Fans Of Lord Of The Rings Need To Catch Up On This Underrated Fantasy Series Before It Ends

Netflix's The Dragon Prince is a fantasy series that's been quietly building a dedicated following, and it's a perfect watch for fans of The Lord of the Rings. Created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, the show follows a group of young heroes as they navigate a world filled with magic, dragons, and ancient conflicts. Its final season is coming on December 19, closely following The Dragon Prince's season 6 release date.

While it may not be receiving the same level of mainstream attention as other popular fantasy TV shows of the past decade, The Dragon Prince has earned praise for its intricate world-building, engaging characters, and stunning animation. The series' popularity is warranted, as it's one of the best animated fantasy shows currently airing. It's well worth checking out, especially for those who love complex worlds like Middle-earth.

The Dragon Prince Is The Best Fantasy Epic No One Talks About

Netflix's Animated Series Delivers Both Familiar And Innovative Appeal

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For anyone who loves J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary works, The Dragon Prince offers a familiar yet fresh take on high fantasy. The series is steeped in rich lore, complex world-building, and epic battles that will satisfy any enthusiast of the genre. From sprawling kingdoms to ancient magic, The Dragon Prince delivers a world that feels both timeless and innovative. Its stunning animation helps, proving how well the medium can work for fantasy storytelling.

The Dragon Prince follows two human princes and an Elven assassin who unite to end a centuries-old conflict between humans, dragons, and elves. The story has quietly built a strong but dedicated following during its six seasons on Netflix. It may not have the same level of popularity as some of Netflix's other originals, but it's been successful enough to maintain a regular audience and keep being renewed. Additionally, The Dragon Prince is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with a rare 100% critical score.

Although the series took a while to find its footing in season 1, its early episodes still received glowing reviews from critics — and gripped enough viewers to keep them returning for several seasons after. Reviewers recommended it “for anyone who relishes in a good fantasy story or has longed for a new cartoon of Avatar's caliber” (via Slate), while others acknowledge its broad appeal for both adults and children (via CultureVultures). Critics clearly saw The Dragon Prince's potential early on, and its repeated renewals have proven them right.

The Dragon Prince's Fantasy Epic Is Perfect For Tolkien Fans

High Fantasy Fans Will Appreciate The Tolkien Influences In The Show

Like many other epic fantasy stories, The Dragon Prince draws heavily from Tolkien's legendary works. The Netflix series is set in a world divided into kingdoms like Katolis and Xadia, with a dark, magical realm reminiscent of Mordor. The story follows a group of young heroes — including a human prince and his brother, an Elven assassin, and a baby dragon — as they embark on a quest to unite their divided world, much like the Fellowship sets out to destroy the One Ring.

The plot is filled with epic battles, magical creatures, and moral dilemmas, all hallmarks of Tolkien's fantasy.

Some of the show's characters echo Tolkien's, including the inexperienced hero and a powerful wizard. The plot is filled with epic battles, magical creatures, and moral dilemmas, all hallmarks of Tolkien's fantasy. For fans of Tolkien and other high fantasy narratives, The Dragon Prince is a worthy replacement while waiting for the next season of Rings of Power. As in Tolkien's work, there is a troubled history between races in the show, making way for them to evolve and learn to respect one another.

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Similar to Tolkien's Middle-earth, The Dragon Prince's world features several different races of Elves. Each of the six groups inhabits a different part of Xadia. The series has established a connection between the six Elf races and the six Primal Sources of Xadia. When a mage utilizes magic, they draw energy from these Primal Sources, which are identified as the Moon, Sky, Ocean, Earth, Sun, and Stars. Clearly, the magic system and world-building in The Dragon Prince is detailed and complex enough to satisfy epic fantasy fans looking for something new.

The Dragon Prince's Big Villain Arc Is More Compelling Than Rings Of Power

Claudia's Journey Is Well Written And Thought-Provoking

One of the most compelling aspects of The Dragon Prince is its character development, particularly that of Claudia. Her transformation from a sweet-natured teenager to a ruthless villain is a masterclass in storytelling. Claudia's journey is a powerful exploration of grief, revenge, and the corrupting influence of power. Her arc rivals some of the greatest villains in the fantasy genre, making her a truly compelling antagonist and a highlight of the Netflix show.

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While often overshadowed by the show's more heroic protagonists, Claudia's character arc is a fascinating study in the consequences of trauma. Unlike many villains, Claudia is not inherently evil. Her actions are driven by a deep-seated desire to protect her family and restore the world she believes was stolen from her. Her journey is a poignant exploration of the human condition. She is a tragic figure, a victim of circumstance who ultimately becomes a perpetrator of harm. Her story serves as a reminder that even the most well-intended people can be led astray by their darkest impulses.

The Dragon Prince Is A Genuine Modern Epic

The Dragon Prince Is A Worthy Replacement To Delve Into While Waiting For More Rings Of Power

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With its ambitious storytelling, stunning animation, and diverse cast of characters, The Dragon Prince is a true modern fantasy epic. The series has captivated audiences with its thrilling battles, emotional moments, and intricate storylines. As the seventh season approaches, The Dragon Prince continues to solidify its place as one of the most exciting and innovative fantasy series to come out in recent years. With the show hailing from the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, perhaps its success is no surprise. Still, it needs to be on more people's radars.

The Dragon Prince season 7 premieres on Netflix on December 19, 2024.

While The Dragon Prince may have initially seemed like another generic fantasy show, it underwent a significant transformation as it progressed. The animation improved dramatically, and the storytelling became more compelling, with the narrative expanding the world and revealing more depth to the characters over time. The creators had a long-term vision, and they've brought it to life masterfully so far. This commitment to a well-defined story arc has allowed The Dragon Prince to thrive for its past six seasons — something that will, hopefully, continue into season 7.

Source: Slate, CultureVultures, Rotten Tomatoes