The 100+ Best Superhero Movies Of All Time
Over 37,000 movie fans have voted to shape these rankings of the best superhero movies of all time. Superhero movies may seem like a current trend, but the truth is superheroes on film have been around since the beginning of celluloid..From Batman to Captain America, Iron Man to the Guardians of the Galaxy, this list brings together some of cinema's most beloved characters and stories.
It's no surprise that Marvel Studios has dominated since 2008; with a mix of strong characterization and visual spectacle, they've crafted an unprecedented series of successful films that has changed blockbuster filmmaking forever. But DC Comics' entries offer plenty too – Christopher Nolan's masterful Dark Knight trilogy is a standout example – while other studios have contributed their own unique takes on heroics over the years. Top heroes like Spiderman, Superman, and Wolverine are all favorite superhero movie characters who have made it from the pages of comics to the big screen time and time again.
Superheroes began in classic American comic books in the 1930s, though their predecessors date back to earlier crime fighters and even mythological superhuman characters, like Zeus and Thor. In the Golden Age of comic books, superheroes frequented the pages of DC Comics, including Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern. In the 1960s, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and Iron Man showed up on the pages of Marvel Comics. More modern superhero stories like Kick-Ass and Watchmen still delight audiences. Most of the best superhero movies come from comic giants like DC Movies or Marvel Films.
Good superhero movie serials once played before big features at movie houses. Today, Hollywood turns out giant summer blockbusters that routinely break records and bring in big business for studio execs, costumers, and special effects crews alike. Everyone has a favorite superhero film, and you can add yours to the rankings by voting up an existing item or creating your own full re-rank of your favorite superhero movies.
- 1Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
This movie elevated the superhero genre to a new level and is widely considered one of the best comic book adaptations of all time. The Dark Knight is a masterclass in filmmaking, with its captivating storytelling, iconic performances, and stunning cinematography. The late Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is nothing short of legendary, and his performance is a huge reason why this movie is so great. The film's themes of justice, chaos, and morality are explored in a way that is both thought-provoking and thrilling.
- 2Robert Downey, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
With an ensemble cast of some of the biggest names in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Infinity War is a triumph of action, drama, and humor. The film combines numerous storylines from previous movies and ties them together in a seamless, epic adventure. The film's villain, Thanos, is one of the most compelling in the genre, and his mission to collect the Infinity Stones is a race against time that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Infinity War is a must-see for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is a testament to the power of the shared universe concept.
- 3Robert Downey, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Joss Whedon
The Avengers was the movie that started it all, bringing together a group of heroes from various franchises to form an unstoppable team. With Joss Whedon at the helm, the film blends action, humor, and character development in an entertaining and satisfying way. The film's central villain, Loki, is a standout character, and his plan to conquer Earth sets the stage for some of the most epic action scenes in the genre. The Avengers is a milestone in the evolution of the superhero genre, and is a must-see for fans of comic book movies.
- 4Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
The Winter Soldier is a political thriller disguised as a superhero movie and is one of the best films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film's themes of freedom, loyalty, and trust are explored in a thrilling and thought-provoking way. The film's central villain, the Winter Soldier, is a standout character, and his reveal as a key figure in the Marvel Universe is a moment that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With its stunning action scenes and thought-provoking story, The Winter Soldier is a must-see for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- 5Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: James Gunn
Guardians of the Galaxy is a breath of fresh air in the superhero genre, offering a unique blend of action, humor, and heart. The film's ragtag group of heroes, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot, are a joy to watch, and their chemistry is what makes the film so special. The film's retro soundtrack and quirky sense of humor set it apart from other superhero movies, and its standout characters and action scenes make it a must-see.
- 6Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: James Mangold
Logan is a dark and gritty farewell to the Wolverine character and is one of the best superhero movies of all time. The film is a character-driven drama that explores the themes of mortality, legacy, and family. Hugh Jackman's performance as Logan is phenomenal, and his portrayal of an aging, weary Wolverine stands out in the genre. The film's central villain, X-24, is a hauntingly brutal character, and the film's climax is a fitting farewell to one of the most iconic characters in the X-Men franchise. With its stunning cinematography and emotionally charged story, Logan is a must-see for fans of comic book movies and character-driven dramas alike.
