Keanu Reeves has found his next action thriller.

The John Wick star is set to lead Kill Current, an upcoming adaptation of Oliver Lowe’s novel Kill Current: A Jon Hendricks Thriller. The Arena has acquired the project and will finance and produce the film, with Reeves also producing alongside Alexandra Grant through their newly launched production company, Two Dragonflies.

The story centers on Jon Hendricks, a burned-out CIA officer who is pulled back into action after losing the protégé he trained. His search for revenge sends him into a globe-spanning conflict involving shifting alliances, technological warfare and the battle for some of the world’s most valuable resources.

The upcoming novel is the first entry in a planned Jon Hendricks thriller series and is scheduled to be published by Zando in May 2027.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to develop the character Jon Hendricks with these wonderful collaborators and that this is the project that launches Two Dragonflies which I share with my partner, Alexandra Grant,” Reeves said.

The project could potentially give Reeves another action franchise outside of John Wick, as Kill Current is being developed from the first installment of a planned book series.

Two Dragonflies was founded by Reeves and Grant to develop stories across film, television, animation, comic books, games, literature and other creative mediums.

No director, additional cast members or release date have been announced.

Karrueche Tran recently hyped up her fans after sharing a GRWM (get-ready-with-me) video on social media. Tran was giving her supporters a look at her ‘fit ahead of supporting her boyfriend Deion Sanders at his Buffaloes’ game. In response to the cutesy clip, Karrueche’s fans say the ‘Claws’ actress is giving “coach’s wife” energy.

RELATED: Throwin’ Down! Karrueche Tran Shares Footage Of Her Cooking A Birthday Feast For Deion Sanders (VIDEO)

Karrueche Tran Shows Off Game Day Fit

As said, Tran herself uploaded the clip. It’s unclear where she was located when she filmed it, but she opened by saying it’s her “game day fit.” She shared that the theme of the day was “white out,” so she wore a white Nike quarter-zip. She revealed she cut the sleeves short herself. It was designed by Deion Sanders Jr., she said, calling his nickname Bucky. Tran paired the top with light green pants and her new favorite sandal heels, which appear to be gold, purple and brown. She also wore bracelets, a watch, a diamond cross necklace and diamond studs with her hair pressed with curls and parted in the middle.

RELATED: Hol’ Up! Deiondra Sanders Shares Alleged DM From Woman Claiming She’s Spent Time With Her Son Snow & Jacquees

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Sports and horror are a rare pairing, yet Fantastic Fest is about to give genre fans their second combination of the two in as many years. In 2025, Him took the field, mixing football and the macabre in a story about an up-and-coming quarterback being invited to train with an aging superstar at his isolated compound, where the methods employed are more than a little sinister. Neither critics nor audiences were big fans of the film in the end, though, despite interesting ideas and strong performances from the starring duo of Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans. Now, Bloody Tennis will attempt to take the niche subgenre and serve up a winner in its North American premiere at the country’s most prestigious event for genre filmmaking.

As part of Collider’s Exclusive Preview series, we’re thrilled to share a new look at the brutal thriller that shows exactly where the title comes from. Bloody Tennis unfolds at a prestigious girls’ tennis academy where, like Isaiah’s compound in Him, violence is part of the regimen and only the hungriest, most cutthroat players will survive. At the center of the experience is Sophie (Sandra Guldberg Kampp), who is slowly exposed to the academy’s extreme methods when she’s enrolled over the summer. As she slowly builds bonds with her fellow young players, their circumstances grow from strange, like being constantly served bizarre red, chunky smoothies, to creepy, with leeches applied to help performance. Getting further into the program and getting better only gives the Academy more hold over Sophie, and the push to reach greatness at all costs only grows.

