20 Best Superhero TV Shows, Ranked

Spanning several properties, superhero shows have long been beloved by fans of both TV and comic books. Some more than others, but for the most part, there’s always a high-quality show to check out for the superhero subgenre’s audience. New properties are being brought to screens pretty much every year, and the best of them all will be detailed in this list.

These will include properties based on DC Comics, Marvel, Image Comics, and more, but it’ll also be touching on original properties that nonetheless fit the “Superhero” bill. All that said, these are the twenty greatest examples of superhero TV shows, ranked.

20 Batman (1966 – 1968)

Quality aside, Batman (1966 – 1968) deserves to be mentioned for its iconic status alone. It stars Adam West and Burt Ward as famous crime-fighting duo Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson — also known as Batman and Robin. With campy storytelling and over-the-top music, the original Batman series is primarily a comedy, and it resonated with a wide array of audiences.

Widespread Popularity

It was once heralded as an all-time great of American television, and for several decades, Batman even held the record as the longest-running live-action show about superheros. This was aided by the marketing of a feature-length film, released between seasons one and two of the TV show at hand. Both projects hold up well today.

19 Smallville (2001 – 2011)

In the pre-production stages of this origin story, interesting tales re: the conception of Smallville (2001 – 2011) quickly rose to the surface. Developed by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the series was inspired by a proposed show about Batman. Another origin story, it was set to revolve around Bruce Wayne’s rise as the Caped Crusader, which turned into a coming-of-age story about the valiant Clark Kent.

Creating an Identity

Before becoming Superman in his full form, protagonist Clark Kent acquainted himself with some newfound powers while traversing meaningful character dynamics in the titular Kentucky town. A simple origin story seen into fruition by a talented, star-studded cast. Though one or two of its seasons failed to hit the mark, Smallville nonetheless belongs on a list of the all-time best.

18 Arrow (2012 – 2020)

Beginning a long-running era of live-action DC shows, Arrow (2012 – 2020) is (appropriately) the inaugural entry in the Arrowverse, a media franchise that took the comic book world by storm. Playing lead character Oliver Queen is Canadian actor Stephen Amell, who garnered household name value for his eight-season stint.

Beginning a Shared Universe

An action-packed story with memorable characters, this series was celebrated by producer Marc Guggenheim for saving The CW as a network, as Arrow spawned numerous other shows such as The Flash (2015–2023), Supergirl (2016–2021), and Black Lightning (2018–2021). Some fans consider Arrow the best of that bunch, and on someone else’s list of superhero shows, it may be even higher.

17 Legends of Tomorrow (2016 – 2022)

A more recent entry in DC’s long line of live-action shows, Legends of Tomorrow (2016 – 2022) became a sensation with critics after a bit of a bumpy start. Season one attempted to incorporate a few too many characters, but once things got rolling, this was heralded as a preeminent television show that focuses on superheros.

Best of the Arrowverse

Perhaps a hot take, but Legends of Tomorrow is the best show that DC’s Arrowverse has offered to The CW. With elements of time travel providing central conflict, a memorable team of superheroes is recruited to prevent the destruction of earth. Running for seven seasons, Legends of Tomorrow isn’t just the cream of the Arrowverse’s crop — it’s also an all-time great re: superhero shows in general.

16 Peacemaker (2022 – Present)

With wrestler-turned-actor John Cena in the show’s primary role, Peacemaker (2022) marks his second time portraying the eponymous character following his work on The Suicide Squad (2021). Both projects were created by famous filmmaker James Gunn, who legitimately conceived the TV show at hand based on the prowess of Cena.

Defining a Career

After establishing himself as a juggernaut of professional wrestling, John Cena became a superstar actor thanks to a series of Hollywood comedies. His best display was in The Suicide Squad, which led to his reprisal here in a hilarious TV show. His character’s skewed understanding of general moral principles facilitates hilarious moments, and as a whole, Peacemaker is among the most entertaining shows to revolve around someone with superpowers.

15 Gen V (2023 – Present)

Highlighted by a talented cast of up-and-coming superstars, Gen V (2023 – present) marks the second spinoff of another superhero show, called The Boys (2019–present). First was an animated anthology show called The Boys Presents: Diabolical (2022), with both shows taking a fresh approach to an already inventive series.

Joining the Ranks

Assembling a new team of superpowered characters, Gen V follows students of Godolkin University School of Crimefighting, where they each get a chance to graduate and join the ranks of The Seven — an elite squad of superheros created by Vought International. Though not quite as heralded as its original counterpart, Gen V has nonetheless joined the ranks of the subgenre’s best shows.

14 Young Justice (2010 – 2022)

In spite of sharing a title with a line of comics, Young Justice (2010 – 2022) puts an original story within the DC Universe. It’s a bit like Teen Titans (2003–2006) on paper, though the events of that particular series don’t exist in the Young Justice canon. Now, these youthful heroes are attached to the Justice League, albeit outside their general bureaucracy.

