10 Shows and Movies Like Supernatural (2005)

Description: The X-Files shares Supernatural's investigative approach to the paranormal, with FBI agents Mulder and Scully investigating unexplained phenomena much like the Winchester brothers. Both shows blend standalone monster episodes with a larger mythology. The dark, atmospheric tone and government conspiracy elements are also similar.

Fact: The X-Files holds the record for the longest-running American science fiction TV series. The iconic theme song was composed by Mark Snow in just 3 minutes. The series popularized the phrase 'The truth is out there' which became a cultural phenomenon.

Description: Like Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer combines horror, action, and humor, focusing on a group of characters fighting supernatural threats. Both shows feature a mix of episodic monster-of-the-week episodes and overarching seasonal plots. The themes of family, sacrifice, and the burden of responsibility are central to both series.

Fact: Buffy the Vampire Slayer was initially a 1992 film before being adapted into a TV series. The show is credited with popularizing the term 'Big Bad' for seasonal villains. Joss Whedon created the series as a metaphor for adolescence, with monsters representing teenage struggles.

Description: True Blood shares Supernatural's exploration of supernatural creatures living among humans and the social tensions that result. Both shows feature a mix of horror, drama, and dark humor, though True Blood is more adult-oriented. The small-town Southern setting and complex mythology are also points of similarity.

Fact: True Blood was based on Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels. The show's opening theme won an Emmy for Outstanding Main Title Design. Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer met on set and later married.

Description: The Vampire Diaries shares Supernatural's small-town supernatural setting and features a similar mix of horror, romance, and teen drama. Both shows explore themes of brotherhood (through the Salvatore brothers) and feature complex mythology about supernatural creatures. The shows also share a fast-paced, twist-heavy storytelling style.

Fact: Nina Dobrev (Elena) and Ian Somerhalder (Damon) dated in real life during the show's run. The series was based on books by L.J. Smith. Paul Wesley (Stefan) directed several episodes in later seasons.

Description: Grimm shares Supernatural's premise of a protagonist discovering a hidden world of supernatural creatures and taking on the responsibility of protecting humans from them. Both shows feature a police procedural element mixed with fantasy, and both draw heavily from folklore and mythology for their creature designs and stories.

Fact: Grimm was inspired by the classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. The show created its own language for some Wesen (creatures) called 'Woged.' Portland was chosen as the setting because of its rainy, atmospheric weather that suited the show's tone.

Description: As a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals shares many similarities with Supernatural, including its focus on family dynamics (the Mikaelson siblings) within a supernatural context. Both shows feature ancient, powerful beings and explore themes of redemption, legacy, and the consequences of immortality.

Fact: The Originals was originally conceived as a backdoor pilot during The Vampire Diaries' fourth season. Joseph Morgan (Klaus) directed several episodes. The show's New Orleans setting allowed for rich exploration of voodoo and local folklore.

Description: Lucifer shares Supernatural's exploration of biblical mythology and features the Devil as a main character, much like Supernatural's later seasons. Both shows blend crime procedural elements with supernatural drama and feature charismatic, morally complex protagonists dealing with their divine heritage.

Fact: Lucifer was originally developed for HBO before moving to Fox. Tom Ellis learned to play piano specifically for the role. The show was canceled by Fox after 3 seasons but revived by Netflix due to fan demand.

Description: Shadowhunters shares Supernatural's focus on demon hunting and features a similar mix of action, fantasy, and drama. Both shows explore complex family relationships within a supernatural context and feature protagonists with special destinies. The urban fantasy setting and use of magical weapons are also points of similarity.

Fact: Shadowhunters is based on Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. The show was canceled after 3 seasons but got a special 2-hour finale due to fan campaigns. Katherine McNamara (Clary) did most of her own stunts.

Description: As a continuation of The Originals universe, Legacies shares Supernatural's monster-of-the-week format combined with serialized storytelling. Both shows feature a school/safe haven for supernatural beings and explore themes of legacy and identity. The younger cast gives it a more teen-oriented tone similar to early Supernatural seasons.

Fact: Legacies features creatures from various mythologies not explored in its parent shows. Danielle Rose Russell (Hope) was only 17 when cast. The show includes more comedic elements than its predecessors.

Description: Like Supernatural, Charmed focuses on a family (in this case, three sisters) with supernatural abilities who fight evil forces. Both shows mix personal drama with supernatural action and explore themes of destiny, family bonds, and good versus evil. The shows also share a similar balance between episodic and serialized storytelling.

Fact: Charmed was originally titled 'The Halliwell Sisters' during development. The show's Book of Shadows was created by the same company that made props for Star Trek. It was the longest-running TV series with female leads until Desperate Housewives surpassed it.