Urban fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that blends magical or supernatural elements with modern urban settings. This genre is characterized by its fusion of the fantastical and the mundane, where mythical creatures, magic, and supernatural occurrences exist alongside contemporary cityscapes. Urban fantasy often explores the juxtaposition between hidden magical worlds and the everyday lives of people who inhabit them, creating a rich tapestry where the extraordinary and ordinary coexist. The genre typically incorporates themes of secrecy, hidden societies, and the blending of ancient and modern cultures.

Urban fantasy is a versatile genre that spans across various media, including novels, TV shows, movies and comics. In literature, popular examples include Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, which follows Bella Swan as she navigates a world of vampires and love in the small town of Forks, Washington, and The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, featuring Harry Dresden, a wizard detective solving supernatural crimes in Chicago. Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments explores the hidden world of Shadowhunters in New York City, while Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere transports readers to a magical version of London called "London Below." In television, Buffy the Vampire Slayer showcases Buffy Summers fighting vampires and demons in the Hellmouth town of Sunnydale, and its spin-off Angel follows the vampire Angel’s quest for redemption in Los Angeles. Supernatural chronicles the adventures of the Winchester brothers as they hunt supernatural creatures across the United States, and The Umbrella Academy blends superhero and fantasy elements in a modern-day setting. Comics also contribute to the genre with titles like Shazam, which follows Billy Batson as he transforms into a magical superhero, Constantine, featuring John Constantine, a British occult detective navigating the supernatural, and Doctor Strange, where Stephen Strange defends Earth from mystical threats as the Sorcerer Supreme all three were also made into movie. Role playing games such as Rifts and Shadowrun offer fantasy blended with high-tech settings, while games like Kult and Chill kick off in the modern world. These works illustrate the diverse ways urban fantasy weaves magical elements into contemporary settings, offering audiences a rich blend of the extraordinary and the everyday.

Characters in urban fantasy are frequently complex and multifaceted, often dealing with issues related to identity, power, and belonging. Protagonists might include witches, vampires, werewolves, or humans with unique abilities who must navigate a world where they are both insiders and outsiders. These characters often grapple with moral dilemmas, balancing their supernatural nature with their human emotions and connections. Themes of duality, hidden identities, and the struggle for acceptance are common in urban fantasy narratives.

The plots in urban fantasy often revolve around the conflict between supernatural forces and the human world, with protagonists facing challenges that threaten the delicate balance between these realms. Storylines may involve uncovering hidden conspiracies, battling dark forces, or protecting the city from supernatural threats. The genre frequently incorporates elements of mystery, romance, and adventure, creating narratives that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.