Top 10 Best Superhero TV Shows Since 2000
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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the greatest superhero stories to have graced our television screens since the year 2000. Beware of some spoilers ahead. Is there a masterpiece of superhero television that we missed? Share your love for it in the comments!
A show like “Superman and Lois” offers a great glimpse into the life of Superman. But what was his life like before becoming the Man of Steel? “Smallville” explored that idea and much more. The ten-season show followed a teenage Clark Kent in his titular small town and gained a major following. It had compelling characters, interesting dynamics, and even ventured into the expanded DC universe on more than one occasion. Sure, they didn’t fully introduce the “Superman” mantle until the show’s final moments. But fans were so invested in Clark Kent by that point that it arguably didn’t matter. The superhero TV landscape was very different in the early 2000s, but in spite of that, “Smallville” remains a classic.
Where do we start? Do we talk first about the catchy theme song? Do we rave about the designs? How about the compelling characters and captivating storylines? Why don’t we just go with all of the above? There’s so much to love about “The Spectacular Spider-Man.” It followed Peter Parker as he juggled high school and his turbulent double life as Spider-Man. Despite only having two seasons, it adapted many iconic stories and paid homage to seminal Spidey moments. Many fans consider it one of the best adaptations of Spider-Man ever. And more than a decade after the show ended, fans are still clamoring to see more. This show is spectacular for a reason!
Dysfunctional superheroes always make for some great entertainment. When 43 superpowered babies are mysteriously born on the same day, Sir Reginald Hargreeves adopts 7 of them. He hoped they would grow up to become a powerful group known as the Umbrella Academy. But the siblings ultimately don’t live up to his expectations. Despite that, they band together again after Hargreeves’ death. The show shines with its focus on character work. It’s not just action and fighting but also working through trauma and dealing with emotional challenges. None of us can relate to having superpowers, but we can relate to having feelings of loneliness and insecurity. They might not be the greatest superhero team, but they’re one that fans have flocked to.
This raunchy animated series follows Dr. Harleen Quinzel as she tries to go from supervillain to anti-hero. We never said it’d be easy though. Joining her in her hijinks are her girlfriend Poison Ivy, Clayface, Doctor Psycho, and King Shark. As they try to live life, Harley’s exploits almost always get her and the gang into trouble. It’s a violent and very wacky show but it can get serious too, like the subplot that sees Harley trying to gain independence from her ex, the Joker. While it stumbled a little with its fourth season, fans are hopeful it can get back on track with season five. “Harley Quinn” probably isn’t best for the kids, but it’s something the adults will love.
When you mix the Norse god of mischief with time travel, you get a whole lot of chaotic fun. Despite having grand “fate-of-the-multiverse” level stakes, “Loki” also intricately explores its characters’ pasts and motivations in a way that makes it feel grounded. It’s pretty hard to balance those two opposites, let alone excel at it. The show could easily have turned out “just fine” due to the star power of actors like Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson. But it truly goes above and beyond. It establishes Kang the Conqueror as a viable threat while catapulting Loki himself into the forefront of the MCU. Where so many of the other MCU shows struggled and, in some cases, even failed, “Loki” undeniably succeeds.
Considering how deeply connected these two shows are, you really can’t talk about one without the other. Chronicling the adventures of the Justice League, they revolved around icons like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. But the episodes also shined a spotlight on lesser known heroes like the Question, Huntress, and more. They might have been kids’ shows but they never talked down to the audience. They explored serious issues and had some of the most intelligent writing we’ve ever seen for animated TV. It never hurts that the shows have stunning art, a legendary voice cast, and iconic theme songs too! These shows were so impactful that many fans probably wouldn’t have gotten into DC without them.
Who watches the Watchmen? Well, about 7 million people per episode. This series is a continuation of the graphic novel created by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins. Three decades after the original comic, Angela Abar becomes a vigilante who battles a group of white supremacists. It’s got just about everything you’d want: amazing cinematography, incredible performances by award-winning actors, and lots of plot twists you probably didn’t see coming. Some were apprehensive about this show, since building off one of the greatest comics ever is a tall order. But this Emmy-winning series offers a compelling story that expands the “Watchmen” mythos beautifully.
