10 Movies and Shows Similar to His Dark Materials (2019)

Description: This film, like His Dark Materials, is based on a beloved children's fantasy series that explores themes of good vs. evil, parallel worlds, and the journey of young protagonists. Both stories involve a hidden world accessible through a magical portal and feature talking animals and mythical creatures.

Fact: The film was a major box office success, grossing over $745 million worldwide. Tilda Swinton's portrayal of the White Witch became iconic. The movie was praised for its faithful adaptation of C.S. Lewis's classic novel.

Description: The Golden Compass is directly related to His Dark Materials as it is the film adaptation of the first book in Philip Pullman's trilogy, 'Northern Lights'. Both share the same universe, themes of parallel worlds, and the concept of daemons. The film, like the series, explores deep philosophical questions about free will, authority, and the nature of the soul.

Fact: The film's daemons were created using CGI, a groundbreaking technique at the time. Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig starred in the film, bringing significant star power to the project. The film's release was controversial due to its perceived anti-religious themes, leading to boycotts by some religious groups.

Description: Carnival Row, like His Dark Materials, is a dark fantasy series that explores themes of oppression, discrimination, and the clash between different species or races. Both series feature rich world-building, political intrigue, and a focus on societal issues through a fantastical lens.

Fact: The series stars Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, marking Bloom's return to fantasy after his role in The Lord of the Rings. The show's aesthetic is heavily influenced by Victorian and steampunk styles. It was one of Amazon Prime's first major original series, showcasing their investment in high-budget fantasy.

Description: Percy Jackson shares with His Dark Materials a young protagonist discovering a hidden world of magic and mythology. Both stories involve a journey of self-discovery, the blending of modern and mythical elements, and themes of destiny and heroism.

Fact: The film is based on Rick Riordan's popular book series. Logan Lerman starred as Percy Jackson, launching his career as a leading actor. Despite mixed reviews, the film developed a cult following among fans of the books.

Description: The Shannara Chronicles, like His Dark Materials, is a fantasy series based on a popular book series, featuring young heroes on a quest in a richly imagined world. Both series blend adventure, magic, and coming-of-age themes, with a focus on environmental and societal issues.

Fact: The series was adapted from Terry Brooks' Shannara novels, starting with 'The Elfstones of Shannara'. It was one of MTV's first forays into high fantasy, aiming to attract a younger audience. The show was filmed in New Zealand, utilizing the same landscapes as The Lord of the Rings.

Description: Merlin shares with His Dark Materials a focus on young characters navigating a world of magic and political intrigue. Both series feature a mix of adventure, mythology, and character-driven storytelling, with a balance of light-hearted moments and darker themes.

Fact: The series was a BBC production, known for its family-friendly approach to the Arthurian legends. Colin Morgan and Bradley James, who played Merlin and Arthur, became fan favorites. The show ran for five seasons, developing a strong international fanbase.

Description: This series, like His Dark Materials, is a British fantasy production that blends historical settings with magical elements. Both explore the consequences of wielding power and the clash between different forms of knowledge, wrapped in a visually stunning period aesthetic.

Fact: The series is based on Susanna Clarke's acclaimed novel, which won the Hugo Award. It features a unique blend of Regency-era England with dark, intricate magic. The show was praised for its faithful adaptation and atmospheric storytelling.

Description: The Magicians shares with His Dark Materials a blend of fantasy and coming-of-age themes, set in a world where magic is real and young protagonists must navigate complex moral and existential dilemmas. Both series feature parallel worlds and a dark, mature tone that challenges traditional fantasy tropes.

Fact: The series is based on Lev Grossman's novels, which are often described as 'Harry Potter for adults'. The show was praised for its diverse cast and representation of LGBTQ+ characters. It features a unique mix of modern-day settings with fantastical elements, creating a distinct aesthetic.

Description: The Wheel of Time, like His Dark Materials, is an epic fantasy series based on a lengthy book series, featuring a sprawling world, complex mythology, and a diverse cast of characters. Both series explore themes of destiny, power, and the struggle between light and darkness.

Fact: The series is based on Robert Jordan's 14-book series, one of the most extensive in fantasy literature. Rosamund Pike stars as Moiraine, bringing her Oscar-nominated talent to the fantasy genre. The show was one of Amazon Prime's most expensive productions, aiming to rival Game of Thrones.

Description: The Outpost shares with His Dark Materials a strong female protagonist navigating a dangerous, magical world. Both series feature themes of survival, resistance against oppressive forces, and the discovery of hidden powers.

Fact: The series was created by the team behind Arrow and The Flash, bringing a superhero-like energy to fantasy. It was one of the few fantasy shows with a female lead and a predominantly female creative team. The show developed a dedicated fanbase despite its lower budget compared to other fantasy series.