Buzz
Superheroes are everywhere these days, from big-budget films to streaming series. You’ve probably watched at least one superhero flick in the past year, and if you've been following the genre since Iron Man and The Dark Knight in 2008, you know how massive the superhero industry has become. According to Statista, Marvel and DC's combined global box office earnings have surpassed $28.72 billion, showing just how much these action-packed blockbusters dominate pop culture.
Whether you're a die-hard comic book fan or a newcomer to the genre, it's worth exploring lesser-known superhero films and shows. These alternatives to Marvel and DC dive into diverse themes such as family struggles and the harsh realities of capitalism. If you’re curious, here are 10 superhero films and shows that deserve your attention:
10. Brightburn (2019)
What if Superman were the villain? That’s the premise of the chilling superhero horror film, Brightburn. In this twist on the classic superhero story, young Brandon Breyer, much like Clark Kent, arrives on Earth as an infant, only to be raised by a childless couple in a small town. But things take a dark turn when Brandon begins to utter the eerie phrase, 'Take the world.' Soon, the seemingly innocent child reveals his terrifying true nature, leading to a violent rampage that could outdo even the most infamous DC villains.
Despite the critical backlash, we still recommend Brightburn purely for its unique concept. The idea of a horror supervillain movie is relatively unexplored! While Brightburn may not deliver the same quippy, popcorn-friendly experience as Marvel films, it certainly pushes the boundaries of the superhero genre. Plus, who doesn’t love the evil child trope? It’s like an upgraded version of the classic *Orphan* movie!
9. Raising Dion (2019–2022)
One of Netflix's standout shows, Raising Dion, uses the superhero narrative to explore themes of race and single parenthood in America. The story centers around Dion, an eight-year-old Black boy with extraordinary powers like telekinesis, levitation, and invisibility. As Dion grows into his powers, his widowed mother Nicole works to help him navigate them, all while uncovering the mysteries surrounding her husband's death. However, unbeknownst to them, there are people intent on exploiting Dion's abilities.
Given Hollywood’s historically poor representation of diversity, it’s refreshing to see a superhero show starring a young Black boy. And it’s not just tokenism! The show has been praised for tackling complex racial issues in a way that’s accessible to younger audiences. Often described as 'perfect for family viewing,' Raising Dion’s two seasons are a must-watch for viewers of all ages.
8. Megamind (2010)
Everyone enjoys a captivating anti-hero tale, and DreamWorks’ Megamind stands out as one of the finest examples. Voiced by Will Ferrell, the film’s quirky lead is a brilliant supervillain who unexpectedly triumphs over his arch-nemesis. However, the excitement of his victory fades quickly, prompting him to create a new superhero. What could possibly go wrong? Megamind imparts valuable lessons on heroism and the influence of love, all without resorting to the same tired storylines seen in other children’s films.
Beyond being a heartwarming film, Megamind is also a laugh-out-loud comedy. DreamWorks, after all, brought us the meme goldmine that is Shrek (2001), so it’s no surprise that this film hits the mark as well. With a sequel on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to revisit this endearing movie.
7. Invincible (2021– )
In another animated gem, Amazon’s Invincible tells the story of Mark Grayson, a teenage boy learning to navigate his newfound superpowers while dealing with the challenges of growing up. As the son of Omni-Man, a character akin to Superman, Mark faces a slew of adversaries while donning the yellow-and-blue uniform of Invincible, often suffering severe beatings along the way. Can he protect Chicago, win the girl’s heart, and get into college? Only time will reveal the answers.
Don’t let the animation fool you—Invincible is one of the most brutally violent series on this list and is definitely not meant for younger viewers with a taste for lighter superhero fare.
6. Chronicle (2012)
Much like Invincible, Chronicle delves into the theme of heroism through the lens of high school life. This low-budget film achieves a great deal with its found footage style and the raw performances from its young cast. The story follows Andrew, a troubled teenager who is bullied, mistreated, and struggling with his mother’s deteriorating cancer. When Andrew gains telekinetic abilities, his newfound powers bring him instant popularity, but he quickly turns to violent behavior as he seeks revenge and self-preservation. The saying ‘absolute power corrupts absolutely’ seems fitting here.
