100 Greatest Superhero Movies
It is the golden age of superhero movies. Stan Lee says that:
“A superhero is a person who does heroic deeds and has the ability to do them in a way that a normal person couldn’t. So in order to be a superhero, you need a power that is more exceptional than any power a normal human being could possess, and you need to use that power to accomplish good deeds. Otherwise, a policeman or a fireman could be considered a superhero. For instance, a good guy fighting a bad guy could be just a regular police story or detective story or human-interest story. But if it’s a good guy with a superpower who is fighting a bad guy, it becomes a superhero story. If the good guy is doing something that a normal human being couldn’t do, couldn’t accomplish, then I assume he becomes a superhero.”
That’s really all that is necessary to define a story as a superhero story and it really isn’t a new concept. Superheroes are simply our modern mythology. Humans love stories about people that can do great things. They serve as fantasy for what we would like to be capable of doing. They serve as inspiration by providing role models for us to follow. Our enjoyment of Superman today really isn’t that different than the enjoyment experienced by ancient Greeks telling stories of the adventures of Hercules or Perseus. And as with those ancient stories, there are life lessons to be learned from Superman.
What is relatively new is the framework provided by the comic book. In 1938, Siegel and Shuster changed everything with that first story of Superman in Action Comics #1. There had been comic book heroes before that book, but Superman was the first true Superhero. Over the years, the format, advantages, and limitations of the comic book set a foundation for Superhero stories. The cheap paper and printing presses necessitated the colorful costumes. The politics of America in the 1950s led to a self-censorship and a Comics Code that rendered morality more black and white. The de-aging of the audience after World War II led to an assumption that these stories were for children.
For decades these characters had their stories told over and over in comic books, awaiting their time on the big screen. In 1978, Superman, once again, led the way with the tagline “You will believe a man can fly.” With a lot of money and talent, they proved that the magic of the four color paper page could be interpreted for the big screen in a manner that didn’t disappoint the imaginations of the audience.
In the last ten years, advances in visual effects have made it easier and easier to convincingly depict super-powered beings doing super-powered things. Today, on a television budget, they can exceed what only a blockbuster film could manage a decade ago. This has led to a boom for superhero movies. Big studios like Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony, and Fox have the capability to make these films and Marvel and DC have source material that has been audience tested and refined for years. That these movies are based upon such well-established characters and worlds can constrain scriptwriters, directors, and actors. Creating a superhero movie is a compromise. Let’s look at the films that best represent these efforts and reflect the capacity of the genre.
For this super topic — a super list — the 100 greatest superhero movies!
100. Spawn (1994) — At the time of release, it was a thrill to see a comic like Spawn make it to the big screen. It hasn’t held up well. It’s an empty shell that does little besides mimic the art of the source.
“I’m gonna cut you into 50 pieces and mail you to every state.” — Clown
99. Supergirl (1984) — Helen Slater is good in the titular role and with a supporting cast of Peter O’Toole, Faye Dunaway, and Mia Farrow, this should have been good, but the absence of script and budget cripples the film.
“Every time! Every time! Send a man to do a woman’s job, and that’s what you get. Damn her eyes. Who is she?” — Selena
98. Ghost Rider (2007) — On a rainy Sunday afternoon, this is a watchable film.
“He may have my soul but he doesn’t have my spirit.” — Johnny Blaze
97. Suicide Squad (2016) — Absent Harley Quinn, there is nothing I can recommend about this film.
“It’s taken me some work. But I finally have them. The worst of the worst.” — Amanda Waller
96. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) — One of the greatest things about X-Men: Days of Future Past is that it utterly erases this film.
“Charles Xavier did more for mutants than you will ever know. My single greatest regret is that he had to die for our dream to live.” — Eric Lensherr
95. Thor: Tales of Asgard (2011) — Kid Thor and kid Loki go on an adventure.
“We’re royalty, we’re not equipped for adventure.” — Loki
94. Ultimate Avengers II (2006) — Decent animation, some good action, and the introduction of the Black Panther to the Ultimate universe, but other than that, quite blah.
“Demoted. I guess that makes him Private America, huh?” — Hank Pym
93. Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014) — an interesting Asian take on the characters, but in need of better editing.
“You play your games, I stop these scum. No court or prison, just a bullet.” — Frank Castle
92. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009) — There once was a time when it was fantasy to have a megalomaniacal businessman become the President. In this story, it is Lex Luthor. The cast is the animated A-team with Tim Daly as Superman, Kevin Conroy as Batman, and Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor.
“I can’t think of a morning I haven’t woken up with the thought of strangling you. That sanctimonious image of yours fooled everyone except me. Because I know evil.” — Lex Luther
91. Blade II (2002) — Director Guillermo del Toro brings style to the direction, but the world should have learned here to never let David S. Goyer write a superhero film.
“Oh, I get it. I see now. You’ve been training for two years to take me out, and now here I am. Whew!” — Blade
90. Elektra (2005) — This film appears to have relied too heavily on the idea that since Jennifer Garner was currently (at the time) playing a kickass spy on the television show Alias, that all they had to do was put the Elektra costume on her and they had a movie. Jennifer is game for what the movie asks of her, but it doesn’t ask much. It’s a cold, flat ordeal that wastes her abilities and does a disservice to the character.
