In 2019, Martin Scorsese famously said, “Marvel Movies Aren’t Cinema.” While he later went on to explain himself, many have felt the experience of Marvel fatigue (a term used to describe the proliferation of the superhero film genre). It is hard to ignore that there have been a lot of superhero films of varying quality since the early 2000s. However, there are a lot of amazing super hero films out there. The best superhero movies take us to exciting new worlds and tell epic stories of good and evil. And the box office doesn’t lie. Superhero movies are extremely popular. The second highest-grossing film ever, Avengers: Endgame, is a superhero film, and there are two more Marvel movies in the top 10 highest-grossing films. Whether you love Thor, go crazy for the Joker, or are just looking for some action-packed heroics, the best superhero films are never a bad time.

Top Superhero Movies

While the majority of the films on this list come from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the DC Universe (including the DCEU — the DC Extended Universe), it defines superhero films rather broadly. Superhero films share a lot of tropes of the action genre but have some unique elements. Most of the movies on this list are based on comic books or comic book characters. However, all of the films on this list feature a hero, group of heroes or anti-heroes which use either magic or technology to enhance themselves as they go up against a force of evil. All the films on this list also include fight scenes, heroics and easily definable villains. It should also be noted that there are a lot of great superhero TV shows that aren’t included on this list.

Some characters tend to be over-represented on this list. Usually, this has mostly to do with output. Some characters like Spider-Man, Batman and the X-Men have simply been featured in more movies than Martian Manhunter, Wonder Man or Zatanna. While some characters appear more, this list tries to vary its entries and include a wide swath heroes. While not a hard rule, in cases of film trilogies (especially those from the same director), it generally chooses the best of three instead of including all entries. Movies on this list are also ranked by a couple of factors. The overall quality of the film is taken into account, but it also considers historical relevance. Since many feel fatigued by superhero films, it also looks at how unique the film feels in the genre and aesthetics. Lastly, it takes into account how much a fan of the genre might like these films by looking at tropes like special effects, scope/stakes, action scenes, iconic villains and how close it is to the source material when applicable.

51. Batman: The Movie (1966)

While film serials such as 1940’s The Shadow and 1941’s Adventures of Captain Marvel were shown in theaters from the late 1930s, 1966’s Batman is one of the first superhero films to be made (arguably the first true superhero film is 1951’s Superman and the Mole Men). If you are used to the gritty Burton or Nolan versions of the caped crusader, this Batman film might feel deeply silly. However, it is pure fun.

It was based on the often tongue-in-cheek 1960s Batman television show starring Adam West. In the movie, Batman and Robin must stop Catwoman, The Joker and The Riddler, who have teamed up to take them down. This movie is very campy, with shark repellent and Batman running around with an oversized bomb to save ducklings. It won’t be for everyone, but it is part of comic book film history and has been hugely influential on pop culture in its own way. Directed by Leslie H. Martinson, the film stars Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith and Frank Gorshin. Watch it here.

50. Dredd (2012)

From Pete Travis and Alex Garland, Dredd is based on the 2000 AD comic strip, Judge Dredd. The film follows an antihero through a post-apocalyptic city as he takes down a drug kingpin.

It isn’t a perfect movie, but it has great effects, some good self-satire and a very comic-book feel. The film stars Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Wood Harris and Lena Headey. It is currently available to rent here.

49. Tank Girl (1995)

Rachel Talalay’s Tank Girl is arguably not a superhero film. It is one of a couple of movies based on comics that follow anti-heroes, which feel deeply connected to the genre if not solidly a part of it. The film follows Tank Girl, a post-apocalyptic anti-hero, as she fights genetically modified supersoldiers. While it was a box office failure and not well-reviewed at the time, it has become a cult classic.

The film stars Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts and Malcolm McDowell. It is a weird and frenetic movie that won’t be for everyone. However, for those looking for campy, feminist comic book movies, Tank Girl is engagingly fun. It is available on multiple platforms.

48. Chronicle (2012)

Chronicle is a found-footage superhero origin story from Josh Trank. The movie follows three high schoolers who gain telekinetic abilities after making contact with a mysterious object. The film stars Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan. Chronicle is a fast-paced and entertaining film which is a little bogged down by its found-footage premise. It is available here.

47. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War comes from the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series and is the final film in the DC Animated Movie Universe. While it is animated, it isn’t for kids and has the dark and gritty feel that has become a staple for DC Comics. It is based on three comic book storylines: Darkseid War, Final Crisis and, to a lesser extent, Futures End.

The film follows the Justice League as they take on Darkseid after the apocalypse. Directed by Matt Peters and Christina Sotta, the film hosts a large ensemble voice cast that features Rosario Dawson, Jerry O’Connell, Jason O’Mara and Matt Ryan. It is available to stream here.

46. Ant-Man (2015)

Ant-Man is, in some ways, more of a heist film than a traditional superhero origin story. However, it’s a fun heist film that feels fresh and different for Marvel. The film follows a recently released thief armed with a suit that shrinks him down to an incredibly small size as he must stop a villain with the same technology.

Ant-Man is a lot lower stakes than many other entries in the MCU. It’s small, not epic, but that’s not always a bad thing. Directed by Peyton Reed, the movie stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Anthony Mackie, Judy Greer and Michael Douglas. It led to two sequels, 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp and 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (however, neither of them are very strong entries into the Marvel cannon). It is available on multiple platforms.

45. Defendor (2009)

Defendor won’t be for everyone, but it is a unique and funny take on the superhero genre that features a great Woody Harrelson performance. Defendor follows a man convinced that he is a superhero, his psychiatrist and a teenager.

While the tone is a bit all over the place, it doesn’t take too much away from the overall film. There are also some pretty serious themes in the movie that aren’t always handled very carefully. Directed by Peter Stebbings, it stars Harrelson, Elias Koteas, Michael Kelly, Sandra Oh and Kat Dennings. It is available to rent here.

44. Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero (1998)

Batman & Mr. Freeze is a direct-to-video animated film that takes place between two animated Batman TV shows: Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures. This might sound like a hard sell and it is. It isn’t the highest-quality animation, but it has some well-designed elements and cool plot points. The film follows Mr. Freeze as he kidnaps Barbara Gordon in hopes of transplanting her organs into his cryogenically frozen wife, Nora.

The film is the rare Batman film that centers on Batgirl, includes Batman’s detective skills, and has Bruce Wayne (and not his alter-ego Batman) play an essential role in saving the day. The film stars Kevin Conroy, Michael Ansara, Loren Lester, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and Mary Kay Bergman. It is available to rent here.

43. Batman & Robin (1997)

While many hate Joel Schumacher’s take on the caped crusader Batman & Robin, it is, in many ways, a great Batman film. While most films look at the dark and gritty version of Batman, this film emulates a different era. Batman & Robin is a love letter to Adam West’s Batman and some of the comics from the 1950s and 1960s. It is goofy, homoerotic and campy, but this is fully on purpose. Not everyone will like or even get it, but it’s supposed to be fun and a little dumb.

Batman & Robin follows the titular superhero duo and Batgirl as they take on Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy and Bane. It stars George Clooney, Chris O’Donnell, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Uma Thurman and Alicia Silverstone. While the film currently holds a 12% on Rotten Tomatoes, it should be given its flowers, even “$30,000 for the lovely Ms. Magnolia!” Find it here.

42. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

While it is the 32nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is surprisingly fresh. Written and directed by James Gunn, the movie follows the Guardians after the loss of Gamora as they try to save the Universe from a foe connected to one of their pasts.

The film has a freaky anti-animal testing b-story, which makes it feel different and new for the MCU. The strength of Guardians 3 is that Gunn really goes for it and gets to tell a weird and emotional story. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Visual Effects and stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Will Poulter, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Linda Cardellini, Nathan Fillion, and Sylvester Stallone. Find it here.

42. Shazam! (2019)

Shazam! is purely entertaining. It leans into ridiculousness in a bright and poppy way. Directed by David F. Sandberg, the film follows a teenage boy who is given the power to turn into a full-grown superhero by an ancient wizard named Shazam.

The film stars Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer and Djimon Hounsou. It led to a direct sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods and a spin-off Black Adam. However, neither captured the goofy fun of the original film. Find it here.

40. Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman is far from a perfect film. It gets pretty silly at the end, and the star, Gal Gadot, struggles with acting in some of the more emotional moments, but it is easily one of the better films in DCEU and among the best superhero films to star a female hero (which are few and far between in the genre).

The film is set in World War I and follows the Amazonian princess of Themyscira as she takes on the embodiment of war, Ares. The setting of the film feels unique, and it stands alone without being dragged down by the heaviness of the majority of the DCEU films that came before it. Directed by Patty Jenkins, it stars Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen and Elena Anaya. It was followed up by another Wonder Woman period piece, Wonder Woman 1984. However, this sequel is a disappointing mess. It is available here.

39. Blue Beetle (2023)

Blue Beetle is one of the films of DCEU that is a bit overlooked. The film follows a young law school grad who comes into the possession of an ancient scarab relic that is actually a piece of alien technology that can symbiotically give him superpowers. Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, the film stars Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon and George Lopez.

After many dark and brooding DCEU entries, Blue Beetle is fairly bright and upbeat. It is funny and heartwarming, and it has a nice family focus. While it didn’t do well at the box office, it deserves a revisit. The film also has an anti-Ronald Reagan, CIA and U.S. imperialism in South America message, which feels unique for a superhero film. It is available here.

38. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is arguably not a superhero movie. However, it is based on the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series and features a main character who fights super-powered villains with direct homages to superhero comics, which makes it feel like one. While it was a box office bomb, it has become a cult hit.

The film follows a stunted adult who must battle a mysterious manic pixie dream girl’s seven evil exes to win her love. Not everything ages well in this film, but it is deeply watchable, stylish and charming. The film stars Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza and Jason Schwartzman. Find it here.

37. Watchmen (2009)

There are a couple of adpatations of Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons’s classic graphic novel, Watchmen. While the best is HBO’s 2019 TV series of the same name, the 2009 live action film version is well worth a watch. (There is also a 2024 animated film, which is much closer to the comic book.) 2009’s Watchmen follows a group of 1980s heroes forced into retirement after a governmental ruling. After the Comedian is killed, the masked vigilante, Rorsach, makes it his mission to find who is killing former heroes.

The film went through development hell. The original director of the project, Terry Gilliam, even called the comic “unfilmable.” While he was replaced with Zach Snyder, many of the most interesting parts of the comic were changed, replaced or dumbed down. Fans of the comic especially had issues with the ending, which was substantially altered. It’s not a perfect film or adaptation, but it is helped by the strength of its source material. The film stars Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle, Haley Jeffrey, Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson. It is available here.

36. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) is a bit of a mess. However, Venom is its golden child. The Venom trilogy is purposely silly. The films are bombastic, and while they weren’t reviewed well by critics, they have found a dedicated audience. While all three films are fun, the second, Let There Be Carnage, is really elevated by the performances of Tom Hardy as Venom and Woody Harrelson as Carnage.

Directed by Andy Serkis, the film also stars Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott and Stephen Graham. It follows journalist Eddie Brock as he bonds with the alien symbiote that occupies his body and fights a villian with the same powers. Surprisingly, the film also canonizes Venom as an LGBTQ icon. It is available here.

35. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness isn’t a perfect film, but the parts that work really elevate it as a stand-out in the late MCU. The movie follows Doctor Strange, America Chavez and the Scarlet Witch as they huddle through the Multiverse. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Xochitl Gomez, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong and Rachel McAdams.

The movie is among the most expensive ever made, but it almost feels like a return to Raimi’s horror roots through its imagery and storytelling. It is purposely strange, off-putting and subverting. The film’s weakness is the immense amount of CGI, but its strength is its depiction and exploration of Wanda Maximoff, aka Scarlet Witch. As she says, “You break the rules and become a hero. I do it, and I become the enemy. That doesn’t seem fair.” With a great musical score from Danny Elfman and a fun cameo from Bruce Campbell, MoM is a great watch, especially for fans of Raimi. It is available here.

34. The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

A movie about a Lego version of Batman has no right to be as good as this is. Lego Batman was introduced in 2014’s The Lego Movie. The Lego Batman Movie is pure family fun that has a reverence for Batman as a character and his history. The movie follows Batman as he has to let others in if he is going to stop the Joker from taking over Gotham.

