From The Dragon Prince to Castlevania, 5 action-packed animated series that give major Masters of the Universe vibes
Sinthya Banik | Jun 03, 2026, 21:17 IST
With the live-action Masters of the Universe film starring Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man and Jared Leto as Skeletor hitting theatres on June 5, 2026, nostalgia for the sword-and-sorcery classic is surging. Here are five action-packed animated series that echo its heroic battles, powerful artefacts, and good vs evil clashes.
Image credit : Netflix |5 animated shows like Masters of the Universe
(MOTU) exploded into pop culture in the 1980s as a Mattel toy line turned animated phenomenon. The original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983–1985) followed Prince Adam of Eternia, who transforms into the superhuman He-Man by raising his Power Sword and declaring “By the power of Grayskull!” alongside allies like Teela, Man-At-Arms, and the heroic Masters to battle Skeletor and his dark forces.
![]()
The franchise blends sword-and-planet sci-fi with high fantasy - muscular heroes, magical artefacts, epic duels, and moral lessons while selling millions of toys. Recent revivals include the kid-friendly CGI He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Netflix, 2021–2022) and Kevin Smith’s more mature Masters of the Universe: Revelation (2021) and Revolution (2024), featuring voices like Chris Wood as He-Man and Mark Hamill as Skeletor.
The hype around the 2026 live-action film, directed by Travis Knight with a star-studded cast including Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba and Alison Brie, has reignited interest.
1. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018–2020)
As He-Man’s twin sister, Adora’s series, this is the closest spiritual successor. Adora discovers a magical sword that transforms her into She-Ra, leader of the Princess Alliance, rebelling against the Horde Empire led by Hordak.
Noelle Stevenson’s reboot modernises the 1985 original with diverse characters, strong LGBTQ+ representation, deep friendships, and escalating battles across five seasons. It blends humour, emotional growth, and spectacular fights with magical powers and giant robots.
Release: November 13, 2018 – May 15, 2020 (Netflix).
Where to watch: Previously Netflix; check current availability on platforms like Prime Video or purchase digitally as licensing shifts.
2. ThunderCats (1985–1989)
This Rankin/Bass classic follows Lion-O and the ThunderCats, feline humanoids fleeing their dying planet Thundera to Third Earth. They wield the Sword of Omens and battle ancient evil like Mumm-Ra, the undead sorcerer.
The show mirrors MOTU’s toy-driven action with noble warriors, tech-magic hybrids, and moral tales. Iconic theme song and episodes like “ThunderCats – Ho!” deliver pure 80s adventure. A 2011 reboot offered updated animation but a shorter run.
Release: Original – January 23, 1985 – 1989.
Where to watch: Hulu, Netflix archives, or digital purchase.
3. Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016–2018)
Five paladins from Earth pilot robotic lions that combine into the giant Voltron to defend the universe from the Galra Empire. It reboots the 1980s series with strong character arcs, found family, epic space battles, and emotional depth.
Like He-Man’s team, the paladins grow through trials, wielding ancient tech-magic against a tyrannical foe. DreamWorks’ animation shines in mecha fights and heartfelt moments across eight seasons.
Release: June 10, 2016 – December 14, 2018 (Netflix).
Where to watch: Previously on Netflix; now available via physical collections or other digital platforms.
4. The Dragon Prince (2018–2024)
Created by Aaron Ehasz (Avatar: The Last Airbender), this follows princes Callum and Ezran teaming with elven assassin Rayla to return a dragon prince’s egg and end a human-elf war. Magic, dragons, ancient prophecies, and moral complexity drive the story.
It echoes MOTU’s destiny-driven heroes and world-saving quests with stunning animation, political intrigue, and evolving powers. Seven seasons build a rich fantasy saga.
Release: September 14, 2018 – December 19, 2024 (Netflix).
Where to watch: Netflix.
5. Castlevania (2017–2021) and Castlevania: Nocturne
Trevor Belmont, a monster hunter, joins forces with allies to stop Dracula’s war on humanity in a dark medieval Europe. Warren Ellis’ adaptation of the video games delivers gory action, witty banter, and gothic horror-fantasy.
It captures MOTU’s hero-vs-supernatural-evil intensity with mature themes, stunning fights, and redemption arcs. Nocturne continues in Revolutionary France with Richter Belmont.
Release: Castlevania – July 7, 2017 – May 13, 2021; Nocturne – 2023 onward (Netflix).
Where to watch: Netflix.
The timeless appeal of Masters of the Universe lies in its perfect blend of larger-than-life heroes, epic battles between good and evil, powerful artefacts, and heartfelt themes of friendship, destiny, and courage.
In an era dominated by streaming, these five animated series prove that the sword-and-sorcery spirit remains as thrilling as ever - whether through magical princess alliances, galactic robot lions, dragon-filled quests, or gothic monster hunts.
As the live-action Masters of the Universe film gears up for its June 5, 2026 release, this renewed wave of nostalgia is pushing a new generation toward these classics and modern gems. They don’t just deliver explosive action - they remind us why stories of ordinary people (or princes) rising to become legends continue to captivate audiences across decades.
