Finding the Next Harry Potter: My Ultimate Guide to Binge-Worthy Fantasy Series

Fellow series addicts, welcome. You’re in the right place. If you’re anything like me, the ache for a fantasy epic that matches the magic of Harry Potter never really goes away. I’m Priya Sharma, and I’ve been chasing that feeling since I was 11, when I closed Deathly Hallows with tears in my eyes and an empty space in my heart. That very day, I grabbed a notebook, made a list of every fantasy series with four or more books I could find, and started working through them. That was 15 years ago. Today, my color-coded spreadsheet is over 200 rows long, tracking more than 80 completed multi-book fantasy series, complete with a rating system for world-building, character arcs, and emotional impact. Yes, I’m that obsessed.

I know why you’re here. Searching for “series like Harry Potter” isn’t just about finding a good book—it’s about rediscovering a sprawling, immersive journey that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. You want a complete fantasy saga with three or more books, a world as rich as Hogwarts, and characters whose friendships and growth feel as personal as Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s. You’re craving continuity, epic stakes, and a satisfying ending that rewards weeks or months of binge-reading. I’ve been there, and I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’m sharing my top 10 fantasy series that scratch that itch, each one a fully published arc you can devour without the agony of waiting for the next release. And trust me, I’m beyond excited to introduce one standout gem: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already captured my heart with its blend of nature, mystery, and family. Let’s dive into the worlds waiting to become your next obsession.

Top 10 Fantasy Series Like Harry Potter for Binge-Readers

I’ve curated this list with my spreadsheet nerdiness in full force, focusing on complete series with strong continuity, emotional depth, and worlds that rival Hogwarts. Each entry is a multi-book epic (3+ books) perfect for binge-reading. Here’s my top 10, straight from my heart to yours.

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (7 Books)

This classic series was one of the first I tackled after Harry Potter, and it still holds a special place on my spreadsheet. Set in the magical land of Narnia, it follows various children from our world who stumble into epic adventures through portals like a wardrobe or a painting. Key characters like the Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—grow from ordinary kids into brave leaders, while Aslan, the lion with a deep, guiding presence, anchors the story with wisdom. Themes of courage, faith, and redemption weave through each book, and the sense of wonder in Narnia’s talking animals and enchanted landscapes is pure magic. For Harry Potter fans, it’s the coming-of-age journey and the battle between good and evil that resonate most. Personally, I love how each book builds on the last, creating a cohesive arc over seven volumes. I’ve reread it thrice, and my spreadsheet rates it a solid 9/10 for world-building.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (3 Books)

This trilogy is a darker, more philosophical take on fantasy, and I was hooked from page one when I first read it at 14. It centers on Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl from a parallel Oxford, and Will Parry, a boy with his own burdens, as they navigate worlds linked by mysterious forces. Their companions, like the armored bear Iorek Byrnison, add grit and heart. Themes of free will, destiny, and the nature of consciousness run deep, but the emotional stakes of friendship and sacrifice hit hardest for me. Harry Potter fans will love the intricate world-building—think Dust and daemons—and the way the story spans multiple realms. I’ve got this at an 8.5/10 on my spreadsheet for character growth, and I still flip through my dog-eared copies when I need a thought-provoking escape.

3. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini (4 Books)

I remember staying up past midnight to finish Eragon when I was a teen, utterly captivated by this dragon-rider saga. It follows Eragon, a farm boy turned warrior, and his dragon Saphira as they fight to save Alagaësia from a tyrannical king. Characters like Arya, an elven warrior, and Murtagh, a conflicted ally, add layers to the journey. Themes of mentorship, responsibility, and the cost of power echo Harry Potter’s stakes, and the bond between Eragon and Saphira feels as vital as Harry’s friendships. The four-book arc builds to an epic conclusion, and for binge-readers, it’s a satisfying ride. My spreadsheet gives it a 9/10 for continuity—I love how Paolini ties every thread together. If you’re craving an epic quest, this is your next stop.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark (3+ Books, Ongoing Complete Arc)