Our exclusive image shows Sophie observing the results of her training in the mirror. A large, bloody gash just below her eye leaves streaks of crimson down the left side of her face, as she looks detached and borderline unfazed by the damage. The academy encourages a singular commitment to winning on another level, where bodily harm and sacrifice are viewed not as problems to correct, but signs of commitment to be rewarded. It’s an illustration of the key behind Bloody Tennis‘ satire about the modern world that glorifies and expects the grind. Buying into the academy’s logic won’t just cost Sophie her own blood, sweat, and tears, though. The cost of her ascension will be paid by the people around her, with whom she’s experienced friendship, rivalry, and desire.

Who Will Hit the Court for ‘Bloody Tennis’?

Kampp takes the court in Bloody Tennis after most recently reprising her role as Thalis for one episode in Season 3 of the Apple TV sci-fi series, Foundation. She’s joined by a talented international cast including Zlatko Burić, who’s had a busy year between Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, Wonder Man, and The Bride!, alongside Elina Löwensohn, Tracy Gotoas, Helena Zengel, Lily Taïeb, Juliana Vieira Guerra, Lucie Zhang, and Vincent Romeo. Behind the camera, meanwhile, was writer-director Nikias Chryssos with a much bloodier follow-up to their music drama Rave On, released last year. The sports horror feature earned solid marks from the few critics who saw its premiere at the Locarno Film Festival, but Shudder felt confident enough in its blend of blood, stomach-churning violence, and emotional coming-of-age elements to purchase the rights to distribute it starting September 25, even before then.

First, Bloody Tennis makes its North American premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 20. The festival begins this week on September 17 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas. Check out our exclusive image above and stay tuned here at Collider for more new looks throughout the rest of the week as we gear up for the event’s 21st edition. More information on each entry can be found on the official Fantastic Fest film guide.

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Release Date

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September 25, 2026

Runtime

94 minutes

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Director

Nikias Chryssos

Writers

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Nikias Chryssos

Producers

Maximilian Leo

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Cast

• 
• 

  Sandra Guldberg Kampp

  Sophie

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Pierce Brosnan simply can’t shed the James Bond skin; at least the US Open camera person will not let him.

The phenomenal actor who played the fictional secret agent attended the US Open men’s final, and his stage presence was once again a topic of conversation. 

Featured in the media coverage, the sports cameras took a long shot, making Pierce Brosnan one with his James Bond character. The brief yet eye-catching moment has since gone viral and sparked some controversy.

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Brosnan had a memorable 007 moment during the US Open men’s final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton. The game had barely begun when the television director played a witty pun, seemingly after spotting the actor in the stands.

Most of the time, the cameras cut to the time clock just before it changes to the exact match time, to let viewers know how much time has elapsed in the game.

At the September 13 men’s singles final, the cameras focused on the Rolex time clock, which read 0:07, then quickly cut to Brosnan, who was watching the game from the stands while chewing on something, probably gum or a snack.

In case you didn’t know, 007 is James Bond’s specific M16 service code number, which made that moment during the game significant. Social media users quickly resonated, praising those covering the game. “Genius,” a fan commented under ESPN’s Instagram reel of the shot, which they captioned “shot of the tournament.”

A different commenter wrote, “Give that cameraman or camerawoman a raise,” a comment that has gotten nearly 5,000 likes. Praise for Brosnan for his portrayal of James Bond from 1995 to 2002 filled the comments.

“Pierce Bronson [sic] was an underrated James Bond,” a user noted. “The only James Bond I acknowledge,” another added, while a separate user wrote, “He’s who comes to mind when I think of James Bond.” 

Inside Netizens’ Feud Over The Actor’s Character 

Others noted that the TV star looked so good, tagging him as the “OG James Bond,” and that he could still play the character even though it had been over two decades since he dropped the role. 

Amid the applause, internet users weighed in, comparing Brosnan to the other actors who played the character in different years of the franchise. A fan stirred up controversy with a comment that began by praising Brosnan as an “underrated actor” but went on to say, “Unfortunately, his portrayal as James Bond was abysmal.”

“I needed more grit, and he hadn’t delivered. The best bod we have gotten thus far is probably Timothy Dalton. Daniel Craig delivered an extraordinary performance in all his films,” the comment continued. In response, a netizen expressed that they always fell asleep watching Craig, but never with Brosnan.

