From ‘Teen Titans’ to ‘The Umbrella Academy’, 5 shows like ‘X-Men '97’ if you're enjoying Disney+ series
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'X-Men '97' is a massive hit on Disney Plus, smashing records with its premiere. Critics and fans adore it for its faithfulness to the original series while introducing fresh tales that resonate with today's viewers.
The blend of action and heart has captured both old and new fans alike. 'X-Men '97' continues the narrative from where 'X-Men: The Animated Series' concluded. The series portrays the X-Men navigating a world hostile to mutants, all while facing the absence of their dead leader, Professor Charles Xavier.
New episodes air weekly until May 15, and there are already plans for more seasons. While we eagerly await those, here are 5 other superhero shows worth checking out.
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992)
If you're enjoying 'X-Men '97' but missed the original 'X-Men: The Animated Series' from 1992-1996, now is the perfect time to dive into it.
With five seasons and 72 episodes, the original series brilliantly brings to life iconic storylines like 'The Dark Phoenix Saga' and 'Days of Future Past.'
While the show has its share of humor and character moments, it was one of the first animated adaptations of comics to explore darker themes. It's widely praised for boosting the popularity of the X-Men franchise in the early '90s and laying the groundwork for the beloved films that followed later in the decade.
'X-Men: The Animated Series' is available to stream on Disney+.
Teen Titans (2003)
If you're in the mood for a throwback to another superhero world, check out the original 2003 'Teen Titans' animated series. It follows well-known young heroes like Robin, Cyborg, Raven, Starfire, and Beast Boy as they face off against iconic villains like Slade Wilson and Trigon, while also dealing with the challenges of being teenagers.
Similar to 'X-Men '97', 'Teen Titans' isn't afraid to tackle real-world issues like racism and injustice, blending them into its storytelling. With its deep characters and meaningful stories, the series explores the complexities of life, going beyond typical superhero tales.
While it may not have grabbed as much attention as the comedy-focused spin-off 'Teen Titans Go!', the original series remains a favorite among fans for its mature storytelling, unique animation, and rich character development.
'Teen Titans' is streaming on Max.
The Umbrella Academy (2019)
Another show based on a well-known comic series, 'The Umbrella Academy' is a live-action series about the dysfunctional Hargreeves family. Led by the mysterious Sir Reginald, the show follows seven super-powered adopted siblings as they navigate complex relationships amidst the looming threat of an apocalypse.
With elements like time travel, alternate realities, and the idea of destiny, the show dives deep into the weirder aspects of superhero tales, blending science fiction and supernatural elements to keep viewers hooked.
With its penchant for the strange and unexpected, the show offers a fresh take on traditional superhero stories that will surely appeal to fans of 'X-Men '97'.
'The Umbrella Academy' is available to stream on Netflix.
WandaVision (2021)
The first Marvel series exclusive to Disney Plus, 'WandaVision' set a high standard for Marvel TV shows that many think hasn't been topped yet. The series follows Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff as she copes with the aftermath of ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ rebuilding her life after the Avengers' battle with Thanos.
Instead of a straightforward story, 'WandaVision' has a unique setup where early episodes mimic sitcoms from different eras, drawing inspiration from shows like ‘I Love Lucy’ and ‘Full House.’
Sharp-eyed viewers will realize they need to pay close attention to uncover clues hidden behind the sitcom façade as they unravel the mystery surrounding Wanda Maximoff.
Due to its distinct format and ties to the broader MCU, ‘WandaVision’ only ran for one season. However, fans of 'X-Men ‘97' who haven’t seen it yet are sure to enjoy its intriguing storyline and connections to the wider X-Men universe.
'WandaVision' is a Disney+ exclusive.
My Hero Academia (2016)
While 'X-Men ‘97’ focuses on a small group of superpowered individuals, the blockbuster anime series 'My Hero Academia' imagines the opposite scenario: a world where nearly everyone is born with unique superpowers known as 'Quirks'.
Despite the widespread presence of special abilities in society, only a select few talented young adults have the opportunity to train at specialized hero schools and pursue careers as licensed superheroes.
The series centers around protagonist Izuku Midoriya, whose dream is to become the top superhero. Although he possesses an incredibly powerful Quirk that grants him exceptional strength, speed, and agility, Midoriya harbors a secret: he was born without any powers, considered 'quirkless' in his society.
His abilities were bestowed upon him after a life-changing encounter with All-Might, the current number-one global superhero, who entrusts him with the legendary power of 'One for All'.
As Midoriya embarks on his journey to master his newfound abilities, 'My Hero Academia' unfolds as a captivating story of heroism, friendship, and self-discovery.
Through thrilling battles and heartfelt moments, the series delves into the complexities of heroism in a world where even the most unlikely individuals can ascend to greatness.
'My Hero Academia' is streaming on Hulu.
'X-Men '97' official trailer
5 episodes of 'X-Men '97' are streaming now on Disney+.