10 Must-Watch Transportive Shows and Movies That Will Whisk You Away to Different Worlds
Dune
Released on September 15, 2021, "Dune" captures the epic tale of Paul Atreides, a young man thrust into the harsh deserts of the most perilous planet in the universe. Adapting Frank Herbert's monumental classic, this film introduces viewers to a universe where the most coveted resource, known as 'spice,' holds the key to unimaginable powers. With an average rating of 4.1, its breathtaking visuals and profound narrative have left an indelible mark on science fiction enthusiasts.
Learn more about DuneThe Witcher
With a release date of December 20, 2019, and boasting an impressive rating of 4.2, "The Witcher" brings the saga of Geralt of Rivia to life with action-packed sequences and intricate storytelling. This journey unfolds in a world teeming with corrupt politics, unholy alliances, and creatures far more monstrous than one might imagine. Based on the bestselling series, the show's gritty realism and iconic characters have captivated audiences worldwide.
Learn more about The WitcherThe Mandalorian
Set in the Star Wars universe, "The Mandalorian," released on November 12, 2019, follows a lone gunslinger as he navigates a lawless era following the fall of the Galactic Empire. With a stellar rating of 4.5, this series has won hearts with its heartwarming relationship between the titular character and the enigmatic Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda. The rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe provides a beautiful backdrop for this modern-day Western.
Learn more about The MandalorianHis Dark Materials
On November 3, 2019, viewers were introduced to "His Dark Materials," a series that intertwines science, theology, and magic in a parallel universe. The story of Lyra, a young orphan, guides audiences through a captivating mystery involving a sinister plot and the enigmatic substance known as Dust. With a 3.8 average rating, this adaptation of Philip Pullman's novels captures the imagination with its intricate world-building and engaging narrative arcs.
Learn more about His Dark MaterialsStranger Things
Capturing the essence of 80s nostalgia, "Stranger Things" premiered on July 15, 2016, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. With a remarkable average rating of 4.6, this series invites viewers into a quaint town fraught with secret experiments and supernatural occurrences. Kids taking on otherworldly threats quickly cemented the series as a staple in the genre of science fiction horror, blending heartfelt friendship with thrilling adventure.
Learn more about Stranger ThingsEverything Everywhere All at Once
Released on March 24, 2022, and earning a thoughtful rating of 4.0, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" tells a story as chaotic as it is compelling. An aging Chinese immigrant embarks on a bewildering, multiverse adventure where she alone can stitch the threads of the lives she might have lived. This movie is an exploration of endless possibilities wrapped in a rich tapestry of familial bonds and philosophical musings.
Learn more about Everything Everywhere All at OnceFoundation
The saga "Foundation," released on September 23, 2021, with an average rating of 3.7, propels viewers into a massive narrative based on Isaac Asimov's iconic series. It chronicles the efforts of a pioneering group of exiles intent on saving humanity amid the collapse of the enormous Galactic Empire. Rich in detail and complexity, the series challenges viewers with profound political and philosophical questions, just as its novelist forebear did.
Learn more about FoundationArcane
Flaunting a flawless average rating of 5, "Arcane" premiered on November 6, 2021, setting a new bar for animated storytelling. Based on the universe of the wildly popular game League of Legends, it explores the tensions and harmony between the advanced city of Piltover and the downtrodden underbelly of Zaun. This deeply emotional journey follows sisters Vi and Jinx and casts viewers amid a magical technological evolution.
Learn more about ArcaneGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Returning vintage zaniness and heart to the big screen, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" released on May 3, 2023, showing a 3.7 rating. Peter Quill takes his crew on a mission that may possibly end the Guardians once and for all if they aren't successful. In this monumental continuation of the franchise, humor, adventure, and poignant themes intermingle in a saga that doesn't just save the universe but also reminds us of the significance of found family.
Learn more about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3Avatar
James Cameron's "Avatar," which premiered on December 15, 2009, astonishes with a 3.8 rating, offering a spectacular visual feast set on the alien moon of Pandora. In a tale of imperialistic humans versus indigenous Na'vi, protagonist Jake Sully finds himself at a crossroads between two worldviews. This groundbreaking eco-fable reinvigorated cinematic technology, transcending beyond a narrative into an experience awash with vibrant colors and emotional depth.
Learn more about AvatarAvatar: The Way of Water
Released on December 14, 2022, the sequel "Avatar: The Way of Water" takes staff favorite Jake Sully's story deeper into Pandora's uncharted waters. With lush aquatic imagery and an average rating of 3.8, it explores themes of family, survival, and resilience through the Sully family's journey battling external threats and their own internal struggles. Cameron's sequel advances the legendary visual storytelling that first captured audiences over a decade ago.
Learn more about Avatar: The Way of WaterFrom epic vastness to the intricacies of interpersonal drama, these series and movies exemplify how visual storytelling can transport us to new worlds, broadening our understanding of the human condition and our place within fantastical realms. Whether your journey takes you to the sands of Arrakis or the splendor of Pandora, each viewing promises a voyage as riveting as the last.