Top Dark Fantasy Foreign-Language Series You Need to Watch
Dark fantasy, once a niche genre with a limited selection of TV shows and movies, has gained significant popularity thanks to the rise of adult-oriented cartoons and advanced CGI technology. Myth and legend are now prominent themes in entertainment, and modern shows frequently incorporate dark fantasy elements into their narratives. This genre has found even greater prominence in various countries, where unique cultural and linguistic perspectives bring fresh interpretations to occult, horror, and mystery themes.
Many acclaimed dark fantasy series originate from non-English-speaking countries, offering diverse takes on the genre. Fortunately, most of these series are accessible to international audiences through dubbing and subtitling. Whether you’re drawn to eerie folklore, chilling supernatural elements, or intricate mystical worlds, there’s a rich array of foreign-language dark fantasy series to explore.
Kingdom
Set in the 17th-century Joseon Dynasty, this period drama captivates with its stunning sets and costumes. The story follows a prince as he embarks on a daring quest to liberate his homeland from the dual threats of a corrupt, oppressive government and a devastating zombie plague.
Initially, the king appears to be suffering from smallpox or chickenpox, but rumors soon circulate that he has died. The Crown Prince, determined to confirm his father’s condition, finds himself obstructed by his young stepmother. Despite the cultural expectation of filial piety, which dictates obedience to one’s parents, the prince decides to defy palace restrictions. He sets out to find the doctor who once treated his father, hoping to uncover the truth behind the king’s mysterious illness.
Katla
In Iceland, much of the heat and power comes from geothermal energy sourced from hot springs and volcanic activity. Katla, a real volcano in Iceland, adds to the immersive atmosphere of this dark tale.
The story unfolds with Katla erupting continuously for a year, leading to the near evacuation of the nearby town of Vík. However, people begin to appear from the volcanic ash, seemingly from the past. Rumors spread about “changelings” or mythical creatures from folklore taking human form.
Death Note
The 2006 animated series from the renowned Madhouse studio remains a classic. While some live-action adaptations have struggled, the 2015 Japanese version, based on the original manga rather than the cartoon, received positive reviews from fans and critics.
‘Death Note’ explores Japanese mythology and the occult’s view of the afterlife, focusing not on what happens after death but on how people meet their end. The story follows Light, a top student whose life takes a dark turn after gaining the power to control life and death. The series portrays his transformation from a promising student into a deranged figure.
Beforeigners
In present-day Oslo, Bjørvika Bay sees an influx of immigrants from various historical periods, including Victorian London, the Stone Age, and the Viking era. The series explores their integration into modern life with a mix of comedy, horror, and mystery. Season 2 delves into a murder spree linked to Jack the Ripper, a figure so terrifying that even Vikings are unsettled.
Les Revenants
Known as ‘The Returned’ in English, this show captivated North American audiences despite the language barrier. It centers on a group of people who return to their small French hometown after having died from accidents, diseases, or suicide. These individuals reappear as if nothing happened, not as ghosts or zombies. However, their return uncovers dark secrets and leads to other eerie events, such as the discovery of dead animals and a church steeple in the city reservoir.
Dark
The show aptly captures its dark, industrial fantasy theme by blending social drama with ancient magic. Set in a small town where everyone is deeply entangled in each other’s lives, the story begins with a missing child, a recurring event linked to a mysterious cave in the nearby forest. Initially, locals speculate about ghosts and trolls, but it’s eventually discovered that the cave’s tunnels allow time travel. One character dedicates an entire lifetime, and possibly more, to uncovering the cave’s secrets.
–Farheen Ali
