15 Best Shows Like House of the Dragon to Binge

House of the Dragon is the latest addition to HBO’s famous Game of Thrones franchise, documenting the civil war known as “The Dance of Dragons.” With the focus being on House Targaryen, fans tune in every Sunday to see the various battles, secrets, and lies that would define the war that rendered dragons an endangered species.

A show built on pristine depictions of political intrigue, high-fantasy lore, and exciting conflicts, House of the Dragon excels at retaining the attention of its audiences and continues to inspire new discussions with each new development. Similarly, these fifteen shows rely on compelling political drama, high fantasy intrigue, and exemplary character development that fans of House of the Dragon would appreciate.

15 Game of Thrones (2010)

Game of Thrones deserves a mention due to their shared lineage. Set years after the Dance of the Dragons, the series begins at the offset of Robert’s Rebellion, a revolution against the “mad” Aerys II Targaryen. With the Baratheons and Lannisters controlling King’s Landing, the series is an overview of The War of Five Kings, another civil war that finds Westeros divided and thus ill-prepared for foes both human and supernatural.

The Reintroduction to a Compelling Universe

The connective tissue between both series is quite evident. From the shared lore and familiar scheming found in both wars, Game of Thrones not only set the stage for the debauchery, violence, and insightful commentary on identity and politics explored in House of the Dragon, but for many of the dramas that would premiere in its wake.

14 The Witcher (2019)

The Witcher, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s series of the same name, follows Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), the titular monster hunter, as he travels around the Continent. He soon comes to learn of his connection to Princess Ciri (Freya Allan). With the help of Yennefer (Anya Cholatra) and Jaskier (Joey Batey), Geralt aims to protect the princess while the consequences of multiple timelines converge.

An Adventure-Filled Fantasy Delight

Upon release, The Witcher earned comparisons to the televised universe of Game of Thrones. From its prophetic heroes, morally gray characters vying for power, and the countless monsters that pose a threat to the stability of the Continent, there are a lot of parallels between both universes. While they may not share bold commonalities with Game of Thrones as others do, The Witcher will impress anyone who may be looking for a little more fantasy and adventure in their stories.

13 The Tudors (2007)

The Tudors reimagines the life of the notorious King Henry VIII, portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Chronicling his eight marriages, tumultuous reign as the King of England, and the various companions he has retained throughout his tenure, the series engages in themes of mental health, the restrictive nature of monarchy, religion, and misogyny.

While inspired by a different moment in English history, it remains quite clear why many have noted parallels between The Tudors and House of the Dragon.

A Riveting Historical Fiction Piece

The line of succession is an imperative structure that keeps otherwise fragile monarchies from completely collapsing. However, said line also exists in direct conflict with human desire. Both The Tudors and House of the Dragon detail the various motivations for retaining the crown while also highlighting just how said adherence to a monarchy, and the various inequalities that sprout as a result of a system that deifies humans and looks past their transgressions.

12 Black Sails (2014)

Black Sails takes an intriguing look at pirates during the controversial Age of Discovery. Much of the focus is on Captain Flint (Toby Stephens), a former Royal Navy captain turned prolific pirate in his own right as he hunts for treasure scattered across the new world. Following in line with most Starz dramas, Black Sails offers audiences a rich blend of authenticity, imagination, and adventure not unlike that seen in House of the Dragon.

The Age Of Pirates With Much Excitement

Despite the lack of supernatural occurrences, Black Sails is another universe for any prospective fans who will enjoy a dynamic set of characters and the various exciting adventures they embark on. The manner in which the series engages with the truth about the Age of Discovery, coupled with an understanding of human ambition and connection, the series makes a set of decisions that prove to enhance the story overall.

11 Rome (2005)

Rome, as the title suggests, takes a look at Rome’s metamorphosis from a republic to an empire. Taking a look at the glorious veneer of stability and the insidious plots buried underneath, the series chronicles daily events through the perspective of Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pollo (Ray Stevensen), two Roman soldiers with varying ideals and a bevy of surprises that enhances an already intriguing look into the lives of Romans during a seismic shift in politics.