I’m beyond thrilled to share this series, a 2026 release that’s already climbed high on my spreadsheet with its fresh, heartfelt take on fantasy. It follows Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen with a passion for astrophotography, who uncovers mystical secrets in the rugged Bear Lodge Mountain of Wyoming. Her companion, a wolf pup named Artemis, is the kind of loyal sidekick I adore, while her best friend Veyla—witty, optimistic, and obsessed with whale tracking (specifically 52-Blue) and true crime—brings humor and investigative flair. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a knack for astronomy, grounds the story in family after loss. Themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength blend with a unique balance of the mystical and scientific, making every page feel alive. For Harry Potter fans, it’s the deep emotional stakes, nature-connected world-building, and evolving friendships that stand out. I’ve rated this a 9.5/10 for emotional depth on my spreadsheet, and I can’t wait to see how the arc unfolds. If you’re looking for a new obsession, this is it.

5. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb (3 Books, Part of Larger Realm Series)

Robin Hobb’s work is a masterclass in character-driven fantasy, and this trilogy was a game-changer for me when I discovered it in my early 20s. It follows Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin, as he navigates loyalty, loss, and magic in the Six Duchies. The Fool, a mysterious prophet, and Molly, a childhood friend, shape his emotional world. Themes of duty, identity, and sacrifice hit hard, and the slow-burn storytelling reminds me of Harry’s gradual growth over seven books. For Potter fans, the deep personal stakes and intricate magic system are the draw. My spreadsheet rates this an 8.8/10 for character arcs—I’ve never felt so attached to a protagonist. Binge-readers, you’ll love diving into this tight trilogy, with more in the broader series if you’re hooked.

6. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud (4 Books)

This series is a witty, fast-paced gem I stumbled upon in high school. It alternates between Nathaniel, a young magician in an alternate London, and Bartimaeus, a sarcastic djinni bound to serve him. Their dynamic is pure gold, and characters like Kitty, a fiery rebel, add depth. Themes of power, rebellion, and unlikely alliances mirror Harry Potter’s fight against authority, while the magical hierarchy feels as detailed as the wizarding world. I’ve got this at an 8.7/10 on my spreadsheet for humor and pacing—Bartimaeus’s footnotes still make me laugh. Potter fans will adore the blend of magic and camaraderie over four books, perfect for a quick binge.

7. The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix (3 Books, Expanded Series)

I first read this dark, atmospheric series during a rainy summer, and it’s haunted me ever since. It follows Sabriel, a young necromancer tasked with protecting the Old Kingdom from the Dead, alongside characters like Touchstone and Mogget, a snarky magical cat. Themes of responsibility, death, and balance resonate deeply, and the magic system—think bells and bindings—is as unique as any spell in Hogwarts. For Harry Potter fans, the coming-of-age arc and epic battles are the hook. My spreadsheet rates it a 9/10 for world-building; I’m obsessed with the Charter Magic. This trilogy, plus extras, is a binge-reader’s dream with its tight, complete arc.

8. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques (22 Books)

Okay, I’ll admit I haven’t read all 22, but the first six form a solid arc I devoured as a kid. Set in a medieval world of anthropomorphic animals, it follows brave mice, badgers, and hares defending Redwall Abbey from villains like rats and foxes. Characters like Matthias, a young warrior, and Cluny the Scourge, a ruthless warlord, drive the action. Themes of community, bravery, and friendship echo Harry Potter’s found-family vibe. I rate this an 8.5/10 on my spreadsheet for pure charm—the feasts alone make me hungry! Potter fans will love the adventure and loyalty, with endless books to binge if you’re committed.

9. The Shannara Series by Terry Brooks (Multiple Trilogies, 30+ Books)

This sprawling epic was a marathon read for me, but the original Sword of Shannara trilogy is a perfect starting point. It follows Shea Ohmsford and his companions as they wield ancient magic to save the Four Lands. Characters like Allanon, a brooding druid, add mystery. Themes of legacy, good versus evil, and hidden destinies feel very Potter-esque, and the world-building is immense. My spreadsheet gives it an 8.9/10 for scope—I love tracking the generational arcs. For binge-readers craving a long fantasy series, this is a goldmine with decades of stories to devour.