“Some lessons can’t be taught, Elektra. They must be lived to be understood.” — Stick
89. Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010) — An anthology of short films. As the title implies, one features Superman going up against Black Adam. Others feature Jonah Hex, Green Arrow, and the Spectre.
“In times of need, simply call my name… But this is my destiny. Go now, live yours.” — Shazam
88. Judge Dredd (1995) — Too Americanized and too uniformed about the essence of the source material, but like much of Stallone’s 80s work, there is a base of entertaining action.
“It’s a lie! The evidence has been falsified! It’s impossible! I never broke the law, I AM THE LAW!” — Judge Dredd
87. Batman Forever (1995) — Director Joel Schumacher abandoned Tim Burton’s moody atmosphere and replaced it with neon camp. Next to its sequel, this is Citizen Kane.
“Can Bruce Wayne and Batman ever truly coexist? We’ll find out today! But first, let’s meet our contestants! Behind curtain number one…” — The Riddler
86. Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007) — This animated feature is nonessential now that Marvel has given Doctor Strange his live action introduction, but for a while, it was thought that this was the best we would ever get for the character. It’s a fair introduction that takes advantage of the relatively flat cost of animating with or without psychedelia.
“You can only heal the wounds of the flesh once you have healed the wounds of the soul.” — Ancient One
85. The Phantom (1996) — Before Superman, there was the Phantom, but it took sixty years for him to get his own film. There is nostalgic fun in the retro atmosphere of the film, but it certainly could have used a better script.
“When darkness rules the earth, America’s in financial ruin. Europe and Asia are on a brink of self-annihilation. Chaos reins. Like I’ve always said, there is opportunity in chaos. And so, my brothers, I give you…” — Xander Drax
84. Batman: The Killing Joke (2016) — This film would be ranked higher if not for a really bad story decision that was not part of the source and in no way improves the story.
“I’m not exactly sure what happened. Sometimes I remember it one way, sometimes another. If I’m going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!” — The Joker
83. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) — The first half of this film is a rather good origin story for Logan. But, then the second half comes out of nowhere and is absolute crap.
“Well, I found it. It helped us to create a metal compound so strong, that you’ll be able to withstand virtually anything. It’s called adamantium. I can’t put Victor down myself, Logan. To kill him, you’ll have to embrace the other side, become the animal.” — William Stryker
82. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017) — Some recasting of characters that dampens the pathos of the story and I could always do with less Damian, but overall a decent adaptation of the comic.
“I beat the crap out of him for being mouthy. Come on, you’ve all had the urge.” — Deathstroke
81. Fantastic Four (2005) — Marvel’s first family deserves so much better a film than the four they have received. A poor script and some terrible casting for the parts of Sue and Dr. Doom hobble this film.
“Oh yeah Ben, few days in space, it’ll be great, what’s the worst that could happen?” — Ben Grimm
80. Superman: Doomsday (2007) — Another of the big Superman stories that was crammed into Batman v. Superman, losing its value. Here it gets the focus it deserves but doesn’t quite reach the heights of the source.
“If history has determined that gods can die, it is also proven that they may return from the dead. It would seem you cannot be destroyed after all, Superman. It would seem.” — Lex Luther
79. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010) — I liked the comics this was based upon. I wish the film had done a better job of translating that story for the screen.
“Having power and knowing how to use it aren’t the same thing. You of all people should know that.” — Wonder Woman
78. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) — Bryan Singer returns to the X-Men, but doesn’t quite hit the marks he hit previously. There’s some neat ideas and visuals in this film — and Olivia Munn as Psylocke is a joy — but the story is incoherent and this film made me tired of Jennifer Lawrence.
“You are all my children, and you’re lost because you follow blind leaders. These false gods, systems of the weak, they’ve ruined my world. No more.” — Apocalypse
77. Ultimate Avengers (2006) — Marvel’s Ultimate universe was a bold effort that put a modern spin on the classic characters. That universe eventually lost its way as Marvel threw everything at the wall, trying to find an audience. This film focuses on the first stories, when it was really firing on all cylinders. There is some really nice animation in this film. In particular, I just love the WWII airborne scenes with Captain America.
“We’re forming a team to fend off a global threat. So what do you say?” — Nick Fury
76. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) — Any time Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are together as Batman and the Joker is a good time. Here, Batman is an aging Bruce Wayne and the hero mantle has been passed to the next generation — Terry McGillis — in this film based on the animated series. I’m not usually a fan of having someone else put on a hero’s costume, but here, Terry, the time period, and the different costume make it more acceptable. It would be interesting to see Batman Beyond get its own live action film.
“It wasn’t a popularity contest. He was a psychopath. A monster.” — Bruce Wayne
75. Punisher: War Zone (2008) — This, the third Punisher film, didn’t get a lot of love. I liked it. It felt closest to the comic when it was being written by Garth Ennis. I also thought that Ray Stevenson was a good choice to play Frank Castle. It relies more on violence than dialogue to communicate its message, but that just seems appropriate for the character.
