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Since the triumph of iconic superhero movies such as “Superman: The Movie” in 1978 and “Batman” in 1989, the superhero genre has seen an exponential growth in the film industry. In the 21st century, theaters are inundated with superhero films produced by both major studios and lesser-known ones. Despite concerns about oversaturation and the possibility of audience fatigue, superhero movies consistently excel at the box office and attract devoted fan followings. One significant reason for this enduring popularity is the strong emotional connection that many people have formed with these beloved comic book heroes.
Netflix offers a variety of superhero series that cater to those seeking captivating stories centered around individuals with unique abilities, along with rich backstories and relatable human qualities. These shows often feature visually impressive moments. “The Sandman” is one such series that garnered widespread attention due to its thought-provoking themes and a talented cast ensemble. It’s not just its comic book origins that make it worth watching; there are other compelling reasons to check out this adaptation. While fans eagerly await news of a second season, Netflix has not yet confirmed a release date for it.
Superhero TV Shows on Netflix: 15 Must-Watch Series
Supergirl (2015-2021)
Superman isn’t the sole Kryptonian to survive the planet’s destruction and find a new home on Earth. Kara Zor-El, played by Melissa Benoist, also arrived on Earth and was adopted by humans. In the TV show Supergirl, we follow Kara as an adult who fully embraces her superhuman abilities and uses them to help others, much like her cousin Superman does as the city’s protector.
Supergirl is a highly enjoyable series, largely due to Melissa Benoist’s outstanding acting and the strong performances of the rest of the cast. While it may not be the absolute best superhero show available and can sometimes have a campy feel, all six seasons available on Netflix are definitely worth watching. The inclusion of beloved comic book characters such as Manhunter, Banshee, Livewire, and others can also add to the appeal and keep viewers engaged.
Titans (2018-2023)
When Titans first premiered, it received a mixed reception from both audiences and critics. This was largely due to its decision to take a darker and more mature approach to the source material. Some people appreciated this direction, as it allowed for a deeper exploration of the characters’ traumas and struggles, making the storytelling more complex and engaging. However, others criticized the show for its sometimes excessive violence, which made it unsuitable for family viewing.
Despite its grittier tone, Titans is still rooted in the original DC Comics superhero team of the same name, which includes young heroes and sidekicks from the DC universe. The series focuses on the lives of characters like Raven, Starfire, Beast Boy, and Robin. It’s worth noting that the fourth and final season of Titans became available on Netflix on June 25th.
The Umbrella Academy (2019-Present)
Created by Steven Blackman and inspired by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba’s comic book series of the same name, The Umbrella Academy explores the lives of seven adopted children with extraordinary abilities, all raised by Sir Reginald Hargreeves. The series commences with this dysfunctional family reuniting following their father’s passing, embarking on a quest to unravel the mystery of his death and to prevent the apocalypse predicted by Five.
Throughout its three seasons, The Umbrella Academy crafts a distinctive and enthralling narrative infused with suspense, surprises, and dark humor. This show offers a blend of action, drama, and science fiction, making it appealing to a wide range of genre enthusiasts. The characters are intricately developed, going beyond conventional superhero tropes to reflect the complexities of real-life individuals. While a fourth season has been confirmed, Netflix has not yet disclosed its release date.
The Flash (2014-2023)
It’s truly remarkable how many superheroes from the DC universe are finally getting their chance to shine on the big screen, including some often-overlooked heroes like the Flash and Blue Beetle. One particularly noteworthy example is the Flash, who received his own television series that premiered on The CW in 2014 and ran for an impressive nine seasons until its conclusion in May 2023. The show stars Grant Gustin as Barry Allen, who acquires super-speed abilities after a lightning strike.
Since its debut, The Flash has captivated its audience with its well-crafted characters, a blend of action, drama, and humor, not to mention its incorporation of compelling sci-fi elements. Although it may have started to lose some of its appeal over the years due to its extended run, many will always remember how brilliantly Grant Gustin portrayed his character.
Arrow (2012-2020)
When “Arrow” premiered in 2012, it received acclaim for taking a more grounded and realistic approach to the superhero genre compared to other shows of its time. It focused on themes like crime, corruption, and the personal struggles of its protagonist, Green Arrow. The success of “Arrow” paved the way for other DC and Marvel shows to explore similar storytelling styles on television.
