DexertoInvincible Season 3 Episode 8 brought Mark Grayson’s adventures to an exciting and violent conclusion (for now at least).
So, while we wait for Invincible Season 4 (it shouldn’t be too long if Robert Kirkman is to be believed) and Mark’s return, I thought I’d save you from your boredom by recommending some incredible shows just like Invincible.
Now, I didn’t want to pick a list of any old series; only the best TV shows were good enough for my readers. To that end, I’ve chosen a range of series, including exciting superhero shows, awesome anime, and incredible action series, all of which share some of Invincible’s DNA (not in a creepy clone kind of way, I’m not one of the Mauler Twins).
These shows, then, are either thrilling stories of daring do, mature tales about thorny philosophical issues, or violent adult series with plenty of swearing and sex (come on, we all know this is part of Invincible’s charm). No need to thank me for doing this; I’m not a hero… wait, no. I am.
X-Men ’97
- Release date: March 20, 2024 – present
- Genre: Superhero
- Cast: Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, J. P. Karliak
- How long is it? 1 season (10 episodes)
What it’s about: After Charles Xavier leaves Earth following an unsuccessful attempt on his life, the X-Men struggle to make his dream of mutant and human peace a reality. Along the way, old enemies become allies, heroes fall, and a terrifying new enemy emerges.
Why we like it: Like Invincible, X-Men ’97 is a character-driven series that uses the colorful world of superheroes to explore a range of adult themes, including racism, prejudice, and even genocide.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, X-Men ’97 is a pretty dark show, and it gave us what might be 2024’s most heartbreaking TV moment; we’re sure you “remember it.” Still, it’s not all doom and gloom, and there’s plenty of fun to be had watching the X-Men battle evil mutants, sinister scientists, and rogue robots. Let’s hope X-Men 97 Season 2 can live up to its predecessor.
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Samurai Jack
Cartoon Network- Release date: August 10, 2001 – May 20, 2017
- Genre: Action-adventure/fantasy
- Cast: Phil LaMarr, Mako, Greg Baldwin
- How long is it? 5 seasons (62 episodes)
What it’s about: Long ago, in a distant land, the shape-shifting master of darkness, Aku, unleashed an unspeakable evil! But a foolish samurai warrior wielding a magic sword stepped forth to oppose him. Before the final blow was struck, Aku tore open a portal in time and flung him into the future where Aku’s evil is law. Now, the fool seeks to return to the past and undo the future that is Aku! (I bet you read that in Aku’s voice).
Why we like it: Part-action show, part-experimental film, Samurai Jack was, for most of its run, a stylish and surprisingly cinematic cartoon that boasted some of the best fight choreography ever to grace the small screen. Yet it’s Jack’s fifth season that earned it a spot on this list. These 10 episodes brought Jack’s adventure to a heartbreaking and cathartic end that might not have given us exactly what we wanted but was powerful nonetheless.
Young Justice
Max- Release date: November 26, 2010 – June 9, 2022
- Genre: Superhero
- Cast: Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, Nolan North
- How long is it? 4 seasons (98 episodes)
What it’s about: The teenage sidekicks of DC’s greatest heroes form their own super team to protect the world from evil.
Why we like it: Like Invincible, Young Justice follows a group of younger heroes and explores the sometimes painful reality of being a kid involved in the war against crime (as well as alien invasions; it’s DC, after all).
While Young Justice is nowhere near as bloody as Mark’s show, both series do explore the darker side of superheroism and the sacrifices heroes must make to keep the world safe from villains (if you thought Rex’s death was sad, it’s got nothing on Wally West’s sacrifice). Beyond that, you get plenty of DC cameos and fun fight scenes. Plus, it gave us the best version of Aquadlad ever, and I included the comics in that.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Paramount Global- Release date: February 21, 2005 – July 19, 2008
- Genre: Fantasy
- Cast: Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Dante Basco
- How long is it? 3 seasons (61 episodes)
What it’s about: Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads. The Avatar, the only person capable of wielding all four elements, had the power to stop them, but when the world needed him most, he disappeared. One hundred years later, the new Avatar is finally discovered, and he begins the difficult job of ending the Fire Nation’s genocidal war.
Why we like it: Now you don’t need me to tell you why Avatar: The Last Airbender is a great show. You already know it’s well-written, deals with some heavy topics, and is gorgeously animated. Yet you might be wondering what a TV series about a kid throwing fireballs around has in common with Mark Grayson’s show?
Well, one of the things that makes Invincible such a great series is how it deals with consequences, and the show has never shied away from showing us how the decisions our heroes and villains make impact the lives of others. This is very similar to Avatar: The Last Airbender, which similarly refused to let their characters escape the weight of their choices, making their journeys feel more meaningful and their world more immersive.
Spawn: The Animated Series
Max- Release date: May 16, 1997 – May 28, 1999
- Genre: Superhero
- Cast: Keith David, Richard Dysart, Michael Nicolosi
- How long is it? 3 seasons (18 episodes)
What it’s about: After former Marine Force Recon Lieutenant Colonel Al Simmons is murdered, he swears undying vengeance on the man who killed him. Unfortunately for Al, the Devil was listening, and he resurrects Al as the cadaverous revenant Spawn. Horrified at his undead existence, Al becomes a violent vigilante protecting the innocent from the forces of Hell and Heaven.