Teenager Mark Grayson takes flight in this thrilling animated series based on a beloved comic. As the son of Omni-Man, Mark eventually develops powers of his own and becomes the hero Invincible, facing off against enemies like the Mauler Twins, Battle Beast, and more. “Invincible” has a vibrant, old-school animation style, top tier talent doing the voice work, and moments that keep your eyes glued to the screen. It’s not easy for a superhero show outside of the big two studios to captivate audiences, yet “Invincible” has managed to do exactly that.
This show is more than just a comic book series. It’s high art. “Daredevil” follows Hell’s Kitchen lawyer Matt Murdock, who secretly operates as a brutal vigilante. In its three-season run, it’s been considered the stuff of legend by fans. The show isn’t just about a superhero punching bad guys. It’s a gripping character study of the vengeful Murdock. It has an emphasis on religion, symbolism, and breathtaking visuals. And it does it all while still giving comic book fans the material they’ve yearned to see adapted properly. The show still resonates with fans years after it ended. The upcoming Disney+ series “Daredevil: Born Again” has big shoes to fill.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
This edgy show has caught the attention of mainstream audiences like arguably no other. The superheroes of this show, known as the Seven, represent great power. Unfortunately, they possess little responsibility. So it’s up to Billy Butcher and his team of non-superpowered misfits to keep these supes in check. “The Boys” is unapologetic in its brutality and absurdity, delivering action, comedy, and compelling drama all in one. Admittedly, the idea of noble superheroes that are actually just terrible people has been done before. But this ultra-violent, satirical spin on the concept is in a league of its own.
#10: “Smallville” (2001-11)
A show like “Superman and Lois” offers a great glimpse into the life of Superman. But what was his life like before becoming the Man of Steel? “Smallville” explored that idea and much more. The ten-season show followed a teenage Clark Kent in his titular small town and gained a major following. It had compelling characters, interesting dynamics, and even ventured into the expanded DC universe on more than one occasion. Sure, they didn’t fully introduce the “Superman” mantle until the show’s final moments. But fans were so invested in Clark Kent by that point that it arguably didn’t matter. The superhero TV landscape was very different in the early 2000s, but in spite of that, “Smallville” remains a classic.
#9: “The Spectacular Spider-Man” (2008-09)
Where do we start? Do we talk first about the catchy theme song? Do we rave about the designs? How about the compelling characters and captivating storylines? Why don’t we just go with all of the above? There’s so much to love about “The Spectacular Spider-Man.” It followed Peter Parker as he juggled high school and his turbulent double life as Spider-Man. Despite only having two seasons, it adapted many iconic stories and paid homage to seminal Spidey moments. Many fans consider it one of the best adaptations of Spider-Man ever. And more than a decade after the show ended, fans are still clamoring to see more. This show is spectacular for a reason!
#8: “The Umbrella Academy” (2019-)
Dysfunctional superheroes always make for some great entertainment. When 43 superpowered babies are mysteriously born on the same day, Sir Reginald Hargreeves adopts 7 of them. He hoped they would grow up to become a powerful group known as the Umbrella Academy. But the siblings ultimately don’t live up to his expectations. Despite that, they band together again after Hargreeves’ death. The show shines with its focus on character work. It’s not just action and fighting but also working through trauma and dealing with emotional challenges. None of us can relate to having superpowers, but we can relate to having feelings of loneliness and insecurity. They might not be the greatest superhero team, but they’re one that fans have flocked to.
#7: “Harley Quinn” (2019-)
This raunchy animated series follows Dr. Harleen Quinzel as she tries to go from supervillain to anti-hero. We never said it’d be easy though. Joining her in her hijinks are her girlfriend Poison Ivy, Clayface, Doctor Psycho, and King Shark. As they try to live life, Harley’s exploits almost always get her and the gang into trouble. It’s a violent and very wacky show but it can get serious too, like the subplot that sees Harley trying to gain independence from her ex, the Joker. While it stumbled a little with its fourth season, fans are hopeful it can get back on track with season five. “Harley Quinn” probably isn’t best for the kids, but it’s something the adults will love.
