10 Great Shows Like Warrior Nun That Fans Should Check Out
Netflix's "Warrior Nun" released its first season in 2020. Loosely based on the manga-style comic book series by Ben Dunn titled "Warrior Nun Areala," the series follows young quadriplegic orphan Ava Silva (Alba Baptista). Her life changes in an instant when she wakes up in a morgue with a halo-shaped artifact embedded in her back. She soon learns that this artifact grants her superpowers to fight against devilish things that go bump in the night. She is recruited to join an ancient order of warriors called the Order of the Cruciform Sword. Oh, and they also just so happen to be nuns.
These nuns are tasked with protecting Earth from demons and need Ava's powers to help aid their cause. While Ava is understandably shocked by this turn of events, she joins the sisterhood as her new superpowers have returned her ability to walk — among many other abilities that reveal themselves evident over the course of the series.
"Warrior Nun" proved to be a gift from the heavens when it dropped down from Netflix to be enjoyed by us mere mortals. While the streaming service has finally made good on its promise to deliver a second season, many fans are finding patience a difficult virtue to practice. To keep faithful "Warrior Nun" fans occupied after they have watched all the available episodes, here are 10 great shows that are similar to "Warrior Nun" to binge.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is the original fantasy show for female empowerment. Sarah Michelle Gellar shines as the title character Buffy, a high school student trying to balance the immeasurable weight of being "the chosen one" while also just trying to live her life. As a slayer, she's pretty much responsible for keeping the entire world safe. However, that doesn't stop her from having to deal with human issues as well. She still needs to do well in school, maintain a social life, and take care of her family. Buffy is given supernatural strength and stamina as — checks notes — "She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness. She is the slayer."
Buffy is a character that helped change TV by bringing the relatable female hero to the mainstream. She might look unassuming, but season after season Buffy was able to defeat any foe that came across her and her friends. This is a series that "Warrior Nun" can aspire to become, as Ava shares many similarities with Buffy — after all, she is an everyday girl who has been gifted unimaginable powers and strength. She could become the beacon of hope that Buffy was in her show.
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" has experienced some hardship in the past years, with many actors coming out to share the negative time they had with the series creator Joss Whedon (via Vulture). However, this should not diminish the amazing ride that the series has to offer fans. With seven seasons you can binge, plus the crossover spinoff series "Angel," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creates a world you can really sink your teeth into.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
"The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" follows the same formula of a young female protagonist thrust into the supernatural world. This Netflix series is loosely adapted from the "Archie" comic book story of the same name and even eventually crosses over with The CW's "Riverdale." Of course, before "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" found success on Netflix, the title character took a more comedic turn in the '90s with the sitcom "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," which starred Melissa Joan Hart as the young Sabrina. This version of the show had magic as a fun coming-of-age moment for Sabrina, whose focus was boys, school, and her friends.
This Netflix adaption is much spookier, as Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) comes to terms with the fact that she comes from a family of witches who low-key worship the devil. She must balance her human life with the supernatural world that becomes more and more dangerous. For instance, at one point, she literally becomes the Queen of Hell. Like "Warrior Nun," this series is built around action sequences and romantic entanglements with a strong female lead at the center. Both Sabrina and Ava from "Warrior Nun" must navigate the new world they've been thrown into that just so happen to deal with sinister religious conflicts.
"The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" has four seasons available to stream, which should help keep "Warrior Nun" fans busy while they wait for new episodes.
Crazyhead
A series that left too soon, "Crazyhead" tells the tale of two demon-fighting friends who use humor and the power of friendship to keep their enemies at bay. While the relationship between Raquel Francis (Susan Wokoma) and Amy (Cara Theobold) is the emotional core of the series, the series always manages to weave a hint of comedy into the events depicted. For example, in one early episode Raquel and Amy are seen humorously bickering with each other about the best way to bury a dead body. However, the body in question belongs to one of their friends. Unfortunately, she suffered from a possession gone wrong, leaving the girls left to clean up the mess.
