My Favourite Superhero Movies of All-Time

Not many characters attract audiences to the theatre like superheroes. Since the 1970’s, the comic-book genre has made unforgettable movies. Whether it’s caped crusaders, avengers or wonderful women, 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

Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother always appreciated. I remember forming a strong bond with a brother that was a huge fan of the caped crusader. A huge comic-book nerd, he often spoke fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. He grew up to embrace a beloved superhero that always left a lasting smile on his face. Through his lifelong love of Batman, my brother inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. As someone treasuring bright memories of a brother that adored Batman, I loved “The Dark Knight”. Ever since its release in 2008, Christopher Nolan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest superhero movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Nolan used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the enduring appeal of a superhero about whom people care. Christopher Nolan’s spectacular sequel set a high bar for the comic-book genre that few films could ever reach. Nolan 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 moments of the comic-book genre.  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” my favourite comic-book film of all-time is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic film about superheroes seeking to save cities from clownish villains that are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre making engaging movies which are definitely worth celebrating.

2. Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that always inspired my teacher. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a teacher that was a big fan of the web-swinging superhero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero making him feel heard. He would praise a hero whose great powers came with great responsibilities impacting his identity. As someone treasuring memories of a teacher that grew up to value Spider-Man, I adored “Spider-Man 2”. Ever since its release in 2004, Sam Raimi’s movie has stood the test of time as a comic-book classic. Raimi uses montages capturing a superhero struggling to juggle his work with life responsibilities. For instance, the scene in which Spider-Man loses his superpowers causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the superhero genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tobey Maguire, who embodied a superhero audiences admire. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man 2” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of achieving a work-life balance which would resonate with everyone. It turns Spider-Man into a relatable person anyone can relate to. As spectacular tribute to a superhero whose great powers come with great responsibility, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies audiences love dearly.

3. Logan

The Wolverine is a wonderful hero that my grandfather loved seeing on the big-screen. Years ago, I bonded with a grandfather admiring the superhero. I would enjoy visiting the theatre to see movies about the comic-book character with a grandfather I treasure. He appreciated a superhero with sharp claws without any flaws. As someone treasuring a grandfather that once regarded the Wolverine with affection, I loved “Logan”. Released in 2017, James Mangold’s blockbuster did an extraordinary job of bringing Wolverine’s journey to satisfying conclusions. Unlike most movies in the comic-book genre, what makes “Logan” stand out is strong depiction of aging. Mangold stages stunning action sequences showcasing a superhero dealing with consequences of aging. For instance, the final scene in which Logan sacrifices himself to save X-23 causing trauma remains one of the greatest moments of the comic-book genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Hugh Jackman, who manufactured an iconic comic-book hero experiencing downtrodden emotions. Ultimately, what makes “Logan” a comic-book masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message regarding aging which would resonate with everyone. As sharp as the Wolverine’s claws, it’s a wonderful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies without flaws that definitely deserve a deafening round of applause.

4. Black Panther

Black Panther is a beloved superhero that my friend grew up to treasure. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with an African-American kid admiring a hero with courage. As a member of the African-American community, he was proud of a hero that shaped his identity. In 2018, Ryan Coogler did an extraordinary job bringing the hero to the big-screen in his movie “Black Panther”. Coogler is an African-American filmmaker that used stunning visuals to celebrate the legacy of a legendary comic-book character. Unlike most movies in the comic-book genre, what makes “Black Panther” stand out is its strong themes of black empowerment. Coogler used stunning practical effects to honour the legacy of a legendary African-American hero. 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 passed away after creating one of the greatest heroes 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 breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

5. Wonder Woman

Wonder woman is a wonderful heroine that impressed my mother. I fondly recall with nostalgia fond memories of a mother that loved the Princess of Themyscira. She grew up to treasure a legendary comic-book character that had the abilities to inspire wonder. In 2017, Patty Jenkins honoured the wonderful heroine in her movie “Wonder Woman”. Unlike most movies in the comic-book genre, what makes “Wonder Woman” stand out is its strong depiction of women. Patty Jenkins staged awe-inspiring action sequences honouring a feminist icon that has become a symbol of empowerment. For instance, the scene in which Diana dodges bullets as she crosses No Man’s land during the WWII era is one of the most inspiring moments of the comic-book genre. At the centre of it all is a wonderful performance by Gal Gadot, who embodied the strong personality of the iconic comic-book heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Wonder Woman” a wonderful comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a strong message about identity which would resonate with everyone. A wonderful tribute towards a comic-book heroine that inspires wonder, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made inspirational movies which audiences treasure.

6. Avengers: Endgame

It isn’t easy to bring a beloved franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start off on a high note. However, franchises rarely come to a satisfying closure. The final film in a franchise rarely ever creates a satisfying ending. That being said, “Avengers: Endgame” is an exception. Released in 2019, the Russo Brothers’ blockbuster brought the Avengers’ journey to a satisfying closure. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Endgame” stand out is its emotional impact. The Russo Brothers staged emotional action capturing a superhero team on its final mission. Assisted by Robert Downey Jr. who is remarkable in the lead role, the Russo Brothers honoured the Avengers’ legacy. A fantastic farewell to a superhero team reaching an endgame, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies achieving fame.

7. Batman Begins

It’s challenging to create a reboot of a beloved comic-book character. When the news was first announced that Christopher Nolan was creating a reboot of Batman back in 2005, uncertain 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. Nolan’s blockbuster reimagined an iconic comic-book character from a dark perspective. Nolan used stunning flashbacks to capture the commemorated origin story of a legendary superhero. Assisted by Christian Bale who is exceptional in the lead role, Nolan created a captivating comic-book movie with great attention to detail. As strong as Batman’s desire to save Gotham, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies achieving stardom.

8. Deadpool

Few comic-book heroes that break every rule are as beloved as Deadpool. With his larger-than-life personality, sharp humour and strong presence, the Merc with a Mouth has gained a huge following. In 2016, Tim Miller honoured the comic-book hero that’s cool in his movie “Deadpool”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Deadpool” stand out is its bravery. It was the first ever R-rated comic-book movie that broke barriers for the genre. Tim Miller used rule-breaking profanity to create one of the greatest comic-book heroes in cinematic history. Assisted by Ryan Reynolds who is remarkable in the lead role, Miller created a groundbreaking comic-book character. As strong as the strength of Deadpool, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has broken every rule producing movies that audiences consider to be cool.

9. Guardians of the Galaxy

One of the most criticisms levelled against comic-book movies is that they don’t take risks. The genre has always followed a safe formula to attract audiences to the Cinema. While this 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 groundbreaking comic-book blockbuster introduced an iconic team in popular culture. James Gunn took huge risks through using irreverent comedy in the comic-book genre that paid off tremendously. Assisted by Chris Pratt who is hilarious in the lead role, Gunn created a comic-book film that’s precious. As strong as the Guardians’ desire to defend their galaxy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that is regarded by comic-book fans highly.

10. Superman

When it comes to superheroes that have gained a huge fan following, it’s worth discussing Superman. Since his creation during the 1930’s, the man of steel has become a hero about whom audiences deeply feel. In 1978, Richard Donner honoured the superhero in his movie “Superman”. Donner used stunning visuals to honour a soaring superhero. Assisted by Christopher Reeves who is sensational in the lead role, Donner honoured a legendary comic-book character. Although the movie’s legacy has been tarnished by special effects which are outdated, it showcased the appeal of a genre that deserves to be celebrated. As strong as Superman’s love for flying, it’s a soaring reminder of a genre that has built a lasting legacy creating compelling superheroes which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong passion for filmmaking.