“If I see you anywhere near Hell, I’ll kick your ass out.” — Frank Castle
74. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010) — DC Comics has an alternate universe version of the Justice League called the Crime Syndicate, and as the name indicates, the characters are evil. This animated feature brings the two teams face-to-face.
“There is a difference between you and me. We both looked into the abyss, but when it looked back at us, you blinked.” — Batman
73. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) — David Goyer and Zack Snyder remind me of twelve year-old boys. This is a movie that twelve year-old boys would make. Snyder has wonderful visual skills, but his storytelling is just trying to crash as many toys together as possible. This film is a pastiche of half-a-dozen great DC stories and they all suffer from being crashed into each other.
The extended edition is better, but better is certainly relative, here.
“Oh, yes it has, sir. Everything’s changed. Men fall from the sky, the gods hurl thunderbolts, innocents die. That’s how it starts, sir. The fever, the rage, the feeling of powerlessness that turns good men… cruel.” — Alfred
72. The Punisher (2004) — Formulaic, but with its own charms. Thomas Jane works well as the Punisher. John Travolta plays too broad as the villain.
“Those who do evil to others — the killers, the rapists, psychos, sadists — you will come to know me well. Frank Castle is dead. Call me… The Punisher.” — Frank Castle
71. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) — Oh when will Sony learn to keep the story crisp and the villain count low? This film has a great cast, but deteriorates into video game cut scenes in the final act.
“Everyday I wake up knowing that no matter how many lives I protect, no matter how many people call me a hero, someone even more powerful could change everything.” — Peter Parker
70. The Incredible Hulk (2008) — Marvel’s own first attempt at bringing the big green guy to the silver screen. It has a fine cast, with Ed Norton in the titular role, and Tim Roth, William Hurt, and Liv Tyler supporting. It’s certainly watchable, but not memorable.
“Remember those experiments we volunteered for at Harvard? Those induced hallucination? It’s a lot like that, just a thousand times amplified. It’s like someone poured a liter of acid into my brain.” — Bruce Banner
69. Justice League: Doom (2012) — By itself, it’s an entertaining enough animated feature, but it’s a disappointment when compared against the source story from the comics. The premise is that Batman has concocted emergency plans to take down each member of the Justice League, should they turn bad, and those plans get into the hands of the enemy.
“I’ve carefully studied every Justice Leaguer, past and present and created contingency plans to neutralize you should that become necessary.” — Batman
68. Swamp Thing (1982) — Horror maestro Wes Craven made this a little too campy telling of a hero that is perhaps too cerebral for film. The high part of the film is Adrienne Barbeau.
“Everything’s a dream when you’re alone.” — Swamp Thing
67. Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) — there’s promise hidden in this film, behind the juvenile script and godawful rendition of Galactus. Doug Jones is appropriately otherworldly as the Silver Surfer.
“Did you know I can create a force field inside someone’s body and expand it until they explode?” — Susan Storm
66. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013) — Part of the Flash’s origin story is that when he was a child, his mother was murdered. This story depicts the ramifications on the timeline when the Flash attempts to undo that crime. It works far better here than it did in the comic books.
“And in a supreme act of selfishness shattered history like a rank amateur, turned the world into a living hell moments away from destruction and *I’m* the villain?” — Professor Zoom
65. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (Parts 1 & 2) (2012) — Frank Miller’s epic Elseworlds type deconstruction of Batman and the 1980s gets a much better rendition here in this leisurely two part adaptation than it did crammed into Batman v. Superman.
“You don’t get it, son. This isn’t a mud hole. It’s an operating table. And I’m the surgeon.” — Batman
64. Hancock (2008) — a pleasant surprise of a film about an original superhero, starring Will Smith, Jason Bateman, and Charlize Theron.
“You aim straight, make sure he can’t use that thing for nothin’ but a flap to keep the dust out of his butt crack.” — Hancock
63. Spider-Man 3 (2007) — When you first see a film, in the theater, and you’ve been waiting a few years since the last one, the disappointment is strong when the film fails to meet expectations. I recently rewatched this film and it wasn’t as crushingly disappointing as I remembered, but it is still very flawed. The emo-Peter scenes are painful to sit through and the film suffers greatly from the studio interference that required too many villains. Neither the Sandman nor Venom got their due and the Hobgoblin just felt like a distraction.
“Well, you start by doing the hardest thing: You forgive yourself. I believe in you, Peter. You’re a good person. And I know you’ll find a way to put it right.” — Aunt May
62. Blade (1998) — A stylish and early cinematic take on a Marvel character.
“OK, Vampire Anatomy 101, crosses and holy water don’t do dick so forget what you’ve seen in the movies. You use a wooden stake, silver or sunlight to kill them. You know how to use one of these?” — Blade
61. Daredevil (2003) — A film that is more maligned than it deserves. I do recommend watching the director’s cut version. It adds scenes that make the story make more sense.
“Hey, that light? At the end of the tunnel? Guess what? That’s not heaven…” — Daredevil.
60. Darkman (1990) — Before he made the Spider-Man films, director Sam Raimi made this well cast and low budget superhero vigilante tale starring Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand.