If the premise sounds insane, that's because it is. However, this dark comedy finds a way to pull you in with strong horror vibes blended together with some well-timed British comedy. Although it (sadly) only has six episodes in its one and only season, "Crazyhead" still provides an interesting look at the bonds between the friends who lean on each other for emotional support — not to mention some great sequences of them fighting demonic hordes.
Their relationship between Raquel and Amy brings to mind the dynamic between Ava and Sister Beatrice (Kristina Tonteri-Young) in "Warrior Nun." The two initially meet when Ava is brought to the sisterhood. Beatrice is kind to Ava, and they develop a believable friendship due to the chemistry between the two actresses. Perhaps Season 2 will see the two characters' bond deepen as it does between Raquel Francis and Amy.
Dark
If you haven't watched this sci-fi masterpiece, consider this the push you need. "Dark" is magnificent. This German thriller series is created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, the minds behind Netflix's "1899" (via Vulture).
This complex series demands a lot of attention from its audience, as even the smallest details can come back as a major plot device. The series deals with parallel universes and time travel in an expertly unique way. Even the basic timelines require close attention, as "Dark" takes place in 1953, 1986, and 2019. The deeper into the show you get, the more you discover just how connected everyone is within these timelines. "Dark" truly is a well-designed puzzle box that gets more and more intense the longer you engage with it.
While this might not be as easy of a watch as "Warrior Nun," the complex questions "Dark" brings up will feel right at home with "Warrior Nun" fans. That idea of divine intervention and the meaning of life and death are explored by characters in both these supernatural series, daring viewers to challenge their own beliefs.
Season 1 of "Dark" introduces wormholes, complex family relationships, and a whole lot of questions. The remaining story, which is told over a three-season arc, is told over the perfect amount of time to resolve burning questions while keeping fans begging for more.
Misfits
Premiering in November 2009, this British sci-fi comedy-drama was one of a kind. "Misfits" tells the story of five delinquents teenagers who are taking part in community service together. One day, a freak storm grants them all powers reminiscent of their personalities. Suddenly, we've got someone who can travel through time, someone who can hear people's thoughts, and someone who can turn invisible. While there's an overarching story in each season, the central premise is that these five kids keep getting put in insane situations because of their powers and the powers of those around them.
Aside from the obvious supernatural and youth element that "Misfits" has in common with "Warrior Nun," the connection between the two shows goes deeper. Both the misfit teens and Ava are from marginalized groups. Upon discovering their powers, both the misfits and Ava initially want to use them selfishly. However, they eventually learn that their true responsibility is to try and make the world a better place while fighting to protect those who cannot defend themselves.
A little action, some teen drama, and a touch of romance make "Misfits" the perfect show to binge! With five seasons to get through, "Misfits" will keep you plenty busy. Plus — fun fact — the creator of "Crazyhead," Howard Overman, also developed this series!
Wynonna Earp
"Wynonna Earp" is part science fiction and part Western that gets mixed together with a dash of horror for good measure. If you thought these are three genres that would never blend well together, you would be wrong. This little-known series is truly a hidden gem. Based on a comic book of the same name by Beau Smith, the series takes a few liberties in order to bring more drama to the screen.
Melanie Scrofano takes center stage in this series as the titular character. Wynonna is the great-great-granddaughter of the famous Wyatt Earp, the legendary lawman who took part in the gunfight with O.K. Corral. Things take a turn for Wynonna when Wyatt's killers are brought back to life and she's given the power to send them back to the afterlife with Wyatt's magical gun, which she affectionately names Peacemaker.
Much like "Warrior Nun," this series shows a young and powerful female protagonist who must stand against the forces of the religious world. It's a fun ride with great twists and turns in each of its four seasons.
Van Helsing
"Van Helsing" is similar to "Wynonna Earp" as it follows the generations of a famous family — but here, it's the famous vampire hunters the Van Helsings. First introduced in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula," Van Helsing was a character tasked with being the only one to defeat the great and powerful vampire. Over the years we've seen various versions of the character, but "Van Helsing" is truly a unique take on the story.
