In an innovative twist, “The Boys” has reshaped audience perspectives on superhero television series. When Hughie (Jack Quaid)’s girlfriend is tragically killed by a superhuman, he’s thrust into a realm he’d prefer to avoid. Characters such as Butcher (Karl Urban) are enacting vigilante justice and aiming to undermine the supes, while figures like Homelander (Antony Starr) are working hard to preserve their social status. The situation seems like a pressure cooker on the verge of explosion.
The series, particularly its portrayal of superheroes as commercialized entities who often escape punishment for their criminal acts, offers a unique and invigorating twist on the genre. “The Boys” isn’t shy about tackling provocative themes, some of which bear striking resemblance to real-life events, providing a raw look at the complexities of possessing powers. Joining The Seven, supposedly the world’s finest crime fighters, might seem like the ultimate aspiration, but it’s far from idyllic.
Although “The Boys” offers a distinct combination of satire and violence, there are numerous other series that encapsulate the allure of Prime Video’s exceptional program. Some mirror its grittiness, others present characters with similar traits, while some depict alternative scenarios had the creative team chosen a different path. Here are 15 top-tier shows sharing similarities with “The Boys.
Watchmen
The miniseries ‘Watchmen,’ inspired by DC Comics, is an excellent choice for fans of ‘The Boys.’ While familiarity with the original source material can enhance your experience (the series takes place three decades after the events in the comics), it isn’t strictly necessary as you’ll catch up with the story quickly. This gripping tale unfolds in a world where police officers wear masks to safeguard themselves and their families from vigilantes, following a riot. Although vigilante justice is now prohibited, various groups are still determined to unmask those in authority.
If you’re a fan of “The Boys” and its raw societal critiques, you’ll find “Watchmen” equally captivating. Like A-Train’s complex storylines in “The Boys,” “Watchmen” delves into racially charged topics, such as the experiences of its characters outside their superhero personas and how they are portrayed by Vought due to their race. Both series also examine the idea of a crime fighter’s true identity, with “Watchmen” featuring police wearing masks, mirroring the costumes worn by supers working for Vought or local law enforcement. Despite only having nine episodes, the impressive cast makes it a must-watch.
Misfits
The show titled “Misfits” centers around a group of young individuals who receive extraordinary abilities during an unexpected storm. Interestingly, this event takes place while they are fulfilling their mandatory community service obligations. Yet, it is not mere coincidence that each character gains powers; rather, these abilities are linked to a significant trait in their personalities. For instance, Simon (portrayed by Iwan Rheon) who often prefers to stay in the background, acquires the power of invisibility. As they struggle to come to terms with their newfound abilities and navigate their lives, they grapple with deciding how to use these powers effectively.
Similar to my love for “The Boys,” there’s this British series that shares an intriguing trait – characters with powers that veer from the ordinary, evolve throughout, and sometimes, they’re hidden in plain sight. Both shows are dark comedies, but the humor in “Misfits” has a distinctly British twist, giving it a unique charm. If you were surprised by Soldier Boy’s return from the dead, wait till you see what happens when one character in “Misfits” discovers time travel! Spanning five seasons, it’s just the right length to keep me entertained until more episodes of “The Boys” arrive.
Banshee
In the television series “Banshee” on Cinemax, we follow the story of a former master thief, who after serving his prison sentence, adopts a new persona as the sheriff of a small town. His primary objective is to locate his lover, with whom he had planned to keep the loot from their last heist, disregarding their boss’s instructions, thus making them a wanted duo. The character portrayed by Antony Starr (also seen in “The Boys”) is trying to evade the mob boss he once worked for while embarking on this pursuit.
If you’re looking for a captivating series, “Banshee” is the show for you, as it features Antony Starr portraying a character reminiscent of Homelander in a unique way: Lucas Hood and the leader of The Seven share power positions related to crime-fighting, and they both have hidden personas to conceal their true natures. Watching these two similar characters played by the same talented actor across projects with comparable styles is a treat, and it’s intriguing to see Starr in a role distinct from his Homelander persona.
