Get to Know the Vigilantes of 'The Boys'
They do more than just fight corrupt superheroes!
'The Boys' Season 3
Prime VideoKnown for its gory ultra-violence and dark humor, The Boysupends popular tropes by imagining a world where superheroes are the villains and the titular vigilantes fighting them are the good guys. Sort of. They all have questionable methods from time to time, and things get gory.
Created by Eric Kripke based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, the Amazon Prime Video drama revolves on a revered superhero group named The Seven. However, these supes abuse their powers and hide a sordid history of sexual assault, Naziism, and a cruel disregard for human lives. Corrupt conglomerate Vought International manages the team, and is also responsible for creating superheroes through a substance called Compound V. A group of vigilantes named The Boys is determined to bring The Seven down. The Boys' mission promises many dangers that would scare off most people, but each member has their own highly personal motives for getting involved.
The show's success has earned it multiple Emmy nominations and inspired an animated spinoff series, The Boys Presents: Diabolical, which was released earlier this year. A group of actors with wide-ranging filmographies make up the vigilante cast, whose characters' loyalties have changed throughout the series.
The Boys are back in town for their third season starting on June 3. Ahead of the premiere, catch up with the vigilante cast members by learning more about their other critically acclaimed projects, which span nearly every genre, even a few more comic book adaptations.
Here, Metacritic highlights their best film and TV projects, ranked by Metascore.
Laz Alonso
Gregg DeGuire / Getty ImagesLaz Alonso
Highly methodical Marvin T. "Mother's Milk" (Alonso), also known as M.M., is one of The Boys' original members, responsible for organizing their operations. However, the former Marine medic left the group for a quiet life with his wife and daughter. When he gets convinced to rejoin the team, his personal vendetta against Vought fuels him, but he also worries that the people he cares about will be put at risk too.
After starting his career by hosting shows on BET, Alonso has since appeared in many crime dramas and action thrillers, including a turn as a main antagonist in the Fast & Furious franchise.
A Black Lady Sketch Show
Metascore: 89
Best for: Fans of sketch comedy and irreverent humor
Where to watch:
Seasons: 3 (so far)
A Black Lady Sketch Show made history as the first comedy sketch series with a principal cast of all Black women. Starring creator Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Skye Townsend, and Gabrielle Dennis, the fast-paced show features both seemingly standalone sketches and a recurring plotline about survivors of an apocalypse. The sketches take place in a limitless universe and riff on everything from religion to dating norms. In Season 2, Alonso joins an impressive list of series guest stars that also includes Angela Bassett, Laverne Cox, and executive producer Issa Rae. His role comes in the highly anticipated second "Black Lady Courtroom" sketch in the second season premiere.
Avatar
Metascore: 83
Best for: Fans of science fiction epics and immersive world-building
Where to watch:
Runtime: 174 minutes
James Cameron's science fiction epic became a global phenomenon and the highest grossing film of all time. Taking place in the mid-22nd century, the film follows the human colonization of a distant moon that possesses a rare, invaluable mineral. Disabled veteran Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) joins the Avatar Program, which allows humans to explore the moon through remotely-controlled engineered bodies that combine DNA from humans and the indigenous Na'vi. As he learns more about the Na'vi's ways, Jake grows sympathetic to their resistance against the human invaders. Alonso portrays the revered Na'vi warrior Tsu'tey.
Detroit
Metascore: 77
Best for: Fans of historical dramatizations
Where to watch:
Runtime: 143 minutes
Director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal team up for a third time with this visceral depiction of power abuse and racism. Based on true events, the 2017 film sees the titular city in crisis during 1967. Racial tensions spark into riots, and on the second day, police torture and kill three Black teenagers at the Algiers Motel. The film follows the horrific night and the ensuing court trial, with John Boyega, Algee Smith, and Will Poulter all playing pivotal roles. Alonso portrays Democrat politician John Conyers.
Southland
Metascore: 77
Best for: Fans of gritty crime dramas
Where to watch:
Seasons: 5
Southland blends character-driven drama with police procedural elements as it follows police officers working for the Los Angeles Police Department. The series kicks off with rookie Ben Sherman's (Benjamin McKenzie) first day on the force with his no-nonsense training officer John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz). Their team also includes ambitious Chickie Brown (Arija Bareikis) and stressed caregiver Lydia Adams (Regina King). The first season focuses closely on the characters' personal entanglements, but later seasons have fewer serialized plot lines. Alonso guest stars as Detective Gil Puente, appearing in the second and third seasons.
