Amid what feels like a never-ending procession of fantasy series cancellations, it’s easy to get despondent about the state of genre entertainment on Netflix. The truth is, though, that the streamer’s commitment to dishing out fresh fantasy content every month isn’t going to change anytime soon. Although we’re halfway through 2023 already, there are still plenty of must-see movies and TV shows for fantasy and sci-fi buffs on the horizon.
These vary from the latest seasons of established smash-hits like The Witcher to those that could, if they get lucky and strike a chord with audiences, soon be launched to the upper echelons of Netflix’s most popular shows ever — like the Avatar: The Last Airbender remake. The movie side of things, meanwhile, won’t disappoint either, thanks to stars like Millie Bobby Brown and Jamie Foxx and directors like Zack Snyder.
Here’s all 10 fantasy and sci-fi TV shows and films that we’re desperate to see tudum their way onto our screens across the remainder of the year.
TV series
The Witcher season 3 volumes 1 and 2
Release date: June 29 (vol. 1), July 27 (vol. 2)
Enjoy while it lasts, Witcher nation, for this is the last season of the hit fantasy series to feature Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia before Liam Hemsworth dons the blonde wig in his place. The first five episodes of the third run drop on Netflix this June before the final three arrive a month later.
The Chosen One
Release date: August 16
If you’ve ever read the New Testament and thought “I wish this was written by Stan Lee,” then this is the show for you. This adaptation of Mark Millar’s American Jesus comic follows Jodie, a Californian 12-year-old boy who discovers that he’s the Second Coming and can perform miracles. If this one doesn’t get roasted by Christian groups, it’s probably not doing its job right.
One Piece
Release date: TBD
Honestly, after the likes of Death Note and Cowboy Beebop, expectations are not all that high for this latest live-action take on an acclaimed anime from Netflix. If they get it right, though, this nautical-themed adventure series could make a whole new audience fall in love with the Straw Hat Pirates.
The Three-Body Problem
Release date: TBD
After running Game of Thrones into the ground and bouncing out of the Star Wars universe, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are back with this adaptation of the epic sci-fi novel series of the same name by Liu Cixin. Watch out for this one, as it could be one of Netflix’s next big series.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Release date: TBD
Perhaps the upcoming Netflix fantasy series with the most riding on it, this super-pricey reimagining of the beloved Nickelodeon show had better be a heck of a lot better than M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 movie based on the animation. If we’re lucky, it’ll be here in late 2023, but 2024 might be more realistic.
Movies
Nimona
Release date: June 23
Also known as the movie Disney killed for being too gay, Nimona — as based on the ND Stevenson graphic novel — seemed doomed after the Mouse House dismissed it for its LGBTQ themes but thankfully Annapurna Pictures and Netflix stepped in. This should be the perfect present for fantasy fans this Pride Month.
They Cloned Tyrone
Release date: July 21
Marvel and Star Wars fans, this one’s for you. John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and The Marvels‘ Teyonah Parris unite for this high-concept sci-fi comedy-mystery film from director Juel Taylor, which has received early praise for its blending of Blaxploitian films and Afrofuturism.
The Monkey King
Release date: August 18
This summer, Netflix is serving up a fresh take on the classic Chinese legend of Sun Wukong, the titular Monkey King, with this animated action-adventure family film featuring the voices of Jimmy O. Yang, BD Wong, Stephanie Hsu, Hoon Lee, Bowen Yang, and Jo Koy.
Damsel
Release date: October 13
She’s already Stranger Things‘ Eleven and Enola Holmes in, um, Enola Holmes, but Millie Bobby Brown is about to add (hopefully) another iconic Netflix character to her lineup thanks to Damsel, a feminist twist on the classic fairy tale set up of the princess who needs rescuing.
Rebel Moon
Release date: December 22
Originally developed as a Star Wars movie, Zack Snyder’s star-studded space opera Rebel Moon should be the highlight of the Christmas season for Snyder devotees everywhere. A Part 2 was filmed back-to-back and an extended R-rated cut has been confirmed to be on the way as well – because of course it is.
