10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Originals (2013)

Description: Buffy the Vampire Slayer shares with The Originals a focus on supernatural creatures and the battles between good and evil. Both shows blend action, drama, and humor, with strong character development and emotional depth. The themes of sacrifice, love, and family are central to both series.

Fact: Buffy was created by Joss Whedon, who also wrote the 1992 film of the same name. The show is often credited with revolutionizing television by featuring a strong female lead. It spawned a spin-off, Angel, which focused on the vampire with a soul.

Description: Angel, a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, shares with The Originals a focus on a morally complex vampire protagonist seeking redemption. Both shows explore themes of family, loyalty, and the struggle between darkness and humanity. The dark, urban setting of Angel parallels the gothic atmosphere of The Originals.

Fact: Angel was initially conceived as a darker, more adult-oriented series than Buffy. The character of Spike was originally supposed to die in Buffy but was brought to Angel due to fan demand. The show was canceled after five seasons, ending with a cliffhanger.

Description: Supernatural, like The Originals, revolves around family bonds and supernatural conflicts. Both shows feature a mix of horror, drama, and humor, with a strong emphasis on brotherhood and sacrifice. The long-running nature of Supernatural allowed for deep character development and complex story arcs, similar to The Originals.

Fact: Supernatural is one of the longest-running American live-action fantasy TV series. The show was originally planned to end after five seasons but continued for

Description: True Blood, like The Originals, delves into the complex lives of vampires and their interactions with humans and other supernatural beings. Both shows explore themes of power, morality, and coexistence, with a strong emphasis on romantic and familial relationships. The dark, gothic aesthetic of True Blood also mirrors the tone of The Originals.

Fact: True Blood was based on the Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris. The show was known for its explicit content and adult themes. It won numerous awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series.

Description: The Vampire Diaries shares many similarities with The Originals, as both are set in the same universe and were created by Julie Plec. They explore themes of family, love, and supernatural conflicts, particularly focusing on vampires, werewolves, and witches. The Originals is actually a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, further deepening their connection.

Fact: The show was based on the book series by L.J. Smith. Ian Somerhalder, who played Damon Salvatore, was originally considered for the role of Stefan. The show's success led to two spin-offs: The Originals and Legacies.

Description: Teen Wolf shares with The Originals a focus on teenage supernatural beings navigating love, friendship, and family while dealing with their powers. Both shows blend drama, romance, and action, with a strong emphasis on character relationships and personal growth. The small-town setting of Teen Wolf mirrors the close-knit community feel of The Originals.

Fact: Teen Wolf was loosely based on the 1985 film of the same name. The show's success led to a revival movie in 202Dylan O'Brien, who played Stiles, became one of the show's breakout stars.

Description: Being Human shares with The Originals a focus on supernatural beings trying to live normal lives while dealing with their darker natures. Both shows explore themes of redemption, friendship, and the struggle between humanity and monstrosity. The character-driven storytelling and emotional depth are key similarities.

Fact: Being Human is a remake of the British series of the same name. The show features a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost living together. It ran for four seasons and developed a loyal following.

Description: Shadowhunters, like The Originals, features a rich mythology involving supernatural beings such as vampires, werewolves, and witches. Both shows explore themes of identity, family, and love within a fantastical framework. The visual style and action sequences of Shadowhunters are reminiscent of the dramatic flair of The Originals.

Fact: Shadowhunters was based on The Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare. The show was canceled after three seasons but concluded with a special two-hour finale. It has a dedicated fanbase that campaigned for its renewal after cancellation.

Description: The Magicians, like The Originals, blends fantasy, drama, and dark themes within a supernatural setting. Both shows feature complex characters with magical abilities, dealing with personal and external conflicts. The intricate world-building and emotional storytelling are central to both series.

Fact: The Magicians was based on the novel series by Lev Grossman. The show was known for its bold storytelling and willingness to kill off main characters. It developed a cult following over its five-season run.

Description: Legacies is a spin-off of The Originals, continuing the story of Hope Mikaelson, the daughter of Klaus Mikaelson. It maintains the supernatural elements and themes of family legacy, but with a younger cast and a setting at a school for supernatural beings. The show blends drama, romance, and fantasy, much like The Originals.

Fact: Legacies introduces new supernatural creatures not seen in The Vampire Diaries or The Originals, such as dragons and fairies. Danielle Rose Russell, who plays Hope Mikaelson, was only 17 when she was cast. The show was canceled after four seasons, leaving some storylines unresolved.