Without a Trace
Metascore: 75
Best for: Fans of police procedurals
Where to watch:
Seasons: 7
This fast-paced crime procedural follows the FBI's Missing Persons Unit in New York City as its members search for missing persons. Dedicated supervisor Jack Malone (Anthony LaPaglia) leads the squad, though he's struggling in his marriage after having an affair with protege Samantha Spade (Poppy Montgomery). Rookie Martin Fitzgerald's (Eric Close) arrival further disrupts the team's equilibrium. Amidst their tangled personal lives, the group must race against a constantly ticking clock to solve cases. Alonso guest stars in a Season 2 episode about a missing cop turned bounty hunter.
Tomer Capone
Kristy Sparow / Getty ImagesTomer Capone
Frenchie (Capone) is a French-Algerian arms dealer with a troubled past as a former hitman. After being arrested by supes in a bank heist, his knack for making elaborate weapons and multifaceted criminal skillset got him recruited for The Boys. Though impulsive and temperamental, he's also very loyal to his friends and forms a special connection with The Female, a.k.a Kimko (Karen Fukuhara) after discovering her locked in a cage.
Capone is an Israeli actor who started his career in Israeli television dramas and thrillers, before making his first film appearance in Natalie Portman's directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness.
One Week and a Day
Metascore: 72
Best for: Fans of tragicomedies and hopeful movies about grief
Where to watch:
Runtime: 98 minutes
Tragicomedy One Week and a Day tells a story about grief and how those mourning must find a way to keep living. Taking place over a 24-hour time period, the Israeli film follows Eyal Spivak (Shai Avivi) and his wife Vicky (Jenya Dodina) on the day after they've finished sitting shiva for their late son. Vicky hopes her old routine will give her some semblance of control. Meanwhile, Eyal spirals, stealing medical marijuana and enlisting the son (Capone) of their standoffish neighbors to help him get high. Unexpected instances of humor and connection bring some catharsis.
Wedding Doll
Metascore: 66
Best for: Fans of character-focused dramas who aren't afraid of downbeat turns
Where to watch:
Runtime: 82 minutes
In this 2015 Israeli drama, a young mentally disabled woman strives for more independence, much to her overprotective mother's dismay. Hagit (Moran Rosenblatt) works in a toilet-paper factory in a small town and dreams of a life in fashion, modeling mini dresses out of the cleaning product. She catches feelings for the factory owner's son, keeping the relationship a secret from her mother Sara (Assi Levy). However, when the factory announces its closure, Hagit's story takes a downward turn, though not without a bit of hope. Capone portrays Hagit's distant brother, Chen.
A Tale of Love and Darkness
Metascore: 55
Best for: Fans of historical biographical dramas
Where to watch:
Runtime: 95 minutes
A Tale of Love and Darkness marks Portman's feature directorial debut and first screenplay. Based on Amos Oz's best-selling memoir of the same name, the Hebrew-language film from 2015 follows Amos's (played by Amir Tessler) childhood in 1940s Jerusalem and burgeoning interest in writing. He shares a close relationship with his troubled mother Fania (Portman), whose mental health declines as Amos grows up. The film takes place against a changing geopolitical backdrop, showing the end of Mandatory Palestine and the establishment of Israeli statehood. Capone has a small role in the film as the Pioneer.
7 Days in Entebbe
Metascore: 49
Best for: Fans of Munich and period-piece thrillers
Where to watch:
Runtime: 107 minutes
Director José Padilhadramatizes a famous 1976 Israeli rescue operation in 7 Days in Entebbe. Rosamund Pike and Daniel Brühl star as two German leftists who hijack a Tel-Aviv flight and hold the plane's passengers, many of them Israeli, hostage. Setting up base at the titular airport in Uganda, they plan to negotiate the hostages' safety for the release of imprisoned Palestinian militants. The film showcases both the perspectives of the hijackers and the Israeli government, following the latter's internal debate and decision to raid the airport. Capone appears as a soldier.
Dig
Metascore: 49
Best for: Fans of international spy thrillers
Where to watch: Not currently streaming
Seasons: 1
Created by Tim Kring and Gideon Raff, this religion-themed conspiracy thriller follows tortured FBI agent Peter Connelly (Jason Isaacs) after he takes a new assignment in Israel to escape his past. Once there, he investigates the murder of a young American archaeology student who was searching for the sacred Ark of the Covenant. Peter's investigation guides him to some of the holy city's darkest secrets, leading him to unearth an ancient international conspiracy with ramifications that could change everything. Capone appears in two episodes as a man named Nadav.