#6: “Loki” (2021-)
When you mix the Norse god of mischief with time travel, you get a whole lot of chaotic fun. Despite having grand “fate-of-the-multiverse” level stakes, “Loki” also intricately explores its characters’ pasts and motivations in a way that makes it feel grounded. It’s pretty hard to balance those two opposites, let alone excel at it. The show could easily have turned out “just fine” due to the star power of actors like Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson. But it truly goes above and beyond. It establishes Kang the Conqueror as a viable threat while catapulting Loki himself into the forefront of the MCU. Where so many of the other MCU shows struggled and, in some cases, even failed, “Loki” undeniably succeeds.
#5: “Justice League” (2001-04) / “Justice League Unlimited” (2004-06)
Considering how deeply connected these two shows are, you really can’t talk about one without the other. Chronicling the adventures of the Justice League, they revolved around icons like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. But the episodes also shined a spotlight on lesser known heroes like the Question, Huntress, and more. They might have been kids’ shows but they never talked down to the audience. They explored serious issues and had some of the most intelligent writing we’ve ever seen for animated TV. It never hurts that the shows have stunning art, a legendary voice cast, and iconic theme songs too! These shows were so impactful that many fans probably wouldn’t have gotten into DC without them.
#4: “Watchmen” (2019)
Who watches the Watchmen? Well, about 7 million people per episode. This series is a continuation of the graphic novel created by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins. Three decades after the original comic, Angela Abar becomes a vigilante who battles a group of white supremacists. It’s got just about everything you’d want: amazing cinematography, incredible performances by award-winning actors, and lots of plot twists you probably didn’t see coming. Some were apprehensive about this show, since building off one of the greatest comics ever is a tall order. But this Emmy-winning series offers a compelling story that expands the “Watchmen” mythos beautifully.
#3: “Invincible” (2021-)
Teenager Mark Grayson takes flight in this thrilling animated series based on a beloved comic. As the son of Omni-Man, Mark eventually develops powers of his own and becomes the hero Invincible, facing off against enemies like the Mauler Twins, Battle Beast, and more. “Invincible” has a vibrant, old-school animation style, top tier talent doing the voice work, and moments that keep your eyes glued to the screen. It’s not easy for a superhero show outside of the big two studios to captivate audiences, yet “Invincible” has managed to do exactly that.
#2: “Daredevil” (2015-18)
This show is more than just a comic book series. It’s high art. “Daredevil” follows Hell’s Kitchen lawyer Matt Murdock, who secretly operates as a brutal vigilante. In its three-season run, it’s been considered the stuff of legend by fans. The show isn’t just about a superhero punching bad guys. It’s a gripping character study of the vengeful Murdock. It has an emphasis on religion, symbolism, and breathtaking visuals. And it does it all while still giving comic book fans the material they’ve yearned to see adapted properly. The show still resonates with fans years after it ended. The upcoming Disney+ series “Daredevil: Born Again” has big shoes to fill.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“WandaVision” (2021)
The Title Characters’ Eccentric Suburban Life Will Keep You Laughing & Scratching Your Head“Teen Titans” (2003-06)
When We’ve Got Trouble, We Know Who to Call“Arrow” (2012-20)
The Arrowverse Never Would Have Started Without This Action-Packed Show“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (2013-20)
This Marvel Spy Thriller Is Sure to Keep You Guessing“Doom Patrol” (2019-23)
This Critically-Acclaimed Series Deserved More Than Four Seasons#1: “The Boys” (2019-)
This edgy show has caught the attention of mainstream audiences like arguably no other. The superheroes of this show, known as the Seven, represent great power. Unfortunately, they possess little responsibility. So it’s up to Billy Butcher and his team of non-superpowered misfits to keep these supes in check. “The Boys” is unapologetic in its brutality and absurdity, delivering action, comedy, and compelling drama all in one. Admittedly, the idea of noble superheroes that are actually just terrible people has been done before. But this ultra-violent, satirical spin on the concept is in a league of its own.
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