An Era of Change and Chaos

Another historical fiction example, the political intrigue and character focus found in Rome mirrors House of the Dragon in many ways. Instead of watching the world change through its characters, the characters themselves actively maneuver around increasing change, offering rich storylines for audiences to indulge in. Moreover, Rome benefits from delivering intimate stories baked with drama and glamor.

Stream Rome on Max

10 The Expanse (2015)

The Expanse is a sci-fi drama that sees humanity thousands of years into the future. After colonizing the Milky Way Galaxy, the interstellar-political drama focuses on the lives of various folks in space with an intensifying Cold War between Earth and Mars in the backdrop. Police investigator Josephus “Joe” Miller (Thomas Jane) from the planet Ceres begins an investigation into a missing heiress.

Simultaneously, viewers also follow the travels of a rag-tag group of outcasts who discover and board the Rocinante, a Martian gunship. Much of the series tracks their respective storylines until the moments they converge, compelling in their own right but ultimately enthralling to witness.

Much like House of the Dragon, The Expanse is filled with rich worldbuilding and the method used to display said intentional writing is through the characters themselves. Following characters like Miller, Chrisjen Avasaral (Shohreh Aghdashloo), and James Holden (Steven Strait) throughout the expansive galaxy is as engaging as tracking the various key players of Westerosi politics through their respective royal halls and on the battlefield.

9 The Serpent Queen (2022)

The Serpent Queen takes a look back at the rise and history-making triumphs of Catherine de Medici (Samantha Morton). Following her navigation of the manipulation-ridden courts, the historical fiction magnificently crafts an admirable yet complicated character in Catherine herself.

A Look Into One of History’s Most Powerful Women

Not unlike characters like Alicent and Rhaenyra, Catherine’s rise to greatness is documented from her adolescence to her adulthood with much consideration behind everyday life as French nobility and the unique dangers said life fosters.

Morton, alongside castmates like Amrita Acharia and Enzo Cilenti, allows audiences to reassess Catherine’s legacy as well as what it implies about the intersections of class and femininity, similar to House of the Dragon’s examination of the warring queens.

8 The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)

The Lord of the Rings has enjoyed decades of success, amassing a gargantuan and loyal fanbase that has followed the many characters of the Tolkien Verse. Taking place millennia before the events portrayed in The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power sees the familiar universe explored from the perspective of Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), an Elven warrior who predicts the rise of evil that threatens the peace established in Middle-earth.

A Mystical Franchise Reborn

Not only are both based on famous novel series, but both House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power are also prequels that may provide additional context about their respective universes but ultimately provide more fans with compelling stories and intriguing characters whose decisions lay the map for future stories.

Furthermore, The Rings of Power’s marvelous setting and presentation offer audiences vivid scenery that rivals the bleak yet wondrous structures and locations in Westeros.

7 The Last Kingdom (2015)

The Last Kingdom exceptionally interrogates Anglo-Saxon and Viking relationships after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Starring Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the series focuses on his efforts to liberate his home from the Vikings, resulting in a budding alliance with him and King Alfred of Wessex (David Dawson).

A Strong Display of Valiant Souls

Outside Uhtred and Alfred’s connection, the series also takes a broader look at the Viking influence on England and the steps taken to form what many understand to now be a national, English identity. Through swords and sensuality, The Last Kingdom crafts a delightful tale of heritage, transformation, and the brutish nature of conflict, themes that serve as a sturdy foundation for House of the Dragon.

6 His Dark Materials (2019)

His Dark Materials is a three-season odyssey that sees the Phillip Pullman novels come to life. Starring Dafnee Keen, Amir Wilson, James McAvoy, and Ruth Wilson, the series envisions a world divided by one seemingly normal plane and another magical realm that simultaneously exists.

Following Lyra Belacqua (Keen), the series chronicles the revelations of her role in a magical prophecy and the countless adventures she embarks on. A classic hero’s journey with an imaginative twist, His Dark Materials is an entertaining and touching bildungsroman brought to the small screens.