Robot Chicken’s Chris McKay brings a frenetic comedy to the film (which was his feature directorial debut). The movie stars ​​Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes. Find it here.

33. Big Hero 6 (2014)

While Big Hero 6 is an animated film from Disney, it is very loosely based on the Marvel superhero team of the same name. The film follows a young boy who receives a healthcare robot, Baymax, from his deceased brother and decides to use it to track down his brother’s killer.

Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, the film stars Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, James Cromwell, Maya Rudolph and Alan Tudyk. Superhero films aren’t usually as sweet as Big Hero 6, but it’s a heartwarming and delightful family film. The film won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. It is available here.

32. Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings follows a martial arts master as he has to confront his past and a mysterious organization connected to his father. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the movie stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Benedict Wong, Yuen Wah, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley and Tony Leung.

By the time Shang-Chi came out in 2021, Marvel had made a seemingly endless list of superhero origin stories. While Shang-Chi is another origin story, it does it right, and it feels unique enough to stand out. It is especially great for lovers of Hong-Kong style martial arts films. It is currently available here.

31. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

While the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles isn’t the first thing that some might think of when it comes to comic book superheroes, the media franchise started as a comic book that parodies superhero teams. While there have been many TMNT properties, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is among the best.

The reboot of the long-running franchise follows four mutant brothers as they try to be accepted by New York and take on a syndicate of evil mutants. Directed by Jeff Rowe, it stars Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr, Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Seth Rogen (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Rose Byrne, Giancarlo Esposito, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube and Paul Rudd. Find it here.

30. Blade II (2002)

Based on the Blade comic books, the first Blade movie was the first successful film from a Marvel property. In some ways, the Blade trilogy proved that Marvel movies could work — something now taken for granted. While all three Blade movies have a dedicated fan base, arguably, Blade II is the best.

The film follows the titular Blade, a half-human/half-vampire hybrid, who has to pause his vampire hunting to team up with them to stop a new monstrous enemy. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film stars Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson and Ron Perlman. While it opened to mixed reviews, it is an action/anti-hero/horror film that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on it. It is currently available here.

29. Batman Returns (1992)

“Does this mean we have to start fighting?” A direct sequel to 1989’s Batman, Batman Returns follows Batman as he goes up against The Penguin, Max Shreck and Catwoman. Directed by Tim Burton, the film stars Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken.

Burton had previously directed 1989’s Batman and didn’t want to return for the sequel; however, he did in exchange for full creative control, resulting in a much darker and creepier kind of Batman film. While this led to initial mixed reviews, the film has some iconic visuals and feels special. It was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects. It is currently available on multiple platforms.

28. Kick-Ass (2010)

Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass is a dark comedy about a normal kid’s attempt at becoming a superhero. The film is deeply 2010s in its humor, but there is something undeniably charming about it. The film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloë Grace Moretz, Mark Strong and Nicolas Cage.

Based on the Marvel comic book of the same name, Kick-Ass tells one of the smallest stories in the Marvel pantheon. However, it is also one of the most profane and bloody. So many superhero films are purposely noble and moral; Kick-Ass doesn’t really concern itself with those themes, which is a real genre shake-up. The film led to a direct sequel, Kick-Ass 2 and in 2024, a third film, Stuntnuts Does School Fight, was announced. Find the original film here.

27. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is an animated film spin-off from Batman: The Animated Series. The film came out between the first and second seasons and follows Batman as he reminisces about an old love and tries to take down another masked vigilante who is targeting the mob.

Initially, the film was planned for a direct-to-video release; however, it was given a last-minute theatrical release. It was the only animated Batman to be released in theaters until 2016’s The Killing Joke. The film feels like it is made for kids, but also may be too scary for them. The themes of love, vengeance and paths not taken may also be too heady for young audiences. However, the film has a great 1990s-does-1940s design and feels in many ways like a Batman comic. Directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm, the film stars Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Dana Delany, Hart Bochner and Abe Vigoda. It is available to stream here.

26. The Crow (1994)

The Crow is a cult classic based on the Caliber Comics series of the same name. The movie follows a man who is resurrected from the dead to take vengeance on those who murdered him and his wife.

