Worldwide Legends & Folklore
Invisible City is the latest Brazilian Netflix Original, combining elements of fantasy, mystery, horror and supernatural elements. With a quick-pace and 7 nicely written episodes, this is an easy show to jump into and well worth the time investment.
If you’ve finished this one and are looking for something similar, we’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing.
To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have.
Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming Invisible City.
Tale Of The Nine Tailed
Similarities – Fantasy & Urban Legends
Tale Of The Nine Tailed is unashamedly similar to fellow Korean drama Goblin. In fact, along with Lee Dong-Wook and a fantasy setting adopting numerous Gods, both shows will undoubtedly draw a lot of similarities – much to the fault of this fantasy offering.
Although Tale Of The Nine Tailed is nowhere near as prolific as Goblin, it does win some brownie points for the way it integrates Korean folk tales and myths into its main storyline. There’s some great ideas showcased here despite the story taking a few disappointing turns late on.
The main premise revolves around a gumiho (nine-tailed fox) settling down in the city. Only, it’s mercilessly hunted by a strange entity, which is released unwittingly by an investigator known as Ji-A. As the two grow closer together, the story ramps up the fantasy elements.
Tale Of The Nine Tailed is an intriguing series and despite its flaws, captures the essence of Korean urban legends beautifully.
You can read our thoughts on Tale Of The Nine Tailed in our episode reviews here!
Grimm
Similarities – Fantasy & Characters
Grimm fairy tales have always been rife for intriguing and spooky adaptations. This NBC produced series plays out as a blend of supernaturally charged segments paying homage to the Brother’s Grimm and a more straight forward investigative drama.
At the heart of this is homicide investigator Nick Burkhardt, who learns he is descended from a line of guardians known as Grimms. He’s given the task of keeping balance between humanity and the Wesen (mythological creatures)
Along the way, Nick finds himself battling it out against a range of different, dangerous creatures while teaming up with his Wesen friend Monroe and his partner Detective Hank Griffin. If you’re looking for another spooky team-up, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
The Outsider
Similarities – Fantasy, Mystery & Possessions
Stephen King TV adaptations are usually very good or very bad. While The Outsider is far from perfect, the story is absolutely gripping and you’ll undoubtedly be hooked until the very end.
The Outsider works much better as a straight forward binge rather than a show drip-fed across several weeks. The basic premise revolves around a group of investigators completely baffled by an unspeakable crime that’s been committed. We won’t go into spoiler territory, but where this one really shines is with its characters, who are beautifully written throughout.
If you’re in the mood for a good thriller, this one has all the right ingredients to hook you in and keep you glued until the end.
You can read our thoughts on The Outsider in our full season review here!
The Witcher
Similarities – Fantasy
The Witcher is not without its flaws but it’s hard to discredit what a satisfying and well written slice of high-fantasy this is. There’s certainly enough magic, monsters and sword-fighting to keep things rooted in danger, while doing the video game it’s based on justice.
For those unaware, the story here revolves around a monster hunter named Geralt. Vilified by human-kind, these white-haired, emotionless Witchers spend their time hunting creatures and getting paid to do so.
Geralt is joined on this hunt by Ciri, a princess in a neighbouring city and a mage-in-training named Yennefer. Across this first season, the show balances investigative work with monster slaying really well, which should satisfy those looking to scratch that high fantasy itch.
You can read our thoughts on The Witcher in our full season review here!
The X-Files
Similarities – Unexplained Phenomena
Arguably one of the most culturally significant shows of the 20th Century, The X-Files is undoubtedly one of the most engrossing, well written mysteries on the small screen.
For those unaware, the story revolves around two FBI agents – one a sceptic and the other a believer. Mulder is desperate to uncover the truth after his sister was abducted by aliens when he was a child. Scully meanwhile, is sent to debunk his work by the higher authorities. This dynamic slowly grows over time to see the pair chasing the truth.
Interwoven around Mulder’s sister being abducted are numerous stand-alone slices of horror and hidden gems, making this an easy show to recommend.