Without giving too much away, let’s just say that the tables turn quickly, with the hunter becoming the hunted! Andrew’s two closest friends try to help him before it’s too late, but whether or not they succeed is up for you to decide. The takeaway: combining teenage angst with superpowers doesn’t end well.
5. The Boys (2019– )
Superheroes meet the world of capitalism in this dark, twisted series based on the even darker comic. In The Boys, the world’s top superheroes—collectively known as The Seven—are nothing more than sociopathic celebrities controlled by the corrupt corporation, Vought. Among these morally questionable heroes, Homelander, The Boys’ take on Superman, stands out for his chilling lack of empathy and his sadistic tendencies. The only group brave enough to challenge The Seven? A ragtag crew of ‘normals’ who call themselves, you guessed it, The Boys.
If you're a fan of political commentary, The Boys will undoubtedly satisfy your appetite. The second season tackled relevant issues such as White supremacy and widespread disinformation. While we’re not here to promote online spaces, the r/TheBoys subreddit offers a rich environment to dive deep into the show’s themes. With the renewal for season 4, now is the ideal moment to catch up on this binge-worthy series.
4. The Umbrella Academy (2019– )
If you're after something unconventional, look no further than The Umbrella Academy. This show is a unique choice for anyone seeking a superhero series with a twist. The story revolves around seven super-powered infants, each adopted by the enigmatic Sir Reginald Hargreeves. Though not biologically related, all the children were born on the same day under mysterious conditions. When their adoptive father dies, this quirky group comes together to solve the mystery of his death and to stop the impending apocalypse. Expect time travel, sibling rivalries, and plenty of plot twists along the way!
With standout performances from Elliot Page and Tom Hopper, Netflix's The Umbrella Academy is a showcase of stellar acting. Plus, the soundtrack is absolutely on point! The third season is now available, so don’t miss out!
3. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Last but certainly not least, we have the often-overlooked Disney treasure, Big Hero 6. In this animated feature, robotics genius Hiro joins forces with other tech enthusiasts and his endearing robot companion Baymax to safeguard their city, San Fransokyo. Yes, you read that correctly! Big Hero 6 envisions a futuristic metropolis where San Francisco and Tokyo merge into one. That’s just one of the film’s many imaginative details. It serves as an incredibly creative introduction to the world of STEM for young audiences.
This movie has all the classic hallmarks of a great Disney film: lovable characters, deceased family members, and plot twists that are just predictable enough to tug at your heartstrings. It’s a triumph in representation, showcasing women in STEM roles and offering significant Asian representation. The heartwarming journey continues with Disney’s Baymax!, a fresh series now streaming on Disney+.
2. The Crow (1994)
What could be better than a superhero flick? A supernatural superhero flick, of course! In The Crow, murdered musician Eric Draven is brought back to life and embarks on a vengeful mission to confront those who killed him. True to the style of Edgar Allan Poe, Eric follows the guidance of a crow as he tracks down his killers. The film is based on James O’Barr’s equally eerie comic series.
Here’s a bit of tragic history to add to this one. Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, starred as Eric Draven but sadly passed away during production due to a malfunctioning prop gun. He was only 28. Like his father, Brandon’s life was cut short, and he never witnessed the success of his iconic film. For this reason, The Crow has become a true cult classic.
1. Heroes (2006–2010)
In the mid-2000s, Heroes merged drama and action to become one of the most iconic superhero shows ever to air on television. Unlike most of its peers, Heroes was not adapted from a comic book. Its story came entirely from the inventive mind of Tim Kring. And when we say ‘chaotic,’ we mean brilliant! The series made a huge impact on TV at the time and inspired various related media, including a novel and the much-debated spin-off, Heroes Reborn.
Kring assembled one of the most expansive casts in TV history to tell the tale of ordinary individuals suddenly endowed with extraordinary powers. The show featured a star-studded lineup including Hayden Panettiere, Zachary Quinto, Kristen Bell, and Milo Ventimiglia. As viewers grew attached to these characters, Kring’s original plan for an anthology series evolved into an ongoing storyline. Though most Heroes fans swear by the first season, it remains a binge-worthy experience for any superhero enthusiast.
