Entertainment

13 Best Shows With Intense Power Dynamics for House Of The Dragon Fans

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4m ago

Jul 04, 2024 / 2206 Views

Evan Walker

As House of the Dragon Season 2 continues to reel in audiences with heightened excitement and mystery per week with its new episodes, there are several other shows like the Game of Thrones spinoff that achieved a similar feat. If the power dynamics of House of the Dragon appeal to you, here are some other shows that will provide a similar adrenaline rush.

Similar to its predecessor, this spin-off is based on the works of author George R.R. Martin, particularly his historical book Fire and Blood, which recounts the Targaryen family’s adventures, spanning centuries.

The first season focused on the events leading up to a pivotal moment (in the book) in House Targaryen’s history: the Dance of Dragons. Now, with the arrival of House of the Dragon season 2 on HBO and Max, viewers can finally witness the brutal civil war between The Greens and The Blacks unfold.

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For those waiting for the next episode to drop and looking for what to watch after season 2 for more dynastically dark plots and power-hungry battles, here are some other popular shows like House of the Dragon to binge-watch.

13 best shows like ‘House of the Dragon’ that you can binge-watch

1. The Last Kingdom

Release date: 2015–2022
Cast: Alexander Dreymon, Eliza Butterworth, Arnas Fedaravicius, Emily Cox, James Northcote
No. of seasons: 5
IMDb rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

First up on our list of shows like House of the Dragon, we have Netflix’s The Last Kingdom, which delves into the intense power struggles and political machinations of 10th-century England. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s acclaimed Saxon Stories, this historical drama loosely depicts the ongoing battle for dominance between the Saxons and Danes.

At the centre of the narrative is Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon noble who was abducted and raised by Danes. Upon his return to England, Uhtred embarks on a quest to reclaim his rightful place as the ruler of Bebbanburg. His unique perspective, having experienced life on both sides of the conflict, thrusts him into the heart of the turmoil.

2. Vikings

Release date: 2013–2020
Cast: Travis Fimmel, Gabriel Byrne, Donal Logue, Clive Standen
No. of seasons: 6
IMDb rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

Vikings is set in the same historical period as The Last Kingdom and provides a unique perspective by focusing on the Danes, who were the conquerors. Much like House of the Dragon, the series is spread across multiple seasons and showcases the brutal warfare of the Middle Ages, amidst political intrigue and the complexities of dynastic power struggles.

The protagonist, Ragnar Lothbrok, portrayed by Fimmel, is a Norse farmer, who embarks on a journey to the West in search of wealth by raiding England. His successful exploits eventually elevate him to the status of a Viking hero, but this newfound power also brings about conflicts with rivals such as Earl Haraldson, King Horik, and even his own brother Rollo, played by Byrne, Logue, and Standen respectively.

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Release date: 2022
Cast: Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Charlie Vickers, Daniel Weyman, Markella Kavenagh, Lenny Henry, Lloyd Owen
No. of seasons: 1
IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power debuted around the same time as House of the Dragon and hence it deserves its rightful place on the list. Both the fantasy epics were pitted together due to their shared origins, intricate plots and substantial production budgets, much like Barbie and Oppenheimer in 2023. While House of the Dragon served as a prequel spinoff to Game of Thrones, The Rings of Power was Amazon’s compelling response to it.

The narrative of the show takes place thousands of years before Peter Jackson’s iconic film trilogies, even before the creation of any of the infamous rings that caused chaos. After the defeat of an evil lord by the elves and men, a young Galadriel, portrayed by Clark, harbours concerns about a potential new threat emerging. Simultaneously, a character named Nori, who is not a hobbit but a Harfoot, played by Kavenagh, becomes entangled with a Mysterious stranger, portrayed by Weyman, who holds a significant role in future events.

The second season of the show is scheduled to be released between August and October 2024 on Prime Video.

4. Shōgun

Release date: 2024
Cast: Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroyuki Sanada
No. of seasons: 1
IMDb rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

Touted to be one of the best releases of 2024, Disney Plus’s epic Shōgun is the FX adaptation of James Clavell’s historical novel of the same name. Set in Japan in the 1600s, the story of the epic takes us into a world on the verge of a war that will shape the century.

Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) faces threats from his political rivals on the Council of Regents. His path crosses with that of John Blackthorne, an English sailor whose Dutch ship is discovered stranded in a fishing village. With Blackthorne possessing valuable secrets that could impact the upcoming coNFLict, an unlikely alliance forms between them, facilitated by their translator, Mariko (Anna Sawai).

The individual journeys of these three characters intertwine, creating a riveting and nuanced narrative that is just as enthralling as House of the Dragon and GoT.

5. Succession

Release date: 2018-2023
Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook
No. of seasons: 4
IMDb rating: 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

HBO’s acclaimed black comedy-drama Succession is often likened to a corporate variation of the power struggles seen in Game of Thrones but with characters in business suits. With an exceptional ensemble cast including Cox as patriarch Logan Roy, Strong as Kendall Roy, Culkin as Roman Roy, and Snook as Shiv Roy, the show delves into the intense competition to take over control of Waystar Royco, the Roy family’s business empire.

The Roys, with their immense wealth, influence and dysfunction, can rival the Lannisters from GoT and House of the Dragon in terms of complexity. Just like its predecessor, Succession has garnered critical acclaim and numerous Emmy Awards for its outstanding performances.