“I’m everyone — and no one. Everywhere — nowhere. Call me… Darkman.” — Darkman
59. Superman: Unbound (2013) — Brainiac and the city of Kandor would be so perfect a story for a live action Superman film, but the studio appears convinced they must continually use Lex Luthor. Watch this well done animated feature and imagine it in live action.
“Thanks. If I knew I was gonna be abducted, I might have skipped the heels.” — Lois Lane
58. Planet Hulk (2010) — The best Hulk comic story of the last 30 years gets a fairly faithful adaptation. Parts of this story will be incorporated into the upcoming Thor: Ragnorak.
“Finally! Now I know who to smash!” — Hulk
57. Sky High (2005) — A cute family film about a child of superheroes attending a school for heroes, but he hasn’t yet formed any powers of his own. Nice cameo by Lynda Carter, and don’t Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston just look perfect?
“The kids who get bit by radioactive insects or fall into a vat of toxic waste, their powers usually show up the next day. Or — they die.” — Nurse Spex
56. Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) — Judd Winick brings the comic story to the screen with this mature (PG-13) adaptation of a Robin corrupted.
“No! God Almighty, no. It’d be too damned easy. All I’ve ever wanted to do is kill him. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about subjecting him to every horrendous torture he’s dealt out to others, and then… end him.” -Batman
55. Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero (1998) — This film spun off of the fantastic Batman: The Animated Series. It’s smart, stylish, and engaging.
“Come on, people! A guy in a weird suit with two polar bears can’t be too hard to spot!” — Commissioner Gordon
54. Green Lantern: First Flight (2009) — A nice animated introduction to Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps.
“Let me tell you, friend. The only way to operate out here is by fear. They hit, I hit harder. They attack, I annihilate. I am the one constant, unassailable force against their chaos and you made them forget that. You think I enjoy this? Look at the universe the Guardians have created. We have the greatest power in the cosmos and what have they made us? Garbage collectors! We pick up the trash.” — Sinestro
53. Iron Man 3 (2013) — I’m turned off by the laziness and arrogance of Shane Black’s script. It pulls me right out of the story to realize that the third act is essentially the third act of another of Shane Black’s films.
“My armor was never a distraction or a hobby, it was a cocoon, and now I’m a changed man. You can take away my house, all my tricks and toys, but one thing you can’t take away — I am Iron Man.” — Tony Stark
52. The Crow (1994) — James O’Barr’s indie comic is faithfully presented in this film that is haunted by the fate of its lead actor.
“He was already dead. He died a year ago the moment he touched her. They’re all dead. They just don’t know it yet.” — Eric Draven
51. Batman: The Movie (1966) — The 1960s campy television series got a big screen adventure that featured The Joker, Catwoman, the Penguin, and the Riddler! It’s probably best remembered for introducing shark-repellent Batspray.
“Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb.” — Batman
50. Man of Steel (2013) — This isn’t a bad film. It is well produced and has a good cast, but it just doesn’t capture the nature of Superman and it collapses at the end under the weight of its disaster porn. A cynical take on the least cynical of all superheroes just wasn’t a good idea.
“You are weak, Son of El, unsure of yourself. The fact that you possess a sense of morality, and we do not, gives us an evolutionary advantage. And if history has proven anything… it is that evolution always wins.” — Faora
49. Hulk (2003) — A noble effort by Ang Lee, but one that doesn’t quite work. How do you make a film about an emotion fueled behemoth smashing things so dull? I am of the opinion that the character of the Hulk just can’t carry a film.
“You’re making me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” — Bruce Banner
48. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) — The film certainly has its moments, but it has a script that feels like a first draft.
“There’s a storm coming, Mr. Wayne. You and your friends better batten down the hatches, because when it hits, you’re all gonna wonder how you ever thought you could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us.” — Selina Kyle
47. Green Lantern (2011) — I don’t understand some of the criticism this film received. I love the animated costumes. But I do understand the criticism of the ending — Parallax was a stupid choice as the main villain. Why oh why did they not learn from Fantastic Four’s failure with cloud Galactus.
“In brightest day, in blackest night / no evil shall escape my sight / Let those who worship evil’s might / beware of my power, Green Lantern’s light.” — Hal Jordan
46. Amazing Spider-man (2012) — Andrew Garfield does a fine job filling Peter Parker’s spandex and director Marc Webb does a fine job making this feel like something different than the Sam Raimi films, but it would have been better without the origin retelling.
“Really? You seriously think I’m a cop? Cop in a skin-tight red and blue suit?” -Peter Parker
45. Wanted (2008) — An adaptation of a Mark Millar comic about a regular guy that finds himself part of a cult of assassins. The film has great style and verve, from its director Timur Bekmambetov, from Kazakhstan, and strong cast of James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman.
“Insanity is wasting your life as a nothing when you have the blood of a killer flowing in your veins. Insanity is being shit on, beat down, coasting through life in a miserable existence when you have a caged lion locked inside and a key to release it.” — Sloan
44. The Wolverine (2013) — Logan’s time in Japan is amongst the best of his comic stories. This film does a nice job of putting that to the screen. The film puts Logan in a new environment and is thoughtful, right up until the mindless boss battle at the end.
“Oh, yeah. Trust me. Problem is, if I do that, I don’t think you’re gonna live to see the end of the day. You can’t pretend shit isn’t happening when it is, Princess, unless you want to die. In that case, you’re playing this perfectly.” — Logan
43. Kick-Ass (2010) — Mark Millar wrote the comic that this film is adapted from after pondering a simple question — what would really happen if someone decided to be Batman? The result is an over the top, brutal, and funny film that still holds onto the dream, despite reality.
“I always wondered why nobody did it before me. I mean, all those comic books, movies, TV shows. You think that one eccentric loner would’ve made himself a costume. I mean, is everyday life really so exciting? Are schools and offices so thrilling that I’m the only one who fantasized about this? Come on, be honest with yourself. At some point in our lives we all wanna be a superhero.” — Dave Lizewski
42. Dredd (2012) — The Judge Dredd comic stories that appear in the British magazine 2000 A.D. are a unique take on the superhero. They are dark and cynical and unsentimental and yet pure. The earlier cinematic adaptation of the character lost sight of the virtues of the comic and made the story American. This film is true to the source.
“In case you people have forgotten, this block operates under the same rules as the rest of the city. Ma-Ma is not the law… I am the law. Ma-Ma is a common criminal; guilty of murder, guilty of the manufacture and distribution of the narcotic known as Slo-Mo, and as of now under sentence of death. Any who obstruct me in carrying out my duty will be treated as an accessory to her crimes… you have been warned. And as for you Ma-Ma… judgement time.” — Judge Dredd
41. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) — not a bad film, by any means, but a disappointment because it doesn’t reach the heights it was capable of reaching. Studio interference is the kryptonite of superhero movies.
“You get hurt, hurt ’em back. You get killed… walk it off.” — Steve Rogers
40. Iron Man 2 (2010) — Not the most popular of Marvel’s films, but I like it. It is a good buddy movie with Tony and Rhodey and Mickey Rourke is formidable as the villain.
“Well, you can forget it. I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one. To turn over the Iron Man suit would be to turn over myself, which is tantamount to indentured servitude or prostitution, depending on what state you’re in. You can’t have it.” — Tony Stark
39. Hellboy (2004) — Not as crisp as its sequel, but still a faithful and worthy rendering of Mike Mignola’s work.
“Perfect job for these babies. Made ’em myself. Holy water, clover leaf, silver shavings, white oak… the works.” — Hellboy
38. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) — Bruce Timm’s vision of Batman and his world is as good as it gets. This is an excellent, moody, and thoughtful Batman story.
“Vengeance blackens the soul, Bruce. I’ve always feared that you would become that which you fought against. You walk the edge of that abyss every night, but you haven’t fallen in and I thank heaven for that.” — Alfred
37. Wonder Woman (2009) — Before her live action triumph, Wonder Woman had a kickass animated film with Keri Russell as Diana, Nathan Fillion as Steve, and Alfred Molina as Ares.
“I’m an Amazon, Steve. We’re prepared from birth to give our lives in battle. I knew what the consequences were going in to this mission. I bet you would have acted differently, if I were a man.” — Wonder Woman
36. Thor: The Dark World (2013) — Fun and attractive, but a bit hobbled by a weak villain.
“Oh, this is much better. Costume’s a bit much… so tight. But the confidence, I can feel the righteousness surging. Hey, you wanna have a rousing discussion about truth,honor, patriotism? God bless America…” — Loki
35. Batman Returns (1992) — Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Danny DeVito bring this sequel to life.
“Seems like every woman you try to save ends up dead… or deeply resentful. Maybe you should retire.” — Catwoman
34. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) — Mike Mignola’s unique aesthetic is faithfully captured by director Guillermo del Toro and actors Ron Perlman, Doug Jones, and Selma Blair.
“I would give my life for her… but she also wants me to do the dishes.” — Hellboy
33. The Rocketeer (1991) — I’m a sucker for period pieces and Jennifer Connolly. But I also love Dave Steven’s original comics.
“Jenny, prepare yourself for a shock: I’m the Rocketeer.” — The Rocketeer
32. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017) — A lot more engaging than I expected. It’s a frantically paced buffet of eye candy but it has a deep heart and a clear understanding of who Batman is.
“You’re the reason I wake up at 4 in the morning and pump-irons until my chest is positively sick.” — Batman
31. Batman (1989) — I could do without the Prince dance scenes. But I love the designs from Anton Furst and I love Michael Keaton’s performance.
“Now comes the part where I relieve you, the little people, of the burden of your failed and useless lives. But, as my plastic surgeon always said: if you gotta go, go with a smile.” — The Joker
30. Batman: Year One (2011) — Frank Miller’s retelling of the Batman origin was used to recalibrate the audience after the big DC reboot of 1986. Here it is true to Miller’s noir sensibilities.
“Gotham City. Clean shafts of concrete and snowy rooftops. The work of men who died generations ago. From here, it looks like an achievement. From here, you can’t see the enemy.” — Bruce Wayne
29. Superman Returns (2006) — On its own, this is a good film. But it was a bit of a disappointment. It was a disappointment because of Singer’s decision to essentially copy Luther’s quest from the 1978 film. Brandon Routh is a good Superman and a very good Clark. He channels the essence of Christopher Reeve. The baseball stadium scene makes me tear up, every time.