Iconic Characters Band Together

Several famous comic book characters are gathered together in Young Justice, from Robin and Superboy to Kid Flash and Aqualad. They partake in rip-roaring action scenes that are defined by dazzling visuals, and the featured plot points received so much acclaim that Young Justice flew high for nearly a hundred episodes total. It remains a pivotal superhero show, and likely always will.

13 Static Shock (2000 – 2004)

Mutagen gas exposure grants electromagnetic powers to the titular hero in Static Shock (2000 – 2004), a classic of television from the DC Animated Universe. When he’s not referred to as his alter ego, Static is typically known by his birth name: Virgil Hawkins. A high school student, Virgil was previously involved in gang violence before developing some visually alluring powers.

A Powerful Teenager

Molded after Spider-Man by Marvel Comics, this superhero battles a unique array of foes — such as the Blood Syndicates — while traversing Dakota City on his hover disc, known as the Static Saucer. Action aside, relevant themes swell to the surface of Static Shock as a whole, and the lead character resonates with audiences every step of the way. He’s an icon of superhero television, and that will always be the case.

12 WandaVision (2021)

The creativity of WandaVision (2021) put audiences on notice of the potential for Marvel Cinematic Universe characters to transition toward television. It stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff, also known as the Scarlett Witch, while Paul Bettany appears once again as a vibranium-based android named Vision.

Establishing Some Spinoffs

Starting with WandaVision — which places a pair of unlikely superheroes within a New Jersey suburb — Marvel managed to shake up their Cinematic Universe by taking over television. Several acclaimed live-action shows followed after WandaVision, with titles such as Loki (2021) rivaling its quality. For its originality alone, however, WandaVision reigns supreme as the peak of MCU television.

11 The Powerpuff Girls (1998 – 2005)

Though not based on a comic book, The Powerpuff Girls (1998 – 2005) is known as essential viewing for fans of superhero television. And with good reason. For seven seasons, it aired on Cartoon Network to widespread praise by pundits and audiences alike. The eponymous group of girls consists of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, who were created by Professor Utonium.

Peak Cartoon Network

As they fight evildoers with their unique array of powers, the Girls entertain audiences with a well-developed dynamic and action-packed spectacles. Released during a hot time for cartoons, this is one of the most visually stunning of the bunch, with animations that hold up brilliantly more than two decades down the line. If it’s been sometime since you’ve revisited Powerpuff Girls, rest assured it holds up as an undeniable classic.

10 Watchmen (2019)

A limited series, Watchmen (2019) divided fans upon release, though it managed to resonate with critics. In fact, it was more revered by pundits than Zack Snyder’s feature film of the same name, released in 2009. The latter project is actually beloved by a certain corner of fans — not like the limited series from a decade down the line.

Another Divisive Adaptation

Homing in on detective Angela Abar — also known as Sister Night — the series does tremendous justice to the 1987 graphic novel by writer Alan Moore, artist Dave Gibbons, and colorist John Higgins. Among its medium’s greatest works, Watchmen resonated with comic book fans like few graphic novels ever written. Of a similar quality, this HBO series failed to impress Alan Moore, but it’s nonetheless up there as one of the bests.

9 Justice League (2001 – 2004)

Dozens of famous characters join forces in Justice League: The Animated Series (2001 – 2004), a hit animated show produced by Bruce Timm. That same creative was lead showrunner for every entry in the DC Animated Universe, producer for the more recent string of animated movies, and all throughout, Timm has voiced characters such as Thomas Wayne and Two Face.

The Talent of Its Cast

Also providing his vocal chords for a Justice League episode, Timm amassed a talented collection of performers to voice these iconic characters. Returning as Batman is of course Kevin Conroy, while other names include George Newbern and Susan Eisenberg as Superman and Wonder Woman, respectively. Though the last two actors are rarely mentioned, their voices are iconic.

8 Daredevil (2015 – 2018)

Starring Charlie Cox as the masked vigilante, Daredevil (2015 – 2018) took TV fans by surprise from the opening scenes of its pilot. It’s a high-quality piece of storytelling around every corner of storytelling, perfectly establishing character dynamics in its first few episodes and expanding their individual arcs as three seasons go by.

Kickstarting a Series

Several other Marvel properties were adapted to TV by Netflix after the phenomenon of Daredevil. There was the popular Jessica Jones (2015–2019), and others like Luke Cage (2016–2018). With engrossing action sequences and poignant plot points, Daredevil remains the cream of Netflix’s superhero crop. The majority of fans would have to agree.

7 Misfits (2009 – 2013)

As the inciting incident of Misfits (2009 – 2013), an abnormal electrical storm grants supernatural abilities to a group of five youthful offenders. Their powers range from telepathy and time manipulation to invisibility and “Instant Sexual Arousal,” with the last of those being harbored by character Alisha Daniels, who’s played by Antonia Thomas.

An Underrated Cast

On top of Thomas, other cast members of Misfits include names such as Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. There’s also Robert Sheehan as Nathan Young, a face fans will recognize from Netlix’s hit The Umbrella Academy. These characters hit home by virtue of their unique sets of powers, but the show also thrives on its unpredictability. Though some fans feel it went downhill after the departure of every original cast member, it never provides a dull moment.