Why we like it: The Spawn live-action movie leaves a lot to be desired, but the animated series that released alongside it is the perfect adaptation of the character. Darker than a depressed goth’s unlit bedroom and grittier than a sandy beach in summer, this show nailed the grim tone that made the Spawn comics so popular.
Beyond the brilliant writing, Spawn looks amazing as well, and the show makes great use of heavy shadows and detailed character designs to give the feeling of a comic panel come to life. However, the series’ secret weapon is Keith David, who voices the titular anti-hero. His deep baritone is perfect for a character like Spawn, and it makes me even sadder that he couldn’t have a cameo in Invincible Season 3.
The Boys Presents: Diabolical
Prime Video- Release date: March 4, 2022
- Genre: Black comedy
- Cast: Antony Starr, Dominique McElligott, Colby Minifie, Chace Crawford, Elisabeth Shue, Giancarlo Esposito
- How long is it? 1 season (8 episodes)
What it’s about: An anthology series set in The Boys universe, Diabolical explores the absurd adventure of those unlucky enough to live in a world where superheroes are real.
Why we like it: If you like Invincible, then it’s very likely that you enjoy seeing superheroes or – superpowered individuals at least – using their powers to do terrible things. Well, superheroes have never been more terrible (terribler?) than in The Boys and its animated spin-off Diabolical.
This anthology series tells several tales from a variety of talented writers in a number of different genres and animated styles. So you get to experience Homelander’s surprisingly upsetting origin (who’d have thought he ever wanted to do good?) alongside learning what happened to that baby with laser vision. Even Billy Butcher couldn’t say no to this super show.
The Spectacular Spider-Man
Sony Animation - Release date: March 8, 2008 – November 18, 2009
- Genre: Superhero
- Cast: Josh Keaton, Lacey Chabert, James Arnold Taylor, Daran Norris
- How long is it? 2 seasons (26 episodes)
What it’s about: After Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider, he gains great power. But with this power comes even greater responsibility, and as poor Pete battles to keep New York City safe from various villains, he also has to deal with something even more difficult: being a teenager.
Why we like it: The greatest adaptation of Spider-Man ever made (yeah, I said it), Spectacular, much like Invincible, perfectly captures the difficulty of balancing a normal teenage life with the pressures of being a superhero.
As a result, Keaton’s take on the Wallcrawler is arguably the most relatable version of the character outside of the comics, and anyone who enjoyed seeing Mark struggle with his love life will get a kick out of Peter’s similar trials and tribulations. It’s not all teenage angst, though; Spectacular does a fantastic job at putting a new spin on some classic Spider-Man villains and somehow reinvigorating the rather tired Green Goblin story for a new generation of fans.
My Adventures with Superman
Adult Swim- Release date: July 7, 2023 – present
- Genre: Superhero
- Cast: Jack Quaid, Alice Lee, Ishmel Sahid
- How long is it? 2 seasons (20 episodes)
What it’s about: Set during Superman’s earliest days, this charming series follows Clark Kent as he and his friends – Lois Lane and Jimmy Olson – break news and battle baddies.
Why we like it: If you’re reading this, you know that the world of Invincible is not a happy one. It’s a place where even our heroes are pretty shady characters doing morally gray things to keep the peace. My Adventures With Superman (MAWS) is the exact opposite; it’s an optimistic and upbeat show that dares to dream that heroes can be better. Now, that might sound a bit dull, but MAWS, through some razor-sharp writing, great vocal performances, and a bold take on the Superman story you think you know, isn’t boring – it’s super.
Archer
FX- Release date: September 17, 2009 – December 17, 2023
- Genre: Spy-thriller
- Cast: H. Jon Benjamin, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, Chris Parnell
- How long is it? 14 seasons (145 episodes)
What it’s about: A spy spoof, Archer follows the titular Agent Mallory Archer – a competent yet buffoonish spy – as he drinks, shoots, and sleeps his way through international crises.
Why we like it: A playful takedown of James Bond, Archer is an irreverent and absurdist comedy that delights in poking fun at the tropes and cliches that define the spy genre. It’s also savagely violent and very adult at times, just like Invincible, though Archer isn’t being provocative for the sake of shock value. Instead, the swearing, gun fights, and gratuitous nudity are there to enhance the satire, exaggerating the excesses of classic spy thrillers while highlighting the dysfunctional relationships and ridiculousness of its well-written characters’ lives.
One-Punch Man
Crunchyroll- Release date: October 5, 2015 – present
- Genre: Anime
- Cast: Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Aoi Yūki
- How long is it? 2 seasons (24 episodes)
What it’s about: Set in a world where the Earth is under constant threat from monsters and other mysterious beings. One-Punch Man follows Saitama, the world’s strongest hero who’s grown bored of his seemingly limitless power.
Why we like it: If your favorite thing about Invincible is the incredible action sequences, then you’ll love One Punch Man, especially the fights in Season 1. Each of the show’s big battles is gorgeously animated and painstakingly choreographed. As a result, they’re amazing to watch (my personal favorites are Genos vs. Carnage Kabuto and Saitama vs. Boros), featuring flashy techniques, dynamic combat, and more than a few brutal dismemberings. The only downside? When Saitama turns up, every fight is more one-sided than that between Mark and Nolan.
And that’s it for shows like Invincible. If you’re looking for more great recommendations, why not check out our lists of the best superhero movies and best action movies. We’ve also got a guide to all the new 2025 TV shows for you to peruse as well.