5 Non-Superhero Movies on Netflix That Began as Graphic Novels

If you think comic books are all about superheroes, think again. Netflix has some great films based on graphic novels that ditch the capes for gritty action, dystopian futures, and a few assassins with bad tempers. Here are five movies that prove comics have a lot more to offer.

Snowpiercer

Based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand, and Jean-Marc Rochette, Snowpiercer shows a gripping dystopian future where the last of humanity survives on a never-stopping train. The original comic was first published in 1982 and has since become a cult classic. If you like this one, also check out the Snowpiercer series.

V for Vendetta

Ok, technically, there are capes here - sorry. Inspired by Alan Moore’s graphic novel, V for Vendetta is set in a dystopian England under a totalitarian regime. The graphic novel, published in the 1980s, was originally serialized in a UK comic magazine before becoming a standalone book. It’s known for its commentary on anarchy, freedom, and the dangers of government overreach, and the movie has made its masked protagonist a symbol of rebellion.

The Old Guard

Adapted from the graphic novel by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández, this action-packed film starring Charlize Theron follows a group of immortal warriors who secretly protect the world from the shadows. The graphic novel, known for its gritty art and exploration of immortality, plays with themes of power and the burden of living through centuries.

Polar

Based on the webcomic turned graphic novel Polar: Came from the Cold (Polar: Surgido del frío) by Spanish author Victor Santos, this stylish neo-noir film brings a retired assassin back to the deadly world of contract killing. The graphic novel, notable for its wordless, minimalist art style, became a cult hit thanks to its visual storytelling and intense action scenes.

I Kill Giants

Inspired by the graphic novel by Joe Kelly and J.M. Ken Niimura, I Kill Giants centers on a troubled girl who escapes her painful reality by battling giants in a world of fantasy. The award-winning graphic novel is known for its striking mix of black-and-white illustrations and its sensitive portrayal of grief, courage, and the challenges of growing up.