Peacemaker
In the DC series “Peacemaker,” John Cena portrays the main character in a story where he teams up with a black ops unit. However, their target isn’t ordinary butterflies; these are parasitic insects that have been wreaking havoc and taking control of human bodies. The narrative unfolds as they embark on this mission, which includes numerous instances of violence, experimentation with explosives for amusement, and a mercenary grappling with his moral boundaries, particularly when it comes to family matters.
Peacemaker and Homelander share a common belief that extreme force or aggressive actions are essential to preserve national security. While Peacemaker targets these ‘butterflies’, Homelander’s methods as The Seven’s leader encompass everything he supports. Both characters aren’t hesitant to use lethal force for their objectives, even if Homelander’s intentions may be questionable. Moreover, the shows share a similar tone and humor, making them an ideal choice for fans of “The Boys”.
Invincible
In the animated comedy ‘Invincible,’ inspired by comic books, we follow Mark (portrayed by Steven Yeun, originally cast as Marvel’s Sentry for ‘Thunderbolts’), now 17, whose father is a superhero. On his birthday, Mark discovers he too has powers. To his surprise, he learns that his father’s heroic reputation may not be as spotless as the public believes. Matters worsen when all members of the Guardians of the Globe, similar to The Seven in this universe, are brutally killed by a fellow team member.
If you’re seeking an animated series akin to “The Boys,” then “Invincible” might just be your match. While “The Boys Presents: Diabolical” does exist, “Invincible” shares some of the same creative minds behind it, such as Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, serving as executive producers. In many ways, it seems like a close relative to “The Boys,” leading fans to often argue over which character is more villainous: Omni-Man or Homelander. Just like “The Boys,” this show explores the concept that the world’s finest superheroes might not be all they appear to be.
Gotham
A different DC series that fans of “The Boys” may find captivating is “Gotham,” which delves into the life of 12-year-old Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) following the murder of his parents. The story unfolds as Detectives James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue) investigate the crime, eventually leading to Bruce’s transformation into the iconic figure known for his mask. This series is filled with corruption, villains, an angst-ridden young Bruce, and all the elements typically found in a Batman origin story. With its dark, gritty atmosphere and sprinkles of humor reminiscent of “The Boys,” this show is sure to appeal to fans of both worlds.
Watching “Gotham” is similar to imagining how the story might unfold if The Boys’ plan to eliminate Homelander succeeded, leaving Ryan in a world trying to make sense of everything that followed. With his father’s notoriety, he may find himself pursued by others, and there’s a chance he could resort to a life of vigilantism instead of maintaining a public identity. There are numerous parallels and comparisons between “Gotham” and “The Boys,” especially when considering Bruce and Ryan’s paths, and with 100 episodes to explore, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.
Preacher
Based on the same creative team behind “The Boys,” “Preacher” is a four-season series revolving around Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper), our unconventional title character who’s been bestowed with divine powers. Rather than using them conventionally, Jesse embarks on an unusual journey to locate the real God. Unlike traditional clergy portrayed in media, Jesse carries a past filled with criminal activities, but he aims to make amends by adhering to his father’s wish of leading the family church. However, his quest takes an unexpected turn as he delves deeper into uncovering the true identity of God.
Apart from sharing the same producers, “Preacher” also originates from the comic books penned by Garth Ennis. It shares a similar mood and delves into the question of how one wields powers, although Jesse Custer is not supernatural himself. Since his power stems from divine origins, it raises intriguing questions about who acquires these abilities and for what reasons – themes that are more fully developed in the later installments of “The Boys.” Tracking down God seems like a task that arrogant as Homelander might consider within his capabilities.
American Gods
If you’re not drawn to a series about an individual seeking God, perhaps you might prefer one centered around the gods themselves? “American Gods,” adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel, presents Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), a man unexpectedly released from prison to attend his wife’s funeral. Yet, he encounters Mr. Wednesday, played by Ian McShane, who persistently offers him employment until he finally agrees. Initially working as a bodyguard, the role soon evolves when Shadow discovers that magic is indeed real and that two distinct groups of deities exist: New Gods and Old Gods.
