If You're Tired Of The Usual Superheroes, Then These 17 Anti-Hero Shows And Movies Are Deffo For You

    If you like The Boys, I gurantee you'll love Misfits.

    Ewura-Ama Quarshie
    by Ewura-Ama Quarshie

    BuzzFeed Staff

    There's more superhero media out there than ever with Marvel and DC dominating the market, but sometimes people get tired of the same old heroics.

    Fox/Netflix

    If you're looking for something a bit less self-righteous, or a show that outright makes fun of heroism, I recommend these 17 anti-hero shows and movies:

    1. The Boys and The Boys Presents: Diabolical

    The Seven walking in a line: from left to right The Deep, Queen Maeve, Stormfront, Homelander, Satrlight, Black Noir, and A-Train
    Amazon Prime Video

    Starring: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr

    What it's about: A group of rebels try to take down The Seven, a popular superhero group hiding dark secrets. Meanwhile, Diabolical is a series of animated standalone stories set in the Boys universe, although only three episodes are canon to the main show. 

    Why it's great: The Boys is straight-up superhero satire with a lot of dark comedy thrown in. The Deep is an obvious parody of Aquaman, while Homelander is like a cross between Superman and Captain America.

    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

    2. The Umbrella Academy

    Five, Allison, Klaus, Luther, Diego, and Vanya Hargreaves stood in a lift
    Netflix

    Starring: Elliot Page, Aidan Gallagher, Robert Sheehan

    What it's about: The Umbrella Academy, based on Gerard Way's graphic novels, was an instant hit when it came out. It's about a family of adopted siblings who come together for their father's funeral then suddenly get caught up in the apocalypse. 

    Why it's great: This show gets fairly dark but also shows the realistic and comedic sides of growing up as a superhero. Who among us wouldn't write a tell-all book about our dysfunctional super family like Vanya?

    Where to watch: Netflix 

    3. Misfits

    The original five stood in a line in their red community service overalls, looking at the camera, from left to right: Curtis, Alisha, Nathan, Kelly and Simon
    E4

    Starring: Robert Sheehan, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Antonia Thomas

    What it's about: An oldie but a goodie, Misfits was all about delinquents who didn't have heroism in mind when they were given powers by a freak storm.

    Why it's great: This show wasn't afraid of a character death, which keeps you on your toes. It also features a young Robert Sheehan, years before The Umbrella Academy came out! 

    Where to watch: All 4

    4. The Tick

    Arthur in his moth suit and the Tick standing on a street looking at something to the right
    Amazon Prime Video

    Starring: Peter Serafinowicz, Griffin Newman, Valorie Curry 

    What it's about: A sillier take on the superhero genre, The Tick's titular superhero is a mysterious and overenthusiastic man dressed in a blue suit, who fights for justice in a very absent-minded way. He recruits a mild-mannered office worker named Arthur as his sidekick. 

    Why it's great: This show is full of comedy and has its own Superman parody, subtly named Superian. There are only two seasons since Prime chose not to renew it, but it's good stuff nonetheless.

    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

    5. Rick And Morty and Rick And Morty Specials

    Morty, Crocubot, Rick, Vance Maximus, Alan Rails, Supernova, and One Million Ants stood in a line, everyone is watching Rick holding a device in his hands
    Adult Swim

    Starring: Justin Roiland, Sarah Chalke, Chris Parnell

    What it's about: A cynical old man takes his grandson on wacky adventures in different dimensions. 

    Why it's great: The fan favourite sci-fi show parodied well-known superheroes with the Vindicators, and has made various Marvel references across multiple seasons. Rick literally says “Lab coat, rip off Doctor Strange” at one point. 

    Where to watch: Netflix, specials on All4

    6. Invincible

    Robot, Atom Eve, Invincible, Dupli-Kate and Rex Splode in front of some grey buildings. One of Invincible's goggles is broken and blood runs down from his nose.
    Amazon Prime Video

    Starring:  J. K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, Steven Yeun

    What it's about: Like The Boys: Diabolical, this is an adult animated series based on a comic — except this one is about a teen who inherits powers from his alien superhero father. 

    Why it's great: Also like The Boys, this is a world where there's a dark side to heroism and a lot of bloodshed involved, plus some self-awareness at the more outlandish parts of being a hero. 

    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

    7. I Am Not Okay With This

    Sydney, smiling and wearing sunglasses and Stan, drinking from a takeaway cup
    Netflix

    Starring: Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff,  Kathleen Rose Perkins

    What it's about: This one is about a teenager who discovers she has telekinetic powers that are often set off by her emotions, all while navigating teen life.

    Why it's great: Another series based on a comic book, it's full of dark comedy and coming-of-age drama. It was originally renewed, then sadly cancelled because of COVID, but hopefully it could return. 

    Where to watch: Netflix

    8. Hancock

    Hancock talking to Ray in the street
    Sony Pictures Releasing

    Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman 

    What it's about: Hancock is generally hated for the damage he causes while stopping crime until a guy he saves helps fix his image.

    Why it's great: This film was ahead of its time with the "superpowered guy who's an apathetic drinker" narrative — in fact, it came out the same year as Iron Man. People sleep on Hancock, but now that superheroes are everywhere, I think people might return to one who wasn't the picture of morality. 

    Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

    9. Kick-Ass

    Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl stood in front of a doorway
    Lionsgate/Focus Features International through Universal Pictures

    Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse 

    What it's about: Another early example of a dark comedy superhero film AND one based on a comic. A comic book geek decides to become a superhero despite having zero powers, and encounters other vigilantes while trying to make a name for himself.

