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. Star Wars: A New Hope
Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise my teacher always loved dearly. Years ago, I developed relationships with a teacher appreciating the franchise. Star Wars was a franchise my English teacher would cherish. A force to be reckoned with, he acknowledged great movies impacting his identity. He appreciated franchises about lukewarm orphans making him feel happy. My teacher’s lifelong love of franchises giving him hope first began when he watched “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Ever since its release in 1977, George Lucas’ movie has stood test of time as the greatest film ever made about the hero’s journey. With the greatest film of his career, Lucas used innovative cinematic techniques capturing orphans experiencing heavy burden to bear. Lucas is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at world-building, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Star Wars: A New Hope”. For instance, the scene in which Luke becomes aware of his parents’ death that made him an orphan causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Mark Hamill, who portrayed an orphan seeking to discover his identity in the galaxy. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” my favourite film about the hero’s journey of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with a message that remains commemorated. Nearly 40 years following introduction of a sci-fi series created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost abilities to blow audiences away by manufacturing unforgettable movies about heroes on journeys that deserve to be celebrated today.
2. The Wizard of Oz
“The Wizard of Oz” is a classic musical that my grandmother always considered special. Several years ago, my grandmother was a huge fan of a musical about women going somewhere over the rainbow. Drawn to the land of Oz, she always praised a musical without flaws which she felt deserved a round of applause. Nearly 90 years after its release, Victor Fleming’s movie remains a great example of the hero’s journey. Fleming effectively used colour transitions to capture a heroine embarking on a journey in a fantastical world causing adversity. For instance, the scene in which Dorothy goes from the black-and-white Kansas City to the colourful Oz remains one of the beset moments of the musical genre. At the centre of it all is a superb performance by Judy Garland, who created one of the most iconic musical heroines in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” a timeless musical is universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1930’s which tend to be outdated, its themes remain truly relevant today. As precious as the land of Oz, it’s a riveting reminder about a great genre that deserves applause for making movies without flaws.
3. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones is an incredible character that shaped my grandfather’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that adored the whip-smart hero. I remember a grandfather that regarded Jones to be a national treasure. He admired all the films made about the hero with a spark, but his favourite film was always “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Released in 1981, Steven Spielberg’s movie introduced the whip-smart hero embarking on a journey. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of heroes through montages, and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Jones gives an inspirational lecture to a classroom of bored students facing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the teacher genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Harrison Ford, who embodied the personality of an iconic teacher. Ultimately, what makes “Raiders of the Lost Ark” a classic film is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of dreams which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the lost Ark, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies with a bright spark.
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that my cousin always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a cousin that loved a series about rings causing damage. Drawn rings that were dangerous, he loved a famous fantasy series he considered precious. In 2001, Peter Jackson honoured the fantasy series about rings in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Jackson has always excelled at creating fantastical worlds, and “The Fellowship of the Ring” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which Gandalf has a dilemma battling a dragon stating that it shall not pass is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Ian McKellen, who portrayed a legendary character with strong dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a great adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. 70 years following the publication of a famous book about adventurous hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences consider extremely precious.
5. Batman Begins
Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother always appreciated. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother admiring a superhero with courage. I remember my brother was once a huge fan of the caped crusader whom he would treasure. The hero’s journey has always played a pivotal role in stories about a masked vigilante saving his city. In 2005, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic orphan superhero in his movie “Batman Begins”. Nolan used captivating flashbacks capturing the troubled childhood of a hero losing his parents at an early age. For instance, the scene in which Bruce witnesses his parents getting shot in an alleyway causing lifelong trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Christian Bale, who embodied an iconic orphan superhero. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Begins” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards a caped superhero, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
6. Superman
Few superheroes have gained a fan following as huge as Superman. With his larger-than-life presence, charisma and strong personality, Superman has built a lasting legacy. In 1978, Richard Donner honoured the iconic comic-book character with elan in his movie “Superman”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Superman” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Donner uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a commemorated superhero abandoned by his parents is facing. Assisted by Christopher Reeves who is spectacular in the lead role, Donner created a captivating comic-book movie. As strong as Superman’s abilities to soar, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about inspirational heroes embarking on dangerous journeys which audiences commonly adore.
7. The Personal History of David Copperfield
Charles Dickens is a legendary author that has built a lasting legacy. During the 1800’s, Dickens was a legendary poet that penned timeless stories. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the legendary poet in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” stand out is its satire. Iannucci effectively uses satire to honour a legendary poet that created commemorated stories which readers admire. Assisted by Dev Patel who is phenomenal in the lead role, Iannucci honoured Charles Dickens’ legendary legacy. A spectacular tribute towards a legendary English author that penned timeless literature, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the lives of inspirational heroes audiences treasure.
8. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is great literature capturing heroes that experience danger. Since its publication in 2008, Suzanne Collins’ book has become a classic readers appreciate. Poverty has always been a central theme in the legendary book. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the book about games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hunger Games” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Ross uses captivating montages capturing an impoverished girl facing games that are frightening. Assisted by Jennifer Lawrence who is amazing in the lead role, Ross created a captivating adaptation of a celebrated book about heroes. As strong as Katniss’ desire to become a feminist hero, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Narnia is a beloved book series that shaped my persona. I grew up to adore a book series about magical lions caring for orphans with a loud roar. The hero’s journey has always played a role in the beloved book series. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the series about a magical wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphaned siblings in a magical world are experiencing. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved children’s book about orphans. As precious as the world of Narnia, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre attracting audiences towards Cinema.
10. The Matrix
Few science-fiction movies ever made about heroes performing tricks are as beloved as “The Matrix”. Released in 1999, the Wachowski’s movie depicted a hero embarking on a perilous journey. The Wachowskis used captivating special effects capturing hardships that a sci-fi hero on a dangerous journey is facing. Assisted by Keanu Reeves who is extraordinary in the lead role, the Wachowskis created a captivating science-fiction movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of heroes has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as the blue pill, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about goals heroes seek to fulfill which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking giving me a greater will.
The Film Buff 