August 15, 2026, 12:00 pm
Season 3 of HBO’s House of the Dragoncame to an end on Sunday, August 9, with a monumental finale, and now, fans of the epic series are unfortunately looking at a two-year wait until Season 4 premieres. While Game of Thrones and its spinoffs have undeniably put modern fantasy on the map, there have long been shows and films that explore magic, societies on the brink, and political intrigue like this franchise does.
The time between seasons is grueling, but there are thankfully some incredible TV shows and films to watch that are sure to fill the void House of the Dragon‘s absence leaves behind. Without further ado, here are 15 of the best films and television shows to stream after you’ve finished the series.
The White Queen (2013) While Game of Thrones was loosely inspired by the historical War of the Roses, The White Queen dramatizes the decades-long fight between the Yorks and Lancasters. Instead of following an expansive cast, the series instead focuses on the women from both factions, namely Yorkian Elizabeth Woodville. Helmed by a magnificent Rebecca Ferguson, if you love the plot-twists and women-led power struggles of House of the Dragon, this is the show for you.
Princess Mononoke (1997) Set in 13th-century Japan, this Studio Ghibli film follows a cursed prince who is forced to embark on a solo journey to find a cure. Along the way, he meets Princess Mononoke, a girl raised by wolves, and finds himself in the middle of a war between the creatures of the forest and the humans who seek to destroy it. One of Studio Ghibli’s more mature films, this movie is as stunning as it is heart wrenching, and explores humanity’s inherent greed.
The Wheel of Time (2021-2025) Based on Robert Jordan’s book series of the same name, the series follows five young people from a small village who are believed to be the Dragon Reborn — a figure believed to be so powerful they can go toe-to-toe with the Dark One in the prophesied Last Battle. The series is filled with magic and epic battles, as well as characters who teeter on the edge of good and evil. It premiered in 2021 and ran for three seasons; Prime Video unfortunately canceled the series in 2025.
A Knight’s Tale (2001) Unlike most of the films on this list, A Knight’s Tale is one part romantic comedy and one part medieval drama. The film focuses on William (Heath Ledger), a young peasant who enters a jousting competition in the hopes of capturing the heart of a fair maiden. But it’s not simply love that he seeks; it’s notoriety and respect. Like this season of House of the Dragon, underneath the silliness of this film is a fascinating examination of class disparity and chivalry.
His Dark Materials (2019-2022) Adapted from the Philip Pullman series of the same name, this show is set in an alternate world where human souls co-exist outside the body in the form of animal companions called daemons. It follows Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen), an orphaned girl who finds herself involved in a murder plot that brings her into the orbit of the Magisterium, a powerful and corrupt religious authority. The show is a perfect blend of fantasy and steampunk and quickly draws you into Lyra’s fantastical world.
The Favourite (2018) Set in the high-stakes world of 18th-century English court politics, this film follows the fierce rivalry between advisor Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) and new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) as they fight for Queen Anne’s (Olivia Colman) favor and affections. The relationship between the three women is messy and unabashedly queer, and the film doesn’t shy away from exploring how power corrupts even those with the best of intentions. You won’t be able to look away as each relationship hits soaring highs and inescapable lows.
The Tudors (2007-2010) Just as House of the Dragon sees House Targaryen at the height of its power, The Tudors takes viewers back to one of England’s most infamous dynasties. Set during King Henry VIII’s (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) reign, the series explores the king’s interpersonal relationships, offering plenty of family and relationship drama that rivals even the most chaotic House of the Dragon episodes. What it lacks in dragons, the series makes up for with its stunning costume design and audaciousness.
Elizabeth (1998) Following Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett), before and during her reign as queen, like House of the Dragon, this film is fraught with political intrigue, religious tensions and gender politics. As Elizabeth navigates the rocky start to her tenure as Queen, she faces societal pressures that come into contention with her true personal desires. The film was followed up with Elizabeth: The Golden Years, making for a thrilling double-feature.
Succession (2018-2023) Although it doesn’t have magic or dragons, Succession follows another family that’s fighting for power, though the Roy children are vying to become CEO of billion-dollar company Waystar Royco instead of the Iron Throne. Despite the different genre and time periods, the power struggles in both series are incredibly alike. The characters in Succession are at times even more corrupt than the characters in Westeros, which makes their achievements and downfalls feel all the more entertaining.
The Last Duel (2021) Set in medieval France, the film follows Knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) as he challenges his former friend, Squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), to a duel after Jean’s wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), accuses Jacques of a horrific crime. The film unfolds through each of their eyes, unraveling their perspectives and forcing the audience to confront their faith in each character, and their preconceived judgements as well. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film is impossible to look away from, even in its most brutal moments.
Black Sails (2014-2017) More of a historical drama about the glory days of pirates, Black Sails is one of the best television series of the 2010s. The pseudo “Treasure Island” prequel follows the feared Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) and his crew as they fight for survival against encroaching British and Spanish empires. What begins as an action-heavy pirate series slowly transforms into a politically complex drama about survival and belonging. Jam-packed with diverse and morally grey figures, what the series lacks in magic, it makes up for in its fascinating character dynamics.
The Green Knight (2021) Sharing thematic parallels with House of the Dragon in its exploration of medieval power dynamics, The Green Knight follows Sir Gawain (Dev Patel) as he embarks on a treacherous journey to prove his worth as a knight of King Arthur’s court. Along the way, he meets various characters also grappling with their own desires and expectations, and he slowly transforms into a version of himself who may be too changed to return to his home as the man his community once knew and loved.
The Last Kingdom (2015-2022) Based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, this series follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon taken by Vikings as a child and raised by a Danish warlord. Focusing on a world that is on the brink of transformation, the series is filled with riveting action that rivals some of the most talked about battles in Game of Thrones. The show’s five seasons were capped off by a stand-alone film, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, an epic conclusion to one of the decade’s most underrated epics.
Throne of Blood (1957) This riveting take on William Shakepsere’s Macbeth set in feudal Japan stars Toshirô Mifune as a samurai who is coaxed by his wife (Isuzu Yamada) to usurp the throne by any means necessary. George R.R. Martin has cited Shakespeare as one of his biggest inspirations, and Akira Kurosawa‘s most celebrated film remains one of the best reimagining’s of Shakespeare’s work. Filled with thrills and stunning images, this film will keep you hooked until the very end.
Shadow and Bone (2021-2023) Set in the fictional world of Ravka, the series follows Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), a young woman who unlocks a power she never knew she had and joins a group of magic users called Grisha. Prophesied to become the savior of the entire nation, the series is a fascinating look at the Chosen One trope and explores how power can corrupt even the most innocent figures. Like Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), Alina grapples between what she knows is right, and the darkness inherent to the power that calls to her.
A Knight’s TaleBlack SailsElizabeth (1998)His Dark MaterialsHouse of the DragonPrincess MononokeShadow and BoneSuccessionThe FavouriteThe Green KnightThe Last DuelThe Last KingdomThe TudorsThe Wheel of TimeThe White Queen