“I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.” — Superman
28. Doctor Strange (2016) — A visual marvel and fast paced action flick with a stellar cast. Cumberbatch is of course great for the role of an arrogant genius because that’s pretty much all he plays. The one distraction for me was that Cumberbatch’s American accent is exactly the same as Hugh Laurie’s American accent. When you’re playing an arrogant, rude, and brilliant doctor and you sound just like Dr. House, well…
Tilda Swinton steals the film with her performance as the Ancient One.
“You’re a man looking at the world through a keyhole. You’ve spent your life trying to widen it. Your work saved the lives of thousands. What if I told you that reality is one of many?” — The Ancient One
27. X-Men: First Class (2011) — After the disappointing Last Stand, this was a welcome fresh take on the X-Men, set in the oh so cool 1960s.
“There’s so much more to you than you know, not just pain and anger. There’s good in you too, and you can harness all that. You have a power that no one can match, not even me.” — Professor Xavier
26. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) — a bright new take on the comic book film. It plays a little dumb in parts, but it is fun enough to be forgiven.
“Well he don’t know talkin’ good like me and you, so his vocabulistics is limited to “I” and “am” and “Groot,” exclusively in that order.” — Rocket Raccoon
25. Thor (2011) — Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are perfect.
“Brother, however I have wronged you, whatever I have done that has led you to do this, I am truly sorry. But these people are innocent, taking their lives will gain you nothing. So take mine, and end this.” — Thor
24. Justice League: New Frontier (2008) — Darwyn Cooke’s gorgeous comic that tells the story of the Justice League, in the years they were introduced, is loyally brought to the screen.
“You know who’s going to be there? Superman, Wonder Woman, people like that. I’m just a guy who runs after jewelry thieves and talking gorillas.” — Barry Allen
23. Watchmen (2009) — This is where Zack Snyder fits best — in a story that suits his sensibilities and has all of the metaphors spelled out for him.
“We are all puppets, Laurie. I’m just the puppet who can see the strings.” — Jon Osterman.
22. X-Men (2000) — If Bryan Singer had failed with this film, there would likely be a lot less films in this list. Fortunately he succeeded, largely to stellar casting choices — Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, and a little known Aussie who had just finished playing Curly in Oklahoma.
“I feel a great swell of pity for the poor soul who comes to that school… looking for trouble.” — Professor Xavier
21. Ant-Man (2015) — This is one of those films that you watch and you see visuals that you never thought you would see on-screen. They are very much a comic book brought to life.
Robert Frost’s answer to What is your review of Ant-Man (2015 movie)?
“Now, look. This is gonna get weird, all right? It’s pretty freaky, but it’s safe. There’s no reason to be scared.” — Scott Lang
20. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) — a film about family. It is a film that puts its themes ahead of its plot. I appreciate that. Plot is overrated. Character is king and character is defined by our past and the choices we make in the present. The Guardians are referred to, in the first film, and refer to themselves in this film, as “a bunch of a-holes.” They’re a-holes because of their past experiences — their birth families. Their redemption lies in building a new family. That’s what is important in this film. The background plot is there simply to facilitate these themes. Robert Frost’s answer to What is your review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)?
“He may have been your father, Quill, but he wasn’t your daddy.” — Yondu
19. Spider-man (2002) — Sam Raimi can be a little corny sometimes, but his Spider-man films have a lot of heart. Tobey Maguire was an interesting choice to play Peter and Willem Dafoe was a good choice for Norman Osborn. I just wish they’d given the Green Goblin a better costume.
“Not everyone is meant to make a difference. But for me, the choice to lead an ordinary life is no longer an option.” — Peter Parker
18. Batman Begins (2005) — My favorite of the three Nolan films. It’s a strong origin story.
“People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy and I can’t do that as Bruce Wayne. As a man, I’m flesh and blood, I can be ignored, I can be destroyed; but as a symbol… as a symbol I can be incorruptible, I can be everlasting.” — Bruce Wayne
17. Captain America: Civil War (2016) — far better than it should be. It’s a lot of fun. It has some amazing action scenes. As a child, I never thought I’d one day see — in live action — Spider-man, Black Panther, Iron Man, Ant-Man, Captain America, the Scarlet Witch, Vision, War Machine, and Black Widow involved in a massive battle. It was beautiful to see. Robert Frost’s review of Captain America: Civil War.
“Okay, anybody on our side hiding any shocking and fantastic abilities they’d like to disclose? I’m open to suggestions.” — Iron Man
16. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) — successfully merges the two X-Men movie franchises in a thrilling adventure across time and space that illustrates why so much of the film’s cast are considered stars (although Halle Berry is still terribly miscast). Robert Frost’s review of X-Men: Days of Future Past.
“The past: a new and uncertain world. A world of endless possibilities and infinite outcomes. Countless choices define our fate: each choice, each moment, a moment in the ripple of time. Enough ripple, and you change the tide… for the future is never truly set.” — Charles Xavier
15. All-Star Superman (2011) — Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s comic book story is beautifully animated in this direct to DVD film that tells the story of Superman, poisoned by the Sun, trying to get his affairs in order before he dies.
