What to watch after the series The Boys. Movies about absurdity and superpowers.

What to see if you likedBoys»: ridiculous superheroes and comedies about the wrong side of filmmaking 

The early work of James Gunn, two films with Ben Stiller and a series with Karl Urban.

Amazon's The Boys has been a hit on the platform since its first season and one of the most talked about TV projects about superheroes. Each viewer finds something different in the plot: black humor, satire on the backstage of television and political games, exposing typical stories about people with superpowers.

Of course, there are already a lot of collections of films and series on the net that fans of The Boys will enjoy. But many of them repeat each other. These are adult satirical or gloomy film comics: "Watchmen", "Deadpool", "Hancock", "Kick-Ass", "Peacemaker" and "Suicide Squad", "Scum".

Let's try to diversify this list and take something less obvious.

Superpowers

This series, in its conception, is closest to The Boys. That's just about him undeservedly forgotten, so it's worth telling.

"Superpowers" (or simply "Powers") is based on the comic book of the same name by Brian Michael Bendis, creator of Ultimate Spider-Man. The series tells about the world where superheroes live next to ordinary people. They protect the world from crime and at the same time shine on television. In general, everything is about the same as in The Boys.

Detective Christian Walker (Sharlto Copley) was also once a superhero and star. Having lost his strength, he went to work for the police. Or rather, to the department that investigates the crimes of superhumans. But at the same time, Walker still dreams of regaining his abilities.

Unlike The Boys, this series is less satirical. It is closer to the gloomy police procedures. There is a typical story of partner detectives, a sinister master criminal and other necessary components. But still, the plot tells about the life of a fantasy world, just from the point of view of the police.

And it's also interesting that Superpowers is the first original series of the PlayStation Network, it was released exclusively on the platform. Alas, he did not gain much popularity and lasted only two seasons, after which Sony turned the direction.

Mystery Men

The film, directed by not-too-famous director Kinka Asher, was released in 1999, before the new wave of popularity of film comics. Therefore, a good satire on typical stories is now remembered only by fans of Ben Stiller, who played the main role.

The film tells about a team of losers who imagine themselves to be defenders of order, although in reality they cannot even cope with petty criminals. But then the already released superhero Captain Magnificent releases the villain Casanova Frankenstein from prison. And now the heroes have to face real evil.

To date, the plot looks rather stereotypical, and the production is not too impressive - it's more like a typical comedy from the nineties. But "Mystery People" immediately captivate with a great cast. In addition to Stiller, William Macy played in the film - they both tried on the images of superheroes.

The characters are traditionally supplied with weapons by the mad scientist. And here it is Tom Waits. Well, the role of the villain was played by the owner of almost all possible film and television awards, Geoffrey Rush. And his Casanova Frankenstein is the best thing in this picture.

Perhaps Mystery Men could be one of the films in the world of The Boys. Not only the gloomy epic is filmed there.

Aerobatics (Sky High)

In the second season of The Boys, the theme of Homelander's relationship with his son is revealed. Of course, it would be most obvious to cite the animated series "Invulnerable" as an analogue. But everyone must have seen it anyway.

Therefore, let's remember "Aerobatics" - perhaps the most positive and children's film in this collection.

Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston play superheroes who send their son Will to a special institution where they train the same saviors of the world. But the boy does not have any abilities, which is why he falls into the "helper" class.

The film was conceived by the creators of "Kim Possible" Bob Schuly and Mark McCorkle, who seem to be well versed in stories of teenagers. The main plot of "Aerobatics" is dedicated specifically to the young Will and his attempts to settle down in an unusual school.

But other than that, the filmmakers just enjoyed the opportunity to invite their favorite actors and connect the story with the world of superhero cinema. For example, the principal of the college was played by Linda Carter, known for her role as Wonder Woman in the series of the same name. And the image of the physical education teacher went to Bruce Campbell - Ash from the "Evil Dead".

A spin-off about a college of superheroes has already been ordered for The Boys. True, so far he has difficulties with production. But, probably, in a couple of years, the audience will be shown a darker and more violent version of Aerobatics.

Super (Super)

In 2010, there was a mini-revolution in superhero cinema. Matthew Vaughn's "Kick-Ass" by Mark Millar's comics was released - a picture about a modest loser who decides to put on a suit and fight crime. This film somewhat revived traditional plots in which superheroes become either creatures with incredible powers, or geniuses and billionaires.

But in the same 2010, James Gunn's "Super" appeared - a cheaper, wilder and more insane film on a very similar theme. The director was even accused of plagiarism, but Vaughn himself defended him, explaining that they worked on the pictures in parallel.

This is the story of a restaurant chef, Frank, who becomes depressed after separating from his wife. Then he is visited by a vision, and the hero decides to become a superhero. Frank makes a suit, takes a wrench and begins to beat all the lawbreakers. However, his main mission is to save his wife. Even though she didn't ask for it.

The film was shot literally “on the knee”, but this even gives it charm. Moreover, the visual series perfectly matches the theme. The hero is an ordinary person who copies the behavior of comic book characters, but faces a harsh reality. Therefore, everything should look a little ridiculous.

Watching "Super" will also be useful for those who know James Gunn only from "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Suicide Squad" with "Peacemaker". The director's early work is concentrated madness with deliberately bad production and the most strange plot twists.

After that, you won't have to wonder why he chose the Polka Dot Man in his DC movie, and made a giant starfish as the main villain.

Burn, burn bright (Brightburn)

And another unusual variation on the theme of superheroes, which James Gunn had a hand in, this time as a producer. Here, too, an idea akin to "The Boys" can be traced.

It is quite obvious that Homelander is an analogue of the comic book Superman, only without empathy and the desire to help everyone.

"Burn, Burn Clear" offers a glimpse into the childhood of such a hero. The plot here copies the comics about Superman: an alien ship with a child falls to Earth. The baby is picked up by a childless couple and raised as their own.

But Brandon, as the young alien was called, grows up and shows superpowers. But he does not rush to help others, but literally turns into a monster, enjoying his strength and invulnerability.

After the release of the film, a lot of fan art immediately appeared, where either Brandon's mask was tried on Homelander, or the hero of The Boys was portrayed as the boy's father.

The parallels are obvious. And, if you think about it, such stories seem more realistic than "With great power comes great responsibility." It is quite possible that a lonely child, realizing his abilities, will take revenge on the offenders, and not save the world. And then another Homelander will grow out of it.

Chronicle

Approximately on the same topic (teenagers are corrupted by superpowers) Josh Trank spoke in his debut film.

The picture, shot in the format of "found film", tells the story of three friends who find unusual crystals in a hole in the ground. After a few days, each of them has the ability to telekinesis.

At first, the heroes use them only for fun, but then they accidentally almost kill a person. And then, with each situation, one of the friends behaves more and more dangerously, and by the end it even comes to large-scale pogroms.

"Chronicle", in contrast to "Burn, Shine Clear" (and "The Boys"), shows that villains often turn under the influence of tragic circumstances. The protagonist, played by Dane DeHaan, does not get along with his alcoholic father, he does not have enough money for medicines for his mother. And at some point, the young man just breaks down, and he can no longer control his anger.

The only thing you need to understand is that Chronicle is the director's first film, and even with the effect of amateur filming. Therefore, you should not expect impressive action and special effects from him.

It is worth mentioning that the fate of Josh Trank is sad. Against the backdrop of the success of this picture, he was invited to film the reboot of the Fantastic Four, where, by the way, he brought Michael B. Jordan from his debut. The production of the new film turned into a disaster, and literally everyone scolded the picture itself. After that, Trunk took a break to recover.

Then he made "Scarface" (in the original "Capone"). The film could not be released for a long time due to the pandemic, so it appeared immediately in digital format. And this work was also scolded by critics.

Almost human (Almost Human)

If you liked Billy Butcher most of all in The Boys, who communicates rudely and sarcastically with his partners, you should pay attention to the series Almost Human.

Here the action takes place in the world of the future, where androids serve in the police along with ordinary people. The hero of Karl Urban - detective John Kennex - partly through the fault of the robot, fails the task, loses his partner and almost dies himself. He lies in a coma for a year and a half, but then comes to his senses and even returns to work.

Kennex is given an experimental android model DRN-0167 or simply Dorian (Michael Ealy) as a partner. These robots were created as close as possible to humans. But the detective still despises his partner. However, together they will have to investigate all kinds of crimes.

In fact, “Almost Human” is a traditional police procedural with a fantastic entourage. Still, it's impossible not to admire the acting and the rudeness of Urban's character.

Although it is immediately worth warning that the series lasted on the screens for only one season.

Happy! (Happy!)

Billy Butcher is an unpleasant hero who, however, tries to help people. Approximately the same looks and the main character of the series "Happy!" - adaptation of the comic book of the same name.

Christopher Meloni plays Nick Sachs, a former cop turned mercenary and alcoholic. On the next task, the hero receives both a wound and a heart attack. Waking up in the ambulance, Nick sees a blue flying and talking unicorn named Happy.

It turns out that this is an imaginary friend of the kidnapped girl. And now Nick has to look for the maniac Santa Claus, constantly quarreling with a magical creature.

Those who fell in love with crazy and vulgar jokes in "Boys" will also appreciate "Happy!". Suffice it to give one example: there is a scene in the show where a prostitute dressed as an angel performs oral sex on a man dressed as a shrimp. And at this time he smokes a joint, thrusting it into the hammer claw.

By the way, most of the first season was directed by Adrenaline director Brian Taylor. And it is very difficult not to notice in the flight of the hero from the hospital the author's reference to his own work.

Alas, the second season was not so exciting, so the popularity of the series began to fall, and it was closed.

Soldiers of Misfortune (Tropic Thunder)

Let's not forget that part of the plot of "The Boys" is devoted not only to the confrontation between the team of avengers and superheroes. At the same time, the series satirically talks about the behind the scenes of filmmaking. And few people spoke about this sharper and at the same time more fun than Ben Stiller in Tropic Soldiers.

The film tells about an attempt to shoot a cool blockbuster in a real jungle. Former action star Tagg Speedman (Ben Stiller) leads a team of ridiculous actors, and he is accompanied by a comedian, a black rapper, and even a winner of five Oscars.

That's just the heroes get into the territory of the drug cartel and get involved in real trouble. But the actors themselves believe that they are still acting in films.

It’s even difficult to choose which component in Tropic Soldiers turned out to be brighter. On the one hand, the film is filled with politically incorrect humor. For example, Robert Downey Jr. here plays an Australian actor who is completely immersed in his roles. And for the filming of this picture, he had an operation and became black.

The irony over the world of cinema looks no worse. The character of Tom Cruise is partly responsible for it - this is a cynical producer who directly says that he will benefit more from the death of a star than from his next role. Well, where else will you see Cruz so ridiculous and bald.

By the way, later Stiller and Cruise shot the cutest parody roller, where the comedian plays the understudy of the famous artist.

Long live Caesar! (Hail, Caesar!)

An ironic look at the behind the scenes of the film business was also shown by the Coen brothers. Only here we are talking about the 1950s. The protagonist of the film is Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), who solves all sorts of issues for Capitol Pictures.

He usually deals with possible scandals. Like the situation with the pregnancy of an actress or with intrusive journalists.

But the worst thing is that the main star of the film “Long live Caesar!” is kidnapped right from the shooting. Byrd Whitlock (George Clooney). Eddie must find the actor and bring him back to the set in one piece.

This Coen work completes Clooney's unofficial "trilogy of idiots" that included "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "Unbearable Cruelty". Therefore, a separate pleasure is to watch the grotesque ridiculous game of the sex symbol of the nineties. Although Tilda Swinton in the role of unbearable reporters is also very pleasing.

The film turned out to be lighter and more fun than most of the Coens' works, although there are plenty of "black" moments. Here are communist conspirators, and the shooting of a provocative picture about Jesus, which causes controversy among religious denominations, and much more.

