15 Shows Like Invincible You Should Watch Next

Animated fantasy-horror series "Castlevania," based on the video game series of the same name, proved to be a hit when it debuted on Netflix in 2017. While this sprawling series features many characters, it mainly follows monster hunter Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage), Dracula's son Alucard (James Callis), and powerful magician and element wielder Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso) as they attempt to protect Wallachia from Dracula, his minions, and other unholy creatures that go bump in the night.

Much like "Invincible," "Castlevania" takes time to build to its bloody and brutal climaxes. However, "Invincible" takes place in a bright and exciting fantasy world of superheroes undergirded by a creeping feeling of unrest, which rises to the surface once Omni-Man's true purpose is revealed. "Castlevania," in contrast, wears its darker elements on its sleeve — yet both series explore terror with similar potency, once it arrives. The heroes of "Castlevania" are particularly tested by the monsters they must constantly dispatch, in order to survive until the next episode. Whether you're a fan of the video games or not, it's worth checking out.

Adapted from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comic series of the same name, "The Boys" was met with huge success when it debuted in 2019. It asks a simple question: What would happen if humanity had superpowers? Then it adds another: What if there was one massive corporation that controlled them all? This unique approach to the superhero genre produces a Justice League-esque team of characters who may act like saviors, but are actually violent, selfish, and cruel. Take Homelander (Antony Starr), the Superman equivalent. Much like Omni-Man, Homelander is the strongest of all the "heroes" — but he has his own agenda, and will willingly sacrifice anyone to get his way. These vicious "good guys" are opposed by the titular group of vigilantes. 

Over the course of Season 1, audiences come to understand that Homelander is the true villain of the series, just as Omni-Man is revealed to occupy a similar role on "Invincible." Another striking commonality is what happens when both of these characters get angry: "Brutal display of carnage" is putting it mildly. But once you've watched both, you'll have to admit how much you want to see these two characters duke it out in a grudge match — if only to see them get their comeuppance.

Taking place within the world of Greek mythology, "Blood of Zeus" follows demigod Heron (Derek Phillips), who inadvertently gets roped into a war waged by the gods. Not only does he discover that Zeus is his father over the course of this divine conflict, he also learns his mother was a queen, and that he has a brother who's on a murderous rampage.

"Blood of Zeus" is, as you might expect, a violent tale that sees the gods of Olympus face off against each other and the Giants, mythical creatures of tremendous power. When the gods and the Giants fight, this show is at its most violent — something "Invincible" fans will find familiar. Moreover, Heron's character arc is a lot like Mark's on "Invincible": They both spend Season 1 discovering their powers and coming to terms with their complex lineages. Heron and Mark are easy to rally behind, despite these fantastic abilities, because they're ultimately just like us — with superpowers, of course.

"Arcane" has blown newbies and longtime gamers alike away by being absolutely spectacular. Though this show takes place in the universe of the wildly popular "League of Legends" video game, you don't need to be familiar with it to jump in — "Arcane" gives audiences all the necessary background information. Like "Invincible," "Arcane" sweeps viewers into a world of heroes, violence, and family drama. However, instead of superheroes, "Arcane" follows the denizens of a strictly stratified steampunk world. Caught in the tension between those who live up top and those who dwell below, a pair of sisters are forced to make difficult choices to survive.

Both "Invincible" and "Arcane" explain the social and political aspects of their universes without having to resort to expository narration: They include you, rather than talk at you. This is a thrilling process, as both shows boast intriguing stories and stunning visuals. Moreover, though the worlds featured in these series are brutal, you can't help but wish that you lived there too — if only for a little while.

"Doom Patrol" brings the titular DC Comics team to the small screen. Rather than happy heroes who stand for love, justice, and all that good stuff, however, the Doom Patrol consists of misfits, and their show is a sarcastic and gritty tribute to everyone who lives outside the box.

Boasting megawatt talents like Diane Guerrero, Matt Bomer, and Brendan Fraser, "Doom Patrol" follows its group of weirdos as they save the world and hopefully find some semblance of peace along the way. Just as Mark in "Invincible" needs to learn how to push his personal feelings aside to get the job done, so does the "Doom Patrol" squad. It's what heroes do, after all, even when said heroes are dealing with dissociative identity disorder and having their brains transferred into robotic bodies. Although "Doom Patrol" is a bit more offbeat than "Invincible," fans of the latter series are likely to enjoy its quirky take on good guys in tights.

"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is one of the greatest animated shows ever made. Its successor, "Avatar: The Legend of Korra," is just as thrilling and emotional, though it tackles very different topics. 70 years have passed since the events of the original series, and soft and lovable Aang has been reincarnated as competitive Korra (Janet Varney). In a rapidly changing world reminiscent of the roaring '20s, she must learn what it truly means to be the Avatar, who bridges the material world and that of the spirits. Controlling all four elements isn't enough, it turns out — but with the help of her friends and mentors, Korra might just be up to the challenge.

Korra's journey of self-discovery mirrors Mark's on "Invincible," as becoming a superhero is all he wants, until he actually gets it. These two characters are, in that sense, a cautionary tale of being careful what you wish for, but also a lesson in growth. Heroism might not look the way they thought it would, but it fits them just the same.

Created by Seth Meyers and Mike Shoemaker, "The Awesomes" takes place in the wake of a legendary superhero team's disbandment. This leaves space for a new team to take their place as defenders of the city — but their road isn't an easy one, as the entire world is skeptical of these newbies.

"The Awesomes" is, in some ways, a kinder "Invincible." It tackles similar storylines involving a new team of heroes replacing the old, and takes an irreverent approach to the genre. The big difference is that "The Awesomes" is a light-hearted series, while "Invincible" is a violent one that hides its dark heart behind bright colors. Although the characters of "The Awesomes" are never brought down to the realistic and gritty level those in "Invincible" are, these shows are united in their portrayal of coming-of-age stories and genuine heroism facing seemingly impossible obstacles. In the end, this makes "The Awesomes" and "Invincible" two sides of the same cape-wearing coin.

"Death Note" is an anime classic, beloved by millions of fans all over the world. The dark series follows Light Yagami (Mamoru Miyano), a high school student who comes across a mysteriously powerful notebook. Anyone whose name is written in its pages will die, essentially conferring divine power upon its holder. Light takes it upon himself to be judge, jury, and executioner of all those he deems criminal. He hopes to make the world a better place, but megalomaniacal desires soon take hold. It's not long before Light's actions grab the attention of a genius investigator known only as L (Kappei Yamaguchi).  

Light's transformation from anti-hero to out-of-control monster is a fascinating one, leaving audiences to decide who is truly good and evil. While there are no superheroes here, this is more than a little reminiscent of the way "Invincible" portrays the excesses of "good guys." If you're looking for something propulsive, dark, and utterly unlike anything else out there, "Death Note" is your best bet.