Top 10 Most Adult Superhero Shows
#10: “Peacemaker” (2022-)
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James Gunn’s return to the superhero genre with “The Suicide Squad” was one of the biggest surprises of 2021. Fans and critics alike were won over by the film’s ferocious visual style and anarchic humor, so it made sense for Gunn’s follow-up series to provide the exact same thing. Placing John Cena back in the role of the titular anti-hero, “Peacemaker” follows the homicidal killer as he’s recruited for another top-secret mission by Amanda Waller. From there, the show packs in everything from alien invasions to kung fu gorillas. At times, it seems like too much to handle, but with some stone cold jabs at other DC properties and one of the greatest credit sequences in recent memory, we can’t get enough.
#9: “Misfits (2009-13)
You can tell how unique a superhero show is when it’s not based on a comic series. That’s precisely what was so appealing about this British series before it was sadly cancelled in 2013. “Misfits” follows a group of juvenile delinquents who obtain superpowers after getting caught in a storm during community service. These aren’t your average teenagers. They say what’s on their mind, regardless of how vulgar it may be, and aren’t afraid to use their powers recklessly. Each of their abilities are a reflection of their experiences, meaning the show doesn’t skimp on meaningful discussions of heavy topics. While there are plenty of mature superhero shows out there, few are as carefree about the idea of “great responsibility” as this one.
#8: “The Umbrella Academy” (2019-)
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Any kid who grows up admiring the camaraderie of the X-Men is in for a rude awakening with this Netflix original. “The Umbrella Academy” follows seven superpowered siblings who were all adopted by a cold-hearted billionaire after some most unusual pregnancies. The show has plenty of outlandish storylines and superb action sequences, but the main draw are the complex characters that make up the dysfunctional Hargreeves family. The telekinetic Diego, teleporting Five, and seemingly normal Viktor are just the tip of the iceberg in a family that causes trouble as quickly as it saves the world. The show preaches the value of teamwork, but the Hargreeves children are proof that being a team doesn’t mean you have to like each other.
#7: “The Punisher” (2017-19)
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After his epic introduction in the equally grisly “Daredevil,” Jon Bernthal’s hardened assassin Frank Castle was more than prepared to take on a series of his own. And boy did he ever. Borrowing elements of the crime and conspiracy genres, “The Punisher” immediately distinguishes itself from other Marvel shows because its protagonist is more than willing to kill as a means to an end. True to his nature, Frank has us cowering in fear as those who wrong him are beaten to a bloody pulp. His knowledge of weaponry and unrivaled skill in hand-to-hand combat make him one of the most dangerous and disturbing characters on the small screen. This makes the show an entertaining experience, if not an easily digestible one.
#6: “Doom Patrol” (2019-)
Adapting one of their more obscure superhero teams meant that DC didn’t have to contend with the storytelling limitations often placed on the likes of Batman and Superman. As a result, the edgier “Doom Patrol” gets away with being gruesome, darkly humorous, and just downright strange. Each member of the group manifests their powers in the wake of horrific tragedies, leaving them haunted by their pasts and shunned by society. It certainly doesn’t make for the most uplifting storytelling, but Jane, Rita, Larry, Cliff, and Vic each earn the audience’s sympathy. These characters aren’t afraid of earnest discussions about how they can still make amends with themselves. It’s perhaps the closest to a character study a superhero show has ever gotten.
#5: “Daredevil” (2015-18)
We’re not sure who the “Daredevil” movie was for, but there’s no denying that a murkier tone and lack of restraint makes this Netflix series the perfect counterpoint. The setup is still the same: lawyer Matt Murdock is blind and moonlights as a vigilante who protects Hell’s Kitchen from ruthless crime boss Wilson Fisk. The show has a plethora of multidimensional personalities whose ideas of retribution constantly have us questioning how heroic or villainous they are. On top of that, it takes to the streets for many of Daredevil’s exploits, giving the action an added level of unflinching realism. Now that the character has joined the family friendly side of the MCU, we can only hope that he’s brought his signature brand of bloody justice with him.
#4: “Watchmen” (2019)
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Though not without its own share of graphic content, this spiritual sequel to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ timeless graphic novel is sure to startle due to how realistic and mature its subject matter is. Set in modern day Oklahoma, the series envisions a world in which white supremacy has forced law enforcement officers to wear masks to conceal their identity. It not only expands upon its source material’s world in politically relevant fashion, but it crafts an identity all its own by plunging into some dark secrets history has kept hidden. It’s the perfect show for both fans and novices, but given how matter-of-factly it approaches topics like terrorism, conspiracy, and racism, it’s most definitely not for the faint of heart.
#3: “Invincible (2021-)
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Just because the hero is a kid doesn’t mean a show is meant for kids. That’s a lesson we’re forced to learn after teenager Mark Grayson inherits powers from his father, Omni-Man. “Invincible” is proof that appearances can be deceiving, as its story, much like Omni-Man, is not at all how it appears at first glance. By the end of its first episode alone, the series shifts from a classic coming-of-age story to a deadly serious morality tale with brutal violence and incredibly personal stakes. It’s about as tough a watch as superhero shows get, but its held together by gorgeous animation and a surprising amount of sincerity. Just don’t go picking a fight with any of these supers. You will regret it.
#2: “Harley Quinn” (2019-)
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Following the titular villainess as she dumps the Joker to make a name for herself, “Harley Quinn” is proof that Batman’s rogues gallery have plenty of nuance beneath their sadistic ways. Right away, it makes one thing perfectly clear: this is NOT the Gotham City we came to know in “Batman: The Animated Series.” The colorful palette and “Saturday morning” feel of the show’s animation provide the perfect contrast to its relentless bloodshed and twisted sense of humor. It has brilliant jokes directed at the DC Universe in spades, but it also portrays its protagonist in a graceful and empowering fashion. “Harley Quinn” thus carves out a logical next step for those who grew up with these characters and are now yearning for something fresh.
#1: “The Boys” (2019-)
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“The Boys” is easily the most R-rated series on this list, and it’s proud of that. A show as mean-spirited as it is hilarious, this wicked satire centers on a group of vigilantes who work to take down the morally corrupt “supes” of the world. Their main target: The Seven, a pseudo-Justice League led by the sociopathic Homelander, who relishes any opportunity to misuse his unfathomable power. “The Boys” mocks the capitalism of the Seven’s handlers at Vought International as easily as it criticizes the role superheroes play in the media. Plus, its unrelenting gore and free-wheeling profanity are more than enough to make you think twice before letting your kids watch it. No one gets a pass in a world as unforgiving as this.
