Not many characters attract audiences to the theatre like heroes. 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 commemorated genre that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Star Wars: A New Hope
Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that my teacher always loved dearly. Years ago, I developed a strong bond with a teacher that was a huge fan of the franchise. Star Wars was a franchise that 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 heroism. 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 heroism 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 Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with a message that remains commemorated.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 bold reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost abilities to blow audiences away by making strong movies about larger-than-life heroes on journeys that deserve to be celebrated today.
2. Saving Private Ryan
War movies are a genre of film that my uncle has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bonds with an uncle that appreciated war veterans with courage. He would always appreciate movies depicting hardships soldiers in WWII went through. My uncle loved all kinds of war movies he regarded with affection but his favourite film was always “Saving Private Ryan”. Released in 1998, Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning movie captured the Battle of Normandy. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for using handheld camerawork in his movies to build tension, and “Saving Private Ryan” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the opening D-Day scene in which the soldiers have a gruesome fight during the battle of Normandy causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tom Hanks, who embodied a WWII soldier with bravery. Ultimately, what makes “Saving Private Ryan” a WWII masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about trauma experienced by soldiers in war that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 80 years after the frightening D-Day Landings in which soldiers experienced a painful price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre producing movies which deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.
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. 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. A captivating tribute towards a caped superhero, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
6. Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a legendary comic-book heroine that has inspired wonder in women. Since her creation in the 1940’s, Wonder Woman has appeared in unforgettable movies. In 2017, Patty Jenkins’ honoured the iconic heroine inspiring wonder in her movie “Wonder Woman”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Wonder Woman” stand out is its depiction of a commemorated comic-book heroine. Jenkins uses captivating slow-motion to showcase the strength of a heroine inspiring wonder in women. Assisted by Gal Gadot who is extraordinary in the lead role, Jenkins honours a commemorated comic-book heroine created years ago. A wonderful tribute towards a heroine dodging bullets in WWII, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made celebrated movies about strong female characters which audiences value.
7. Superman
Superman is a legendary superhero that has built a lasting legacy. 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.
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. Argo
The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. As someone that grew up in the Middle East several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s movie captured heroes in the Iranian hostage crisis in the 1970’s. Affleck showcased strong control as a filmmaker capturing history of Iran. Although “Argo” is a captivating historical drama, it has aged poorly. Its exaggerated depiction of a CIA agent with heroism that prevented a hostage tragedy has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. 40 years after a CIA Agent rescued helpless hostages in Iran with heroic commitment, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made bold movies about heroes I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love for modern entertainment.
The Film Buff 