10 Shows and Movies Like Harley Quinn (2019)

Description: Like 'Harley Quinn (2019)', 'The Boys' is a darkly comedic take on superheroes, subverting traditional tropes with violent, irreverent humor. Both explore themes of anti-heroism, moral ambiguity, and dysfunctional relationships within a hyper-violent world. The satirical tone and graphic content align closely with Harley Quinn's chaotic energy.

Fact: 'The Boys' is based on the comic series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. Antony Starr's portrayal of Homelander is often cited as one of the most terrifying villains in TV history. The show's 'Herogasm' episode broke new ground for superhero genre absurdity.

Description: This shares Harley Quinn's subversion of superhero tropes through ultraviolence and dark humor. Both explore what happens when regular people try to be heroes in brutal realities. Hit-Girl's chaotic energy in particular mirrors Harley's.

Fact: Chloe Grace Moretz was only 11 during filming. The comic was originally intended to be adapted as an animated film. Nicholas Cage based his performance on Adam West's Batman.

Description: A direct DC cousin to Harley Quinn, sharing the same irreverent tone and violent comedy. Both feature morally ambiguous protagonists trying to outrun their pasts, with killer soundtracks and unexpected emotional depth beneath the crude humor. James Gunn's fingerprints are on both projects.

Fact: John Cena didn't break character once during the entire shoot. The opening dance sequence took weeks to choreograph. Eagly the eagle was entirely CGI except for one real eagle shot.

Description: The closest live-action counterpart to Harley Quinn's fourth-wall-breaking, hyper-violent comedy. Both characters revel in chaos while masking deeper pain with jokes. The R-rated superhero approach paved the way for shows like Harley Quinn.

Fact: Ryan Reynolds fought for 11 years to get the movie made. The suit's eyes were animated in post-production. Morena Baccarin filmed her scenes while 7 months pregnant.

Description: While not a superhero show, 'Archer' shares Harley Quinn's razor-sharp wit, rapid-fire pop culture references, and dysfunctional character dynamics. Both feature protagonists with chaotic, self-destructive tendencies wrapped in dark humor. The animation style similarly blends exaggerated violence with comedic timing.

Fact: H. Jon Benjamin voices Sterling Archer without ever seeing the animation during recording. The show originally had a different title: 'Duchess'. Archer's coma seasons (8-10) were a creative gamble that divided fans.

Description: This shares Harley Quinn's blend of existential themes with outrageous humor. Both feature unstable protagonists leaving chaos in their wake, with clever writing that balances crude jokes with surprisingly deep character moments. The multiverse elements in both allow for wild, unpredictable storytelling.

Fact: The iconic burp sounds were created by Justin Roiland drinking actual soda during recordings. The 'Pickle Rick' episode won an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program. McDonald's actually brought back Szechuan Sauce due to fan demand from the show.

Description: Like Harley Quinn, 'Preacher' blends extreme violence with theological questions and dark comedy. Both feature protagonists with questionable morality navigating supernatural circumstances. The shows share a punk-rock attitude toward their source material.

Fact: The adaptation was in development hell for nearly 20 years. Tulip's action scenes were inspired by '70s exploitation films. The Saint of Killers' backstory episode was shot like a spaghetti western.

Description: This superhero parody shares Harley Quinn's balance of slapstick and clever satire. Both deconstruct hero tropes while maintaining genuine affection for the genre. The Tick's absurdist humor and colorful villains would feel at home in Harley's Gotham.

Fact: Creator Ben Edlund originally conceived The Tick as a newsletter mascot. Peter Serafinowitz ad-libbed many of The Tick's best lines. The show was canceled twice (after seasons 1 and 2).

Description: Another DC property that, like Harley Quinn, embraces weirdness and trauma with humor. Both feature teams of misfit anti-heroes dealing with personal demons through absurd adventures. The shows share a willingness to get emotionally raw amidst the superhero nonsense.

Fact: Brendan Fraser's Robotman performance was recorded first, then the suit actors mimicked his movements. The show features DC's first canonical transgender superhero. Alan Tudyk voices three different characters across the series.

Description: This period drama might seem an odd match, but like Harley Quinn, it features a manipulative, charismatic lead navigating complex relationships with sharp dialogue. Both shows explore themes of power dynamics in relationships, though in vastly different settings.

Fact: The series serves as a prequel to the famous 1782 French novel. It was filmed in Prague during COVID restrictions. The costumes required over 3,000 hours of hand embroidery.