My Favourite Comic-Book Movies of All-Time

Superheroes are inspiring figures that have always attracted audiences to theatres. Since the 1970’s, superheroes have ruled movies. Whether it’s caped crusaders, avengers or wonderful women in danger, the genre has offered many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies in a genre that deserves to be celebrated.

1. The Dark Knight

The Joker is a legendary villain that my brother has always loved dearly. As far as I remember, my brother has appreciated the Joker. I remember forming strong bonds with a brother that was a huge fan of the comic-book character. He grew up to embrace a villain holding a special place in his heart that left lasting smiles on his face. Through his love for the Joker, my brother gave me greater appreciation for an iconic comic-book character. As someone treasuring bright memories of a brother that loved the Joker, I adored “The Dark Knight”. Ever since its release in 2008, Christopher Nolan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest comic-book film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Nolan did an extraordinary job of celebrating a superhero that evokes fear. Christopher Nolan’s spectacular sequel set a high bar for the comic-book genre that few films successfully reach. Nolan is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at staging action sequences in his movies through cross-cutting, and his strengths are evident in “The Dark Knight”. For instance, the interrogation scene in which Batman and Joker have a tense confrontation is one of the greatest scenes in a comic-book movie. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Heath Ledger, who embodies the maniacal personality of the Joker. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight” the greatest comic-book movie ever made is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most comic-book movies targeted towards fans, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about superheroes seeking to save cities from clownish villains that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that is definitely worth celebrating.

2. Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that inspired my teacher. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a teacher that appreciated the superhero. A nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. Through his words of wisdom, I was motivated to pursue a career in film criticism. As someone that grew up to value a teacher that adored a hero making dreams come true, I loved “Spider-Man 2”. Released in 2004, Sam Raimi’s spectacular sequel has stood the test of time as the greatest Spider-Man movie ever made. Unlike most Spider-Man movies, what sets “Spider-Man 2” apart is its humanity. Sam Raimi does an extraordinary job of capturing Spider-Man through action. For instance, the train sequence in which Spider-Man attempts to save passengers on a speeding train from Doc Ock is one of the greatest moments of the comic-book genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Tobey Maguire, who embodies a superhero fans admire. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man 2” a comic-book classic is its meaningful message. The film delivers a profound message about work-life balance which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a superhero whose great powers come with great responsibility, it’s a soaring reminder of a commemorated genre that audiences have always loved dearly.

3. Logan

The Wolverine is a spectacular superhero that my grandfather adored. Several years ago, I bonded with a grandfather that loved the superhero. A comic-book nerd, he loved a comic-book character that made him feel heard. However, aging brought our bond to a closure. After reaching an age of retirement, he lost interest in an icon in entertainment. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that loved the Wolverine with passion, I adored “Logan”. Released in 2016, James Mangold’s movie offered a fantastic farewell towards the Wolverine. With the most emotional comic-book movie ever made, Mangold captured the painful process of aging affecting a superhero. Mangold staged breathtaking fight sequences showcasing a hero affected by the consequences of aging. For instance, the heartbreaking scene in which X-23 witnesses Logan’s devastating death is one of the best moments of the comic-book genre. Ultimately, what makes “Logan” a masterpiece is its humanity. Unlike previous movies in the X-Men franchise, “Logan” managed to turn the Wolverine into a hero with flaws that anyone could identify with. The film delivers a meaningful message about aging which would resonate with everyone. A wonderful tribute towards the Wolverine, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre filled with movies that deserve to be seen on the big-screen.

4. Black Panther

Black Panther is a spectacular superhero that shaped my friend’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with an African-American kid that was a huge fan of a hero with courage. A comic-book nerd, he always spoke fondly about a hero that made him feel heard. As a member of the African-American community, he was always proud of a hero that shaped his identity. In 2018, Ryan Coogler celebrated the character in his film “Black Panther”. With the first ever African-American superhero movie, Coogler celebrated the legacy of a black superhero that changed the comic-book industry. Coogler is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating strong black characters, and his strengths are evident in “Black Panther”. For instance, the scene in which T’Challa returns from the dead to save his kingdom under threat is one of the greatest moments of the comic-book genre. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Chadwick Boseman, who sadly passed away after creating one of the greatest comic-book characters today. Ultimately, what makes “Black Panther” a comic-book classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the kingdom of Wakanda, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has always attracted audiences to the Cinema.

