What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHellboy
Guillermo del Toro · Film · 2004
If you loved Hellboy, start with Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Guillermo del Toro, 2008) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Hellboy across media.
If you loved Hellboy, you appreciate the way supernatural outsiders navigate bureaucracy, moral ambiguity, and the heavy burden of their own destiny.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Guillermo del Toro · Film · 2008
Books on the same thread
Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling · Book
Shares a thread with Hellboy: chosen one.
Just like the protagonist of Hellboy, Harry Potter explores the weight of a chosen one navigating a hidden world while attempting to define his own moral path.
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
Shares a thread with Hellboy: Good vs. Evil.
Much like the reluctant hero in Hellboy, Bilbo Baggins finds himself thrust into a high-stakes adventure that challenges his comfort and forces him to confront encroaching darkness.
Batman
Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale, Bob Kane · Book · 2011
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, Organized Crime, Vigilante Justice.
This noir exploration of crime and corruption shares the gritty, urban atmosphere found in Hellboy, focusing on a hero who must operate within a deeply flawed system.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Shares a thread with Hellboy: Good vs. Evil.
Like the titular character in Hellboy, this story follows an orphan who discovers his true identity and must reconcile his unique nature with his role in society.
Series on the same thread
Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia
Guillermo del Toro · Series · 2016
Shares a thread with Hellboy: Chosen One.
Directed by the same creator of Hellboy, this series captures the exact same feeling of a teen balancing a secret supernatural life with the demands of destiny.
Heroes
Tim Kring · Series · 2006
Explores: Ordinary People with Extraordinary Abilities, Emerging Powers, Destiny vs. Free Will.
This ensemble drama mirrors the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense in Hellboy by focusing on individuals with extraordinary abilities who must unite to prevent a global catastrophe.
The Boys
Eric Kripke · Series · 2019
Explores: Anti-Hero, Corporate Corruption, Abuse of Power.
If the cynical, anti-hero edge of Hellboy appealed to you, you will appreciate this deconstruction of the superhero myth that pits grit against institutional corruption and power.
Marvel's Daredevil
Drew Goddard · Series · 2015
Explores: Vigilantism, Moral Ambiguity, Disability & Superpowers.
The street-level vigilantism and moral ambiguity of Daredevil provide a grounded, noir-infused experience that echoes the dark, supernatural detective work performed by the agents in Hellboy.
Podcasts on the same thread
MALIKMATA
Podcast
Explores: Philippine Folklore, Filipino Culture, Mythical Creatures.
These tales of folklore and supernatural encounters provide the same chilling, atmospheric horror found in Hellboy, grounding the bizarre and the mythical in a recognizable, human reality.
Monsters Among Us
Derek Hayes | Audioboom Studios · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Unexplained Phenomena, First-hand Testimony, Atmospheric Horror.
The focus on investigation and the existence of hidden, terrifying entities makes this podcast a perfect companion for those fascinated by the paranormal research aspect of Hellboy.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch the Hellboy movies in?
You should watch the 2004 Hellboy film first to understand the origin of the character and his role in the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense. After that, you can proceed to the 2008 sequel titled Hellboy II: The Golden Army to continue the story.
Is Hellboy based on the events of World War II?
The 2004 Hellboy movie begins during the final days of World War II, when Nazis attempt to use black magic. This ceremony results in the summoning of a baby demon who is rescued by Allied forces and eventually grows up to serve the cause of good.
Does Hellboy work for a specific organization?
In the 2004 film, Hellboy serves as an agent in the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense. He works for this organization sixty years after his initial rescue by Allied forces, using his abilities to fight for the cause of good rather than evil.
Are there any sequels to the 2004 Hellboy movie?
Yes, there is a direct sequel to the 2004 Hellboy movie. It is titled Hellboy II: The Golden Army and was released in 2008. Both films are directed by Guillermo del Toro and follow the adventures of the demon agent working for the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense.