Movies like The Umbrella Academy to watch next
If you've finished binge-watching 'The Umbrella Academy' and are looking for more stories about dysfunctional heroes and unique powers, you're in luck. There's a whole universe of films that capture a similar blend of action, drama, and dark humor.



Finding movies that hit the same unique notes as 'The Umbrella Academy' can be a fun challenge. This isn't your typical cape-and-tights superhero fare.
Instead, you're often looking for stories that explore the human side of having extraordinary abilities, the awkwardness, the trauma, and the messy family dynamics that come with it. Think less saving the world in a pristine suit, and more dealing with personal demons while also maybe preventing an apocalypse.
Many films in this vein, like the ones found in this list, delve into darker themes, feature morally gray characters, and aren't afraid to inject a healthy dose of cynicism or satire into the superhero genre. From found-footage takes on power acquisition to gritty ensemble pieces about government-sanctioned misfits, these movies offer a different perspective on what it means to be 'super'. They often play with established tropes, subverting expectations and offering a more grounded, albeit often still fantastical, look at powered individuals navigating a world that doesn't quite know what to do with them. Get ready for complex characters, unconventional plots, and powers that aren't always used for good.
11. Wanted (2008)
Wanted takes the idea of a seemingly ordinary person discovering they have extraordinary abilities and throws them into a secret society of assassins. James McAvoy plays Wesley Gibson, a downtrodden office worker who learns his estranged father was a master assassin and he possesses inherited skills.
He's recruited into 'The Fraternity', a millennia-old organization led by Sloan (Morgan Freeman), who train him to hone his abilities, including superhuman reflexes and the ability to curve bullets. The film is a stylish, action-packed ride with over-the-top sequences and a dark sense of humor. It explores themes of destiny, free will, and breaking free from a mundane life, albeit through a highly stylized and violent lens.

10. Jumper (2008)
Jumper introduces a world where certain individuals possess the ability to teleport instantly to any location they can visualize. Hayden Christensen plays David Rice, a young man who discovers he is a

9. Hancock (2008)
Hancock offers a different spin on the superhero origin story, presenting a powerful, immortal being who is also a public relations nightmare. Will Smith stars as John Hancock, a superhero with incredible powers but a cynical attitude and a penchant for causing massive destruction.
After saving the life of a PR executive (Jason Bateman), Hancock reluctantly agrees to undergo a total image makeover to win back public favor. The film is a mix of comedy, action, and drama, exploring the loneliness and burden of immortality and power. It takes unexpected turns, delving into the mythology behind Hancock's existence and his connection to others like him. It's a character-driven piece that asks what it truly means to be a hero beyond just having the powers.

8. Kick-Ass (2010)
Kick-Ass is a satirical and surprisingly brutal look at what happens when an average teenager decides to become a superhero with no powers or training whatsoever. Based on the comic book, the film follows Dave Lizewski, who, inspired by comic books, dons a costume and calls himself 'Kick-Ass'.
His naive attempts at crime-fighting quickly land him in trouble, but they also inspire others, including the formidable father-daughter duo Big Daddy and Hit-Girl, and later, another aspiring hero, Red Mist. The film balances dark comedy with surprisingly visceral action, particularly involving the pint-sized but deadly Hit-Girl. It deconstructs superhero tropes while also delivering genuine thrills and exploring the consequences of vigilantism in a real-world context.

7. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen assembles a unique team of iconic literary characters, each with their own distinct 'powers' or extraordinary skills, to save the world. Set in the late 19th century, the film features figures like Allan Quatermain, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, the Invisible Man, and Dorian Gray.
This steampunk-infused adventure sees the League brought together by the mysterious M to stop a villain known as the Fantom from starting a world war. It's an ambitious concept, pulling characters from various classic novels into a single narrative. While it takes liberties with the source material, it offers a fun, albeit dated, ride with a focus on a disparate group of individuals learning to work together despite their eccentricities and troubled pasts.

6. Hellboy (2019)
The 2019 iteration of Hellboy brings the gruff, red, demon-turned-superhero back to the screen in a darker, more horror-infused adventure. Directed by Neil Marshall, this film leans heavily into the supernatural and mythological elements of Mike Mignola's source material.
David Harbour takes on the role of Hellboy, a wisecracking creature working for the BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense). He's tasked with stopping an ancient sorceress who seeks to unleash plague and destruction upon the world. The film doesn't shy away from gore and grotesque creature design, setting it apart from more mainstream superhero fare. It's a gritty, R-rated take that captures some of the wild, pulpy energy of the comics, focusing on Hellboy's place between the human and supernatural worlds and his reluctant role as a hero.

5. Dark Phoenix (2019)
Dark Phoenix delves into one of the most iconic and tragic storylines in the X-Men universe, focusing on Jean Grey's struggle with an immense cosmic power. This film explores the consequences when one of the most powerful members of the team becomes a threat to the world – and herself.
The movie attempts to bring the complex 'Dark Phoenix Saga' to the screen, highlighting Sophie Turner's performance as Jean as she grapples with forces beyond her control. It features intense moments between the core X-Men team as they are forced to confront a crisis that hits very close to home. While divisive among fans, it offers a look at the internal conflicts within the X-Men family and the devastating potential of unchecked power.

4. Chronicle (2012)
Chronicle offers a fascinating, grounded, and ultimately unsettling take on what might happen if ordinary teenagers suddenly gained superpowers. Shot in a found-footage style, the film follows three high school friends who discover a mysterious object that grants them telekinetic abilities.
Initially, they have fun experimenting with their new powers, but as their abilities grow, so do their individual struggles and the darker aspects of human nature. The film excels at showing the progression of their powers and the impact it has on their relationships and mental states. It's a character study wrapped in a sci-fi premise, showcasing how power can corrupt, especially when wielded by those ill-equipped to handle it. It's a smart, intense, and thought-provoking entry into the superhero genre, albeit one with a much more intimate and realistic feel.

3. Push (2009)
Push throws you into a world where people with extraordinary abilities are hunted by a shadowy government agency called Division. Set in Hong Kong, the film follows a group of young

2. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
X-Men: Days of Future Past is often hailed as one of the best entries in the sprawling X-Men saga, and for good reason! Directed by Bryan Singer, it masterfully weaves together the casts of the original trilogy and the prequel series in a time-bending epic.
The plot sees Wolverine's consciousness sent back to 1973 to unite a young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) with Mystique to prevent a catastrophic future where mutants are hunted by Sentinels. It's a high-stakes story packed with thrilling action sequences, clever nods to the comics, and genuinely compelling character moments, particularly between James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as the younger Xavier and Magneto. The film successfully juggles a massive cast and a complex narrative, delivering both spectacle and heart. It's a fantastic example of how to revitalize a franchise by playing with its own timeline.

1. Watchmen (2009)
Watchmen isn't your typical superhero flick; it's a deep dive into the complex and often troubled lives of masked vigilantes in an alternate 1985. Directed by Zack Snyder, this film adaptation of Alan Moore's iconic graphic novel explores themes of morality, power, and the heavy cost of heroism.
The movie boasts a fantastic ensemble cast, bringing to life characters like the cynical Rorschach, the god-like Doctor Manhattan, and the jaded Silk Spectre. It's a visually stunning film, meticulously recreating the comic's gritty aesthetic, and its non-linear narrative keeps you hooked. It's less about punching villains and more about dissecting why these characters do what they do, grappling with their pasts and the looming threat of nuclear war. If you appreciate a superhero story that makes you think and isn't afraid to go dark, Watchmen is an absolute must-see.
