThe Witcher, and the fight sequences are just as important toVox Machina. At times,The Witcheris even darker than the animated series but still manages to find slivers of humor within its harrowing narrative.
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LikeThe Legend of Vox Machina,Blood of Zeususes classical myths and stories as a jumping-off point, using the world of the narrative as the setting for an original tale. This is an interesting conceit for a narrative, but each show makes it work and successfully expands the universes that they touch upon.The look and animation style ofBlood of Zeusis one of the most unique and compelling parts of the series,drawing the viewer in and immersing them in the story.
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2024 has been a great year for TV, and the best fantasy shows demonstrate how explosive the genre has become in storytelling, action, & character.
The same can be said ofVox Machina, which has to be inventive and experimental with its visuals since so many of the creatures and characters have never been brought to life onscreen. ThoughBlood of Zeusprimarily follows a singular protagonist rather than an ensemble,this doesn’t make his hero’s journey any less compelling. Like the characters inVox Machina, Heron inBlood of Zeusmust face terrifying monsters and the power of magic on his quests.
Blood of Zeus (2020–Present)
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Arcane
Arcane is an animated series set in the League of Legends universe, debuting in 2021. It explores the conflict between the affluent city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. Central to the story are two sisters whose allegiance to opposing sides of a technological and ideological war strains their bond.
WithArcaneseason 2 part 1 set to be released on Netflix in the next few days,the fantastic adaptation of theLeague of Legendsvideo game will soon be coming to an end. While critics and audiences agree that they could watch many more seasons ofArcane, the showcreators have explained whyArcaneseason 2 is the end, saying they don’t want to disrupt the story’s integrity. However, there’s still plenty of hope for a future spinoff within theArcaneworld.
Both face similar challenges about how best to adapt the world for the screen and must grapple with fanbases that have high expectations for the narratives.
Being based on games creates an automatic connection betweenArcaneandVox Machina, even ifLeague of Legendsisn’t a role-playing game. However, both face similar challenges about how best to adapt the world for the screen and must grapple with fanbases that have high expectations for the narratives. Despite these challenges, these projects have risen to the occasion and proved themselves to be some of the best animated series on TV. Additionally,their stylistic choices make them the most visually interesting.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender, released in 2005, follows a young boy in a war-torn world of elemental magic as he reawakens to embark on a challenging mystical quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar and restore peace to the world.
There’s a reason thatAvatar: The Last Airbenderhas been adapted into live-action more than once, but likeThe Legend of Vox Machina, nothing can beat its perfection in animation. Despite being a children’s show,ATLAhas always been hailed as a crossover hit that connects just as deeply with adult audiencesas younger viewers. WhileVox Machinais explicitly targeted toward an older demographic, it tackles similar themes and tones toATLA, and its cheerful sense of humor is an enduring part of its appeal.
However,both series are unafraid to get serious and present metaphorical battles and conflicts that reflect real-world issues.The fight sequences and choreography take center stage in each show, showing how dedicated the writers and creators are to the atmosphere as well as the story.Avatar: The Last Airbenderis another of many amazing animated series that have paved the way for more experimental and boundary-pushing works likeThe Legend of Vox Machinato come along.
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