10 Shows & Movies Like The Flash (2014)

Description: Smallville is similar to The Flash as both are coming-of-age stories about young superheroes discovering and mastering their powers. Both shows feature a young hero balancing normal life with superhero responsibilities, with a strong focus on character development and relationships. The Flash's showrunner, Andrew Kreisberg, previously worked on Smallville.

Fact: Smallville ran for 10 seasons, making it one of the longest-running superhero TV shows. The show famously had a 'no flights, no tights' rule for most of its run. Tom Welling (Clark Kent) and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) remain close friends in real life.

Description: Titans is similar to The Flash in that both are DC superhero team shows featuring young heroes discovering and mastering their powers. Both shows deal with themes of found family, trauma, and heroism. However, Titans has a much darker tone compared to The Flash's more lighthearted approach.

Fact: Titans is part of the DC Universe (later HBO Max) and exists separately from the Arrowverse. The show features Dick Grayson's transition from Robin to Nightwing. Titans was originally developed for TNT before moving to DC's streaming service.

Description: Arrow is similar to The Flash (2014) as both are part of the Arrowverse, sharing the same universe and often crossing over in major events. Both shows focus on a superhero with a tragic past who uses their abilities to protect their city. They also share similar themes of justice, redemption, and the struggle between personal life and superhero duties.

Fact: Arrow was the first show in the Arrowverse, setting the tone for future series like The Flash. The character of Barry Allen (The Flash) was first introduced in Arrow before getting his own show. Arrow is known for its darker tone compared to The Flash, but both shows balance action with emotional storytelling.

Description: Gotham shares similarities with The Flash as both are origin stories exploring how their protagonists become the heroes (or villains) they're destined to be. Both shows feature a young protagonist surrounded by a colorful cast of supporting characters who will become famous heroes and villains. However, Gotham has a much darker, grittier tone compared to The Flash.

Fact: Gotham was originally conceived as a police procedural before becoming more of a Batman origin story. The show features one of the youngest actors to play the Joker (Cameron Monaghan). Gotham's version of Penguin, played by Robin Lord Taylor, became one of the most popular interpretations of the character.

Description: Supergirl shares similarities with The Flash as both are part of the Arrowverse and feature superheroes with superhuman speed (Supergirl can fly at incredible speeds). Both shows explore themes of heroism, family, and balancing personal life with superhero responsibilities. They also feature crossover episodes with other Arrowverse shows.

Fact: Supergirl originally aired on CBS before moving to The CW. The show features the first female-led superhero series in the Arrowverse. Melissa Benoist, who plays Supergirl, is married to Chris Wood, who played Mon-El on the show.

Description: Lucifer shares similarities with The Flash as both are DC adaptations that blend superhero/fantasy elements with procedural storytelling. Both shows feature charismatic leads with supernatural abilities who use them to help people. They also balance dramatic storytelling with humor and romance.

Fact: Lucifer was originally developed by Fox before being canceled and revived by Netflix. The show is loosely based on the DC/Vertigo comic character created by Neil Gaiman. Tom Ellis, who plays Lucifer, is actually Welsh but uses an English accent for the role.

Description: Stargirl is similar to The Flash as both are CW superhero shows featuring young heroes inspired by legacy heroes. Both shows emphasize themes of hope, legacy, and the importance of heroism. They also share a bright, optimistic tone compared to some darker DC adaptations.

Fact: Stargirl was originally developed for DC Universe before moving to The CW. The show's creator, Geoff Johns, based the character on his late sister who died in the TWA Flight 800 disaster. Stargirl features one of the most comic-accurate costumes in live-action DC adaptations.

Description: Black Lightning shares similarities with The Flash as both are CW superhero shows featuring protagonists with electricity-based powers (though Black Lightning's powers are more static electricity-based). Both shows explore themes of family, community, and the responsibilities of being a hero. They also eventually became part of the Arrowverse through crossover events.

Fact: Black Lightning was originally developed as a separate universe from the Arrowverse but was later integrated. The show was the first CW superhero series to feature an African-American lead. Black Lightning's daughters also develop powers, making it a family superhero drama.

Description: Doom Patrol shares similarities with The Flash as both are DC superhero shows featuring characters with extraordinary abilities. Both shows explore themes of trauma, redemption, and what it means to be a hero. However, Doom Patrol takes a more surreal and comedic approach compared to The Flash's more straightforward superhero storytelling.

Fact: Doom Patrol started as a spin-off from Titans but quickly established its own unique tone. The show features Brendan Fraser as Robotman, though he only provides the voice while another actor performs in the suit. Doom Patrol is known for its quirky, offbeat humor and surreal storytelling.

Description: Batwoman is similar to The Flash as both are part of the Arrowverse and feature a superhero protecting their city. Both shows deal with themes of identity, legacy, and the impact of superheroes on society. They also share a similar tone, blending action, drama, and occasional humor.

Fact: Batwoman is the first live-action TV series to feature a lesbian superhero as the lead character. The show was initially met with controversy over the casting of Ruby Rose, who later left the series after one season. Batwoman's suit was designed by the same team that worked on The Flash's costume.