In the storyline of “American Gods,” there’s an uncanny resemblance to the conflict that Hughie encounters in “The Boys.” Hughie, being an ordinary individual, is dragged into a realm inhabited by powerful entities. As he aligns himself with the main group, Hughie struggles to understand his role, much like Shadow Moon does when he gets involved. Despite their distinct differences as characters, fans of “The Boys” will likely find Shadow’s journey and the overall atmosphere of “American Gods” captivating.
The Punisher
The Marvel series “The Punisher” centers around the character Frank Castle, portrayed by Jon Bernthal, who operates under the pseudonym The Punisher as a vigilante. The narrative unfolds after Castle seeks vengeance against those responsible for his family’s death. As the story progresses, he uncovers hidden truths about the events that transpired and is ruthless in pursuit of answers, even if it means taking lives. Unlike traditional superheroes, Frank does not possess supernatural abilities, but he is more than capable of holding his own against them in combat.
Frank perceives himself as a potential member of The Boys, a group who battle against a corrupt system that lets those with powers escape justice for their actions. Interestingly, he seems to be more effective than Billy and his team have been so far. On a personal level, he reminds one of how Hughie might’ve coped with his girlfriend’s demise if he had channeled his anger into action (and worked out extensively). Frank appears tailor-made for The Boys, which makes “The Punisher” an enjoyable watch for fans of the Amazon Prime Video series.
Runaways
In the Marvel show “Runaways,” a group of six adolescents join forces to take down their parents who are involved in an illicit organization called Pride. Interestingly, what these teens aren’t aware of is that their family members have been coerced into joining this criminal enterprise. Unlike the comic it’s adapted from where the members of Pride possess supernatural powers, the TV series portrays the parents as utilizing skills that aren’t derived from superpowers instead.
If you appreciate the intriguing ways that Compound V presents itself in individuals, bestowing them with special abilities that may not initially seem beneficial for crime-fighting, then “Runaways” could be just right for you. One character shares a mental connection with a genetically modified dinosaur, another can emit a rainbow glow, and there’s one who conjures a magic staff when blood is drawn. At first glance, these powers might seem unhelpful, but the group learns to leverage them effectively. Similarly to “The Boys,” there’s a member who is constantly inventing new tools for their battles against Pride.
Doom Patrol
In the series “Doom Patrol,” the central characters are superheroes who gained their abilities through unfortunate circumstances. Ostracized by society due to this, a doctor named The Chief (Timothy Dalton) offers them refuge in his home and provides medical care. When The Chief goes missing, the group must take center stage to find him. The show shares similarities with “The Boys” in that it portrays a world where there is increasing disdain towards superheroes. Despite this shift in public opinion, someone still needs to save the day, and that’s what “Doom Patrol” delves into.
For individuals seeking a unique blend of science fiction, drama, and dark humor, “Doom Patrol” could be an excellent alternative to “The Boys.” Both series explore characters acquiring their abilities through traumatic experiences, albeit in different manners. In “The Boys,” this may not be as apparent, but discovering that your parents were paid to experiment on you with a secret serum can be a shocking revelation for anyone. Unlike “The Boys,” “Doom Patrol” is less graphic in its portrayal of violence, but both shows delve into the sinister aspects of possessing superpowers.
The Magicians
The Magicians,” derived from a series of novels by Lev Grossman, presents a universe imbued with magic instead of superpowers, making it an engaging read for fans of “The Boys.” The protagonist, Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), attends college to master the art of magic, only to discover that his childhood conception of it is far from reality. Admission into this university proves challenging, while graduation presents an even steeper hurdle; failure means erasure of all memories related to the magical realm. The narrative is fraught with peril at every turn, as nothing is as it appears.
