The 25 best superhero movies

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Classics of the genre, unexpected and witty modern films and, of course, the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

25. Blade

• USA, 1998.
• Science fiction, action, horror.
• Duration: 120 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 1.

Blade was born half human, half vampire due to the fact that his mother was bitten by a bloodsucker. When the hero grew up, he decided to take revenge on all the monsters that hunt people. Possessing increased powers, he hunts vampires and tries to resist his animal nature.

The film with Wesley Snipes in the title role was released in the late 90s, when many had already forgotten about the genre of film comics. And it was the success of this dark and dynamic picture that helped the superhero cinema return to the screens.

24. Man of Steel

• USA, UK, 2013.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 143 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 1.

Saving their child from death, a family from the planet Krypton sends young Kal-El to Earth. There he grows up in an ordinary family, hiding that he has almost limitless powers. But one day the hero will have to show his abilities to the world and save people from global danger.

For rethinking the classic story of Superman took on the director of "300 Spartans" Zach Snyder. He decided to look a little differently at the image of the most powerful superhero, comparing him almost to God. It was "Man of Steel" that gave the start to the common DC MCU. True, then it began to quickly fall apart.

23. Superman

• USA, UK, Canada, Switzerland, 1978.
• Science fiction, action, adventure.
• Duration: 143 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

And this is the famous classic Superman story. Kal-El from Krypton grows up in a human family in the same way, and then begins to fight crime and saves the president himself. But then his main opponent appears - the genius Lex Luthor.

This picture formed for the audience the familiar image of Superman, which made Christopher Reeve famous. The actor returned to this role three more times. And the film itself received three Oscars in technical nominations.

22. Invincible

• USA, 2000.
• Science fiction, thriller, drama.
• Duration: 106 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

Simple security guard David Dunn was the only one who survived the train accident. After some time, he meets the mysterious Elijah Price, who was nicknamed Mister Glass because of his fragile bones. A new friend claims that David is invulnerable and must become a superhero.

The master of atmospheric films M. Night Shyamalan showed an interesting reinterpretation of typical superhero stories, placing the characters in the ordinary world. But still, the questions remain exactly the same: does the superhero have a choice, or is he obliged to save humanity? And why does he always have so much in common with the villain?

21. Spiderman

• USA, 2002.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 121 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

An ordinary humble high school student, Peter Parker, is fond of photography and science and can not dare to confess his love to his friend Mary Jane. His life is very simple and typical. But one day everything changes: in the laboratory, Peter is bitten by a spider and the young man gains superpowers. He decides to use them for good and becomes a crime fighter.

Sam Raimi's film about one of the most popular characters in Marvel comics became a real hit, glorifying the leading actor Tobey Maguire. The success of the film allowed the authors to shoot two sequels. And many still consider these films to be the best Spider-Man stories.

20. Spiderman 2

• USA, 2004.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 127 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

It is a rare case when the second part of the film is considered by many to be even better than the first. Here, Peter Parker has to face a distraught scientist named Otto Octavius. And the situation is complicated by the loss of the hero's strength.

The continuation of the franchise turned out to be interesting thanks to the many excellent actors in secondary roles, and the drama of the situation was heating up: for example, the relationship between Peter and his former best friend changed. But the third part "Enemy in Reflection" came out already less successful.

19. X-Men

• USA, 2000.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 105 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

Lone mutant Logan, nicknamed Wolverine, decides to join the X-Men community led by Charles Xavier. They have to face constant attacks from the government, and then fight other mutants controlled by Magneto.

This film gave rise to one of the largest film comic book franchises. Charming Hugh Jackman starred in the vast majority of films, but the rest of the cast has changed several times.

18. Wonder Woman

• USA, China, Hong Kong, 2017.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 141 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

Diana Prince lived for many years on the Amazon island, isolated from the rest of the world. But after meeting the military Steve Trevor, the heroine decides to leave the house. And soon she is faced with the horrors of the First World War.

Wonder Woman has already appeared in the DC MCU in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Yet it was the heroine's solo story that turned out to be one of the most successful films in the franchise. Therefore, in 2020, the studio is releasing the expected sequel, where the action is carried over to the 80s.

17. Spider-Man: Homecoming

• USA, 2017.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 133 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

After a not very successful restart of the story of Peter Parker in "The Amazing Spider-Man", the hero returned to the bosom of his native Marvel studio and joined the large-scale MCU. In his first solo film, a young crime fighter confronts the villainous Vulture. And at the same time trying to improve relations with her friend MJ.