“Abysmal, I would love to see you do better, abysmal?!” a different user fired back. Another also disagreed, writing that Craig clears Dalton. A separate fan penned “GoldenEye is still a classic,” to which another agreed, stating that GoldenEye was one of the second-highest-selling games of all time.

The ‘GoldenEye’ Star Has Hung Up His Bond Boots

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Auditions for the next 007 agent in the James Bond film franchise have taken place, and there has been swirling speculation about who the next star will be. Brosnan revealed that there are many talented actors vying for the role in Denis Villeneuve’s film; however, he thinks they might cast an unknown actor.

“I have no desire to see myself in Bond. I’m just a member of the audience now awaiting the next Bond and wishing him well,”  The blockbuster actor clarified in an interview with The Times. He has since stepped away from the role after 2002’s “Die Another Day.”

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The TV personality did not name any potential M16 agents for the upcoming film, but his “Thursday Murder Club” costar, Tom Ellis, said in an interview with Metro UK that Brosnan had told him he would “make a good Bond.”

Fans Are Waiting With Bated Breath For The New James Bond

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Craig took over from Brosnan in 2006 and played the character for nearly two decades. He stepped away from the iconic role in 2021, leaving viewers wondering who the next star actor would be.

Gary Oldman recently revealed that the next legendary secret agent has already been chosen, and a big public reveal is brewing. The Blast shared that he also disclosed that he is rooting for a particular actor to bag the role. Oldman revealed that Jack Lowden was among the entertainers who auditioned and made the shortlist. 

George Clooney, on the other hand, believes Callum Turner would be the perfect choice to step into Bond’s shoes. Notably, the franchise is seeking a young actor who can portray the character over an extended period across multiple films.

James Bond Still Holds A Piece In Pierce Brosnan 

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Earlier this year, Brosnan appeared at the London premiere of his sports biopic, “Giant,” in which he stars as a boxing trainer who led four boxers to win world titles.

His outfit channeled his inner 007, with a look strikingly similar to his James Bond alter ego. According to Hello! Magazine, the actor exuded suave sophistication as he posed for the cameras on the red carpet in his stylish black suit.

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Other cast members of the show looked sharp in their fits, including Amir El-Masry, who plays Prince Naseem Hamed in the biopic, dressed in a stylish black tuxedo.

He was joined by the film director Rowan Athale, and the duo posed for pictures on the red carpet. Arian Nik, Katherine Dow, and Olivia Barrowclough also made their appearance at the premiere, wowing fans with their stunning fits.

Looks like Pierce Brosnan has resurrected the ultimate question: who is the next James Bond?

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Matching sets are my favorite shortcut to get that elusive rich mom look; they’re polished, expensive and somehow never trying too hard. Even the comfiest two-piece can look intentional with the right silhouette, especially when paired with clean sneakers, oversized sunglasses and the confidence of someone whose next stop is Pilates. The fact that there’s practically no styling involved is just a bonus.

The 17 finds below range from cashmere-looking knits to cool-girl sweats and sporty styles made for coffee runs. They look like the kind of outfits that belong in a closet next to designer totes and very expensive activewear. Thankfully, the prices tell a different story. The matching sets we found start at $28, leaving plenty of room in the budget for the fancy latte.

17 Matching Sets Look Like They Belong in a Rich Mom’s Closet

1. Our Favorite: This sweater and skirt set nails that polished, preppy look rich moms love so much. The monochromatic knit makes it look especially expensive, despite its $30 price tag.

2. Elevate Your Errands: This camel matching set makes a coffee run look like a chic outfit. The neutral hue and preppy collar give the relaxed silhouette that effortlessly expensive feel.

3. Hamptons at Home: This striped matching set delivers Hamptons-weekend style, even if you’re staying on the couch. Its neutral palette and turtleneck silhouette make cozy knitwear look seriously sophisticated.