The film stars Brandon Lee, who was tragically fatally wounded by a prop gun in an accident while filming. Lee had already filmed most of the scenes, and the film was completed with effects, rewrites and stunt doubles. The Crow is immensely stylish and incredibly dark (even for an often dark genre). Directed by Alex Proyas, it stars Lee, Ernie Hudson and Michael Wincott. The film led to three sequels and a 2024 reboot, but none of them are very good. You can find the original The Crow here.

25. Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)

The Avengers is Marvel’s first team-up movie. The movie follows the heroes of the Avengers Initiative (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye) as they must battle Thor’s evil brother, Loki.

The Avengers is a true blockbuster. The film is big, but it has good jokes and smaller moments of emotion when needed. In many ways, it defined what the next ten years of superhero movies would look like. Directed by Joss Whedon, it stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner. The Avengers broke several box office records. It was the first Marvel movie to make over $1 billion. It led to three direct sequels: Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. However, arguably it has also led to every other Marvel film made since. It is available to stream here.

24. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Spider-Man: No Way Home uses the multiverse for emotional stakes and nostalgia in a brilliant way. It is the third in the Tom Holland lead Spider-Man films. It follows Spider-Man after he is unmasked as Peter Parker. When he asks Doctor Strange for a spell, issues arise, bringing new versions of himself and old foes to his timeline.

The film brings back favorites from the Sony versions of the character. Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire reprise their roles of Spider-Man. Jamie Foxx, Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina, Rhys Ifans and Thomas Haden Church also return to their respective villain roles. Directed by Jon Watts, the film also features Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau and Marisa Tomei. One of the biggest surprises of the film is how good Garfield is. The Garfield lead Amazing Spider-Man films aren’t great, but he’s excellent in this film. It is available here.

23. V For Vendetta (2005)

Is V For Vendetta a superhero movie? This feels arguable. It is based on Alan Moore’s limited comic book series of the same name released by DC comics. It features a skilled anti-hero, not unlike Batman or Watchmen’s Rorschach. While it feels a little different, (likely due to its dystopian setting), it has many of the trappings of a superhero film.

V For Vendetta follows a young woman who becomes involved with the masked terrorist/antihero V and his attempt to overthrow the fascist government. Directed by James McTeigue and with a screenplay by The Wachowskis, it stars Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea and John Hurt. The film is interesting from themes to performances to visuals. It’s a richly upsetting film that still feels relevant 20 years later. It is available here.

22. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier has a very different feeling than its predecessor, Captain America: The First Avenger. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film follows Steve Rogers as he tries to adapt to the modern world and is drawn into a conspiracy that leads him to a new foe from his past.

The film stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Toby Jones, Robert Redford and Samuel L. Jackson. When it comes to Marvel films it is among the most grounded and political. It also doesn’t utilize as much CGI as many other Marvel films. It is available here.

21. X-Men First Class (2011)

Matthew Vaughn’s X-Men First Class is a bit of an outlier in the X-Men series. While it is the fifth film in the series, it was originally intended to be a franchise reboot. However, it was later retconned into an X-Men (2000) prequel even though it contradicts the canon established in earlier films. It is really best enjoyed as a stand-alone X-Men entry.

The film is set in 1962 as a group of newly introduced mutants has to go up against a mutant supremacist whose plan is to start a nuclear war. It is a stylish, well-paced and thematically interesting entry into the X-Men series, which also introduces some comic book favorite characters. It stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Oliver Platt and Kevin Bacon. It is available here.

20. The Batman (2022)

Matt Reeves’s The Batman is another dark take on the caped crusader. However, it feels surprisingly fresh for a character that has been rebooted nearly to death. The film follows a younger Batman during his second year of crime fighting and his run-ins with the criminal, The Riddler.

The film stars Robert Pattinson, Paul Dano, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell. The film feels like a noir that is ripped directly out of the comics. Batman is often called the “world’s greatest detective” in the comic books and this film captures this frequently overlooked side of the character. The film succeeds on a gritty emotional level but is dragged down slightly by its own run time of nearly three hours. It received Oscar nominations for Best Sound, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Visual Effects. It is available to stream here.