A Magical Odyssey

While a monarchy exists in the series, the true similarities between House of the Dragon and His Dark Materials lies in their mystical settings and the powers of their respective characters. The vague prophecies that follow Lyra can also be likened to stories of the Prince That Was Promised. Both series similarly interrogate concepts of power, lineage, justice, and the countless atrocities birthed by greed.

Stream His Dark Materials on Max

5 Vikings (2013)

Vikings takes a look at the various Northern European clans who would make history with their pillaging and exploration. Largely focused on the legend of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), the series explores the successes and consequences of Viking expansion while presenting audiences with portrayals that command the audiences’ attention and striking visuals.

A Splendid Historical Drama

While Vikings has been noted for its rather decent historical accuracy, the appeal of the series lies in weaving together violence, passion, and plot, a feat similarly accomplished in House of the Dragon. Moreover, no matter how far removed or distorted from actual historical events the characters may be, there’s a stellar attention to character development that continued to impress fans and critics alike up until its conclusion in 2019.

Stream Vikings on Netflix

4 Shōgun (2024)

Shōgun dominated 2024, offering audiences an impeccably penned story about the maneuvering and manipulation found in a Japanese court. A fictionalized tale inspired by one of the first interactions between Western traders and Japanese nobles, the series largely focuses on Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), an ambitious feudal lord, and John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), a Protestant trader from England who navigates feudal Japan post imprisonment.

A Nuanced Depiction of Cultural Exchange

While many have warned against comparing Shōgun to the Game of Thrones franchise, one can’t help but acknowledge the similarities between the two. Both shows stand strong on their own, but Shogun’s impeccable attention to detail and overall compelling storytelling will surely entertain any fan of HBO dramas like Succession and House of the Dragon.

Decorated with exquisite stage designs that enhance the powerful performances, Shogun is a must-see for anyone yearning for prestigious, royal drama.

3 Andor (2022)

One of the many Star Wars spin-offs to keep fans invested, Andor follows the titular spy (Diego Luna) during his formative years. Taking a step back from the action that would define Star Wars to many, Andor is a wondrous example of allowing audiences to enjoy proximity to the Kenari-native, entering his world and actively engaging with the ensemble of passionate companions who would help Andor develop a revolutionary politic.

A Precious Tale of Organizing For Justice

Like many of the spin-offs that have graced the small screen, the attention to the people who make up the story, rather than focusing on the world itself, makes for an all the more engaging tale.

With the extensive lore behind entities like the Jedi, the Galactic Empire, and the Rebel Alliance, Andor understands the importance of introducing audiences to an easily identifiable, complex character that offers fans an admirable spirit to champion and a character who provides additional context about the vast network of planets and the social, cultural, and political mechanisms that would produce someone like an Andor.

Stream Andor on Disney+

2 The Wheel of Time (2021)

The Wheel of Time, adapted from the Robert Jordan-penned novels of the same name, follows the “Aes Sedai,” a group of women with magical abilities. Drawing their magic from the “One Power,” the Aes Sedai seek to find the “Dragon Reborn,” a male destined to either save the world or cause its demise.

Led by compelling thespians like Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, and Fares Fares, the series benefits from an extensive and rich set of stories that offer viewers an engaging world that continues to peel back layers and surprise audiences as the story persists. Similarly to House of the Dragon, powerful women dominate the narrative, blending the prophecy from the source material with creative risks that strengthen the series as a whole.

1 Foundation (2020)

Foundation, based on the Isaac Asimov series of the same name, follows humanity thousands of years into the future where human colonization of space has resulted in the rise of a gargantuan empire led by three clones of Emperor Cleon. Brother Day (Lee Pace), Dawn (Terrence Mann), and Dusk (Cassian Bilton).

A “triumvirate” assisted by Demerzel (Laura Birn), a humanoid majordomo, the quartet attempts to retain power in the midst of controversy after Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), a famed math professor, predicts the collapse of the empire.

Foundation and House of the Dragon similarly discuss lines of succession, the stability of an empire, and the nefarious deeds required to preserve said empire. However, Foundation’s ambitious storytelling and artistic decisions rivals Game of Thrones’ adaptation of A Song of Ice and Fire, both capturing the essence of their respective tales while also forging new stories and highlighting different perspectives for audiences to enjoy.