6. The Crown

Release date: 2016-2023
Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies, Dominic West, Charles Edwards
No. of seasons: 4
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 81%

House of the Dragon and The Crown may differ in various aspects, but they share similarities in terms of monarchies, power struggles, political betrayals, and British accents. This fictional historical drama delves into Queen Elizabeth II’s lengthy reign and the royal family’s experiences during her rule.

The Crown showcases different actors portraying the same character at various stages of their lives, with Foy, Colman, and Staunton all taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth II at different points in time.

7. The Wheel of Time

Release date: 2021-2023
Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Madeleine Madden, Josha Stradowski
No. of seasons: 2
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%

Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time is another epic fantasy that has striking similarities to House of the Dragon. Both draw inspiration from books, feature a medieval-like setting, and showcase factions led predominantly by women.

The narrative revolves around Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a member of the Aes Sedai, a formidable organisation of magical women. Moiraine embarks on a quest to find the reincarnation of the Dragon, a figure destined to either save or doom the world. With the impending Last Battle against the Dark One, Moiraine guides five young villagers on a perilous expedition to uncharted territories, aiming to unveil the true identity of the Dragon.

8. The Last of Us

Release date: 2023
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv, Gabriel Luna
No. of seasons: 1
IMDb rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Next up on our list of shows like House of the Dragon is HBO Max’s The Last of Us. The storyline, which is filled with fantastical elements like zombies, instead of dragons, revolves around Joel, portrayed by the formidable Pedro Pascal, who acts as a parental figure to Ellie, played by Ramsey, in a world devastated by a fungal infection turning people into zombie-like beings. Throughout the series, it is revealed that Ellie possesses abilities that shield her from the infection, potentially holding the key to restoring humanity.

Interestingly, fans will recognise Pascal from his role as Oberyn Martell and Ramsey from her portrayal of Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones.

9. Black Sails

Release date: 2014-2017
Cast: Jessica Parker Kennedy, Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Luke Arnold
No. of seasons: 4
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 81%

If you’re still digging the political intrigue of House of the Dragon but want a change of setting, Black Sails on Netflix might be just what you’re looking for. This thrilling prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous adventure novel, Treasure Island, transports us back to the 18th Century on New Providence Island, during the Golden Age of Piracy.

The plot follows the notorious Captain Flint (played by Stephens) as he embarks on a quest for a valuable prize and becomes entangled in dangerous alliances to ensure the survival of his crew. While Black Sails is filled with intense action and brutality, it also features complex characters that are truly captivating. Fans of epic battles will also be delighted by the exciting fight sequences and naval combat.

10. Yellowstone

Release date: 2018-2023
Cast: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly
No. of seasons: 5
IMDb rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Peacock’s Yellowstone revolves around the Dutton family, a contemporary dynasty facing various challenges to their ranch. Similar to the Targaryens, they are determined to protect their land and authority, resorting to violence if necessary. While they may not have dragons, they possess a formidable arsenal of guns.

John Dutton, portrayed by Costner, is the seventh-generation head of the largest ranch in the western United States. He is in a constant battle to safeguard his property from greedy developers, cunning politicians, and local tribes. His three adult children both aid and hinder his quest to preserve the family’s heritage.

11. Rome

Release date: 20o5-2007
Cast: Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Ciaran Hinds, James Purefoy, Polly Walker
No. of seasons: 2
IMDb rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Available to stream on HBO Max, 2005’s Rome is a true gem in the genre of historical drama TV series. Set during the 1st century BC, this historical saga showcases a vast ensemble cast, predominantly British, portraying characters who will stop at nothing to attain power through scheming and manipulation.

During its peak, Rome experiences a violent transition from a republic to an empire. Its rulers, perhaps even more audacious than the Targaryens, lacked the advantage of coMMAnding dragons. Ordinary soldiers Lucius Vorenus (McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Stevenson) bear witness to the ascent and subsequent downfall of Caesar (Hinds), followed by the ambitious bid of Mark Antony (Purefoy) to become the new emperor.

12. The Witcher

Release date: 2019-present
Cast: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra
No. of seasons: 3 so far
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%

The Witcher on Netflix brings to life a world filled with fantasy elements similar to those found in shows like House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. Monarchies, magical abilities, sword fights, mythical creatures, terrifying monsters, and even dragons are all part of the storyline. Adapted from Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, the show intertwines the tales of Geralt of Rivia and Ciri, the crown princess of Rivia. Their destinies collide as Geralt becomes Ciri’s protector, safeguarding her magical powers and the Elder Blood for the greater good of their world.

Starring Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter known as the Witcher, the show recently announced that Liam Hemsworth will take over the role for the upcoming fourth season.

13. The Boys

Release date: 2019-present
Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty
No. of seasons: 4 so far
IMDb rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

Looking for more shows like House of the Dragon to binge-watch? Well, if you liked the HBO show for its captivating characters, supernatural abilities, wicked antagonists or gruesome scenes, then Prime Video’s The Boys will surely satisfy your cravings. This satirical series is set in a world where superheroes coexist with ordinary people.

Homelander in The Boys, played by Starr, may be regarded as one of the most sadistic villains in the history of pop culture despite being adored by many within the show’s fictional society. The title of the show, The Boys, refers to a group of vigilantes led by Urban as Billy Butcher and Quaid as Hughie Campbell, who strive to expose the corrupt nature of superheroes to the world.

(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/House of the Dragon/The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power)

This story first appeared on Augustman Malaysia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which is the best show similar to House of the Dragon?
The Last Kingdom, The Wheel of Time and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are some shows that resonate the same dynastic schemes and power hunger as House of the Dragon.