4. Compliment Magnet: Don’t be surprised if people ask where you got this striped sweater set. The oversized knit top and wide-leg pants make it look much more fashion-forward than your typical lounge set.

5. Chanel Energy: This black-and-white matching set immediately caught my eye. It gives the otherwise simple silhouette that classic, expensive-looking feel without the designer price tag.

Related: 17 Flattering, Office-Friendly Sweater Dresses for Women Over 40

I’m convinced sweater dresses are the closest thing fall workwear has to a life hack. The right office-friendly dress can define the waist, flatter the figure and still give you all the cozy comfort of your favorite knit. Even better, one dress plus boots is basically an entire outfit — a major win when I’m […]

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6. Free People Vibes: Free People fans will recognize the perfectly undone energy of this two-piece knit set. The oversized top and breezy pants make it equally suited for lounging and leaving the house.

7. Bestseller Alert: One shopper said this top-rated sporty matching set “looks more expensive than it is.” The half-zip top gives the otherwise relaxed look a sporty, polished finish.

8. Throw-On Favorite: Zero outfit planning is required with this gray jogger set. The oversized fit gives basic sweats a trendy edge, so all that’s left to add is a favorite pair of sneakers.

9. Game Day Chic: For anyone who wants the sporty look without wearing a jersey, this contrast matching set gets it right. The relaxed fit keeps things casual, while the contrast details make it feel pulled together.

10. Ribbed and Ravishing: Basic sweats could never. The all-over ribbing gives this cozy matching set an expensive-looking texture, and the slouchy fit makes it perfect for lounging.

11. Shoulder Show: An off-shoulder matching set makes getting dressed up feel almost too easy. The draped neckline brings the glamour, while the wide-leg pants keep the whole look wonderfully relaxed.

12. Sleek and Sporty: Black and white is a combination that rarely misses, and this piping-trim set proves it. Wide-leg pants make the sporty look feel especially trendy.

13. Cashmere Energy: It may not come with a cashmere price tag, but this creamy sweater set certainly has the look. The soft neutral hue and drapey silhouette make it feel especially luxe.

14. Très Chic: French girl style gets an easy, everyday twist with this striped sweater set. The coordinating midi skirt makes it look far more elevated than a typical throw-on-and-go outfit.

15. Old Money Ease: Nothing looks quite as expensive as head-to-toe cream. This knit skirt set pairs a classic sweater with a streamlined midi for an outfit that feels timeless rather than trendy.

16. Prep School Chic: Consider the preppy print officially back in session. This argyle two-piece set combines an oversized sweater with a matching mini for an easy fall outfit that still makes a statement.

17. Classy Contrast: Head-to-toe cream already has a knack for looking expensive, and this knit pants set takes it one step further. The black stitching adds just enough contrast to make the neutral outfit stand out.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

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Oprah Winfrey is here again to do it bigger and better than ever before!

The media mogul has announced her upcoming project, a two-hour immersive live show, “Oprah Winfrey’s AHA,” which will show in Las Vegas next year.

This rings true to the billionaire who has never been shy to approach daunting challenges, as evidenced by her success, and this might prove no different. 

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What started as a dream three years ago is shaping up to be a reality for Winfrey. Since the 72-year-old saw U2 open the Sphere in September of 2023, she had an “aha moment” to use the venue for something magnificent.

She thought, “You could take people to the edge of space and allow them to see their connection to the universe, and to themselves, and to each other.” While speaking to People Magazine about her dream, Winfrey said,

“When you’re inside the Sphere, it’s like being under this dome that isn’t a dome, but it’s like a window. There are 160,000 speakers, and movement in the seats and your olfactory senses are being affected. If you’re looking at the beach, you can smell the beach. At one point I was like, ‘I don’t even know what is happening.” 

Winfrey referred to the show as the add-up of everything she has tried to say for years, sharing it was a way for people to feel connected to themselves and everyone around them. 

“We actually all want the same things,” she said, speaking on the commonality in the human experience. “ And I know there is a middle ground, where there are things we do agree on that allow the humanity within each of us to be extended beyond ourselves. I’m reaching for that thing.”

