10 Shows and Movies Similar to Shadowhunters (2016)

Description: Buffy pioneered the teen supernatural drama genre that Shadowhunters follows. Both feature strong female leads balancing normal life with supernatural responsibilities. The mix of humor, horror, and heartfelt drama is similar in both shows.

Fact: Created by Joss Whedon. The show's success led to the term 'Buffyverse'. Sarah Michelle Gellar did most of her own stunts.

Description: Supernatural and Shadowhunters both explore the theme of hunting supernatural creatures, though from different perspectives. Both shows feature a mix of monster-of-the-week episodes and overarching mythologies. The brotherly bond in Supernatural mirrors the found family aspect of Shadowhunters.

Fact: Originally planned as a 5-season show, it ran for 15 seasons. The Impala is a 1967 Chevrolet. Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles became real-life best friends.

Description: Like Shadowhunters, The Vampire Diaries is a supernatural drama that blends romance, action, and fantasy. Both shows feature young protagonists navigating a hidden world of supernatural beings, with a strong emphasis on love triangles and moral dilemmas. The dark, moody aesthetic and fast-paced storytelling are also similar.

Fact: The show is based on the book series by L.J. Smith. It spawned two spin-offs: The Originals and Legacies. Ian Somerhalder (Damon) was originally auditioning for the role of Stefan.

Description: Teen Wolf shares Shadowhunters' focus on a young hero discovering their supernatural heritage and battling dark forces. Both shows mix high school drama with supernatural action, and feature strong ensemble casts. The visual style, with its blend of horror and teen drama elements, is also comparable.

Fact: Loosely based on the 1985 film of the same name. Dylan O'Brien (Stiles) was originally auditioning for the role of Scott. The show's success led to a revival movie in

Description: Grimm and Shadowhunters both follow protagonists discovering their heritage as supernatural protectors. Both blend police procedural elements with fantasy mythology. The shows share a similar visual style mixing the ordinary with the monstrous.

Fact: Inspired by Grimm's Fairy Tales. Features creatures called Wesen. The show's Portland setting became a character itself.

Description: As a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals shares Shadowhunters' dark fantasy elements and complex family dynamics. Both shows feature powerful supernatural families navigating politics and power struggles in an urban fantasy setting.

Fact: Focuses on the Mikaelson siblings, the original vampires. Set in New Orleans, highlighting its rich supernatural folklore. Joseph Morgan (Klaus) directed several episodes.

Description: The Magicians offers a darker, more adult take on magical schooling similar to Shadowhunters' Institute. Both shows feature protagonists discovering hidden magical abilities and dealing with complex moral choices in fantasy worlds.

Fact: Based on Lev Grossman's novels. Features musical episodes. The show's magic system has strict rules.

Description: Wynonna Earp shares Shadowhunters' blend of supernatural action and family drama. Both feature female leads inheriting a supernatural legacy and battling demons. The shows balance humor with darker themes similarly.

Fact: Based on the comic by Beau Smith. Developed a passionate fanbase called 'Earpers'. Features LGBTQ+ representation.

Description: Legacies continues the TVD universe with younger characters, much like Shadowhunters' focus on young Nephilim. Both shows feature supernatural schools, diverse mythologies, and coming-of-age stories with supernatural twists.

Fact: Features creatures from various mythologies. Danielle Rose Russell reprised her Originals role as Hope. The Salvatore School is named after TVD characters.

Description: The original Charmed shares Shadowhunters' focus on a supernatural sibling bond fighting evil. Both shows blend magic with personal drama and feature strong female protagonists. The urban fantasy setting and monster-of-the-week format are also similar.

Fact: Originally titled 'The Power of Three'. Had the longest run of any TV show with female leads at the time. Alyssa Milano suggested the sister dynamic.