19. X-Men (2000)

X-Men defined the modern superhero genre. While many prefer the second movie in the original X-Men trilogy, X2: X-Men United, it wouldn’t have been as epic if it wasn’t as perfectly set up by X-Men as it was. X-Men follows two mutants, Wolverine and Rogue, as they are brought into a political (and physical) battle over the fate of the mutant race and the path to acceptance.

Directed by Bryan Singer, the film stars Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Ray Park and Anna Paquin. It is less action-packed than later X-Men movies, but its care for its characters and themes is why we still are making X-Men movies. It is available here.

18. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Captain America: The First Avenger is a solid early entry into the MCU. The film follows a young soldier who takes a super serum to fight Nazis and the villainous Red Skull in WWII. It has a great retro-1940s feel and introduces one of the most iconic members of the MCU, Chris Evans, as Captain America.

Directed by Joe Johnston, the film also stars Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Toby Jones and Stanley Tucci. It is a really solid origin story that led to two other solid MCU entries: 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier and 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. You can find it here.

17. Unbreakable (2000)

Having Unbreakable on this list is a little bit of a spoiler. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film follows a man who survives a train crash unscathed and a comic book store owner who takes notice. While at first, it might not seem like a superhero film, the audience slowly realizes that it is both a superhero and supervillain origin story.

Unbreakable stars Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and Robin Wright. It led to two sequels, Split and Glass. Interestingly, much like how Unbreakable wasn’t sold as a superhero film, Split wasn’t advertised as a sequel and its connection to the trilogy is also used as a twist. Unbreakable is a grounded superhero film that still feels unique in the genre 25 years later. It has garnered a cult following and is considered one of Shyamalan’s best films. It is available here.

16. The Suicide Squad (2021)

Not to be confused with 2016’s Suicide Squad (which is a bit of a so-bad-its-good dud), The Suicide Squad is a stand-alone sequel by DC head James Gunn. The film follows a special task force of villains who are sent to a fictional South American nation to erase any trace of an alien starfish before the local government can get it.

The film stars Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rooker, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Nathan Fillion, and Pete Davidson. The Suicide Squad is pure pulp on purpose and radically fun. While it makes some salient points about Western imperialism and American foreign policy, it also functions as an explosive B-movie love letter. It led to two great DCU TV shows: the spin-off show Peacemaker and the animated spiritual sequel show Creature Commandos. It available to stream here.

15. Deadpool (2016)

Deadpool is an origin story for “The Merc with a Mouth.” It follows Wade Wilson as he hunts down an evil scientist responsible for giving him his mutant powers. The character of Deadpool became a ’90s comic book favorite for his self-referential jokes, fourth wall breaks and cartoon violence, and the film version does a great job of capturing it.

Directed by Tim Miller, the movie stars Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano and Brianna Hildebrand. Reynolds had been working to get a film version of Deadpool made since the early 2000s, and his drive to see the character come to cinematic fruition is palpable in this film. It’s funny, fresh and fast-paced, which really works to its advantage. Its direct sequel, 2018’s Deadpool 2, is also entertaining but doesn’t eclipse the original. It is available here.

14. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Thor movies seem hard to get right. While there are four films, only one really stands apart as an awesome Marvel movie: Thor: Ragnarok. The third Thor film follows Thor and the Hulk as they must work together to stop Thor’s sister, Hela, from causing Ragnarök (a mythological war that will kill many in the Norse pantheon.)

In an era where superhero films were extremely dark (both tonally and visually – the Thor film before this is even literally called “The Dark World”), Thor: Ragnarok is a fun and bright neon fever dream. From the music to the jokes to the acting, Thor: Ragnarok is a good time. Directed by Taika Waititi, the film stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins. It is available here.

13. Guardians of The Galaxy (2014)

James Gunn’s Guardians of The Galaxy is the tenth film in the MCU, and it really shook the emerging universe up with a new tone, location and color pallet. It also has an amazing soundtrack. The film follows an orphaned space pirate who steals a powerful orb and must team up with a ragtag group if he hopes to keep it and save the universe.