“He’s not dead. He’s up there fixing the sun. And when he’s done, he’ll be back. And I’ll be here waiting for him.” — Lois Lane
14. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) — No superhero film has left me as relieved and pleased with its execution. I love the origin story and this one is beautifully told and impressively told.
Not only is this a great superhero film, it’s a great World War II film. The period setting is exquisite. But really the credit for this film has to go to its star, Chris Evans. Evans truly understands the man under the mask — Steve Rogers.
A lot of people had concerns about whether Evans would have the acting chops to play this character. He does. Not only does he perfectly define the character but he manages to stand his own in every scene, even when up against such established talent as Tommy Lee Jones and Stanley Tucci.
“Arrogance may not be a uniquely American trait, but I must say, you do it better than anyone. But there are limits to what even you can do, Captain, or did Erskine tell you otherwise?” — Red Skull
13. X2: X-Men United (2003) — The success of the low budget first film imbued more confidence and more money (46% more), and it shows. X-Men United is bolder in production and story. The opening White House attack scene introducing Nightcrawler is the greatest superhero reveal yet filmed.
It’s a full film, but never excessively crowded. The multitude of characters each get their moments and those moments all forward the story.
The action scenes are all well choreographed. Wolverine gets to unleash his bezerker self. The house invasion scene is violent without being gory and the Wolverine vs. Deathstrike battle is stunningly brutal.
X-Men United did a brilliant job of setting up a great sequel. It’s a shame we didn’t get that great sequel.
“Logan, my tolerance for your smoking in the mansion notwithstanding, continue smoking that in here, and you’ll spend the rest of your days under the belief that you’re a six-year-old girl.” — Professor X
12. Marvel’s The Avengers (2012) — I would hazard a guess that the most common sentence uttered by viewers of this film, as the credits rolled was “Oh my God — they pulled it off!”
Marvel had shown us they could put an excellent Iron Man on the screen. They had shown us they could put an excellent Captain America on the screen. They had shown us they could put an excellent Thor on the screen. They had had less luck with the Hulk. But the idea that they could successively put them all together in an entertaining film seemed foreboding. But they did it. They did it by putting the film in the hands of a man that had repeatedly proven his ability to handle the ensemble — Joss Whedon.
I don’t know, even as a small child reading the comics, that I ever imagined we would see a live action Avengers film.
A superhero film is only as good as its villain. Whedon chose to bring in the man that had proven himself to be the best villain in a Marvel film — Tom Hiddleston as Thor’s adoptive brother Loki. Hiddleston makes the film, as his villain is a joy to watch and a foreboding threat to each and all of our heroes.
The hallmark of a comicbook team-up issue is that the heroes begin the story (often due to a misunderstanding) as adversaries, and they work through those issues to team up to fight their common foe. The Avengers do that and as they do Chris Evans (Captain America) proves his ability to be the leader, even in the presence of a bigger personality (Downey).
“You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing.” — Steve Rogers
11. Superman (1978) — The marketing tagline for this film, when it was first released, was “You will believe a man can fly.” The film is an amazing technical accomplishment for its time. Even today, it still looks good. The John Williams score is arguably the greatest superhero film score and one of the greatest film scores, period. But the film’s greatest selling point is its star — Christopher Reeve. It isn’t just the appearance. Yes, Reeve had the blue eyes, chiseled features, and imposing figure, but he also either had or was able to portray (brilliantly) the goodness of the character. He excelled at both Superman and Clark Kent and transitioning between the two. He really seemed to change when he straightened his spine and took off the glasses.
It is hard to overstate the effect this film had on audiences at the time. Nothing like it had been done before. It brought a comicbook hero to life. It’s possible that if this film had failed, none of the other films on this list would have ever come to the screen.
“You will travel far, my little Kal-El. But we will never leave you… even in the face of our death. The richness of our lives shall be yours. All that I have, all that I’ve learned, everything I feel… all this, and more, I… I bequeath you, my son. You will carry me inside you, all the days of your life. You will make my strength your own, and see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father, and the father the son. This is all I… all I can send you, Kal-El.” — Jor El
10. Deadpool (2016) — A comic book character fully realized. What’s probably most surprising about Deadpool is that although it’s R-rated and very violent, it is not cynical. To the contrary, there is far more hope on display than in the entire DC Snyderverse. Deadpool is secretly an optimistic love story. Robert Frost’s answer to What is your review of Deadpool (2016 movie)?
“Yeah, it’s me, Deadpool, and I got an offer that you can’t refuse. I’m gonna wait out here, okay? It’s a big house. It’s funny that I only ever see two of you. It’s almost like the studio couldn’t afford another X-Man.” — Deadpool
9. Spider-man 2 (2004) — The best of the Spider-man films excels because of the smaller scope — when oh when will Spider-man directors realize that three villains = bad film? — and because of the quality of the actor playing the sole villain. Alfred Molina is imposing and intimidating as Dr. Otto Octavius AKA Doctor Octopus. He captures both the character’s intelligence and cruelty. Spider-man 2 is a clear improvement on its predecessor.