In the series “The Boys” and “The Magicians”, the characters Quentin and Hughie undergo similar transformations despite their initial differences. Their worlds are turned upside down when they’re exposed to the dark realities hidden within – for Hughie, it’s the truth about superheroes in “The Boys”, while for Quentin, it’s the ugly side of magic in “The Magicians”. The theme isn’t new, but the way it’s portrayed in both shows is strikingly similar due to the power dynamics associated with being a super or a magician. Moreover, both series feature unexpected bursts of violent scenes that can be quite shocking.
Heroes
Labeling “Heroes” as merely ahead of its time would be a significant understatement: This NBC superhero drama premiered in 2006, paving the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the surge in popularity of superheroes. Although the first season is universally acclaimed as superior, the four-season series remains engaging and worth watching even today, particularly for fans of “The Boys.” In this series, people from around the world discover they possess unique abilities and join forces to protect themselves and prevent those gifted individuals from being misused for evil purposes.
For fans who appreciate the intrigue surrounding extraordinary abilities and the complexities of power, “Heroes” resonates strongly with “The Boys.” If you’re among them, you should definitely add it to your watch list. Similar to “The Boys,” the storylines can reflect real-world events, and the array of characters gifted with powers (alongside their associates) mirrors the ever-changing roster of supers in the Amazon Prime Video series. Interestingly, an interesting fact about “Heroes” is that its creator, Tim Kring, initially planned to introduce a new cast of super-powered individuals every season.
Powers
Powers”, a series inspired by the comics of the same name by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, focuses on Christian Walker (Sharlto Copley), a tenacious detective. His job involves apprehending individuals with extraordinary abilities, or ‘Powers’, who misuse their gifts for criminal activities. This dedication stems from his past as a renowned Power himself, until he was betrayed by a mentor and stripped of his powers. The series delves into the political complexities surrounding superheroes, making it particularly appealing to fans of “The Boys” who appreciate such intricate subplots.
As a devoted fan, I find it striking that both Powers and celebrities are managed like talent, with their schedules filled by teams to ensure their public appearances. The need for an untarnished image, regardless of reality, is evident. Butcher and Walker would undoubtedly be friends, sharing the same cause, albeit Butcher being more carefree in his approach. Walker, having been a Power himself, offers a unique perspective that makes his work captivating. Plus, for “The Boys” enthusiasts like me, Susan Heyward, who portrays Deena Pilgrim, is introduced as Sister Sage in Season 4.
The Gifted
The story revolves around the Stucker family – Reed and Caitlin, along with their children Lauren and Andy – who unexpectedly discover that they possess extraordinary abilities, or “special powers.” This revelation, however, is not met with excitement by the government, forcing them to seek refuge within an underground network of other mutants. The irony lies in the fact that Reed, a law enforcement officer, has traditionally pursued individuals with similar powers.
If you’re intrigued by delving deeper into Ryan and his mother’s secretive life amidst Homelander’s presence, ‘The Gifted’ could be just the show for you. It mirrors ‘The Boys’ in depicting a parent’s extraordinary measures to protect their child, often at the cost of everything familiar. ‘The Gifted’ offers an intriguing glimpse into potential future events in ‘The Boys’, and it presents a unique perspective on how society might respond when individuals possess extraordinary abilities. Furthermore, ‘The Gifted’ highlights the growing divide among those with powers, a rift that becomes increasingly apparent as Homelander maintains his rule.
Read More
- How Angel Studios Is Spreading the Gospel of “Faith-Friendly” Cinema
- Comparing the Switch 2’s Battery Life to Other Handheld Consoles
- Gold Rate Forecast
- EUR CNY PREDICTION
- Why The Final Destination 4 Title Sequence Is Actually Brilliant Despite The Movie’s Flaws
- Grimguard Tactics tier list – Ranking the main classes
- Jerry Trainor Details How He Went “Nuclear” to Land Crazy Steve Role on ‘Drake & Josh’
- Pop Mart’s CEO Is China’s 10th Richest Person Thanks to Labubu
- Kendrick Lamar Earned The Most No. 1 Hits on The Billboard Hot 100 in 2024
- EUR NZD PREDICTION
2025-06-20 00:31