10 Shows and Movies Similar to Arrow (2012)

Description: Smallville, like Arrow, is a superhero origin story set in a realistic world. Both shows focus on the protagonist's journey from a troubled young man to a hero, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and moral dilemmas. The small-town setting of Smallville contrasts with Arrow's urban backdrop, but both explore similar themes of identity and responsibility.

Fact: Smallville ran for 10 seasons, making it one of the longest-running superhero TV shows. Tom Welling, who played Clark Kent, was initially reluctant to wear the iconic Superman suit. The show's tagline, 'No flights, no tights,' reflected its focus on Clark's early years before becoming Superman.

Description: Titans, like Arrow, features a team of vigilantes fighting crime in a dark and violent world. Both shows explore the psychological toll of being a hero, with complex character arcs and moral dilemmas. The tone is similarly gritty, with a focus on action and drama.

Fact: Titans is based on the Teen Titans comic book series but takes a more mature approach. Brenton Thwaites, who plays Dick Grayson/Robin, was a fan favorite for his portrayal of the character. The show features characters from the wider DC Universe, including Batman and Wonder Girl.

Description: The Boys shares Arrow's deconstruction of the superhero genre, but with a more satirical and violent twist. Both shows explore the darker side of heroism, with flawed protagonists and morally ambiguous villains. The action and drama are similarly intense, though The Boys is more graphic and irreverent.

Fact: The Boys is based on the comic book series of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The show's portrayal of superheroes as corrupt and narcissistic was a fresh take on the genre. Karl Urban, who plays Billy Butcher, is known for his roles in Star Trek and The Lord of the Rings.

Description: Like Arrow, The Flash is part of the Arrowverse, sharing a connected universe and crossover events. Both shows feature a superhero protagonist with a strong moral code, dealing with personal loss and fighting crime in their respective cities. The Flash also explores themes of family, friendship, and redemption, similar to Arrow.

Fact: The Flash was originally introduced in Arrow before getting his own spin-off series. Grant Gustin, who plays Barry Allen/The Flash, was initially considered for the role of Oliver Queen/Arrow. The show popularized the term 'speedster' to describe characters with super-speed.

Description: Gotham shares Arrow's dark and gritty tone, focusing on the origins of Batman's allies and villains. Both shows explore the transformation of their protagonists into heroes, with a strong emphasis on crime-fighting and vigilante justice. The urban setting and noir aesthetics are also similar.

Fact: Gotham was originally pitched as a police procedural before evolving into a Batman origin story. The show features a young Bruce Wayne, played by David Mazouz, growing up in Gotham City. Many iconic Batman villains, such as the Penguin and the Riddler, are portrayed in their early years.

Description: Supergirl is part of the Arrowverse and shares many thematic elements with Arrow, including strong family dynamics and the struggle to balance personal life with superhero duties. Both shows feature a protagonist who must overcome personal trauma to become a hero, with a focus on justice and protecting their city.

Fact: Supergirl originally aired on CBS before moving to The CW. Melissa Benoist, who plays Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, also appeared as a different character in Arrow. The show features crossover episodes with other Arrowverse series, including The Flash and Arrow.

Description: Stargirl shares Arrow's focus on a young hero taking up the mantle of a legacy hero. Both shows explore themes of responsibility, justice, and the impact of heroism on personal life. The action and drama are similarly engaging, though Stargirl has a more optimistic tone.

Fact: Stargirl is based on the DC Comics character created by Geoff Johns, who named her after his late sister. The show was originally produced for DC Universe before moving to The CW. Brec Bassinger, who plays Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl, was a former Disney Channel star.

Description: Black Lightning shares Arrow's focus on a vigilante hero returning to crime-fighting after a long hiatus. Both shows explore themes of family, community, and social justice, with a strong emphasis on the protagonist's personal struggles. The urban setting and action-packed sequences are also similar.

Fact: Black Lightning was originally not part of the Arrowverse but was later integrated through crossover events. Cress Williams, who plays Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning, previously appeared in Smallville. The show addresses real-world issues such as racism and police brutality.

Description: Doom Patrol, like Arrow, features a team of misfit heroes with tragic pasts. Both shows explore themes of redemption and personal growth, with a mix of action and character-driven drama. The tone is similarly dark, though Doom Patrol incorporates more surreal and comedic elements.

Fact: Doom Patrol was originally introduced in Titans before getting its own spin-off series. The show features Brendan Fraser as Robotman, marking his return to mainstream acting. Doom Patrol is known for its quirky and unconventional storytelling, earning critical acclaim.

Description: Batwoman, like Arrow, is set in a dark and gritty version of a DC Comics city (Gotham for Batwoman, Star City for Arrow). Both shows feature a vigilante protagonist with a tragic backstory, fighting crime and corruption. The tone and visual style are similar, with a focus on action and drama.

Fact: Batwoman is the first live-action TV series to feature a lesbian superhero as the lead character. Ruby Rose, who played Kate Kane/Batwoman in the first season, left the show after one season. The show introduces new characters to the Arrowverse, including Alice, a twisted version of Alice from 'Alice in Wonderland.'