5. Avengers: Endgame

Teamwork is one of those skills that has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have commonly found it challenging to work within groups. I recall memories of struggling completing group projects in school. I’ll never forget group projects in which peers treated me without respect. As someone that has often struggled to work within teams facing shame, I adored “Avengers: Endgame”. Released in 2019, the Russo Brothers’ final Avengers film did an extraordinary job of bringing a beloved comic-book franchise to satisfying conclusions. With “Endgame”, The Russo Brothers staged emotional sequences that brought unexpected depth to the superhero team. For instance, the final scene in which Tony Stark snaps his fingers sacrificing his life to save the world is one of the greatest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Avengers: Endgame” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a strong message about teamwork that would resonate with everyone. A touching farewell towards a superhero team seeking to time travel, it’s a tremendous reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to manufacture movies that marvel.

6. Wonder Woman

Women are rarely given opportunities to shine in comic-book movies. Over the past decade, the comic-book genre has often built barriers against women. In a genre driven by sexist stereotypes, women are often portrayed as damsels in distress without any heroic qualities. However, in 2017 Patty Jenkins proved it was possible for women to inspire wonder in comic-book movies when she made “Wonder Woman”. With the most feminist comic-book movie ever made, Jenkins paid tribute to legendary feminist icons in popular culture. Assisted by Gal Gadot who is extraordinary in the leading role, Jenkins created a fantastic feminist comic-book movie. A wonderful tribute towards a feminist icon inspiring wonder in women, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that thrives treating women with compassion in movies that deserve celebration.

7. Iron Man

Iron Man is an incredible superhero that shaped my friend’s identity. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a friend that loved the stark superhero. He grew up to care deeply about a starkly rich millionaire. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that was a huge fan of Iron Man, I adored “Iron Man”. Released in 2008, Jon Favreau’s movie did an extraordinary job of portraying Iron Man on the big-screen. With the most iconic film of his career, Favreau honoured a starkly rich millionaire about which fans comic-book fans care. Aided by a perfect Robert Downey Jr., Favreau honoured a legendary comic-book character. As precious as the iron suits Tony Stark seeks to design, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has never lost its abilities to shine making unforgettable movies that audiences consider to be divine.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy

One of the most criticisms levelled against comic-book movies is that they don’t take risks. The comic-book genre has always followed a safe formula to attract audiences to the Cinema. While this formula has resulted in box-office success, it has left little room for surprises. In a genre that has rarely made movies that are risky, it’s worth praising “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Released in 2014, James Gunn’s blockbuster introduced an iconic superhero team in popular culture. James Gunn’s movie took risks though offbeat comedy in the comic-book genre that paid off. The funniest superhero movie ever made, “Guardians of the Galaxy” proved comic-book movies thrive when they take risks. As strong as the Guardians’ desire to defend their galaxy, it’s a great reminder of a genre that has always been regarded by comic-book fans highly.

9. Batman Begins

It isn’t easy to create a reboot of a beloved comic-book character. When it first was announced that Christopher Nolan was creating a reboot of Batman in 2005, fans questioned whether he could pull it off. At a first glance, the director behind “Memento” didn’t seem like the right filmmaker for the superhero. However, Nolan succeeded tremendously. Nolan’s blockbuster did a brilliant job of reimagining an iconic comic-book character from a dark perspective. Dark, gritty and intense, the film offered a fresh interpretation of the caped crusader. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Christian Bale, who embodied the iconic comic-book character. A breathtaking beginning of a beloved franchise about the caped crusader, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that comic-book fans treasure.

10. The Avengers

When it comes to the most beloved comic-book characters, it’s worth discussing the Avengers. Since comic-book creation in 1963, the Avengers are a strong team that have played pivotal roles in movies. In 2012, Joss Whedon did an amazing job of honouring the team of comic-book characters in his movie “The Avengers”. It isn’t easy to assemble six superheroes into a movie, but Whedon succeeded tremendously. Through a team dynamic, Whedon crafted one of the most iconic movies in the MCU. The scene in which the Avengers assemble for the first time on screen remains one of the best moments of the comic-book genre. As strong as the Avengers’ bond within a team, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre appealing to mainstream audiences that I will forever treasure for motivating me to accomplish my film criticism dream.