You can read our thoughts on The X-Files in our full season reviews here!
Paranormal
Similarities – Fantasy & Characters
Netflix’s new Egyptian series Paranormal is not The X-Files but it does draw some parallels to that series. With 6 episodes that dive into (yep, you guessed it) the paranormal, this horror/drama mash-up combines some light frights with an engaging haunting story that makes for a riveting 6-episode ride.
Based on the thriller book series with the same name, Paranormal sets its sights on the 1960’s, with chain-smoking non-believer Dr Refaat Ismail working at university.
Haunted by literal ghosts of his past, Refaat refuses to acknowledge that the supernatural world exists, writing it all off as silly superstition. Until it manifests right before his eyes, that is.
Full of intriguing legends, some light bites of humour and a fast-moving story, Paranormal is well worth checking out.
You can read our thoughts on Paranormal in our full season review here!
Blood of Zeus
Similarities – Fantasy
When it comes to world-building, Blood Of Zeus takes the foundational work of Greek mythology and distorts it to produce something both instantly recognizable and wholly original too.
There’s some distinct changes to certain historical figures but the main concept remains the same. The delicious political drama with the Gods consumes much of the story, essentially acting as the catalyst to what comes to pass across the season.
The first couple of episodes serve as expository-heavy introductions to this world. In this alt-history, a demonic army has risen and it’s up to Alexia and her armies to thwart their threat. It soon becomes clear though that young Heron more than holds his own in this fight, especially when a demon rocks up in town.
Predictably, Heron finds himself thrust into an epic fight between both sides that eventually sees the Gods interfere and get involved. Toward the end, all hell breaks loose as fantasy clashes with the supernatural, culminating in a couple of action-packed episodes to see this finale off.
You can read our thoughts on Blood Of Zeus in our full season review here!
Green Frontier
Similarities – Forest Setting & Mystery
Colombian Netflix Original Green Frontier is an interesting, beautifully shot series that falters slightly with an overly slow pace. However, if you can go in with some patience, you’re sure to enjoy this.
The story here revolves around an aboriginal tribe deep in the heart of the jungle. When a young, Bogotá-based detective named Helena is drawn into their homeland to investigate four femicides, what follows is a crime drama swimming in mystery, supernatural elements and tension.
As the episodes progress, so too does the central mystery, leaving a very moody, intriguing show in its midst that’s certainly worth checking out.
You can read our thoughts on Green Frontier in our full season review here!
American Gods
Similarities – Fantasy & Worldbuilding
American Gods depicts a world where human and God live side by side. Hiding in plain sight, a war is brewing between the new Gods of technology and media against the conventional Gods of old.
At the centre of this hedonist trip lies Shadow Moon, a man fresh out of jail and ready to start a new life after the death of his wife. That same wife, it’s worth noting, that cheated on Shadow with his best friend during the time he was incarcerated.
When a mysterious stranger called Wednesday recruits Shadow as his bodyguard, what ensues is a hunt across America to recruit Old Gods for the upcoming battle against the New Gods. With multiple showrunners, ideas and visual flair, American Gods is definitely the rockiest ride on the list but has a uniqueness that many should take to nonetheless.
You can read our thoughts on American Gods in our full season review here!
Ragnarok
Similarities – Worldbuilding
Norse mythology is full of interesting and fascinating tales depicting blood-shed, power struggles and epic fighting. The idea of a Norwegian-based show taking this idea and spinning a blend of American Gods and action thrills together, back-dropped by the beauty of the Scandinavian Fjords seems like the perfect recipe for a six-part series.
Those going into this one expecting a lot of action will be disappointed, with much of this reserved for the final moments of the first season. However, the show does excel with its aesthetic and worldbuilding, which works really well to bring these legends to life in a realistic manner.
While we weren’t initially sold on the first season, there’s no denying that it’s garnered a fair amount of praise and goodwill from audiences, making it a good one to check out if you enjoyed Invisible City.
You can read our thoughts on Ragnarok in our full season review here!
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished with Invisible City on Netflix.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!