In many ways, Guardians was one of the first “deep cut” comics to be adapted by Marvel for the screen. However, the film uses this to its advantage by making its own iconography and feel. It was nominated for two Oscars, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Visual Effects. It stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close and Benicio del Toro. The film led to two direct sequels and a Christmas special. It is available here.

12. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

Sometimes, people forget about pre-Marvel era comic book movies. The Hellboy franchise comes from the Dark Horse comic books of the same name. While it isn’t from DC or Marvel, the Hellboy franchise has led to a couple of great superhero films and arguably the best is Hellboy II: The Golden Army. While 2004’s Hellboy is also great, Hellboy II is better and a bit of an underrated gem.

The film follows Hellboy and his team as they take on a prince of the underworld and his ancient army of killing machines. Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film stars his frequent collaborators Ron Perlman and Doug Jones. Roger Ebert said of the film, “It’s another celebration of his love for bizarre fantasy and diabolical machines”… and what could be more comic book and more Del Toro? Find it on streaming here.

11. Iron Man (2008)

The first film in the MCU, Iron Man, starts the universe with a stylish bang. The movie follows the genius Tony Stark as he builds a mech suit and becomes Iron Man. Iron Man has the first after-credits scene of the MCU, which also introduces Nick Fury, the Avenger Initiative and a bigger universe.

The movie stripped the camp and magic from superhero movies and replaced it with grounded technology. It set up a universe and themes that would carry through at least the first phase of the MCU. It was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. In 2022, it was also selected for preservation at the Library of Congress. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. Find it here.

10. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

X-Men: Days of Future Past follows Wolverine as he travels back to the past in hopes of saving the mutant race’s future. The film features some of the franchise’s coolest scenes, and the retro world-building, as opposed to a dystopian ‘future’ of 2023, really works. It delivers the type of interest and depth that is a hallmark of the best of the franchise.

It features a great cast, including Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Elliot Page, Peter Dinklage, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart. X-Men: Days of Future Past is available to stream here.

9. The Incredibles (2004)

One of the few movies on this list that didn’t start as a comic book, The Incredibles is an animated Pixar film about a family of superheroes. The film follows Mr. Incredible, a superhero forced to work a 9-to-5 job after the government bans heroics as he and his wife must come out of retirement to defeat a villain and his army of robots.

The film has a great 1960s retro-futuristic feel and, at times, feels more like a spy movie than a superhero movie. Directed and written by Brad Bird, the film is a heartwarming and family-friendly take on the genre. The film stars Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Jason Lee and Samuel L. Jackson. The Incredibles won two Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing and was nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Sound Mixing. The film also received a 2018 sequel. It is available here.

8. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Another superhero film from Sam Raimi, Spider-Man 2, is the second film in the original cinematic Spider-Man trilogy. While 2002’s Spider-Man is a great superhero film, Spider-Man 2 is a sequel that is better than the original. The film adds new emotional depth and also introduces an iconic villain, Alfred Molina as Doc Ock. The film also stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco.

The movie follows Spider-Man/Peter Parker as he fights a crisis of confidence and a college professor turned supervillain dead set on revenge. Spider-Man 2 is one of very few superhero films to win an Oscar (it won for Best Visual Effects and was also nominated for Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing). The original Spider-Man film trilogy sold a generation of what superhero films could be, and Spider-Man 2 is a huge part of that legacy. It is available to stream here.

7. The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is a superhero movie for people who don’t really like superhero movies. Roger Ebert said in his review of the film, “‘Batman’ isn’t a comic book anymore. Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’ is a haunted film that leaps beyond its origins and becomes an engrossing tragedy.” While it is a sequel to 2005’s Batman Begins, it feels largely like a stand-alone film.

The Dark Knight follows Batman as he takes on the Joker, who tries to unmask him. The film is especially notable for the portrayal of the Joker by Heath Ledger, who unfortunately passed before the film’s release. It also stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Morgan Freeman. It wasn’t the first superhero film to be nominated or even win an Oscar, but it was an important shift in how “superhero movies” were defined and recognized critically. The film was nominated for eight Oscars and won two, including Best Supporting Actor for Ledger. For better or worse, it also brought in the trend of super-dark, super-serious superhero movies, especially in the DCEU. It is available to stream here.