The franchise blends sword-and-planet sci-fi with high fantasy - muscular heroes, magical artefacts, epic duels, and moral lessons while selling millions of toys. Recent revivals include the kid-friendly CGI He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Netflix, 2021–2022) and Kevin Smith’s more mature Masters of the Universe: Revelation (2021) and Revolution (2024), featuring voices like Chris Wood as He-Man and Mark Hamill as Skeletor.
The hype around the 2026 live-action film, directed by Travis Knight with a star-studded cast including Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba and Alison Brie, has reignited interest.
5 animated series to watch if you like Masters of the Universe
As He-Man’s twin sister, Adora’s series, this is the closest spiritual successor. Adora discovers a magical sword that transforms her into She-Ra, leader of the Princess Alliance, rebelling against the Horde Empire led by Hordak.
Noelle Stevenson’s reboot modernises the 1985 original with diverse characters, strong LGBTQ+ representation, deep friendships, and escalating battles across five seasons. It blends humour, emotional growth, and spectacular fights with magical powers and giant robots.
Release: November 13, 2018 – May 15, 2020 (Netflix).
Where to watch: Previously Netflix; check current availability on platforms like Prime Video or purchase digitally as licensing shifts.
This Rankin/Bass classic follows Lion-O and the ThunderCats, feline humanoids fleeing their dying planet Thundera to Third Earth. They wield the Sword of Omens and battle ancient evil like Mumm-Ra, the undead sorcerer.
The show mirrors MOTU’s toy-driven action with noble warriors, tech-magic hybrids, and moral tales. Iconic theme song and episodes like “ThunderCats – Ho!” deliver pure 80s adventure. A 2011 reboot offered updated animation but a shorter run.
Release: Original – January 23, 1985 – 1989.
Where to watch: Hulu, Netflix archives, or digital purchase.
Five paladins from Earth pilot robotic lions that combine into the giant Voltron to defend the universe from the Galra Empire. It reboots the 1980s series with strong character arcs, found family, epic space battles, and emotional depth.
Like He-Man’s team, the paladins grow through trials, wielding ancient tech-magic against a tyrannical foe. DreamWorks’ animation shines in mecha fights and heartfelt moments across eight seasons.
Release: June 10, 2016 – December 14, 2018 (Netflix).
Where to watch: Previously on Netflix; now available via physical collections or other digital platforms.
Created by Aaron Ehasz (Avatar: The Last Airbender), this follows princes Callum and Ezran teaming with elven assassin Rayla to return a dragon prince’s egg and end a human-elf war. Magic, dragons, ancient prophecies, and moral complexity drive the story.
It echoes MOTU’s destiny-driven heroes and world-saving quests with stunning animation, political intrigue, and evolving powers. Seven seasons build a rich fantasy saga.
Release: September 14, 2018 – December 19, 2024 (Netflix).
Where to watch: Netflix.
Trevor Belmont, a monster hunter, joins forces with allies to stop Dracula’s war on humanity in a dark medieval Europe. Warren Ellis’ adaptation of the video games delivers gory action, witty banter, and gothic horror-fantasy.
It captures MOTU’s hero-vs-supernatural-evil intensity with mature themes, stunning fights, and redemption arcs. Nocturne continues in Revolutionary France with Richter Belmont.
Release: Castlevania – July 7, 2017 – May 13, 2021; Nocturne – 2023 onward (Netflix).
Where to watch: Netflix.
Why Masters of the Universe-style animation still rules in 2026
In an era dominated by streaming, these five animated series prove that the sword-and-sorcery spirit remains as thrilling as ever - whether through magical princess alliances, galactic robot lions, dragon-filled quests, or gothic monster hunts.
As the live-action Masters of the Universe film gears up for its June 5, 2026 release, this renewed wave of nostalgia is pushing a new generation toward these classics and modern gems. They don’t just deliver explosive action - they remind us why stories of ordinary people (or princes) rising to become legends continue to captivate audiences across decades.
What is Goth Girl Spit? Echelon and Whitephosphor's sold out energy drink goes viral over claims of real goth girl spit used for product testing
By Nillohit Bagchi
Kagurabachi Anime World Tour Part 1: Everything to know about the global episode 1 premiere events ahead of the shonen's debut
By Nillohit Bagchi
Who Ülker Sedef Piker? Hasan Piker's university days resurface as reports highlight the role his mother allegedly played in his transfer
By Sneha Kumari
Sean Strickland's AI Dylan Mulvaney knockout video goes viral during Pride MonthSean Strickland's AI Dylan Mulvaney knockout video goes viral during Pride Month
By Sinthya Banik
Why was Jake Lang arrested again days after his release? Here's about the controversy surrounding Austin Metcalf's murder case
By Sneha Kumari
Why is Kanye West's Istanbul show facing backlash?
By Sneha Kumari
Meet IPS Abhijeet Patil, who cleared UPSC at just 22
By Sneha Kumari
