10 Shows & Movies Like Misfits (2009)

Description: Heroes shares with Misfits the premise of ordinary people suddenly developing superpowers and dealing with the consequences. Both shows explore how these abilities affect the characters' personal lives and relationships, though Heroes takes a more dramatic and less comedic approach.

Fact: Heroes was a cultural phenomenon when it premiered, earning widespread acclaim and high ratings. The show's catchphrase, "Save the cheerleader, save the world," became widely recognized. Heroes was originally planned as an anthology series with a new cast each season, but fan demand led to the continuation of the original characters.

Description: The Boys, like Misfits, subverts traditional superhero narratives with its dark humor and morally ambiguous characters. Both shows feature protagonists who are far from perfect and explore the messy, often violent consequences of superpowers in the real world.

Fact: The Boys is based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. Antony Starr's performance as Homelander has been particularly praised for its chilling portrayal of a narcissistic superhero. The show's depiction of corporate superheroes was partly inspired by real-world celebrity culture and brand endorsements.

Description: Like Misfits, Dirk Gently features bizarre supernatural occurrences and eccentric characters caught up in increasingly chaotic situations. Both shows blend mystery, comedy, and sci-fi elements while maintaining an offbeat, unpredictable tone.

Fact: The series is loosely based on Douglas Adams' novels but takes significant creative liberties. Samuel Barnett plays the title character as a highly energetic and eccentric detective. The show was canceled after two seasons despite positive critical reception.

Description: The Magicians shares with Misfits its focus on young adults discovering magical abilities and struggling with the responsibilities that come with them. Both shows mix fantasy elements with dark humor and explore mature themes.

Fact: The series is based on Lev Grossman's novels, which were themselves inspired by classic fantasy works. The show features musical episodes, including a notable rendition of "Under Pressure." Unlike many fantasy shows, The Magicians frequently acknowledges and subverts genre tropes.

Description: Future Man shares Misfits' irreverent tone and sci-fi premise, following underachievers who unexpectedly find themselves responsible for saving the world. Both shows mix crude humor with surprisingly heartfelt character development.

Fact: Future Man was created by Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir, who previously worked on Sausage Party. The show features numerous references and homages to classic sci-fi films. Josh Hutcherson's performance as the lead marked a significant departure from his previous roles in family-friendly films.

Description: Preacher, like Misfits, combines supernatural elements with dark comedy and features morally complex characters on a bizarre journey. Both shows balance graphic violence and profanity with moments of genuine emotion and philosophical questioning.

Fact: Preacher is based on the controversial Vertigo comic series by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. The show's development took over a decade, with multiple networks and filmmakers attached at different points. Dominic Cooper learned to speak with an American accent specifically for his role as Jesse Custer.

Description: Legion shares with Misfits a focus on young people grappling with extraordinary abilities and mental health issues. Both shows employ unconventional storytelling techniques and visual styles to reflect their protagonists' unstable perceptions of reality.

Fact: Legion is set in the X-Men universe but operates largely independently of the main franchise. The show's distinctive visual style was influenced by 1960s and 1970s design aesthetics. Creator Noah Hawley described the series as "a superhero show where the superpower is love."

Description: Deadly Class shares with Misfits its focus on disaffected youth navigating a dangerous world, blending coming-of-age drama with dark humor and violent action. Both shows feature unconventional schools that serve as microcosms for larger societal issues.

Fact: Deadly Class is based on the Image Comics series by Rick Remender and Wes Craig. The show features an extensive 1980s punk and new wave soundtrack. Benedict Wong plays the ruthless headmaster Master Lin, a role quite different from his usual comedic performances.

Description: This show shares with Misfits its darkly comedic portrayal of troubled youth on a chaotic journey. Both feature protagonists who are social outcasts dealing with emotional trauma while engaging in increasingly dangerous behavior.

Fact: The series is based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman. Each episode is only about 20 minutes long, creating a brisk pace. The show was originally intended to be a one-season story but was expanded due to its popularity.

Description: Like Misfits, Doom Patrol features a group of misfit characters with unconventional superpowers who struggle with personal issues while navigating bizarre and often darkly comedic situations. Both shows blend superhero tropes with irreverent humor and explore themes of identity, trauma, and redemption.

Fact: Doom Patrol is based on the DC Comics team of the same name, which first appeared in 196Brendan Fraser provides the voice for Robotman, marking one of his most prominent roles in recent years. The show is known for its surreal storytelling and willingness to embrace absurdity, including an episode where the characters travel inside a donkey's consciousness.