Fantasy Subgenres

Fantasy subgenres are an interesting topic to research, and then, of course, to write about. However, my confusion only grew as I delved deeper into researching fantasy subgenres, as there are numerous variations with diverse explanations.

When some describe high fantasy as one thing, others as something else, the third referred to high and epic fantasy as synonyms. So yes, my confusion had no end. Either way, I summarized my research into 16 different genres. The list can be changed, expanded, or completely rewritten to accommodate differing opinions, but this is how I approached the theme, for now at least.

The big distinction

Even though there are practically endless fantasy subgenres (just look at this Reedsy list), all fantasy stories ever told usually fall into these two major groups:

High fantasy

High fantasy is probably what all of us imagine a usual fantasy has in store. It’s set in a magical environment that has its own rules and laws. Typically, in that new world, the narrative centers on a hero or a group of heroes, with many subplots and themes. Sounds familiar? I'm sure you can think of a few examples.

High fantasy is sometimes also called “epic fantasy”, but as mentioned before, opinions generally differ. I stumbled upon an interesting theory about epic and high fantasy, with motivation being the fundamental distinction between those two. The main difference between high fantasy and epic fantasy is that high fantasy follows the plot of saving the realm/kingdom/city, and epic fantasy focuses on saving the entire world.

Personally, the distinction or opposing opinions aside, classic fantasy stories we’re all familiar with, like LOTR and Hobbit, are what are usually considered as high/epic fantasy. Lines blur, genres evolve, but classics will always be here as reference.

Low fantasy

Even though it can sound like something less worthy than the subgenre mentioned above, low fantasy represents one of the world’s favorite stories ever - the Harry Potter series. Low fantasy is set in the real world, where unexpected magical elements and events often surprise ordinary characters. Harry Potter is not the only one, and a lot of vastly popular contemporary fantasy is low fantasy (the Twilight saga, The Mortal Instruments series etc.)

Example: The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Other subgenres worth mentioning

With the vast majority of stories and people's preferences in mind, I conducted the list below as objectively as I could. These subgenres often clash with one another or are just more descriptive subgenres of high and low fantasy. However, people often use them and reference them in their talks and texts, so here they are!

Magical Realism

Although similar at a first glance, the difference between magical realism and low fantasy is how the normal world reacts to magic. In magical realism, characters accept fantastical elements and events as a normal part of the otherwise realistic world. A great example can be seen in the Doctor Who series.

Example: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Sword and sorcery

This fantasy subgenre focuses on heroes wielding their swords alongside a story full of witchcraft and magic. What popularized the genre was the story of a barbarian hero in Robert E. Howard's Conan series, but later embraced by young adults through the Harry Potter series. Additionally, if we consider motivation as the main distinction, this is considered a third type of fantasy genres, asserting that sword and sorcery centers on the hero who desires to save not the world, not a city/country, but himself.

Example: Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard

Subgenres by theme

Sci-fi fantasy

Even if people often get confused, it is easy to explain the distinction between fantasy and sci-fi. In sci-fi, unusual things can be easily explained and backed up by scientific facts that make sense. In fantasy, fantastical elements are often just there and accepted as such. Even if things get explained in fantasy, no one ever questions the "magical" element in explanations, because it's just accepted as normal.

One of the most important and popular sci-fi fantasy works is, of course, the Star Wars. In Star Wars, there is a futuristic, space themed plot with a lot of magical elements (the force being one of them). However, sci-fi fantasy doesn’t have to be set in the future, but it has to present scientific advancements incorporating magic that generally change the machinations of how the world functions.

Example: Dune by Frank Herbert

Urban fantasy

Urban fantasy is a genre that blends magical and supernatural elements with contemporary urban settings, often in modern cities. This genre features a mix of ordinary characters and fantastical beings like vampires, witches, and wizards, navigating hidden magical communities within the cityscape. The subgenre tries to seamlessly integrate the mystical and magical with everyday life. Themes in this subgenre often include identity, power struggles, and the coexistence of the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Example: The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

Paranormal romance

Paranormal romance is all about romance with a dash of fantasy. Kind of similar to urban fantasy, but with a romantic twist. We all know what titles come to mind, so I’m just going to mention vampires, werewolves, occasional shifter, faeries, even zombies… The line between paranormal romance, urban fantasy, coming-of-age stories and several other subgenres is very thin, so don’t get confused. If interested in some of those genres, try researching others as well!

Example: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Dark fantasy

Fantasy with a touch of horror? Many individuals specifically seek that kind of thrill. From Lovecraft and his supernatural horror stories to so many more other authors, this is one of the more popular fantasy subgenres today. In this genre, the supernatural elements are often dark and unsettling, with themes of decay, corruption, and questionable morals shaping the narrative. The blend of fantasy and horror makes every twist feel more intense and unpredictable, as the line between hero and villain often blurs. Dark fantasy focuses on the supernatural, but also explores how the darkness within and around us influences the story, pushing characters to confront their deepest fears and darkest desires.

