With the release of Willow on Disney+, the streamer takes viewers back to the kingdom and the characters that enchanted audiences back in the 1980s. Though the series makes some key updates to the original movie, including by introducing a new generation of characters, it also has enough ‘80s fantasy flavor to appeal to those who grew up watching it.
Willow emerges at a moment of particular plenty for fantasy and science fiction shows. Thus, those who are looking for something to watch that shares a number of similarities
10/10 His Dark Materials (2019-Present)
Stream On HBO Max
One of the most appealing things about Willow is its emphasis on young people setting out on a quest to save the world. This is also the motivating principle behind the overall narrative of His Dark Materials, based on the hugely popular series of novels by Philip Pullman.
In this case, two young people, Lyra and Will, have to try to save creation from the brutality of the theocratic organization known as the Magisterium. It is a richly textured fantasy series, and it delivers both strong performances from its central cast as well as a heavy dose of action, making it a truly great HBO series.
9/10 The Witcher (2019-Present)
Stream On Netflix
Throughout its first several seasons, The Witcher has established itself as one of the best series on Netflix. Like Willow, it has something a bit old-fashioned about it, and in some ways, it is exactly what one would expect from the pulpy period of fantasy.
At the same time, there is also a richness to this story, and it is particularly grounded by Henry Cavill as Geralt, the titular Witcher. And, with each season, the broader epic scope of the story comes more into focus, as the young girl Ciri, like Elora of Willow, finds herself the locus of titanic historical and cosmological forces.
8/10 The Shannara Chronicles (2016-2017)
Stream On Tubi
Though it never became the huge success that it aspired to be, there is still something quite charming about The Shannara Chronicles, based on the hugely popular series of novels by Terry Brooks. Indeed, given that many of the most popular books in the series emerged in the 1980s, the same period that gave birth to the original Willow, it’s easy to see convergence.
Indeed, what makes The Shannara Chronicles so much fun to watch is just how much of an adventure story it is. Beneath the changes made to the source material and the world-building, there beats the heart of an epic fantasy story that everyone can enjoy.
7/10 The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power (2022-Present)
Stream On Prime Video
Even though it has only aired one season so far, it’s already clear that The Rings of Power is one of the best series on Prime Video. Sprawling and epic, it is also remarkably true to the vision of Tolkien, who did so much to pave the way for both the movie and TV versions of Willow.
In particular, this series gives viewers a fascinating look at the deep history of The Lord of the Rings. While it never loses sight of the fact that it is an epic fantasy, it also makes sure that it gives its various characters a richness and depth that endears them to viewers.
6/10 The Wheel Of Time (2021-Present)
Stream On Prime Video
Prime Video has made a name for itself by providing viewers with a number of great fantasy series to watch. One of these is The Wheel of Time, which is an adaptation of the sprawling epic fantasy series by Robert Jordan.
Like Willow, it follows a group of young people, one of whom is destined to become the figure known as the Dragon, who will either save the world or destroy it. Filled with rich characters, a well-developed magic system, and dynamic performances (particularly from Rosamund Pike, who plays the Aes Sedai Moiraine), it has already become beloved by fans old and new.
5/10 Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)
Stream On Disney+
Though it might have lost its way during its later seasons, for quite a while Once Upon a Time provided viewers with a fascinating and inventive spin on the classic Disney formula. Like Willow, it knew that many people would tune in simply for the nostalgia factor, and this proved to be very true.
However, there is more to this series than just reaching into the past. Indeed, it continued to demonstrate that there is something timeless about many of the classic fairy tales, which can be repurposed and transformed for new audiences and new generations.
4/10 The Sandman (2022-Present)
Stream On Netflix
Willow, like many other great fantasy series, is very much about young people contending with destiny. Elora Danan in particular has a heavy burden to bear since she might be the only one who can save the world.
Netflix’s The Sandman based on the Neil Gaiman work of the same name, has a similar conceit. Though much of its story focuses on the being of the title, it is Rose Walker, a being known as a Vortex. As the series goes on, she becomes ever more important to the story, particularly once her fate becomes intertwined with that of the Sandman.
3/10 Shadow And Bone (2021-Present)
Stream On Netflix
Though it has much in common with the original movie, Willow also partakes in the ongoing popular culture fascination with YA fantasy stories. In that sense, it has a great deal in common with the Netflix series Shadow and Bone, which focuses on a young woman who discovers she has extraordinary powers, which might just reshape her entire world.
Like most such series, it combines rich and textured world-building with character development, allowing viewers to get to know the people in the drama as they grow and change. Just as importantly, it also makes these character moments feel weighty because the viewer knows the fate of this world hangs in the balance.
2/10 The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
Stream On Disney+
Those who watch the new series Willow no doubt do so for a variety of reasons, but there’s no question that nostalgia plays a role. This is also part of the draw for those who love The Mandalorian, which feels very much like old-fashioned Star Wars, particularly with its evocation of the western genre.
However, like Willow it is also a series with a great deal of heart. No one who has watched even a few episodes can fail to be drawn in by the profound bond that quickly emerges between the title character and the little creature known as Grogu, and it’s no wonder the series has come to be seen as one of the best Star Wars productions.
1/10 Wednesday (2022-Present)
Stream On Netflix
There are few TV families quite as iconic or beloved as the Addams Family. The newest series to focus on them, Wednesday, allows viewers to spend more time with the title character, and the Netflix production manages to stay true to the spirit of the original comics while also branching out in new directions.
Like Willow, Wednesday taps into a pervasive desire to recapture the sort of simple enchantment that was once such a key part of the entertainment industry. That it does so while not shying away from the macabre is another mark of its unique genius.
