10 Movies and Shows Like Once Upon a Time (2011)

Description: Carnival Row shares Once Upon a Time's (2011) dark fairy-tale aesthetic and themes of forbidden love and societal conflict. Both shows feature mythical creatures living alongside humans, with rich world-building and complex character relationships.

Fact: The series stars Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne. It is set in a Victorian-inspired fantasy world. The show was renewed for a second season after its debut.

Description: Merlin shares Once Upon a Time's (2011) focus on reimagining classic fairy tales and legends, particularly the Arthurian mythos. Both shows feature young protagonists discovering their magical destinies in a world filled with enchantment and danger. The blend of adventure, romance, and mythology is a common thread.

Fact: Merlin was produced by the BBC and aired for five seasons. The show was filmed in Wales and France. It starred Colin Morgan and Bradley James as Merlin and Arthur, respectively.

Description: Grimm shares similarities with Once Upon a Time (2011) through its modern-day fairy tale setting, blending fantasy with real-world elements. Both shows explore folklore and mythology, with Grimm focusing on a detective who discovers he is a descendant of a line of monster hunters. The dark, fairy-tale aesthetic and the mix of procedural and serialized storytelling are key parallels.

Fact: Grimm was inspired by the classic Grimm Brothers' fairy tales. The show features creatures called Wesen, which are based on various mythological beings. It ran for six seasons and was filmed in Portland, Oregon.

Description: Sleepy Hollow shares Once Upon a Time's (2011) blend of historical and modern-day settings, as well as its incorporation of folklore and supernatural elements. Both shows feature protagonists who must navigate a world where fairy tales and legends are real.

Fact: The series is loosely based on Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It stars Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane and Nicole Beharie as Abbie Mills. The show was canceled after four seasons.

Description: Reign shares Once Upon a Time's (2011) historical fantasy elements and focus on royal intrigue and romance. Both shows reimagine historical figures with a dramatic, often magical twist, appealing to fans of period dramas with a fantastical edge.

Fact: The series is loosely based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. It stars Adelaide Kane as Mary and Toby Regbo as Francis. The show ran for four seasons on The CW.

Description: This spin-off of Once Upon a Time (2011) naturally shares many similarities, including its fairy-tale themes, crossover characters, and the blending of fantasy and reality. It focuses on Alice's adventures in Wonderland, maintaining the original show's whimsical yet dramatic tone.

Fact: The series was intended to be a standalone story within the Once Upon a Time universe. It features characters from both Alice in Wonderland and Aladdin. The show was canceled after one season due to low ratings.

Description: Galavant, like Once Upon a Time (2011), is a fairy-tale-inspired series with a mix of adventure, romance, and humor. While Galavant is a musical comedy, it shares the same whimsical, storybook aesthetic and playful take on classic tropes.

Fact: The series was created by Dan Fogelman, who also worked on Tangled. It stars Joshua Sasse as Galavant and Timothy Omundson as King Richard. The show was canceled after two seasons but has a cult following.

Description: The Librarians, like Once Upon a Time (2011), combines fantasy, adventure, and mythology in a contemporary setting. Both shows feature a group of protagonists who must protect the world from magical threats, with a mix of episodic and overarching storylines.

Fact: The series is a spin-off of The Librarian TV movies. It stars Rebecca Romijn as the leader of the Librarians. The show ran for four seasons and was known for its witty dialogue and action-packed plots.

Description: Shadowhunters, like Once Upon a Time (2011), is a fantasy series that blends modern-day settings with mythological creatures and epic battles between good and evil. Both shows feature young heroes discovering their hidden destinies and fighting to protect their world.

Fact: The series is based on Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments book series. It stars Katherine McNamara as Clary Fray. The show was canceled after three seasons but gained a strong fan following.

Description: The Magicians, like Once Upon a Time (2011), explores a hidden magical world coexisting with the real one. Both shows feature protagonists who must master their powers to combat dark forces, with a mix of drama, humor, and fantasy elements.

Fact: The series is based on Lev Grossman's novel trilogy. It stars Jason Ralph as Quentin Coldwater. The show ran for five seasons and was praised for its mature take on fantasy.