However, in contrast to "Soldiers of Bad luck" this is not an evil satire on the world of show business, but rather a kind nostalgia with an admixture of irony.

Wag the Dog

A more serious topic, which is also repeatedly touched upon in The Boys, is the influence of the mass media on politics and real life. Not without reason in the series, superheroes not only act in films and fight crime, but also participate in military operations.

In the movie "Wag" (though more accurately "The Tail Wags the Dog"), the President of the United States finds himself at the center of a sex scandal. Then adviser Conrad Brin (Robert De Niro) hires producer Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman) and gives him a very unusual job.

He must direct the war. Of course not real. But people will watch on TV how, under the leadership of the president, the brave military defeat non-existent Albanian terrorists, and they will forget about the scandal.

It's ironic that this Barry Levinson movie came out a month before the real-life scandal surrounding Bill Clinton's harassment of Monica Lewinsky broke out in the press. And every year this film becomes more relevant.

"Wag" can be considered almost the clearest example of the work of political technologists and the media. "Boys" only partly pick up this theme. But it is enough to recall how in the series assistants work out the images of superheroes in order to return their popularity after another scandal.

MODOK (MODOK)

Often in superhero movies, villains are shown as literally one-dimensional. They just do nasty things, because they are supposed to do so according to the plot. "Boys" allow a little better understanding of the reasons for their actions.

And exactly the same thing is done by the puppet "MODOK". As a child, the protagonist was often offended, and as a result, he grew up with a desire to take revenge on the whole world. Now MODOK (Mobile Disaster Organization Organism) plans to take over the world and destroy the superheroes. Even though it doesn't really work.

The villain's secret organization was mired in debt, and their electricity was cut off. After that, the MODOK company is captured by a trick by investor Austin Van Der Sleet. Meanwhile, the wife of the protagonist decides to leave him.

For all its comedy, this animated series tells a good story about trauma and a midlife crisis. MODOK is a typical man who has been striving for his goal for years, but never achieved anything.

Hanna. Perfect Weapon (Hanna)

Starlight in The Boys was raised from childhood as a future superheroine. And in general, in this world, the production of children with superpowers has already been put on stream.

But such unusual teenagers have already appeared in films more than once. For example, in the film “Hannah. The Perfect Weapon by Joe Wright. It is dedicated to a girl whose father Erik (Erik Bana) is raising in a Finnish forest. Hannah is a well-trained soldier, and she speaks many languages ​​and is tech savvy.

The security forces are after her. The girl herself wants to kill CIA employee Marissa Wigler. And it all has something to do with the mystery of Hannah's birth.

It's hard to say that there are really unexpected twists in the picture, but Wright relied on action and atmosphere. Hannah, played by Saoirse Ronan, looks like both a kind girl and a tough super-soldier. The heroine is faced with the cruelty of the world, but still tries not to lose herself.

By the way, from 2019 to 2021, a serial adaptation of Hannah was released on Amazon Prime. here the main role was played by the not-so-famous actress Esme Creed-Miles.

Tiger and Bunny

Finally - an analogue of "The Boys" from the anime. Here the similarities are easy to see without any complex parallels.

The action takes place in a fictional city in the future. For more than 40 years, superheroes have appeared in the world who save the world from criminals.

But each of them is sponsored by a company, at the same time placing their logos on the suits of the defenders. And all the adventures are broadcast on a separate TV channel.

Veteran superhero Kotetsu Kaburagi, known as Wild Tiger, fell out of favor a long time ago due to outdated working methods.

To raise his rating, the producers invite a young Barnaby, nicknamed Rabbit. Companions of opposite character now need to work together.

In general, the problems of the characters of this anime are exactly the same as some of the heroes of The Boys. Unless they really want to help people. That's just work on the script and ratings for television is more important.

Of course, not a single film or series can be called a complete analogue of The Boys, otherwise the novelty would not have been so memorable. But if you highlight the individual components, you can find many stories that are similar to one or another part of the story. You can also suggest your associations in the comments.