    Why it's great: Like Hancock, this was an early dark take on heroism. The violence and swearing were criticised from the beginning, so much so that studios refused to make it — hard to believe now that darker media (see: this entire list) is so popular.

    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

    And even Marvel and DC have some gems that don't follow the usual formula:

    10. Legends of Tomorrow

    The Legends looking confused at something off camera: from left to right, Ava, Sarah, Spooner holding a gun, Astra, Gary, and Nate
    The CW

    Starring: Caity Lotz, Amy Louise Pemberton, Jes Macallan

    What it's about: Legends started with the misfits and outcasts from the main Arrowverse being recruited to stop a time-travelling villain. The team tries to maintain the timeline but often "mess things up for the better," in their own words.

    Why it's great: There are a lot of wacky antics and tongue-in-cheek humour, and seven seasons later the show still doesn't take itself too seriously. Where else would you have a final battle between good and evil set to the "Thong Song"?

    Where to watch: NOW TV, Amazon Prime Video

    11. Deadpool and Deadpool 2

    Deadpool in his costume pulling a mock shocked face, with wide eyes and his hands on either side of his face
    20th Century Fox

    Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller

    What it's about: Wade Wilson agrees to be experimented on hoping to cure his cancer, and ends up with accelerated healing powers. He soon becomes a mercenary, slicing through bad guys and cracking jokes.

    Why it's great: Even though the movie Deadpool hasn't met many other heroes, his fourth wall knowledge lets him make fun of anyone and everyone (Ryan Reynolds' friendly feud with Hugh Jackman means Wolverine gets the brunt of the jokes). He's a great contender for comedic anti-hero antics. 

    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

    12. Jessica Jones

    Jessica Jones walking down a road
    Netflix

    Starring: Krysten Ritter, Rachael Taylor, Carrie-Anne Moss

    What it's about: Jones is foul-mouthed drinker with super strength who doesn't consider herself a hero. She investigates crimes and tries to deal with her dark past.

    Why it's great: Jessica makes no efforts to hide her misanthropic attitude and doesn't put up with anyone's crap. The show also references some original comic elements, including a garish costume that Trish suggests for Jessica but she immediately rejects. 

    Where to watch: Disney+

    13. The Punisher

    The Punisher standing next to some stairs, with blood on his hands
    Netflix

    Starring: Jon Bernthal, Ben Barnes, Ebon Moss-Bachrach

    What it's about: This Daredevil spin-off features the titular Punisher, a vigilante who does things his own way, using violent, often lethal methods to stop bad guys. He's mostly focused on getting revenge on those who killed his family, then on uncovering a criminal conspiracy linked to his past. 

    Why it's great: The Punisher doesn't pull punches — literally. The show is dark and bloody from the outset, and explores how damaged Frank Castle is after witnessing the deaths of his loved ones.

    Where to watch: Disney+ 

    14. Gotham

    Penguin and Riddler looking up at something off camera
    Fox

    Starring: Robin Lord Taylor, Sean Pertwee, Jada Pinkett Smith 

    What it's about: Gotham was basically a Batman prequel, except Batman doesn't exist yet and the villains take centre stage. Instead, it explores the origins of people like Penguin, the Riddler, and the Joker, while Jim Gordon rises in the ranks of the GCPD.

    Why it's great: This one is good for a different take on the DC characters you probably already know, just without the moralising heroes. Gotham is full of darkness, both in morals and the perpetually gray colouring of the city. 

    Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

    15. Lucifer

    Lucifer emerging from a pool shirtless, holding a drink
    Fox/Netflix

    Starring: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, D. B. Woodside 

    What it's about: After he gets bored of ruling Hell, Lucifer goes to Earth and uses unconventional methods to help the LAPD solve crimes. The show is based on a DC Vertigo comic character — so technically a DC work, even if it doesn't seem like it. It even crossed over with the Arrowverse in Crisis on Infinite Earths.

    Why it's great: Lucifer parodies the police drama genre more than the superhero genre, but the titular devil is as anti-hero as they come. Lucifer is constantly rebelling against his dad's will, with a lot of drinking, drugs, and debauchery thrown in.

    Where to watch: Netflix 

    16. Preacher

    Tulip and Jesse looking at something off camera
    AMC

    Starring: Dominic Cooper, Joseph Gilgun, Ruth Negga

    What it's about: Jesse Custer is the titular preacher who drinks, smokes, and doesn't follow the rules. After he gains powers, he heads out to find God with his ex and a vampire. This is another comic adaptation, also from DC's Vertigo. 

    Why it's great: If you liked Lucifer's supernatural elements and alternate takes on religion, then I bet you'll like Preacher. It's full of comedy, debauchery, and violence mixed with Western and horror elements that gained it critical acclaim. 

    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

    17. Watchmen

    The Watchmen stood in a line, from left to right: The Comedian, Silk Spectre II, Dr Manhattan, Ozymandias, Nite Owl II and Rorschach
    Warner Bros. Pictures/Paramount Pictures

    Starring: Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley

    What it's about: Watchmen is a "what if" scenario of an alternate '80s where superheroes exist alongside the Reagan administration. But there's a plot brewing against superheroes, and dark secrets come out as cynical vigilante Rorschach investigates. There's also a TV continuation set in the same universe. 

    Why it's great: When the comic came out, it was a radical change from the usual DC stories, so much so that the writer wasn't allowed to use existing heroes since he planned to kill some characters off. Watchmen questions how much power people should be allowed to have and if — or when — it's okay to kill for the greater good. 

    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, HBO (TV series)

    Which anti-hero shows and movies do you love? Let us know your faves in the comments below!