While the Avengers battle cosmic threats like Loki, the Chitauri, Ultron's army, and Thanos, a team of street-level heroes defends New York City from villains who could bring the world to its knees: The Defenders.
Available now as a Netflix Original series, The Defenders unites Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist in an epic team-up.
With just eight episodes in the first season, you're probably craving more. Netflix offers endless options—check out our A-Z list of binge-worthy shows for inspiration. Here are our top recommendations tailored for Defenders fans.
If you're new to the Marvel Netflix universe, don't worry—The Defenders is accessible for newcomers. It's the perfect entry point to catch up on the prior series. For a full rundown, see our ranked reviews of Marvel's Netflix shows.
Our saga starts with Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), blinded by a childhood accident that heightened his other senses, making him Daredevil. Season 1 of Daredevil introduces key elements like the Hand, expanded in Season 2 with Elektra (Élodie Yung).
Enter Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), a super-strong private investigator with a sharp tongue. Jessica Jones Season 1 pits her against the mind-controlling Kilgrave (David Tennant of Doctor Who), exploring trauma and obsession. We also meet Luke Cage (Mike Colter), whose unbreakable skin and heroism shine in Harlem after wrongful imprisonment.
Danny Rand (Finn Jones) returns from mystical K'un-Lun as the Iron Fist, battling the Hand. Though Iron Fist Season 1 drew mixed reviews, it sets up the team's clash.
Now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—home to Marvel Comics icons since 1939.
Not fully in the Netflix fold yet, but essential MCU viewing. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. follows the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division as they handle fallout from films like The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. No deep movie knowledge required.
All four seasons stream on Netflix, tackling AI, ancient aliens, and mysticism vs. science. With 22 episodes each, they're a bigger commitment than the Defenders miniseries. Season 1 starts slow but explodes after Hydra twists.
The Defenders delves into the MCU's darker streets, far from Ant-Man or Guardians of the Galaxy. For more gritty supernatural vibes—better than some recent sci-fi—try the superior UK version of Being Human.
This flat-share drama follows a werewolf, vampire, and ghost navigating modern life. Created by Toby Whithouse (Doctor Who), it's darkly compelling and unforgettable.
FBI's most-wanted Raymond "Red" Reddington (James Spader) surrenders, offering intel on his criminal network in exchange for immunity and a partnership with profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone).
The result? A thrilling, twisty series unraveling a shadowy cabal, mirroring the Hand's menace. Spader's charismatic antihero steals the show.
A cultural phenomenon with a 9.5/10 IMDb rating and 94% Rotten Tomatoes score—certified TV's most acclaimed by Guinness.
Watch Walter White (Bryan Cranston) descend into the drug trade for his family. Krysten Ritter shines as recovering addict Jane Margolis, channeling her Jessica Jones toughness.
Marvel vs. DC rivalry? Team-up fans will love this. Rip Hunter (Arthur Darvill) assembles White Canary, The Atom, Hawkgirl, Hawkman, Firestorm, Captain Cold, and Heat Wave to fix the timeline.
Season 1 battles the Time Masters; Season 2 protects history sans Rip. Strong ensemble chemistry makes it addictive.
For Jessica Jones' comedic flip side, Krysten Ritter stars as chaotic party girl Chloe in this overlooked gem. Ideal roommate for naive June (Dreama Walker) after her NYC dream job sours.
ABC aired 26 episodes but axed it prematurely. Netflix lets you binge the full run.
Unlike canceled flops, Stranger Things exploded in 2016 with massive fandom. Set in 1983 Hawkins, Indiana, a boy's disappearance unleashes supernatural chaos, government conspiracies, and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown).
80s nostalgia evokes comic roots, echoing Luke Cage's experiments and Iron Fist's mysticism.
Speaking of eerie supernatural tales, the original Twin Peaks defined cult TV (pre-2017 revival).
This unconventional crime drama treats its titular town like Hell's Kitchen or Harlem. After two seasons (30 episodes, 1990-1991), it built a devoted following. Prequel film Fire Walk with Me may return to Netflix—keep watching.
Next Marvel fix? Jon Bernthal reprises Frank Castle from Daredevil Season 2 as the brutal vigilante avenging his family's murder. Premieres November 2017—perfect for winter nights.
Phase two incoming: Daredevil Season 3, plus S2 of Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. Comic fans, grab Brian Michael Bendis' ongoing Defenders run with David Márquez art—the 'Diamonds Are Forever' arc revives Diamondback.
Loved The Defenders? How does it stack up to other Marvel Netflix shows? Rewatching priors or trying our picks? Share in the comments!