The show will include music, film, sensory effects, and performers including Jacob Collier and Ocean Vuong. Other talents include Oscar-nominated composer Max Richter, along with Ethan Tobman and Baz Halpin, who are two of the creative minds behind Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour. 

Oprah Winfrey’s South African School Will Take A New Direction In 2027

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True to her fearless approach to change, the American entrepreneur is also taking her school in a new direction next year. 

Almost two decades ago, Winfrey launched the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) as a tuition-free school to help academically gifted girls from poor backgrounds.

However, by the end of 2027, the school would cease all operations in its current form, as reported by The Blast.

A rep for Winfrey shared that they would graduate two more classes, and the remaining girls would be transferred to top schools where they would complete their education, with tuition sponsored by the billionaire. 

As for OWLAG, they would have a scholarship program with the aim of helping more girls achieve their academic dreams. 

Oprah Winfrey Faced Backlash Over Work-Life Balance Advice 

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However, not all of the 72-year-old’s moves have had positive feedback, as she was recently under fire after expressing her views on work-life balance. 

The business mogul argued that college graduates should not expect work-life balance early on, and that they needed to “lay in the work” before getting freedom to make decisions based on what they want. 

Some fans supported her decisions, while others said her wealth has disconnected her from the financial and emotional pressures young workers face, according to The Blast.

Oprah Winfrey Defends Her Decision To Give Dr. Phil A Platform 

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Winfrey is, however, not a stranger to public backlash, as her role in giving Dr. Phil McGraw a platform on her talk show was also recently under scrutiny. This came amid his increased allegiance to President Donald Trump, per The Blast.

Winfrey recalled meeting McGraw, who was working as a jury consultant, during her 6-week defamation lawsuit against Texas cattlemen. He helped her through the process, and she felt he could also help a lot of people, hence why she invited him on the show. 

She, however, does not want to be held responsible for the political path he later followed. 

Oprah Winfrey Showed Off Her Dramatic New Transformation

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Beyond being in the public eye for controversy, the 72-year-old was also recently in the news for more personal matters. 

The Blast reported that she made an appearance at the Telluride Film Festival earlier this month after losing 82lbs. Winfrey stunned in a cream matching set with feathery details, paired with brown boots and sunglasses. 

The outing took place months after she revealed she had reached 155 pounds and no longer blamed herself for her long-term weight struggles. Winfrey has also been open about her GLP-1 journey. 

Inde Navarrette is already thinking about one of the most recognizable elements of Rogue as she prepares to join Marvel’s X-Men: her unmistakable Southern accent.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Navarrette revealed that her own upbringing in Texas will provide some inspiration for her portrayal of Rogue. The actress spent a significant portion of her childhood in Corpus Christi and remembers the Southern women she grew up around as an influence on how she is approaching the character.

“I grew up in Texas for a good majority of my life,” Navarrette said. “So honestly, those Southern women are really my favorite. Corpus Christi is the city specifically.”

However, Navarrette knows that a Texas accent isn’t necessarily Rogue’s accent.

In Marvel Comics, Rogue, also known as Anna Marie, comes from Mississippi, and Navarrette wants to spend time there before stepping into the role.

“But specifically, Mississippi, Rogue is from Mississippi,” Navarrette explained. “So, I’m really just — I want to go there. I really want to do her justice.”

Rogue X-Men 97′ [Marvel Studios Animation]

Rogue’s Southern Voice Is Part of the Character

Getting Rogue’s voice right could be particularly important for longtime X-Men fans.

Rogue’s Southern drawl has become one of the character’s defining traits, especially through Lenore Zann’s performance in X-Men: The Animated Series and, more recently, X-Men ’97. Navarrette’s comments suggest Marvel’s new live-action interpretation won’t abandon that aspect of the character.

Navarrette was officially announced as Rogue during D23 in August. She joins a growing X-Men ensemble that includes Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Kit Connor as Cyclops, Maya Boyd as Storm, Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost and Adam Driver as Mister Sinister. Asa Germann was also recently added as Angel.