Marvel did the logical thing, first introducing viewers to the new Spider in the general film (he will be on the list further), and only then giving him his own project. The idea worked perfectly, and Parker quickly became a favorite of the audience and one of the central characters in the MCU.

16. Batman

• USA, UK, 1989.
• Science fiction, thriller, action.
• Duration: 126 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 5.

Bruce Wayne's parents were shot dead in an alley by a robber. When the hero grew up, he decided to become the main threat of the underworld of the city of Gotham. To make the villains fearful, he wears a bat costume.

The famous Tim Burton was the first to show on the screens a dark and even gothic version of the Batman stories. Before that, viewers knew the hero only from the comedy series of the 60s. But the director added his own corporate identity and showed that comic films can not only entertain, but also scare.

15. Kick-Ass

• USA, UK, 2010.
• Comedy, action, adventure.
• Duration: 117 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 6.

High school student Dave Lizevski decides to become a superhero and fight crime. He dresses up in a makeshift costume, but soon realizes that he cannot even cope with street hooligans. Meanwhile, the 11-year-old girl Killivashka and her stern father with might and main crush the villains with all kinds of weapons and just with their bare hands.

The film adaptation of the hilarious comic strip by Mark Millar from the witty director Matthew Vaughn shows what nerdy teenagers who dream of becoming superheroes would look like in reality. And by the way, based on the comics of the same Millar, Vaughn later shot the famous Kingsman dilogy.

14. Keepers

• USA, 2009.
• Science fiction, drama, action, detective.
• Duration: 162 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 6.

The film is set in an alternate version of the United States, where President Nixon was not impeached. The costumed avengers who fought crime are banned, and the world is on the brink of nuclear war. At this time, Rorschach, who has not given up wearing a mask, is investigating the murders of former colleagues.

Like the original graphic novel, the film adaptation of Zach Snyder is only superficially similar to typical superhero stories. In fact, the plot offers the viewer an ambiguous view of good and evil and a complex dramatic story of the characters' relationships.

13. Captain America: Civil War

• USA, 2016.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 142 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 8.

After the numerous devastations that the team of Avengers arranged, saving the world from all kinds of villains, the government decides to take the superheroes under tight control. But not all of them agree to obey. Moreover, Captain America has personal motives: the special services are pursuing his friend Bucky.

Formally, this film continues the story of Steve Rogers, but in fact, many superheroes from other films have gathered in the film. And at the same time introduced newcomers - Spider-Man and Black Panther.

12. Iron Man

• USA, Canada, 2008.
• Science fiction, action, adventure.
• Duration: 121 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 9.

And with this film began the long-term large-scale history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire and playboy who was captured and nearly died. Only his mind helped Stark get out of imprisonment: Tony created himself an Iron Man suit. Back home, he decides that he must use his work to help people.

Little known at that time, Marvel Studios put all her efforts and finances into an expensive project, inviting the half-forgotten Robert Downey Jr. to the main role. However, the investment paid off with interest.

11. Thor: Ragnarok

• USA, 2017.
• Science fiction, comedy, adventure.
• Duration: 130 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 9.

Thor and Loki meet their longtime acquaintance Hulk, and together they confront the goddess of death, Hele.

Previous solo films about Thor were not very bright, and Marvel decided to go for an unusual experiment. New Zealand director Taiku Waititi, famous for the comedy "Real Ghouls", was invited to stage "Ragnarok". The result is a very unusual and funny movie about the adventures of two superheroes.

10. X-Men: Days of Future Past

• USA, UK, Canada, 2014.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 131 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

In the future, mutants were almost exterminated by robotic hunters, which are called the Guardians. The only way to be saved is to change history itself. And Kitty Pryde sends Wolverine back in time to thwart the creation of a killer weapon. However, it is not easy for Logan to persuade his comrades from 1973 to help him.

After a partial restart, which presented the viewers with young versions of the heroes of "X-Men", the authors of the cinematic universe decided on the most ambitious crossover. The action of this film takes place in parallel in the past and the future. Accordingly, actors from the first cast of the franchise and their updated versions appear in the frame. And only Wolverine doesn't change.

9. The Avengers

• USA, 2012.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 137 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

Superheroes have always preferred to work alone, but one day a large-scale threat looms over the world: the god of cunning Loki arranges an alien invasion and tries to seize power. And the defenders of the Earth have to unite to face the danger.

This is the first crossover of the MCU and remains one of the best group superhero films. The audience enthusiastically accepted the first meeting of their favorite characters on the screen. And this despite the fact that the actor who played the Hulk had to be replaced by the studio.