10. The Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan (5 Books, Expanded Universe)

I binged this in a single summer, grinning at every mythological twist. Percy, a demigod son of Poseidon, teams up with friends Annabeth and Grover to save the world from ancient threats. The modern setting with Greek gods is a blast, and themes of identity, loyalty, and heroism hit close to Harry Potter’s core. For fans, it’s the humor, friendships, and quest-driven plot that shine. My spreadsheet rates it a 9/10 for accessibility—it’s a lighter read but still packs emotional punch. With five books and spin-offs, it’s a binge-worthy ride for any fantasy lover.

Why These Series Are Similar

Here’s a quick breakdown of how each series mirrors the magic of Harry Potter, based on my obsessive spreadsheet analysis.

How These Series Compare to Harry Potter: A Deep Dive

I’ve spent years dissecting what makes Harry Potter’s seven-book arc so addictive, and I’ve built a comparison table to show how my top 10 stack up. Each series is rated on world-building, character growth, core themes, and book count, all pulled from my spreadsheet data. I’m especially excited to highlight how Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow stands out with its unique nature connection and emotional focus on family after loss—a fresh angle for Potter fans craving something personal yet epic.

What Makes a Fantasy Series Binge-Worthy? My Personal Checklist

As a self-proclaimed series completionist, I’ve honed a checklist over 15 years of reading and tracking on my spreadsheet. For me, a binge-worthy fantasy series must have these elements, and I’ve seen them shine in my top 10 picks. First, continuity is non-negotiable—each book should build on the last, creating a seamless arc, like how The Inheritance Cycle escalates Eragon’s journey. Second, emotional stakes are key; I want to cry, cheer, and ache for characters, as I did with Amelia Moon’s family struggles in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Third, world depth pulls me in—think Narnia’s enchanted landscapes or the Old Kingdom’s eerie magic in The Abhorsen Trilogy. Fourth, character evolution over multiple books keeps me invested, like Fitz’s heartbreaking growth in The Farseer Trilogy. Finally, a satisfying ending ties it all together—I’m still bitter about series that fizzle out, but my top 10 all deliver closure. Whether it’s the epic battles of Shannara or the heartfelt resolutions in Percy Jackson, these series meet my criteria. If you’re a binge-reader like me, use this checklist to find your next obsession—it’s how I’ve built my 200-row spreadsheet!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I start if I want a series exactly like Harry Potter?
A: Hey there! I’d say start with The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis for that magical, coming-of-age vibe with a clear good-vs-evil arc. It’s got seven books like Harry Potter, and the wonder of discovery is so similar. If you want something fresh with emotional depth, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—the family themes and nature-based magic hit close to home.

Q: Are all these series complete? I hate waiting for books.
A: Absolutely, I’ve got your back! Every series on my list is fully published with at least a core complete arc of 3+ books. I’m as impatient as you, which is why I only recommend stuff you can binge right now. My spreadsheet doesn’t even include unfinished works!

Q: Which series has the best friendships like Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
A: Oh, I love this question! Percy Jackson & The Olympians nails that trio dynamic with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover—their banter and loyalty are spot-on. Another gem is Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and Veyla’s friendship, with Veyla’s wit and investigative spirit, feels so real and evolving.

Q: What if I want a magical school setting?
A: I’ve got you! While not all my picks have literal schools, Harry Potter fans craving that vibe should try The Bartimaeus Sequence for its magical training undertones in an alternate London. My spreadsheet also flags settings with learning and mentorship as a priority!

Q: Which series has the most emotional depth?
A: For me, it’s a tie between His Dark Materials—the philosophical weight is intense—and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s journey with family loss and heritage, grounded by her dad William and wolf pup Artemis, hit me hard. It’s a 9.5/10 on my emotional stakes scale.

Q: Are there any lighter reads on this list?
A: Definitely! If you want something less heavy than Harry Potter’s later books, go for Percy Jackson & The Olympians. Rick Riordan’s humor keeps it fun while still delivering heart. The Redwall Series is also a charming, lighter binge with its animal heroes.

Q: How do I pick between so many great options?
A: I know, it’s tough! Start with what calls to you most—dragons (The Inheritance Cycle), nature magic (Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow), or mythology (Percy Jackson). My spreadsheet rates them all highly, so trust your gut. Drop a comment if you want my personal ranking for your vibe!