Example: The Black Company by Glen Cook

Historical Fantasy

While history and fantasy might seem like separate worlds, historical fantasy blends them together seamlessly. In this genre, real historical events and periods are reimagined with the inclusion of magical or supernatural elements. Even if explanations are given, no one questions the presence of magic or mythical creatures—they are simply a natural part of the past. Historical fantasy doesn’t just stick to real events; it reshapes history by adding elements of wonder and the supernatural, altering how the world functions in intriguing ways.

Historical fantasy subgenre can be divided into even smaller parts, like very popular Arthurian fantasy, Napoleonic fantasy, Roman fantasy etc.

Example: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Steampunk fantasy

Steampunk fantasy usually features a Victorian-era backdrop combined with steam-powered inventions and gadgets that never actually existed. People accept these fantastical machines as normal, similar to how magic is accepted in traditional fantasy. The genre often explores how those machines and technology alter society and everyday life, weaving in elements of adventure and wonder. Considering the genre's roots in a historical era, one could perceive it as a historical fantasy. But steampunk fantasy has a way of capturing you in a specific mood and setting that stands out on its own. Also, steampunk fantasy doesn't always have to stick strictly to historical settings, but it always presents a world where the mechanical and the magical intersect, reshaping the past in unexpected ways.

Example: Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

Dark Academia Fantasy

Dark academia fantasy merges the intellectual and atmospheric world of academia with mystical or supernatural elements. In the academic setting, magic, secret societies, and forbidden knowledge are accepted as a natural part of the world. Dark academia fantasy isn’t just about academia; it’s about how the pursuit of knowledge can lead to encounters with the otherworldly.

The popularity of this subgenre in recent years can be attributed to the age of the readers, who sympathize with characters of similar age and experiences. But, similarly to steampunk fantasy, mood, and setting are what brings people back to dark academia fantasy, with its gloomy halls and classrooms, shady characters, and mysterious fantastic stories.

Example: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Portal fantasy

Highly specific, but also highly popular, portal fantasy revolves around (you guessed it) portals! All jokes aside, we all know about some of the most popular stories ever to be portal fantasies (Alice, I’m looking at you.). The recipe is easy - characters find a portal, often in many shapes and sizes, step into it and find themselves in a new world. The characters quickly accept this new reality where the rules of their world no longer apply, and magic becomes a part of everyday life.

Example: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon

The unexpected ones

During my research, I came upon some of the genres that generally intrigued me. Be it because of the specific themes or just how strange it is to go into such detail, these genres are still very familiar but so specific it blew my mind.

Fantasy of manners

Fantasy of manners mixes magical elements with the elegance and intrigue of high society, often focusing on social customs and elaborate court politics. This subgenre takes place in a world where the rules of etiquette, class, and diplomacy are as crucial as any spell or magical artifact. In fantasy of manners, characters navigate a world where social maneuvering and personal ambitions drive the plot, with magic and the supernatural woven into the fabric of their refined society. The first that comes to mind regarding this subgenre is of course The song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, which can be placed in several other categories in this article. This just shows that we can observe subgenres in many so ways!

Example: Sorcery and Cecilia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

Cosy Fantasy

Cosy fantasy offers a warm and inviting escape into a magical world where the focus is on comfort, community, and simple pleasures rather than epic battles or dark conflicts. This subgenre emphasizes on gentle adventures, charming settings, and endearing characters, often featuring small-town or village life where magic enhances the cozy atmosphere. The stakes are smaller and story usually revolves about making a difference in just a small corner of the world. So when you crave a feel-good experience, where the joy of discovery and the warmth of community take center stage, look up some cosy fantasy.

Example: Discworld series by Terry Pratchett

New Weird

New Weird takes the boundaries of traditional fantasy and pushes them into unconventional and often unsettling territory. But new weird isn’t just about creating a strange world; it’s about exploring the boundaries of imagination and perception, crafting stories that are both fascinating and unsettling in their attempt to askew from the normal. It challenges genre conventions with its unique blend of bizarre settings, odd characters, and unconventional narratives, often eschewing traditional plot structures for something more fragmented and experimental.

Example: Perdido Street Station by China Miéville

Wuxia Fantasy

Wuxia fantasy immerses readers in a world of martial arts, honor, and adventure, drawing heavily from Chinese folklore and philosophy. Set in ancient or mythical China, this subgenre focuses on skilled warriors known as "xianxia" who engage in epic battles, complex rivalries, and quests for justice. The stories often blend intricate combat techniques with supernatural elements, such as mystical powers and legendary artifacts, all while exploring themes of loyalty, morality, and personal growth. Wuxia fantasy is known for its poetic prose, elaborate fight scenes, and deep cultural traditions.

Example: Jade City by Fonda Lee