“We need a hero, couragous sacrificing people, setting examples for all of us. Everybody loves a hero, people line up for ’em, cheer for them, scream their names, and years later tell how they stood in the rain for hours just to get a glimpse of the one who told them to hold on a second longer. I believe theres a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble. And finally gets us to die with pride. Even though sometimes we have to be steady and give up the thing we want most, even our dreams.” — May Parker
8. Unbreakable (2000) — throw out all the fantasy of superhero movies. What would it be like in the real world if a person began to develop supernormal abilities? Would they become a hero? Could they become a hero? Do heroes create their villains? Do villains create their heroes? Director and writer M. Night Shyamalan uses Unbreakable to examine the form and mythos of the comicbook without mimicking the style of a comicbook. Far from primary colors, the palette of the film is extremely muted. Far from the beat per panel of a comicbook, the film has a creeping pace, slowly building tension and holding back release. The score from James Newton Howard assists that slow build wonderfully.
Bruce Willis has made a career playing the everyman with the mouth of a movie character that steps up to the challenge. In Unbreakable he manages to mute that mouth and just be that everyman — security guard, David Dunn. For as quiet as Willis’ performance is, Samuel L. Jackson’s is the opposite as Elijah Price.
7. Logan (2017) — transcends entertainment and becomes art. Director, James Mangold, has created a beautiful film that respects and is totally faithful to the essence of the characters yet is free of the restrictions of continuity and the unending nature of periodical comics, while benefiting from heritage.
Logan is a thoughtful western that examines themes of being one’s own enemy and parent-child relationships. It is brutal. It is beautiful. It is impacting.
Logan is one of those films that sticks with you. I have found myself thinking about the film, many times, over the last week. It has consequence. It is intimate.
“Nature made me a freak. Man made me a weapon. And God made it last too long.” — Logan
6. Iron Man (2008) — This film has a weak ending, but manages to make the top 10 list due to the overwhelming charisma and presence of Robert Downey Jr. and the amazing realization of the Iron Man suit.
While the creators of the 1978 Superman film (and oh so many other comicbook adaptations felt a little embarrassed to be making a comicbook film and felt the need to show the audience that they realized the concepts were goofy by going camp and over the top, Director Jon Favreau and the writers of Iron Man did the opposite. They treated the concept with full respect and brought in a cast of top notch supporting actors that treated their characters with respect. They managed to find the right blend of “let’s have fun! and wow, this is really cool stuff!”
“If I were Iron Man, I’d have this girlfriend who knew my true identity. She’d be a wreck. She’d always be worrying I was going to die, yet so proud of the man I’ve become. She’d be wildly conflicted, which would only make her more crazy about me…” — Tony Stark
5. Wonder Woman (2017) — Wonder Woman has been waiting in the trenches for 75 years to finally to climb the ladder and step into the No Woman’s Land of superhero films and once she gets there, she kicks ass. Robert Frost’s review of Wonder Woman. This movie is a little too fresh for me to feel really comfortable with its position on this list. I can’t tell if I’m holding back because I think I might be euphoric or if I’m simply euphoric. I may come back in a few weeks and move it up or down a notch or two.
“Only love can truly save the world.” — Diana Prince
4. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) — This film defies any attempt to constrain it as a comicbook film or just another popcorn film. It expands itself and staves off any concerns of comicbook movie fatigue by defining itself as a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Robert Frost’s review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
“For as long as I can remember I just wanted to do what was right. I guess I’m not quite sure what that is anymore. And I thought I could throw myself back in and follow orders, serve. It’s just not the same.” — Steve Rogers
3. The Dark Knight (2008) — I battle with this one. Personally I like Batman Begins more. But I will concede this is the better film. It is in this film that Chis Nolan has the most to say and it is in this film that he pulls the best performances out of the cast — notably Heath Ledger as the Joker.
While Chris Nolan’s Batman is a good Batman. He isn’t really my Batman. I’m still waiting to see my Batman on screen.
“If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” — The Joker
2. Superman II (1980) — You just can’t beat Christopher Reeve as Superman. There are two versions of this film — the theatrical version directed by Richard Lester after the Salkinds fired Richard Donner, and the Donner cut, assembled a few years ago and released on Blu-Ray. Both have their strengths… and weaknesses. The latter most notably being that they both have weak endings. But this film gets Superman and Lois right and gives Superman worthy opponents in Zod, Ursa, and Non.
“I am General Zod. Your ruler. Yes, today begins a new order. Your lands, your possessions, your very lives, will gladly be given in tribute to me, General Zod! In return for your obedience you will enjoy my generous protection. In other words you will be allowed to live.” — God
1. The Incredibles (2004) — Pixar’s masterpiece is the best Fantastic Four film possible. I posit that it is Pixar’s best film, by far. Brad Bird directed a nostalgic yet occasionally satiric love letter to the comicbook. It is smart, funny, warmhearted, inspiring and exhilarating — everything a super hero film should be
“Settle down, are you kidding? I’m at the top of my game! I’m right up there with the big dogs! Girls, come on. Leave the saving of the world to the men? I don’t think so.” — Elastigirl
What would make your list?