Thunderbolts filmmaker Jake Schreier is directing Marvel’s new take on the mutant team.

While audiences will have to wait to hear exactly what Navarrette’s Rogue sounds like, the actress appears determined to make the character’s Mississippi roots part of her performance rather than simply adopting a generic Southern drawl.

Marvel’s X-Men is currently scheduled to hit theaters May 5, 2028.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives could be down two more stars.

Layla Taylor and Mayci Neeley both hinted that their futures on the show are up in the air after costar Mikayla Matthews announced her exit on Monday, September 14.

Layla, Mayci, Taylor Frankie Paul, Jessi Draper and Miranda McWhorter are currently filming season six of the hit Hulu reality show. (Whitney Leavitt left Mormon Wives after season 5.)

In a TikTok comment responding to a fan who asked if she was “staying on the show,” Mayci, 31, wrote, “I am finishing this current season that we are filming and then not sure for after that.”

Later on Monday, the Baby Mama founder posted a lengthy TikTok video addressing scenes that she filmed for seasons 4 and 5 that were ultimately cut. In the caption, Mayci again hinted that she might follow Mikayla out the door.

“At the end of the day I don’t care about having ‘aura,’ I care about providing for my family and being a good wife/ mother. Period,” she wrote. “Going into SLOMW my intention has never been the fame, it has always been $$$ to provide for my fam and to positively impact people by sharing my story. So I’ll take the cut and stay happy & healed🥰🫶🏼.”

Layla, 25, echoed Mayci in response to a fan who asked her whether she will return during a Q&A session via her Instagram Stories on Monday.

“I just love her so much,” Layla wrote, referring to Mikayla. She added, “It’s such an impossible situation for everyone involved, but I am finishing season 6 and then [to be determined].”

Mikayla, 26, announced on Monday that she will be leaving Mormon Wives, citing concerns about filming with Taylor, whose legal issues involving ex Dakota Mortensen led to season 5 pausing production and her season of The Bachelorette being canceled earlier this year.

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“I’ve said from the beginning of this that I’m not comfortable being a part of something that continues to platform behavior I don’t agree especially given my own experience growing up in a home with multiple forms of abuse,” she wrote via Instagram.

Mikayla continued, “There’s no amount of money worth going against my morals or changing the stance I’ve had since I first saw and heard the things that made me feel this strongly. And for me personally, continuing to directly profit from this behavior feels wrong and unethical. It feels like a disservice to the children, everyone’s healing and the millions of people watching.”

“This show has been a huge part of my life and has helped me provide for my family. I’m so grateful for the experience, and will continue sharing my story, my health and advocating for myself and others ❤️ this shouldn’t be ‘relatable’ or entertainment in anyway,” she added. “Supporting an ADULT doesn’t mean constantly making excuses for toxic behavior while giving unconditional sympathy and grace with zero accountability or change. I was in that enabling cycle for years, and I’m not going to be a part of that again!🫶🏼 love you all.”

Trends have dominated movies forever, whether the fad lasts only a couple of years, a couple of decades, or never really goes out of fashion. Genres such as Westerns used to be all the rage, conquering the box office and pumping out mass productions of films. Today, superheroes are the big thing, and while they have always been popular, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has brightened the spotlight with dazzling results.

While the silver screen attracts the most attention from fans, many enjoy indulging in superhero fanfare from the comfort of their own home on television. But sometimes fans need an extra bit of excitement, and that’s precisely what animation offers: a wondrous and creative medium. Animated superhero shows are arguably the most adaptable because of their loose restrictions, allowing creativity to flow, and these ten shows prove to be the best of the best.

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‘The Powerpuff Girls’ (1998–2005)

Image via Cartoon Network

With sugar, spice, and everything nice, Craig McCracken created the legendary cartoon The Powerpuff Girls after he submitted his short film to Cartoon Network. The show follows three superpowered kindergartners, Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup, and their scientist father and creator. The trio protects their city of Townsville from dastardly villains such as Mojo Jojo, Him, and the Gangreen Gang.

