In today’s age, it really feels like there are endless amounts of superhero content, but most of the time, it’s coming directly from Marvel or DC. Now, there is nothing wrong with that. There’s a reason those companies have been around for decades. Sometimes, we need a break from Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, and all these heroes that we know.
That’s why today I’m going to give you a list of some of the best superhero shows streaming that aren’t Marvel or DC. And trust me – you won’t be able to move away from the TV show when you watch it.
The Boys
A modern-day gore fest
One of the shows I knew was an absolute must-add to this list was The Boys, available with an Amazon Prime subscription.
Based on the comic series of the same name, The Boys is a dark superhero series with five seasons that primarily follows a team of vigilantes (The Boys). They try to expose the secrets of the mega Vought Corporation, which employs supes, people with superpowers, who are not necessarily the best people.
Let me be frank: this series is not for the faint of heart. There’s a lot of blood, gore, and many moments where you will actively be looking at the television screen and saying, “WTF.” But the story is intriguing, and the performances from the ensemble cast—mainly Antony Starr and Karl Urban—are awesome. It also doesn’t follow the binge-watching model, so you’ll be able to talk about new episodes each week with your friends.
The Boys
Release Date
2019 – 2026-00-00
Showrunner
Eric Kripke
Directors
Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Eric Kripke
My Hero Academia
A heartwearming anime
As a girl who would recommend anime to get into the genre, My Hero Academia is a great one to check out if you want a lighthearted superhero show.
With a total of eight seasons, My Hero Academia centers on the story of Izuku, a normal boy who wishes he had powers in a world that is consumed by powered beings. But one day, a hero, All Might, decides to gift him his “quirk” (his power), which leads him to enroll in a hero academy.
Connective Technology
Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, Wi-Fi
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When it comes to huge anime hits from over the last decade, My Hero Academia is one that instantly comes to mind. The series has characters so lovable and relatable, and everyone’s power is so creative that no one is alike. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be screaming at the TV over certain things and characters, too. But it will all be worth it in the end.
My Hero Academia
Release Date
2016 – 2026-00-00
Network
TBS, MBS, Nippon TV
Directors
Shouji Ikeno, Tsuyoshi Tobita, Ikuro Sato, Takudai Kakuchi, Masashi Abe, Tetsuya Miyanishi, Kazuma Komatsu, Yoshifumi Sasahara, Masayuki Otsuki, Daisuke Tsukushi, Takayuki Yamamoto, Yohei Fukui, Takuro Tsukada, Masatoyo Takada, Naomi Nakayama, Sayaka Morikawa, Takanori Yano
Gen V
Imagine college, but with powers
If you love The Boys but want something that focuses on what the younger generation of Supes would be like, then Gen V is the series for you.
Gen V is a spinoff of The Boys. The series is essentially about students attending Godolkin University, a place where supes earn their hero rating and cement their status in the Vought system. But things begin to change as secrets are exposed.
Honestly, this series is just as messed up as The Boys (since it comes from the same minds behind the original). However, I actually tend to lean more towards this show. While it does have superhero goodness, it has great episodes and messages about social topics and feels very coming-of-age in a dark superhero way.
The performances of Jaz Sinclair and Lizze Broadway are highlights for me, but really, the whole cast is fun too.
Gen V
Release Date
September 28, 2023
Network
Prime Video
Showrunner
Michele Fazekas
Invincible
A great adult-animated series
Oh, you knew I’d put Invincible on here. I love this show.
Based on the comic series of the same name, Invincible follows teenager Mark Grayson when he develops his superpowers, something he has been wishing for years, as his father, Nolan, is a superhero known as Omni-Man. However, as Mark dives deeper into the world of superheroes, he discovers some secrets about it—as well as his dad—that change his life forever.
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While it doesn’t feel as viscerally graphic as The Boys (since it’s animated), Invincible is still very much an adult superhero show, so keep the kids away. However, the story just gets bigger and more intense as the show progresses, and each episode locks you in almost immediately.
The voice cast is also stacked, with names like Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Mark Hamill, and more offering their talents.
Invincible
Release Date
March 26, 2021
Network
Amazon Prime Video
Showrunner
Robert Kirkman, Simon Racioppa
The Powerpuff Girls
A classic cartoon
OK, hear me out. At the end of the day, The Powerpuff Girls is a superhero show.
If you don’t know what The Powerpuff Girls is, the series follows three little girls who were created in a lab with powers thanks to Professor Utonium. But with their powers, they decide to go and fight crime.
Is this series a cartoon? Yes, it is. But you know what? Most non-DC and non-Marvel shows tend to lean more towards a graphic nature, and I thrive in a show like The Powerpuff Girls, where it’s literally all about the innate goodness of these three super-powered human beings and how they just want to help others.
It’s perfect for families, and honestly, if you watch the earlier seasons, there are some great messages too. I’m also partial to some of the earlier seasons because I think the comedy was honestly great for both kids and adults. It’s nostalgia-inducing. Through an HBO Max on Amazon Prime subscription, you can view the original series.
The Powerpuff Girls
Release Date
1998 – 2004-00-00
Network
Cartoon Network
Directors
Craig McCracken, Randy Myers, John McIntyre, Genndy Tartakovsky, Robert Alvarez
Get ready to watch superhero shows
With all of these suggestions, you’ll be set for many more days to come with all the superpowered goodness you want. It’s time to have some fun and kick some butt!