Karen Fukuhara
Lauren Viteur / Getty ImagesKaren Fukuhara
When The Boys discover Kimiko, also known as The Female, trapped in a cage, they assume she's helpless but are quickly proved wrong when she reveals her ruthlessly violent powers. Now mute, she's faced years of abuse and forceful experimentation with Compound V. The Boys sometimes fear her dangerous unpredictability, though Frenchie is undeterred in his efforts to learn more about her.
Fukuhara got her acting start in 2016 with another superhero story, Suicide Squad. The Boys is her first live-action television role, though she's done voice acting for numerous animated series, most notably including She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
Archer
Metascore: 79
Best for: Fans of spy parodies and adult animated sitcoms
Where to watch:
Seasons: 12 (so far)
Created by Adam Reed, this adult animated sitcom and spy parody is known for its sarcastic humor, fast-paced dialogue, and pop culture references. Set in an anachronistic Cold War-esque universe, the show follows the eponymous character (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), a narcissistic spy working at a highly inept intelligence agency run by his detached mother (Jessica Walter). Later seasons experiment with an anthology series format and follow contained season-specific arcs. The show has won four Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Animated Program in 2016. Fukuhara guest voices Reiko, one of Archer's former flames, in a Season 12 episode titled "Dingo, Baby, et Cetera."
Star Wars: Visions
Metascore: 79
Best for: Fans of Japanese anime, space adventures, and alternate histories
Where to watch:
Seasons: 1
Star Wars: Visions is a unique anime anthology series that showcases the creativity that the Star Wars universe can inspire. The series is made up of nine short films produced by seven Japanese animation studios, who had the freedom to work outside the franchise's traditional canon. The resulting stories take place all across the galaxy, envisioning everything from a rock band during the Clone Wars, to an alternate history drawing from Japanese folklore. In the English-language version of the fourth episode, Fukuhara voices an enigmatic fallen Jedi who helps a small village fight back against bandits.
Stray (2019)
Metascore: 54
Best for: Fans of supernatural thrillers and unlikely bonds
Where to watch:
Runtime: 89 minutes
Stray combines a detective procedural story with mysterious supernatural elements. Fukuhara stars as Nori, a traumatized teen who teams up with homicide detective Murphy (Christine Woods) to investigate the murder of her mother. Murphy has some emotional scars of her own, and the pair form a close bond. However, things soon take a turn as they learn Nori possesses strange powers that are triggered when her emotions spike. As a threatening force that appears more than human lurks nearer, the pair must unearth the truth of Nori's powers.
Suicide Squad
Metascore: 40
Best for: Fans of DC Comics adaptations and antiheroes
Where to watch:
Runtime: 122 minutes
In this explosively violent installment of the DC Extended Universe, a secret government agency recruits the unlikeliest candidates for a dangerous mission: to become supervillains. Intelligence officer Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) assembles the eponymous crew by promising incarcerated criminals, including fiery Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), reduced sentences for their participation. Colonel Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) leads the group, joined by his bodyguard, Japanese swordswoman Katana (Fukuhara). However, as the villains realize how expendable they are, they need to decide whether it's time to cut loose or finish the job.
Erin Moriarty
Gregg DeGuire / Getty ImagesErin Moriarty
Idealistic Annie January, a.k.a. the superhero Starlight (Moriarty), is one of the few supes who truly wants to help the world. She's spent years honing her light and energy powers in hopes of joining The Seven. But when that dream finally comes true, she's shocked by The Seven's true corruption, which clashes against her strong morals. This causes her allegiances to shift to The Boys, and she begins spying on her fellow supes. Want to get to know her fellow supes, though? Click here.
Moriarty began acting as a teenager in a soap opera, followed by larger roles in dramas and another superhero series, as well as appearances in independent films.
Marvel's Jessica Jones
Metascore: 76
Best for: Fans of mature superhero stories and complicated woman protagonists
Where to watch:
Seasons: 3
Self-loathing and sarcastic Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) makes for an unorthodox superhero in this series created by Melissa Rosenberg. Based on a Marvel Comics series intended for adults, the show follows PTSD-stricken Jessica as she picks up the pieces after a tragedy imploded her superhero career. She begins a new career as a private investigator and focuses on staying afloat. When a villainous figure reappears, Jessica must reckon with her haunted past. Moriarty appears throughout the first season as Hope Shlottman, a client who shares a connection with Jessica.