8. Deadpool

• USA, 2016.
• Science fiction, comedy, action.
• Duration: 108 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

Wade Wilson worked as a mercenary and was never a moral model. But his life changed after meeting Vanessa. And then Wade found out that he was terminally ill. Experimental and very brutal treatment defeated the disease, but disfigured his body. And now Wade wants to take revenge on the one who experimented on him.

After the very unfortunate portrayal of Deadpool in X-Men Begins. Wolverine Ryan Reynolds dreamed of restarting the story. The result was a film that conquered everyone, filled with black humor and action.

7. Guardians of the Galaxy

• USA, 2014.
• Science fiction, comedy, action.
• Duration: 121 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

Once young Peter Quill was kidnapped from Earth. Over the years, he became a space criminal mining rare items. But one day a powerful artifact falls into his hands, which is hunted by the evil Ronan the Accuser. And Peter has to team up with the rogue company to save the galaxy.

Another striking author's project from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film was directed by James Gunn in his signature style: "Guardians of the Galaxy" is filled with retro music, directly related to the plot, and great jokes.

6. Logan

• USA, 2014.
• Science fiction, drama, thriller.
• Duration: 137 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 1.

After a disaster that destroyed most of the mutants, the aged Wolverine takes care of the distraught Charles Xavier and dreams of buying a yacht and leaving. But a young girl Laura appears in their life, very similar to Logan himself. And the heroes have to go on a dangerous journey to help her.

The latest film starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine provided a dark yet touching take on the character. In this picture, it is already said not about the salvation of the world, but about old age and weariness from life.

5. V is for vendetta

• Great Britain, Germany, 2005.
• Science fiction, drama, action.
• Duration: 132 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 2.

The action takes place in an alternate world where a dictator came to power in England. The population is being watched, fiercely fighting any manifestations of dissent. But one day the girl Evie meets a masked avenger Guy Fawkes, who calls himself V. He decided to overthrow the ruler and return freedom to the people.

The authors of this picture have greatly simplified the original comic strip by Alan Moore. But still, within the framework of an almost traditional story of a superhero in a mask, they showed a real dystopia about a totalitarian future.

4. Batman Begins

• USA, UK, 2005.
• Science fiction, action, drama.
• Duration: 140 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 2.

Another reboot of the Batman story from Christopher Nolan again tells the story of Bruce Wayne, who, after the death of his parents, decides to fight crime. The heir to a huge fortune has been studying martial arts for many years, and then returns to his hometown. Here he creates a costume for himself that will terrify the villains.

Nolan decided to abandon the gothic and exaggerated world of superheroes. In his version, Gotham is very similar to New York, and therefore the plot has become more realistic.

3. Spider-Man: Through the Universes

• USA, 2018.
• Science fiction, action, adventure.
• Duration: 117 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 4.

Young Miles Morales has always admired Peter Parker, known as Spider-Man. But after he witnesses the death of a superhero, it is the teenager who will have to defend the city from the insidious Kingpin. And very unusual versions of Spider-Man from different worlds will help him.

A dynamic and very funny cartoon from Sony Pictures not only captivated viewers with a completely new filming technology, as if reviving comic panels. Its authors were also able to break Disney and Pixar's monopoly on the Oscars for Best Animation: Spider-Man deservedly received the statuette in 2019.

2. Avengers: Infinity War

• USA, 2018.
• Science fiction, thriller.
• Duration: 149 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 5.

The mad titan Thanos decided to destroy exactly half of the living creatures in the universe, in order to rid the world of hunger and overpopulation in this way. To fulfill his plan, he must collect the Infinity Stones. But he is opposed by all the superheroes of the galaxy.

In 2018, Marvel approached its most global idea: to collect all the heroes of the cinematic universe in one film. And "War of Infinity", and after it, and "Endgame" have become the main events in the cinema in recent years.

1. The Dark Knight

• USA, UK, 2008.
• Science fiction, action, thriller, drama.
• Duration: 152 minutes.
• IMDb: 9, 0.

Batman continues to fight villains in Gotham, but a new danger appears in the city. The insane anarchist, nicknamed the Joker, organizes terrorist attacks and even instills fear in the entire underworld. Batman and his assistants need to figure out how to lure the criminal into a trap and not get caught in his network.

The second part of Nolan's story about the Dark Knight turned out to be not only the most successful in the trilogy, but also surpassed all previous comic films. This picture combines a dynamic plot, excellent special effects and the atmosphere of a real dark thriller. Largely thanks to the excellent performance of Heath Ledger, who played the Joker.