Arrow Vs The Flash: Which TV Show Is Better?

2. The Hero

Whatever other issues the two shows have had over the years, there's generally been a dependable core, and that's thanks to the lead performances of Stephen Amell and Grant Gustin.

Of the two, Amell had the rockier start, with a slightly more leaden performance in the show's earliest episodes. He's grown year-upon-year though and done everything asked of him both in and out of costume. He's undergone some big changes, moving from the Hood to Arrow to Green Arrow, and you can see the maturity in him as an actor as it goes along. He's brilliant at being the stoic, tortured hero, but it's also fun when he gets the chance to cut loose a little bit too.

Gustin had a faster start, which was helped by the fact his character is a lot lighter, but what could be cocky or annoying is made likeable by his charm and grounding in the role. But while he's cracked wise and excelled at the fast and fun side of the character, what's more surprising is just how much heart and soul he puts into the character. He puts the show on his shoulders when required, and he absolutely nails the emotional beats to tragic effect. Both are great, but Gustin has shown more in his time as a superhero.

Winner: The Flash