Almost every fan has heard of The Powerpuff Girls, considering it dominated the television screens of every kid in the 1990s and 2000s. While the show looks like it has a target audience, it is a fantastic show for everyone to enjoy, complete with action and comedy. This animated show proves why the cartoon medium is perfect for superheroes, with most fans happy the live-action Powerpuff Girls movie fell through.

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‘The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ (2010–2012)

Image via Disney XD

While most fans might know this iconic group from the many great MCU movies, The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes gives them a different look at the characters they know and love. This cartoon features the original Avengers, including Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Ant-Man, and the Wasp, with Captain America, Black Panther, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, and Vision joining the team later. It follows the team defeating dangerous foes and capturing the 74 escaped convicts, all familiar faces.

While The Avengers offers fans new imaginative stories, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes offers fans a taste of some older stories, a refreshing combination for accurate adaptations. These arcs masterfully utilize each member, not leaving anyone out, with each character getting a proper amount of screen time. With the series getting canceled, it’s unfortunate that fans won’t see more of this phenomenal adaptation.

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‘Batman Beyond’ (1999–2001)

Image via Warner Bros. 

Besides Spider-Man, Batman is the character with the most adaptations from film to television, animated included. One such adaptation is Batman Beyond, a creative reimagining of Gotham in a cyberpunk future, set in the DCAU with Kevin Conroy as an aging Batman. After a group of psycho clowns murders his father, Terry McGinnis takes up the mantle of Batman in a new suit, learning what it means to be the titular hero.

Many fans didn’t like the idea of a new Batman in a futuristic Gotham, but after watching a few episodes, they quickly changed their minds. Batman Beyond is a terrific origin show for a new Batman, showcasing that Gotham is still plagued with the same problems, except with the benefit of technology. Its cyberpunk setting and darker themes gave fans a unique and stellar show, with a more relatable character who goes from punk to hero.

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‘The Spectacular Spider-Man’ (2008–2009)

Image via Sony Pictures Animation

Like another particular hero who will feature on this list later, Spider-Man is a character who will never go out of fashion and always has at least one TV show or movie every so often. Similar to the other TV adaptations of this character, The Spectacular Spider-Man follows Peter Parker, who must juggle his complicated high school life and his even more complicated crime-fighting life as Spider-Man.

While the show was unfortunately canceled, it only needed two seasons to become the definitive adaptation of the web-slinger. Most members of his iconic rogues’ gallery are present and have satisfying arcs, spotlighting each character while building a connected story. This version of Peter and Spidey is both perfect, from his money problems, girl troubles, and stress of responsibility to wisecracking one-liners, complex story arcs, and complicated emotions. The Spectacular Spider-Man is the best animated Spider-Man, even if some fans prefer Spider-Man: The Animated Series.

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‘Invincible’ (2021–Present)

Image via Prime Video

With Marvel and DC dominating the superhero genre, it’s nice to see something else flourish; such is the case with popular shows, including The Boys and Invincible. With The Boys dominating live-action superhero content, Invincible proves animation is better than ever with a darker story. The cartoon follows the son of the world’s strongest hero, who is just learning how to use his powers but discovers a haunting truth about his father.

Invincible’s inclusion on this list was a given; in fact, it may surprise fans that the show isn’t higher. But after a polarizing second season, Invincible’s third season needs to prove why it is one of the best superhero TV shows. Regardless, the heavy subject matter and shocking plot created a worldwide phenomenon. Invincible explores the philosophies and minds of the characters while still delivering a dark and action-packed show.

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‘Young Justice’ (2010–2022)

Image via DC Entertainment/Warner Bros. Animation

Not many TV shows have had as complicated a journey as Young Justice, which was cancelled after two seasons, brought back six years later, and is supposedly finished even though Nolan North is optimistic about a fifth season. With the Justice League confined to working around the legal system, a group of their younger counterparts took up the task of going on covert and stealth operations, proving their worth while investigating the mysterious organization known as the Light.

