
Superhero stories are now a major part of popular culture worldwide, building on over eighty years of comic book history. They’ve become incredibly popular in movies, TV shows, and video games. These stories usually involve clear ideas of right and wrong, ongoing storylines, and characters who struggle with the challenges of having great power while still being human. Whether you experience them in a comic book or a big-budget movie, these tales use these key elements to examine the difficult choices people make when trying to do what’s right. But even with these common themes, the superhero format is adaptable and often blends with other genres like horror, science fiction, and fantasy.
Popular superhero shows often explain their fantastical elements with science – things like advanced technology, lab mishaps, or genetic changes. Other shows, however, lean into magic, natural superpowers, and supernatural dangers more commonly seen in fantasy stories. Luckily, for viewers who enjoy when superheroes and the mystical world collide, there’s been a growing number of highly enjoyable shows to rewatch in recent years.
7) Swamp Thing

Even though it was cancelled after just one season, the 2019 version of Swamp Thing is a strikingly beautiful take on environmental fantasy and southern gothic horror. The story centers on Abby Arcane (Crystal Reed) as she investigates a dangerous virus originating in the swamps of Marais, Louisiana. She eventually meets Swamp Thing (Derek Mears), a living being made of the swamp itself. A big part of what makes the show enjoyable to rewatch is its use of practical effects, which give the creature a realistic feel that computer-generated imagery often misses. Instead of the usual city settings found in superhero shows, Swamp Thing takes place in a thick, almost predatory swamp that feels truly alive. The series also delves into the conflict between The Green, representing life, and The Rot, representing decay. By portraying Alec Holland’s (Andy Bean) transformation as a tragic, mythical event rather than a simple accident, the show creates a dark and serious mood that appeals to fans of the more supernatural side of the DC universe.
6) Moon Knight

As a huge Marvel fan, I was really impressed with Moon Knight. It’s a fantastic blend of intense psychological drama and epic fantasy, something a little different for the MCU. Oscar Isaac is phenomenal – he completely transforms into both Marc Spector and Steven Grant, two guys sharing one body and connected to the Egyptian moon god Khonshu (voiced perfectly by F. Murray Abraham). What really grabbed me was how much detail they put into the mythology; the story quickly becomes this amazing, worldwide chase to stop the goddess Ammit from being unleashed. Unlike a lot of superhero stuff these days, Moon Knight focuses on the supernatural and godly side of things, rather than just street fights or fancy tech. The way they brought in the Egyptian underworld, the Duat, and deities like Taweret (played wonderfully by Antonia Salib) made it feel like a proper archaeological adventure. And for those who love a good superhero conflict, the tension between Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke) and the different sides of the main character is really compelling and holds up even after multiple watches.
5) Constantine

The 2014 series Constantine is still a standout in supernatural television because it closely captures the dark and atmospheric feel of the original Hellblazer comics. Matt Ryan plays John Constantine as a world-weary exorcist dealing with demons, dangerous deals, and ancient magic – a stark contrast to the typical polished heroes seen on most networks. Each episode presents a new supernatural case, but these stories gradually reveal a larger, looming threat known as the “Rising Darkness.” This makes the show easy to jump into at any point, and the ongoing storyline with the angel Manny (Harold Perrineau) gives Constantine’s journey for personal redemption real emotional depth. By embracing the darker side of fantasy, Constantine has become a beloved show that continues to resonate with viewers.
4) Agatha All Along

With its focus on witchcraft and witch communities, Agatha All Along quickly became a highlight of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series centers on Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), a witch without powers, as she gathers a varied group of witches to journey along the Witches’ Road – a challenging magical path that promises to help them reclaim what they’ve lost. The show stands out for embracing the musical and theatrical elements of fantasy, using original songs to move the story along. It also benefits from the delightful contrast between Kathryn Hahn’s comedic timing and Aubrey Plaza’s more intense performance, creating a fun yet suspenseful atmosphere. Beyond these strengths, a rewatch is rewarding because of the show’s clever foreshadowing regarding the enigmatic character of Teen (Joe Locke) and the true nature of the Witches’ Road.
3) Lucifer

The show Lucifer ran for six seasons and offers a fun twist on the classic fantasy story. It features the Devil, portrayed with charisma by Tom Ellis, as the owner of a Los Angeles nightclub who surprisingly helps the police solve crimes. Ellis perfectly balances Lucifer’s arrogance with his hidden desire to be a better being, making the show especially enjoyable. While each episode often involves a new case, the larger story is an epic battle between angels, demons, and the power struggles of Heaven and Hell. Lucifer is highly rewatchable because it mixes clever humor—particularly the playful interactions between Lucifer and Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German)—with a compelling, high-stakes narrative that follows characters like Amenadiel (D.B. Woodside). The show stands out by giving a human side to powerful, godlike figures while still showcasing their incredible abilities, offering a fresh take on the superhero genre.
2) Legion

Noah Hawley’s Legion is a mind-bending show about psychic powers that throws out the typical superhero formula. Instead, it uses dreamlike visuals and psychological fantasy to tell its story. The series follows David Haller (Dan Stevens), who realizes his hallucinations aren’t just in his head – they’re actually his powerful mutant abilities coming to life. Each season of Legion is packed with complex visuals and unusual storytelling, often requiring viewers to watch multiple times to catch all the hidden details. The show also features a frightening villain, the Shadow King (Navid Negahban), portrayed as a mental parasite who battles the protagonist not just physically, but on a deeper, metaphysical level – leading to fights across different dimensions and even within their minds.
1) Doom Patrol

Topping the list is Doom Patrol, a show that brilliantly blends over-the-top fantasy with a surprisingly heartfelt look at trauma and learning to accept yourself. The series follows a group of outsiders – including Robotman (Brendan Fraser), Larry Trainor (Matt Bomer), and Rita Farr (April Bowlby) – brought together by the mysterious Niles Caulder (Timothy Dalton). Instead of typical heroes, these characters are defined by their flaws and their struggle to hold onto their humanity when the world sees them as monsters. Eschewing logic, the show throws them into wildly strange situations – like battling a living street or a cult worshipping a being who wants to destroy the universe – all to delve deeper into the emotional wounds of its characters. Doom Patrol consistently surprises viewers and focuses on character development over flashy effects, making it a show you can enjoy again and again.
When you need an escape from realistic superhero stories, which fantasy-themed series do you enjoy rewatching? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-30 21:15