True Detective
Metascore: 73
Best for: Fans of anthology series and neo-noir
Where to watch:
Seasons: 3 (so far)
Created and written by Nic Pizzolatto, True Detective is an anthology crime series that explores humanity's dark side. Each season follows a different murder case with a new cast and setting. The first season takes place in Louisiana where homicide detectives Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson) investigate a brutal murder in 1995, following dual timelines, switching between 1995 and 17 years later when the partners revisit the case. Both detectives have struggles in their personal life that haunt them in the present timeline. Moriarty portrays the older version of Marty's daughter Audrey.
Captain Fantastic
Metascore: 72
Best for: Fans of eccentric family dramas with heartfelt messages
Where to watch:
Runtime: 118 minutes
In an Oscar-nominated performance, Viggo Mortensen stars as Ben Cash, a former anarchist activist devoted to raising his six kids in a unique fashion. The family lives deep in the Pacific Northwest wilderness, isolated from society. Thanks to their parents' extensive education efforts, the kids are intelligent beyond their years but lack social skills. After an unexpected tragedy, the family embarks on a road trip into the outside world for the first time. Moriarty plays Claire, a girl that has a charming but awkward encounter with the eldest son Bodevan (George MacKay) in this 2016 film.
Blood Father
Metascore: 66
Best for: Fans of Taken and father-daughter stories
Where to watch:
Runtime: 88 minutes
A perpetually struggling father tries to protect his estranged daughter in this 2016 action thriller written by Peter Craig based on his novel of the same name. Teenage runaway Lydia (Moriarty) finds herself in serious trouble after she angers her drug-dealing boyfriend (Diego Luna) and his gang. She goes on the run and turns to her father, John Link (Mel Gibson), in her desperation. Recently released from prison, he's a war veteran turned motorcycle outlaw and recovering alcoholic. But he's never been the best dad — until now.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Metascore: 66
Best for: Fans of police procedurals
Where to watch:
Seasons: 23 (so far)
With more than 500 episodes (and counting!), this spin-off of the original Law & Orderis currently the longest running primetime live-action series in television history. Mariska Hargitay helms the show as the tough but empathetic Olivia Benson, a detective in the NYPD's Special Victims Unit that investigates crimes of sexual nature. Her performance earned her a 2006 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Adding her name to a long list of guest stars, Moriarty appears as a character named Dru in the Season 12 episode titled "Flight."
Jack Quaid
Arturo Holmes / Getty ImagesJack Quaid
Mild-mannered civilian Hughie Campbell (Quaid) leads an unremarkable life until Supe A-Train (Jessie T. Usher) accidentally eviscerates his girlfriend while running high on Compound V. Consumed by anger, he seeks revenge and joins The Boys. Despite lacking criminal or military experience, he quickly proves he has valuable skills for the war against the supes. However, Hughie is also a changed man and struggles with his new aggressive nature.
In addition to his genre-spanning live-action roles, Quaid is a prominent voice actor in many animated television shows, most notably including Star Trek: Lower Decks and the upcoming My Adventures With Superman.
Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun
Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of sketch comedy
Where to watch: Netflix
Seasons: 1
Australian comedy group Aunty Donna takes center stage in a six-episode sketch comedy series that features absurdist humor, stories that mix present-day with old-fashioned periods, original songs, and many celebrity cameos. The latter is where Quaid comes in, appearing in the third episode titled "'Lympics" that centers on a lot of sports-related sketches.
Logan Lucky
Metascore: 78
Best for: Fans of heist movies and comedies about complicated families
Where to watch:
Runtime: 118 minutes
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this comedic caper turns up the dial on Southern charm. Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) is down on his luck. After getting laid off from his construction job at a speedway, the West Virginian determines to get even by robbing his former employer. To pull off the elaborate job, he recruits his brother (Adam Driver), sister (Riley Keough), an incarcerated safe-cracker (Daniel Craig), and the safe-cracker's two brothers (Quaid and Brian Gleeson). Hilarity ensues, prisons get broken into, and the memorable characters experience some heartfelt moments along the way.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Metascore: 76
Best for: Fans of dystopian fiction and stories about rebellion
Where to watch:
Runtime: 146 minutes
In the second film in The Hunger Games feature film adaptations, rebellion stirs across the 12 districts against the oppressive Capitol. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) might have won the 74th Annual Hunger Games with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), but she's not out of danger yet. After her Capitol-defying victory, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) engineers the upcoming Quarter Quell to ensure Katniss and Peeta relive their worst nightmare. To survive the arena deathtraps, they'll need new allies and to remember who their real enemy is. Quaid reprises his role as Marvel, a career tribute.
