I don’t say this often, but I actually like the TV shows better than the movies. Marvel is a touchy subject for me, as I don’t always enjoy the movies as much as I’d like to. They seem so repetitive and clichéd that, at times, I completely forget what happened to them (I’m looking at you Thor: The Dark World). However, Netflix has released three Marvel shows so far, and they do not cease to amaze me. Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage are the three shows that have been released so far, and all of them have blown me away. They continue to make me excited for the next series to be released and the next seasons to be premiered. Iron Fist gets the Netflix treatment next, followed by the highly anticipated Defenders series, where all four of these unlikely heroes will join forces in one epic TV show. There are many reasons as to why I think that the Netflix shows are infinitely better than the movies, but here are eight specific reasons why everyone should watch these impeccable Netflix Originals.

1. The character development

Throughout each series, each and every of the characters went through many trials and encounter many obstacles that they must overcome. Even though the heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have many full-length movies in order to go through character development, none are as detailed, interesting, and unique as the Netflix shows. They go in depth into the characters and their emotions and, of course, their backstory. Not just their origins, however, but also little moments that have impacted their lives in large ways in the future.

2. They are more realistic

I’m always for the realistic when it comes to superhero movies. Yes, we all know that these shows are connected to the films, so, technically, aliens do exist in the shows. However, when it comes to action and violence, they do not hold back. It’s brutal and intimidating, and the shows really know how to display the meaning of Hell’s Kitchen. Rather than all of their problems being brushed away, each move they make actually affects them, which leads to consequences, both good and bad.

3. The villains are more intense

The villains in these Netflix Originals are insane. Every move they make seems more brutal than the last, but it makes these villains great. They are all written in creepy yet satisfying ways, making one question whether to feel bad for them or want them to end in a terrible fashion. These villains are not afraid to get their hands dirty, unlike other Marvel villains, who always seem to opt for standing by while their minions do all of the work. These villains are great and, honestly, terrifying, but that means they were done in the best way possible.

4. The action sequences are more thrilling and engaging, and they are brilliantly choreographed

Every time I think of an amazing action scene, a hallway scene from season 1 of Daredevil seems to always be one of the first to pop in my head. Daredevil (Charlie Cox) fights a multitude of men in a hallway. One after another comes and tries to beat him, but they always fail. The punches are quick and loud, and the men’s breathing makes the scene even more intense. This may seem like a typical fight scene, but there’s something very unique about this one: it was all done in one shot. This scene blew me away the first time I watched it, as I was on the edge of my seat, as adrenaline pumped through my veins. Normal action sequences use many different camera angles and combine them all in one scene, making it difficult to follow sometimes. The contrast though is magnificent. It’s so intense and definitely not seen in many other places. Since then, every time there is an action scene, I get incredibly excited, just to see what techniques the stunt team has come up with next.

5. The heroes are problematic

Jessica Jones (Kristen Ritter) is a perfect example of this. Her whole demeanor is one that no-so-politely asks people to not bother her at any time. This private detective is a very private person herself and doesn’t let many people into her life. However, there are so many different layers to her that are explored throughout the show. She has a heartbreaking past that defines her as personality. But that doesn’t mean that she is a good person. She does bad things, and she acknowledges that. She doesn’t shy away from the fact that she sometimes does the wrong thing according to society morals, and she’s okay with it. Instead of putting each character in some angelic spotlight, these shows explore what it means to be good and what it means to be bad, but still be able to be a hero at the same time.

6. The plots are more complex and less predictable

There are so many plot twists in these shows that it can make one go crazy. They throw so many things at the audience that they would never expect, but it still all makes sense at the same time. Over the past couple of years, the Marvel movies have a sort of cookie-cutter plot line, but these TV shows always seem to get the audience by surprise.

7. The shows intertwine, without being blatantly obvious

Each show cohesively fits with each other, and it makes it so much fun to watch. It’s great to see or hear a reference to another one of Netflix’s shows throughout the seasons, but they insert it in so casually that it doesn’t feel forced. They don’t need constant cameos from actors from another show, they just need to mention their existence. So far, the main link between each show is Rosario Dawson, who plays Claire Temple, a doctor from Hell’s Kitchen. Seeing the slight continuity in such a candid manner is so refreshing to watch rather than just say a specific line to explain why a character is missing.

8. They're dark and they aren't afraid to explore controversial story lines

I’ve always tended to be a fan of the darker superhero films (i.e. The Dark Knight Trilogy), so seeing Marvel doing it has been such a relief. Rather than the colorful and idealistic films that have so far been created, audiences can explore these dark cities in the Marvel universe that actually exist. Yes, it may be nice to see the brighter side of things, but seeing the darker side of the story, the more cut-throat and in-your-face side of the universe is such an interesting and fascinating watch, and it compels me to want more and more. The just released Luke Cage is a great example of this, as it explores black culture and how Harlem operates and isn't afraid to show the bad side of private prisons.