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Look, I’m still mourning the series finale of The Boys. My Sunday nights feel hollow and my blood pressure is dangerously low without Homelander’s unhinged energy. You’re probably feeling the same void, right? Everyone is talking about these ‘8 perfect action shows’ lists floating around, but are they actually worth your precious screen time? I watched them all so you don’t have to. Here is my honest, no-filter take on what to queue up next.
1. Reacher: The Beefcake We Need
Okay, so Reacher on Prime Video is basically the comfort food of action shows. Is it deep? No. Do I care? Absolutely not. Alan Ritchson is a literal mountain of a man and watching him dismantle bad guys is pure therapy. It’s got a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason, people. If you want satisfying, straightforward violence without the existential dread of Vought, this is it. It’s not The Boys, but it hits the spot.
2. Peacemaker: The Chaotic Energy We Crave
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If you miss the dark, twisted satire of The Boys, James Gunn’s Peacemaker on Max is your best bet. John Cena is shockingly good at being a total loser who thinks he’s a hero. The soundtrack? Iconic. The humor? Borderline offensive and I’m living for it. It’s got that ‘superhero but make it messy’ vibe that we all got addicted to. Honestly, if you haven’t finished this yet, what are you even doing?
3. Slow Horses: The British Grime You Didn’t Know You Needed
Hear me out: Gary Oldman as a disgusting, brilliant, chain-smoking spy boss in Apple TV+’s Slow Horses. It’s not ‘explosions every five seconds’ action, but the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. It’s cynical, gritty, and the pacing is perfection. It’s a 98% on RT for a reason. It’s basically the anti-hero vibe of The Boys but with way more tweed and bad teeth.
4. Invincible: The Animated Nightmare Fuel
You think you’re ready for the gore in Invincible on Prime? Think again. It’s animated, but it’s easily more brutal than anything live-action. It deals with the whole ‘what if superheroes were actually jerks’ trope, just like The Boys. The voice acting is stacked—J.K. Simmons is terrifying. It’s a total mood if you want to watch the world burn while eating cereal at 2 AM. Seriously, don’t let the cartoon style fool you.
5. The Night Agent: The Classic Netflix Binge
The Night Agent is the definition of a ‘turn your brain off’ show. It’s fast, it’s slick, and the plot holes are big enough to drive a truck through, but who cares? It’s pure adrenaline. It spent weeks at #1 on Netflix for a reason. It’s not high art, but it’s fun, it’s punchy, and it fills that post-Boys void perfectly. Sometimes you just need a conspiracy thriller that doesn’t ask you to think too hard.
6. Gangs of London: Not For The Faint of Heart
If you thought The Boys was violent, Gangs of London on AMC+ will make you look away from the screen. This show is brutal, visceral, and beautifully shot. It’s a crime drama that isn’t afraid to get blood on its hands. If you’re missing the sheer intensity of Butcher’s rampages, this is the logical next step. It’s high-octane, high-stakes, and honestly, a little traumatizing in the best way possible.
7. Fallout: The Surprise Hit of the Year
I was skeptical about a video game adaptation, but Fallout on Prime Video blew me away. It’s got the dark humor, the weird world-building, and some of the best practical effects I’ve seen in years. Walton Goggins as the Ghoul? A total masterclass. It’s got that same ‘everything is broken and society is a joke’ energy that made The Boys so relatable. Seriously, this is a must-watch immediately.
8. Warrior: The Underrated Gem
Warrior on Netflix is the best action show nobody is talking about enough. Based on Bruce Lee’s writings, the choreography is legitimately some of the best ever put on television. Every fight scene is a work of art. It’s gritty, political, and intense. If you want top-tier martial arts paired with a compelling story, this is it. I’m lowkey obsessed with how slept-on this show is. Do yourself a favor and hit play now.
FAQs
Is there anything exactly like The Boys?
Honestly? Nothing captures that exact lightning in a bottle. Invincible is the closest in terms of tone and gore, while Peacemaker hits that same cynical superhero satire sweet spot. You won’t find a carbon copy, but these will definitely help the withdrawal.
Which show should I start first?
If you want pure fun, go with Reacher. If you want something darker and more cynical, start Invincible. If you want high-stakes tension, go with Slow Horses. They all scratch different parts of the itch left by The Boys.
Are these shows available on streaming platforms?
Yes! Reacher, Invincible, and Fallout are on Prime Video. Slow Horses is on Apple TV+. Peacemaker is on Max. The Night Agent and Warrior are on Netflix. They are all currently available to binge right now.
There you have it—your post-Boys survival kit. I know, I know, nothing will ever replace the chaotic brilliance of Hughie and the gang, but these shows are definitely worth your time. Which one are you starting tonight? Let me know in the comments, and if you have another recommendation, don’t gatekeep—share it with the class! Let’s keep the action marathon going.