This narrative style captivated viewers by immersing them in the character’s journey and the show’s unique combination of fantasy and real-world elements. The series begins with billionaire playboy Oliver Queen returning to Starling City after being presumed dead, and it follows his use of archery and combat skills to combat the city’s criminal elements. While “Arrow” had its ups and downs during its run, it ultimately became a beloved guilty pleasure for many.
The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)
When a story performs well and leads to the creation of new storylines featuring similar characters, it can elicit varying reactions from audiences. “The Legend of Korra” is an example of a sequel series that managed to leave a positive impact on both itself and its predecessor, “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” While it may not quite reach the same level of excellence as the original series, it stands out as an impressive animated work and one of the most innovative in its genre.
However, “Korra” sets itself apart from the original by taking a more mature approach to Korra’s journey, moving away from the childish and innocent humor that some viewers cherished in the original series. This new installment is situated in the same fictional universe but is set 70 years later, following Korra as she utilizes her advanced waterbending skills to protect Republic City from threats emanating from both the physical and spiritual realms.
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Black Lightning (2018-2021)
“Black Lightning” follows the story of Jordan Pierce, a retired superhero turned school principal who takes on the vigilante persona of Black Lightning to protect his community from crime and corruption. The series is known for its action-packed sequences, strong character development, and its exploration of social issues. Cress Williams delivers a convincing performance as the titular superhero. What sets the show apart is its commitment to addressing real-world problems instead of relying on far-fetched superhero tropes.
In contrast to the notion that superhero stories must exist in a world detached from reality, “Black Lightning” presents a sleek, engaging, and authentic narrative while tackling pertinent contemporary issues. These issues include the consequences of social media addiction, the harmful impact of gang culture, political challenges, and more. However, some viewers have criticized the show for its heavy emphasis on family drama, suggesting that it leans more towards a soap opera style rather than a traditional superhero series.
The Sandman (2022-Present)
Similar to the 1989 comic book penned by Neil Gaiman and released by DC Comics, “The Sandman” narrates the tale of Dream. Tom Sturridge takes on the central role as the eponymous character, with Patton Oswalt, Boyd Holbrook, and Vivienne Acheampong assuming pivotal supporting positions. Previous efforts to adapt “The Sandman” proved unsuccessful, but with the involvement of the comic book’s creator in the show’s production, Netflix has managed to create one of the most impressive superhero series of recent times.
Although the initial season has garnered mixed reviews due to its compelling narrative, many are optimistic about potential improvements in subsequent seasons. “The Sandman” skillfully interweaves elements of mythology and fantasy, imbued with human emotions, resulting in a truly engrossing and thought-provoking viewing experience. While the show is not without its flaws, it remains a worthwhile watch.
Ragnarok (2020-Present)
Ragnarok is a unique Netflix original series that blends Norse mythology with contemporary issues, featuring modern-day characters embodying Norse deities. With two seasons already released and a third one premiering on August 25, the story unfolds in the fictional Norwegian town of Edda, focusing on a teenage boy who discovers he is the reincarnation of Thor, the Norse god of Thunder.
Despite its fantastical elements, Ragnarok doesn’t shy away from addressing pressing environmental concerns. In contrast to poorly executed superhero shows or films, Ragnarok shines brightly. It boasts outstanding performances from its cast and strikes a perfect balance between drama, mystery, and fantasy, setting it apart from the rest. From its picturesque scenery and likable characters to its intricately crafted storyline, Ragnarok proves to be an exceptionally noteworthy series.
Jupiter’s Legacy (2021)
This Netflix superhero series delves into the intricate dynamics within superhero families, featuring two distinct timelines. The first timeline explores the origin story of a group of individuals who become the world’s first generation of superheroes, while the second timeline focuses on their descendants who grapple with the daunting legacy of their parents.