The Hunger Games
Metascore: 68
Best for: Fans of love triangles set in a fantastical, dystopian world
Where to watch:
Runtime: 142 minutes
The first in the film franchise adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel series of the same title sees Katniss, a young woman from the poorest district in Panem, sacrificing herself to enter the titular games so her younger sister can be spared. She enters the arena alongside a childhood friend with the mission of being the sole survivor since it is a fight to the death. Although many see her as the underdog, she is smart and scrappy, and she manages to surprise many, including the government leaders who then become wary of how she is changing the game. Quaid appears as Marvel, a winner of a past games.
Plus One
Metascore: 65
Best for: Fans of romantic comedies that play around with genre tropes
Where to watch:
Runtime: 99 minutes
Wedding fever has taken over the social calendars of Alice (Maya Erskine) and Ben (Quaid). Close friends since college, the two late 20-somethings share a mutual frustration of flying solo at so many events where everyone else couples up. So, they make a pact to attend every wedding this season as each other's dates. In true rom-com fashion, the plan backfires when they catch feelings for each other. Amidst family drama and an old flame reentering Alice's life, perfectionist Ben must learn to stop holding himself back from happiness.
Karl Urban
Travis P. Ball / Getty ImagesKarl Urban
Charming, exacting, and brutal when he needs to be, Billy Butcher (Urban) is the leader of The Boys. A former British special forces member, he's had a hatred for superheroes since the disappearance of his wife, which he attributes to Homelander (Antony Starr). Butcher views destroying superheroes as his sole purpose in life and is determined to complete his mission by any means necessary.
Urban started acting in his home country of New Zealand, followed by his first Hollywood role in 2002. He has made appearances in many popular film series, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Trek, and The Lord of the Rings.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Metascore: 94
Best for: Fans of fantasy epics and stories about the fight between good and evil
Where to watch:
Runtime: 201 minutes
The Return of the King is the triumphant final entry in director Peter Jackson's adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels. As Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) enter Mordor, they find new courage in their quest to destroy the One Ring. Meanwhile, Aragorn (Mortensen) and their other friends prepare for one last stand in the fight for Middle-earth. Urban reprises his role as Éomer, a leader of the Riders of Rohan fighting against the evil forces of Mordor. The film earned widespread awards acclaim and won all 11 Oscars that it was nominated for, including Best Picture.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Metascore: 87
Best for: Fans of epic battle scenes and immersive fantasy worlds
Where to watch:
Runtime: 179 minutes
The second chapter in Jackson's trilogy, The Two Towers continues the Fellowship's awe-inspiring journey to preserve peace in Middle-earth against unimaginable forces. Picking up after the Fellowship's separation in The Fellowship of the Ring, this film follows three intercut storylines that introduce key locations, deepening the fantasy setting and lore. In one storyline, Aragorn, Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) travel to the ravaged kingdom of Rohan where they meet new allies, including Urban's Éomer. Together, they discover strengths that they didn't know they had in the climactic battle scene.
Star Trek
Metascore: 82
Best for: Fans of space thrillers
Where to watch:
Runtime: 127 minutes
Director J.J. Abrams reboots one of space's most iconic friendships in Star Trek. James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) is a fresh-faced recruit at Starfleet Academy, hailing from a small Iowa farm. Fiery and impulsive, he clashes instantly with Spock (Zachary Quinto), a cool-headed Vulcan. However, when a vengeance-seeking being threatens the galaxy, the pair must put aside their differences and learn to work together to save humanity. The film occurs in an alternate timeline from the original television series and features many familiar characters, like Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (Urban).
Thor: Ragnarok
Metascore: 74
Best for: Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and comedic superhero stories
Where to watch:
Runtime: 130 minutes
The God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) returns to Asgard in this humorous MCU entry directed by Taika Waititi. After dealing with some of his brother Loki's (Tom Hiddleston) usual mischief, Thor journeys to find his missing father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), and soon learns he has a sister, Hela (Cate Blanchett), that he never knew about. The ruthless Hela seeks vengeance against Asgard for a past wrongdoing, enlisting a henchman Skurge (Urban) to aid in her destruction. To stop her, Thor gathers friends old and new, learning a few lessons along the way.
The Bourne Supremacy
Metascore: 73
Best for: Fans of action thrillers and spy stories
Where to watch:
Runtime: 108 minutes
The Bourne Supremacy delves deeper into the action-packed world of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), an amnesiac former CIA assassin. Following the events of The Bourne Identity, this 2004 sequel sees Jason living in India and still struggling with disorienting flashbacks. He gets pulled into another international espionage plot after a Russian agent (Urban) frames him for a crime that he didn't commit. Distrusted by CIA head Pamela Landry (Joan Allen), Jason endeavors to untangle the conspiracy and prove his innocence in a race around the globe.