Top 10 TV Shows You'll Like if You Like Game of Thrones

#10: “The Last Kingdom” (2015- )

Also in:

Top 10 Shows That Could Be the Next Game of Thrones

This big budget, historical drama takes place in ninth century Anglo-Saxon England before English unification came to be. It depicts the invasion of the Danes and Vikings as the main character Uhtred attempts to reclaim his royal birthright. Along the way, there’s intrigue, war, and death. Like “Game of Thrones,” “The Last Kingdom” is inspired by real historical events. Obviously, this show doesn’t have dragons and ice zombies. But don't let that steer you away, it's absolutely worth a view if you like historically inspired epics.

Based on the manga of the same name, this anime takes place in an alternate world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant creatures who terrorize and eat humans. And they look like giant naked people. “Game of Thrones” has giants too, but they aren’t quite as big and don’t eat so many humans – a notable distinction. The heroes in “Attack on Titan” battle their foes in a spectacular fashion, while also dealing with heavy issues like sacrifice, failure, and death. If you like crazy sci-fi and fantasy inspired shows, this one will be right up your alley.

Perhaps one of the best science fiction shows of the new millennium, “Battlestar” kicked off a whole new generation of genre television. The gritty, realistic look with documentary-style camera shots gave the show a unique look and feel that made it unlike anything else on TV. It was full of politics and had a fair amount of twists to rival “Game of Thrones.” Basically, replace medieval battles with space ships, and you would almost have “Battlestar Galactica.” It’s a great series that deserves all the praise and acclaim it has gotten.

With enough sex and violence to rival “Game of Thrones,” this show centers on the famous slave turned freedom fighter on his quest to fight the Roman Empire. Like “Thrones,” “Spartacus” is partly based in history, except to a much higher degree. And while there may be a shortage of supernatural creatures, that doesn’t make it any less over-the-top. So, if you like learning about ancient history with a healthy dose of gratuitous nudity, extreme violence, and spectacular gore, then you’ll love this show. And, to be honest, is there a better way to learn history?

#6: “The 100” (2014- )

Also in:

Top 10 Dragons From Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon

Based on the book series, this show is about a post-apocalyptic world where a group of survivors live aboard a space station called the ark due to the Earth being engulfed in a nuclear apocalypse. Bummer. So, in order to find out if the planet is habitable again, they send a group of one hundred juveniles, because who else would you send? Of course, once they’re there, the 100 discover some shocking things. There’s plenty of betrayal and bloodletting reminiscent of a certain song of ice and fire, and David J. Peterson, the man who created the Dothraki language on “Game of Thrones”, also helped develop the language of the Grounders in “The 100”.

#5: “The Tudors” (2007-10)

Also in:

Top 20 Best SNL Game Shows

Set in 1500s England during the reign of King Henry the VIII, the show follows the drama surrounding Henry's family and inner circle. Like “Game of Thrones,” “Tudors” features some steamy and illicit romances and affairs. And like certain characters in “Thrones,” King Henry has no problem chasing women even though he’s already married. It’s not like that can cause problems, right? What’s the worst that can happen, besides the occasional beheading? In any case, this show will scratch your medieval drama itch, if not your dragon slaying itch.

Before there was “Game of Thrones,” there was HBO’s “Rome.” In a lot of ways, Thrones is a spiritual successor to the short-lived historical series. “Rome” follows Julius Caesar as he returns from Gaul and rises from Consul to Dictator to corpse. It's a rise and fall we all know, as he gets stabbed a bunch of times by a bunch of people. Yes, even Brutus. But the assassination of Caesar leads to some major historical events, and there’s plenty of fallout for the series’ other characters as well. So check it out, especially if you like your history to be epic.

#3: “Westworld” (2016- )

Also in:

Westworld Season 2 Episode 7 BREAKDOWN - WatchClub

Picture “Jurassic Park” but with sexy western robots instead. Set in a park that is turned into a western-themed attraction for tourists and thrill seekers, all the inhabitants are there for the customer’s entertainment and pleasure. The place really brings out the dark side of people. However, from the comparison to “Jurassic Park”, you can guess what happens next. With stellar performances, a cast of characters with dubious morals, and of course, sex and violence, “Westworld” looks like it might be “Game of Thrones”’ heir apparent, at least on HBO.

#2: “Black Sails” (2014-17)

Also in:

Top 10 Best 90s Shows with Black Casts

Being the prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” doesn’t mean this show is a fun, whimsical adventure. This bloody series has all the sex, rum, and piracy a “Game of Thrones” fan could ever want. The show follows the famous Captain Flint as he adventures around, getting into all sorts of trouble. It also has a cast of deep, interesting, and intriguing historically-derived characters. So if you like pirates and adventure as much as you like violent naked people and dragons, be sure to give “Black Sails” a try. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “Outlander” (2014- ) “The Expanse” (2015- ) “Akame ga Kill!” (2014)

#1: “Vikings” (2013- )

Also in:

Top 10 Best Vikings Moments

This epic saga from the History Channel has taken the television world by storm, and deservedly so. This historical drama is about Ragnar Lothbrok, who was basically the boogeyman of medieval Europe, as he raids and pillages England and France. His family also plays a large role, leading to plenty of camaraderie and conflict. Like “Game of Thrones,” “Vikings” can sometimes seem like there are no good guys, just people looking out for themselves, but that’s what makes it so compelling. Of course, there’s also tons of sword-wielding action and some classic Norse mythology if you still aren’t convinced.