6. Logan (2017)

Many later superhero films are unnecessarily dark and gritty. However, Logan feels like it earns its darkness. The film is the tenth film in the X-Men series and was the final film in the series with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. (Or at least it was supposed to be. Hugh Jackman returned as a different version of the character in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine.)

The film follows Wolverine, a.k.a. Logan, as an old man who runs into a young immigrant mutant girl and feels he needs to protect her. The film uses a lot of imagery from Westerns and has a different feel from many other superhero films. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Directed by James Mangold, the film stars Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Richard E. Grant, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant and Dafne Keen. It is available here.

5. Birds of Prey (2020)

Birds of Prey, sometimes also called Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey, is a spin-off film of 2016’s Suicide Squad. The film follows Harley Quinn after the Joker breaks up with her and a new psychopath who has it out for her now that she doesn’t have the Joker’s protection.

Directed by Cathy Yan, it is astonishing how much better the character of Harley Quinn is handled in this film as opposed to Suicide Squad. She is a far more three-dimensional character who exists outside of her abusive past relationship but is still marked by it. The film is stylish, action-packed and a little Looney Tunes (but in a good way). Joshua Rivera for The Verge called it “DC’s first good action movie,” and it easily one of the best of the DCEU live-action films. Birds of Prey stars Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong and Ewan McGregor. It is available to stream here.

4. Superman: The Movie (1978)

Superman: The Movie is the first of four Superman films starring Christopher Reeve. Directed by Richard Donner, the film follows an alien sent to Earth who becomes its greatest superhero and fights the evil Lex Luthor.

The film stars Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, Glenn Ford, Terence Stamp and Marlon Brando. The script was co-written by Mario Puzo who had previously worked with Brando on The Godfather (which was also based on his novel of the same name). The film was nominated for three Oscars: Best Film Editing, Best Music (Original Score) and Best Sound. It also received a Special Achievement Academy Award for its groundbreaking use of Visual Effects. Superman Comics co-creator Joe Shuster said of the film, “I got chills. Chris Reeve has just the right touch of humor. He really is Superman.” The film is a blueprint of what superheroes can and maybe should be. It is available to stream here.

3. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

The direct sequel to Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame is the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is almost surprising that a sequel of a sequel of a sequel can be this good. While it doesn’t really work as a stand-alone film, you don’t need to watch the staggering number of films before it to enjoy it (but at least watch Infinity War first). It is truly a superhero epic and one that ties up an eleven-year-long story started in 2008’s Iron Man.

The film follows a team of superheroes that use a mystic stone to go back in time to foil the evil Thanos’ already completed plan. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, it stars an ensemble cast of Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Benedict Wong, Jon Favreau, Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Josh Brolin. It was one of the most expensive films ever produced; however, it made over $2.7 billion at the box office (making it the second highest-grossing film of all time after 2009’s Avatar). It is available to stream here.

2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an animated take of the friendly neighborhood web-slinger. The film follows Miles Morales, a teen bitten by a radioactive spider, as he learns about the multiverse and must team up with other Spider-Mans to save all of their timelines.

Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman, the film stars Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, John Mulaney, Kimiko Glenn, Liev Schreiber and Nicolas Cage. It won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and led to a sequel, 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. A third film, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, is in production. This version of Spider-Man has excellent visuals, unique storytelling, smart use of themes and laugh-out-loud jokes, making it a must-watch. It is available to stream here.

1. Black Panther (2018)

While Black Panther came out near the end of Marvel’s “Phase 3,” it is one of the few later Marvel films that feels like it builds its own world and works not only as a Marvel movie but as a movie. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther follows the new king and protector of Wakanda, T’Challa, as he must face his revolutionary American cousin, Erik Kilmonger, who hopes to take his mantle.

The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Sterling K. Brown, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis (in a rare non-motion capture role). Coogler’s Oakland roots show through in this film as he explores Black liberation and diaspora. It is a visually beautiful film that features a strong Afro-futurist aesthetic. It is available here.

Bottom Line

It’s a bird, it’s a place, it’s the best superhero films out there. From DC to Marvel to genre films not even based on comics, escape the fatigue with these amazing superhero films.