Adapted from the comic book created by Mark and Frank Quietly, Jupiter’s Legacy proved to be quite captivating during its run. While it didn’t stick entirely to the source material, the show’s incorporation of twists, elements of horror, and thrilling aspects made it an enjoyable viewing experience. Undoubtedly, the outstanding performances by the talented cast, with Josh Duhamel’s portrayal of the lead character standing out, added a significant layer of excellence to the series. Regrettably, despite its popularity, the show was abruptly canceled after just one season, leaving many fans disappointed.
DC’s Legend of Tomorrow (2016-2022)
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow is part of the Arrowverse and follows a group of heroes and anti-heroes tasked with stopping the immortal Vandal Savage, who wants to conquer the world throughout history. Under the leadership of Hunter, the team includes characters like Heat Wave, Hawkgirl, Captain Cold, Firestorm, White Canary, The Atom, and more.
The show takes a lighthearted and humorous approach to time travel and superhero adventures, so it may not appeal to those seeking darker and more serious tones. It doesn’t take itself too seriously as the series progresses. However, for those willing to give it a chance, the series finds a good balance between humor, storytelling, and character development, making it a great choice for binge-watching. It’s available for streaming with over seven seasons on Netflix for those who can appreciate its campy nature.
Lucifer (2016-2021)
Lucifer is a captivating series that skillfully combines elements of crime-solving, fantasy, drama, and humor, making it a must-watch for fans of these genres. It draws inspiration from Neil Gaiman’s comic book characters and loosely incorporates ideas from Mike Carey’s comics. The story begins with Lucifer Morningstar’s decision to take a break from his kingdom and live among humans on Earth. Here, he uses his unique abilities to assist the LAPD as a civilian consultant in solving crimes.
One cannot discuss the show’s appeal without acknowledging Tom Ellis’s exceptional portrayal of the morally complex and charming character of Lucifer. Tom Ellis’s performance is integral to the show’s success, as he brings this character to life like no one else could. The series was so well-received that when it was canceled by Fox, the passionate fan outcry led to Netflix picking it up, giving rise to three additional outstanding seasons.
Ultraman (2019-2023)
Ultraman is a modern reimagining of the classic Japanese superhero series that originated in 1960. It takes place several years after the original show and introduces a new generation of characters. Similar to its predecessor, Ultraman revolves around special defense teams dedicated to safeguarding humanity from colossal monsters called Kaiju.
Available for streaming on Netflix, Ultraman skillfully combines impressive combat sequences, well-developed characters, and elements of science fiction. This makes it an engaging watch for both anime enthusiasts and those less familiar with the genre. However, while it successfully expands upon the original series, longtime Ultraman fans might have reservations about certain changes, particularly the shift in focus from Shin Hayata to his son, Shinjiro Hayata. Nevertheless, those open to giving it a chance will discover an intriguing animated series that sets itself apart from the rest.
Raising Dion (2019-2022)
Raising Dion offers a unique perspective on the superhero genre by emphasizing the personal and family aspects of superpowers. It effectively illustrates how these abilities impact the lives of the heroes’ loved ones and explores the special bond between a mother and her superpowered child. Adapted from Dennis Liu’s short film and comic book with the same title, the series follows Nicole, a single mother who goes to great lengths to protect her young son from those who might exploit his powers.
However, her son’s abilities prove to be a mixed blessing, presenting both advantages and challenges. Nicole must find a way to help him learn how to control his powers. Opinions on the show’s quality vary, but it is generally considered suitable for family viewing. Unfortunately, Raising Dion’s journey was prematurely concluded after just two seasons.
The Guardians of Justice (2022)
“The Guardians of Justice” is a Netflix original superhero series created by Adi Shankar, aiming to humorously parody DC Comics and the Justice League. The show consists of a single season with seven episodes available on the platform. The plot centers around the demise of Marvelous Man, the hero responsible for defeating the world’s greatest villain, which plunges the world into chaos. Knight Hawk and The Speed take on the task of investigating this hero’s death and preventing a potential nuclear conflict.
This series is a uniquely clever show that exudes a strong 80s influence, offering a humorous take on the superhero genre. While it may not break new ground in terms of originality, it deviates from the conventional Marvel or DC superhero formula. It’s a delightful option for viewers seeking an effortlessly enjoyable series with its fair share of unexpected plot twists.
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