The series takes place during a vampire apocalypse. Sunlight has been blocked out and the creatures of the night are roaming free. Kelly Overton portrays Vanessa Van Helsing, a descendant of Abraham Van Helsing. However, this is all unbeknownst to her. Throughout the series, Vanessa discovers that she has the ability to survive a vampire bite. When bitten, her blood transforms vampires back into their human form. As a result, Vanessa is thrust into a world she doesn't understand — all while trying to find a connection to a family that she never knew about. Initially, Vanessa is looking for her daughter, but as the series progresses she comes across a sister she never knew about. The deeper the story goes, the more family Vanessa comes across to help guide her quest to rid the world of vampires.
Much like Ava in "Warrior Nun," the Van Helsing women are at the center of the story as the heroes who must save the world from evil and set things right. Over five seasons, "Van Helsing" uses unique storytelling to keep audiences interested. Each season feels different than the last and will have you on the edge of your seat in this apocalyptic world.
The Magicians
"The Magicians" is a fantasy series based on the novel of the same name by Lev Grossman. The story follows Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), a young man who doesn't really feel like he belongs in his world. That's because — surprise — he doesn't! Quentin discovers that he's a magician and attends his very own version of Hogwarts, but, you know, for Americans. Brakebills University is where magicians go to polish their magic, but of course, Quentin discovers that he's a chosen one who must battle the forces of evil for his friends and loved ones.
If this sounds familiar, it's because Quentin is in many ways a male version of Ava from "Warrior Nun" — a character that's destined for greatness but doesn't know what they're doing quite yet. Also like "Warrior Nun," this series is filled with fun, comedic, and dramatic moments that make each season satisfying. If that's not enough to peak your interest, there are also some pretty cool magic abilities that the characters learn to use.
Sadly, "The Magicians" was abruptly canceled after five seasons, but audiences will still enjoy their magical journey through the world of Brakebills University and beyond.
Shadow and Bone
Released on Netflix in 2021, "Shadow and Bone" was a hit for the streaming platform, and it's no wonder why. Ben Barnes brings star power and has incredible chemistry with co-star Jessie Mei Li, which helps make this adaptation incredibly addicting. Based on the bestselling book series of the same name by Leigh Bardugo — which is a part of the larger Grishaverse — "Shadow and Bone" offers a compelling and expansive fantasy world that is ripe for exploration in future installments.
Much like "Warrior Nun," this series starts with a young female protagonist destined for great things. As an orphan treated poorly for being different, Alina, the hero of "Shadow and Bone," has a lot in common with Ava. However, one day she discovers that she is the last remaining Sun Summoner, which makes her a part of a select group of people that can wield magic. Alina dives deeper into the world of magic and learns more about what true evil is in her world.
The series is rich with world-building as audiences must become well-versed in the culture and fantasy land of the Grishaverse. We see a clear divide between each nation and the magic wielders, with Alina trying to find where she now fits in the world.
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments
Author Cassandra Clare really achieved something special when she created her overly popular young adult book series "The Mortal Instruments." The story includes six books and inspired multiple spin-off series, including "The Infernal Devices" and "The Dark Artifices." The world she created in "The Mortal Instruments" was turned into a film in 2013 titled "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones" starring Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Robert Sheehan. While it failed to live up to the hype of the novels, the series got a second chance on the small screen when it was adapted into the series "Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments."
The story follows Clary (Katherine McNamara), who discovers that she's part of a warrior race that's decent from angels and humans, the Nephilim. Clary's mother hid her away from her father in order to protect her from the shadow world. It turns out that demons, vampires, and werewolves are real, and only Clary holds the key to stopping her father, Valentine (Alan van Sprang), from unleashing hell on Earth.
With three seasons available to enjoy, "Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments" is an excellent choice for "Warrior Nuns" fans looking for something to binge while waiting on the next season.