Shows to watch if you love superhero shows (and where to stream them)

Ever since Iron Man premiered back in 2008, the superhero fever has taken over the world with no (or perhaps just a few) signs of stopping. Multiple movies, shows, and video game adaptations featuring beloved heroes have been released since with various degrees of success. While some of them fail to meet expectations, others take us by surprise and constantly elevate the bar for what superhero stories are capable of.

This time, we'll be taking a look at the best superhero shows released to date. Some have taken the genre to places we'd never imagine before, others have turned into cult classics worth rewatching every year, and all of them have won over our hearts. Better yet: they are available for streaming! So you're just one click away from discovering your next favorite series, as we'll leave a link to where you can watch them. So without further ado, here are eight shows to watch if you love superheroes.

Marvel's Daredevil

Over the course of the years, there have been only a handful of shows responsible for redefining what superhero adaptations are capable of. One of them is Marvel's Daredevil, the initial project resulting from the (now-defunct) collaboration between Disney and Netflix. The series features deep character arcs, a grim tone that works in service of the story, one of the most memorable live-action Marvel villains to date, and beautifully coordinated hand-to-hand combat set pieces.

Daredevil isn't the only big hero to steal the spotlight in this series. Elektra and Punisher also appear to either help Matt Murdock on his mission to save Hell's Kitchen or fight against him - resulting in great character dynamics that keep watchers on the edge of their couches. While the quality of the second season dips in comparison to the rest of the show, there's no denying Marvel's Daredevil is a must-watch for every superhero fan or anybody who loves a good show. Especially if you're looking for a project that isn't shy of being dark and realistic (save for the second half of the second season, that is).

Marvel's Daredevil is available to stream on Disney+.

The Boys

There's a case to be made that some superhero adaptations feel really similar. They are mostly family-friendly projects filled with lots of jokes and a simplistic depiction of the conflict between good and evil. However, if you're looking for a show that can break the mold in a big way, then The Boys is perfect for you.

This beloved series may revolve around superheroes, but it contains multiple gory scenes that are enough to make any grown person want to take a break from it on a few occasions. Underneath all the violence and nudity, there is also a fresh take on superpowers that positions them as a business opportunity rather than a means to save the world. The Boys ask how far are corporations willing to go to hide their twisted secrets, and how many bad deeds need to be done by the "good guys" to expose them.

The Boys is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

Invincible

Based on the comic book series by the same name, Invincible took the world by storm when it premiered back in 2021. The animated series is a far cry from what you've come to expect from superhero projects as it's much closer to The Boys in terms of violence. However, it is every bit as good.

Invincible features an all-star voice cast that includes the likes of Steven Yeun, J. K. Simmons, Seth Rogen, Mark Hamill, and more. The series follows Mark Grayson as he learns he has superpowers (just like his dad) and learns how to control them. However, when The Guardians - Earth's greatest protectors - are suddenly and violently killed, Mark will be forced to turn into a superhero faster than expected. He'll visit other planets, face people close to him, venture into the multiverse, and get his ass kicked more times than we can count, proving why he's worthy of the title Invincible.

Invincible is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

The Flash

So far we've talked about grim and violent superhero projects. So to shake things up a bit, let's discuss a light-hearted series that will make you believe anyone can be a hero.

The Flash premiered in 2014 and it lasted for a colossal nine seasons. That's greatly in part due to Grant Gustin's charming performance as Barry Allen - who steals every scene he's in. Audiences are in for an amazing ride where they get to see how the Scarlet Speedster gets powers, solves the mystery behind his mother's murder, and messes up the world as we know it by traveling through time. As if it wasn't enough, there are also multiple crossovers with other amazing CW shows such as Arrow or DC's Legends of Tomorrow.

Across each episode, we see Barry Allen face a different villain while a greater overarching story takes place throughout the season. It's a perfect format that'll leave you wanting to watch "just one more episode" as you binge the series.

The Flash is available for streaming on Netflix.

Gotham

There's been no shortage of Batman stories across television and movie theaters. However, few of them let us get a good glimpse at Bruce Wayne's childhood. Usually, we'll see how his parents were murdered at a very young age, and from then there will be a time jump up until Batman is created many years down the line. But what if there was more to that story? What if we could see what happens after Bruce becomes an orphan and before the inception of Gotham's most wanted? Well, luckily for us, there's a series that allows us to do exactly that.

Gotham follows the journey of James Gordon and Bruce Wayne right from the moment Thomas and Martha Wayne are shot in an alleyway until the Cape Crusader enters the scene. We see how beloved villains like The Penguin and The Riddler rise to power and become the characters we all hate to love. Besides, it's worth pointing out that Cameron Monaghan gives the performance of a lifetime as a young version of the Clown Prince of Crime. Believe me, it's one Batman fans shouldn't miss out on.

Gotham is available for streaming on Max.

WandaVision

Not only is WandaVision one of the best MCU projects ever made, but it is also a genuinely fantastic show overall. On the surface, it appears to be a harmless tribute to many different eras of television. However, as audiences dig deeper into Westview's mysteries, they'll realize there's more than meets the eye.

Why are two of the most powerful Marvel heroes trapped in a fictional sitcom? How was Vision brought to life after the events of Avengers: Infinity War? And who or what is pulling the strings from behind the curtain? Audiences will laugh and cry all the same as they figure out the answers to these questions. And once credits roll for the last time on WandaVision, you'll wish there were more than just nine episodes.

WandaVision is available for streaming on Disney+.

Superman & Lois

Many have tried and failed to figure out what makes a great Superman story. Turns out all it takes is to focus on the hero's humanity, as proven by Superman & Lois.

Good superhero stories see their protagonist struggle to balance their personal and heroic life. That's also the case for the last of CW's DC series. Clark and Louis attempt to raise a family on the Kent Farm in Smallville. However, they are usually interrupted by the likes of Lex Luthor, Bizarro, Tal-Rho, and more.

Even if Superman & Lois often shines the spotlight on the small and personal moments of its titular characters, it also features big action pieces worthy of a blockbuster movie. Superhero fans should catch up on the series on the CW TV or Max before its last season premieres later this year.

Loki

To say Loki is one of the best superhero shows ever made is saying something - especially considering it features a supervillain as the main character.

The series follows the God of Mischief as he's forced to work with the Time Variance Authority in order to save the timeline itself. Through his journey, Loki will come across alternate versions of himself that can be just as mean and deceptive, Besides, he'll unfold the mystery behind why the multiverse wasn't wide open before Avengers: Endgame. It's a dangerous journey that will lead him to discover just who (or what) is the MCU's next big threat after Thanos.

Loki is also all about redemption. Can one of MCU's greatest villains turn into its only salvation? Or has his dark nature doomed him to repeat history and burn everything down once again? Well, the only way to find out is to stream Loki on Disney+.