Related: 18 Forgotten Superhero Shows That Didn’t Last Very Long

6 Invincible (2021 – Present)

Don’t be fooled by the flashy animation and grown men in jumpsuits, as Invincible (2021 – present) is geared entirely toward adults, with whom it’s resonated quite fondly for two seasons thus far. With Steven Yeung in the lead role, it follows Mark Grayson as he adapts to the hero’s lifestyle, mentored along the way by his super-powered father, named Nolan — also called Omni-Man. The father-son duo share a wonderful rapport while engaging in action-packed bloodbaths.

Animation for Adults

With comic book writer Robert Kirkland as its creator, the show was based on a property by Kirkland, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. While popular with a select corner of fans, the series by Image Comics went rather overlooked until being adapted to television. Rest assured, audiences are now on note.

5 X-Men: The Animated Series (1992 – 1997)

For five straight seasons, X-Men: The Animated Series (1992 – 1997) was among the biggest things on television. It adapts dozens of storylines from Marvel Comics, while also depicting the most popular heroes from X-Men entries past. This was released as something of a novelty, of course being made well before a live-action adaptation ever reached the silver screen.

• 

  X-Men

  Release Date

  October 31, 1992

  Cast

  Catherine Disher , George Buza , Alyson Court , Lally Cadeau , Alison Sealy-Smith

  Seasons

  5

• 

  X-Men ’97

  Release Date

  March 20, 2024

  Cast

  Jennifer Hale , Chris Potter , Ray Chase , George Buza , Catherine Disher , JP Karliak

  Seasons

  1

Cartoons at Their Height

Thanks to several other cartoons that have already been touched on or will be soon enough, X-Men: The Animated Series helped to popularize the medium as a go-to format for comic adaptations. Now, superheroes are widespread across movies, television, and even mediums like video games. Turn on the original X-Men cartoon on a given Saturday morning, and feel a wave of nostalgia wash over your every being.

Related: X-Men: Every Animated Series Ever Made, Ranked

4 Batman Beyond (1999 – 2001)

Thanks to the allure of its protagonist alone, Batman Beyond (1999 – 2001) remains a fan-favorite entry of television, regardless of genre or category. It’s not Bruce Wayne as the Caped Crusader, though. Instead, donning a high-tech batsuit in Beyond would be Terry McGinnis, who takes the torch and runs just as quickly as Barry Allen.

The Next Generation

Upon release, fans weren’t exactly hyped to see Bruce Wayne hang up his batsuit. Fast-forward a couple of decades later, and Batman Beyond isn’t just considered a cult classic. This is widely regarded as an essential piece of superhero entertainment, and one of the greatest shows based on DC Comics. As he traverses a futuristic, almost cyberpunk Gotham, new blood Terry McGinnis hits home with superhero fans everywhere.

3 The Boys (2019 – Present)

Written by Garth Ennis with Derrick Robertson as the co-creator, designer, and illustrator, the original line of comics on which this show are based was actually rather unknown before The Boys (2019 – present) was picked up by Amazon. Credit to the aforementioned creatives, though — their masterful source material was faithfully adapted to produce a worldwide sensation on television.

A Superhero Satire

In spite of recent outrage from a certain corner of fans, The Boys still runs strong today as one of television’s greatest titles. It’s a unique, bloody, and foul-mouthed satire that puts the perfect spin on the superhero subgenre, turning streaming on its head. From Homelander and Starlight to Hughey and Butcher, this collection of memorable characters will linger in the minds of audiences long after The Boys is complete.

Related: Why Homelander is Obsessed With Milk in The Boys

2 Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994 – 1998)

Classic theme song, iconic voice cast, timeless animation — from every perspective of storytelling and filmmaking, Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994 – 1998) stands tall as an absolute, bona fide masterpiece. No origin story for Peter Parker at this point, with Spider-Man in full-fledged superhero mode by the start of its pilot episode.

Continuing a Trend and Creating a Legacy

Animated superhero shows were marquee programs in the nineties, with Spider-Man: The Animated Series hitting the airwaves with keen punctuality. On top of continuing that Saturday-morning trend, this series remains noteworthy in the grand scheme of superheros thanks to its introduction of the “Spider-Verse” storyline. No telling where the subgenre would be today without this masterful Marvel series.

1 Batman: The Animated Series (1992 – 1995)

Almost a given, Batman: The Animated Series (1992 – 1995) is the greatest show in the superhero subgenre’s history. It’s arguably one of the best-animated shows ever made, and easily up there among the most iconic. From voice actor Kevin Conroy to composer Danny Elfman, a talented cast and crew rendered Batman: The Animated Series an absolute sensation.

The Best of Its Kind

Related: All Batman Animated Series Rife with criminal activity and replete with hard-boiled characters, Batman: The Animated Series achieves a film noir style that resonated with audiences from its very first episode. Numbers of success like critical consensuses and at-home viewership will support this superhero series as a triumph of animation, and even an all-time great of animation in general.