With many animated superhero shows following an episodic structure, Young Justice‘s continuous plot was a breath of fresh air, which allowed for proper character development and better handling of mature themes and messages. The first two seasons are some of the best superhero content any fan can watch. But with a polarizing third season, the fourth steered in the right direction again, creating a family-friendly yet mature superhero show.

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‘One Punch Man’ (2015–Present)

Image via Madhouse

Just because anime doesn’t have many superhero shows doesn’t mean the ones they have aren’t good. One Punch Man is proof of that, as it follows Saitama, an overpowered hero who is just trying to make a living in the world. Despite demolishing the physical exam, Saitama failed the written portion, leaving him a low-rank hero even though he is the strongest being in the galaxy. Fans witness his comedic and epic exploits as he finishes every fight with one punch.

Like Invincible, One Punch Man’s second season had a severe dip in animation quality. This was a major disappointment to fans, considering how good the first season was, even though the story and action of season two were still good. Despite this, the first season is pure enjoyment, full of hilarious gag comedy and stellar animation with some of the best fights in anime. The fun story and fantastic side cast provide wacky and epic moments, and it is easily the best superhero anime.

3

‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ (1992–1997)

Image via Fox Kids Network

While many fans agree DC is the king of superhero animation, X-Men: The Animated Series is enough for Marvel to be in the conversation. The series follows the iconic group of superheroes fighting for mutant rights and against oppression by the government and evil mutants. With some arcs adapting famous comics and some doing their own thing, X-Men: The Animated Series has the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.

This impressive show isn’t just a fun action cartoon for kids to enjoy, but it also has important stories and themes mixed in, creating a well-rounded series. Despite a lackluster end to the series, the show still holds up as one of the best superhero TV shows, not just animated ones. It has the definitive depictions of many X-Men members and manages to mostly deliver satisfying arcs and development, making this series a triumph for Marvel and animated shows in general.

2

‘Justice League Unlimited’ (2004–2006)

Image via Warner Bros. Animation

Taking place immediately after Justice League, which just missed out on this list, Justice League Unlimited includes the main seven but also a plethora of other DC superheroes. The original seven members still get their shine, but this series introduces many fan-favorites and unheard-of heroes as each episode focuses on someone else. Like many other superhero shows, they battle against the evils that present themself.

While the 2-4 episode structure from Justice League is gone, the single-episode format works perfectly for Unlimited. It spotlights various heroes, and every episode of Justice League is a treat. The expanded roster added so much to this show; from fun and enjoyable episodes to heavy thematic stories, this series had it all. With incredible pacing, delightful characters, and complex stories, Justice League Unlimited is a perfect conclusion for the DCAU.

1

‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992–1995)

Image via Warner Bros. Animation

No other animated show would feel right at the top of this list other than Batman: The Animated Series. Following Batman in his prime, the series has the titular character facing off against almost every member of his rogues’ gallery, from Joker to The Terrible Trio. As he spends countless nights keeping Gotham safe, the show has a perfect balance of Batman and Bruce Wayne, delivering complex stories with every episode.

Whether fans include The New Batman Adventures with BTAS or not, it would still be number one on this list. The series is a testament to superhero writing; from the dialogue to the story to the themes and characters, BTAS is a perfectly written television show. Possibly the best part of the show is the Batman villains and their complex stories, with each episode delving into their motives, history, feelings, and trauma. BTAS is the definitive version of Batman and Bruce Wayne, delivering tragic, exciting, and dramatic stories that perfectly handle family-friendly, fun, and profound storytelling.

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Batman: The Animated Series

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Release Date

1992 – 1995-00-00

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Network

FOX, Fox Kids

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Showrunner

Bruce Timm

Directors

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Kevin Altieri, Boyd Kirkland, Frank Paur, Dan Riba, Dick Sebast

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• 
• 

  Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

  Alfred Pennyworth (voice)

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