The Year You Were BornWhat was going on the year you were born? A look at the most popular things happening in entertainment, music, and even real world news while you were busy cycling through naps.
Watching superhero movies as a kid is a euphoric experience that can't be replicated. Whether we watch the best superhero movies of the 1980s or bad comic book movies that are too precious to despise, nothing compares to the feeling of seeing our favorite heroes and villains colliding onscreen for the first time. Nowadays, we might be spoiled for choice as a cape affair lurks around every corner, but it was a different time before the MCU and DCEU were twinkles in the eyes of their respective studios.
Sometimes, viewers only had a choice of one or two superhero movies to watch every calendar year - and this only started to become a regular occurrence in the 1980s. So let's hop on the Flash's cosmic treadmill, turn back the clock, and revisit the best superhero movie from the year you were born.
In Superman II, the Man of Steel becomes the Man of Normality as he gives up his powers to be with Lois Lane; however, when the baddies emerge from the woodwork, he needs to rethink his choice.
There are two versions of the film out there: the theatrical cut from Richard Lester and the Donner Cut from the original director Richard Donner, which was only released in 2006. Without a shadow of a doubt, the Donner Cut is the superior film that should be watched.
Before Falcon and Hawkman, there was Condorman! The comedy-tinged spy story introduces a relatable protagonist in the form of comic book writer Woody Wilkins, who becomes the superhero he created, Condorman, and uses an assortment of gadgets to assist a Soviet spy who wants to change allegiances.
Not many people remember the existence of Condorman, but those who do recall a supremely fun and original family-friendly movie.
Inspired by the popular DC comic book character, Swamp Thing reimagines the origin story for scientist Alec Holland, who spills chemicals on himself and becomes the monster and protector of the green.
Director Wes Craven explores the complex character through the lens of horror, but also manages to garner sympathy from the audience for Swampy, who has a heart of gold underneath his hideous exterior.
No one can accuse Superman III of lacking originality or trying to tread the same ground as before. Instead, this film sees Superman coming into contact with synthetic Kryptonite that changes him, quite literally: splitting him into a good, moral Clark Kent and a bad, corrupt Superman.
It certainly has the air of a story that could have been pulled straight out of the Golden Age of Comics, that's for sure.
The Toxic Avenger plays out like a typical comic book origin, as it sees a young weakling named Melvin Junko tumble into toxic waste and become a hero. However, that's where the similarities end, as The Toxic Avenger is viciously violent, ruder than a customer service agent's inbox, and so over-the-top ridiculous that it becomes a subversive parody of the genre.
The film has become a cult classic in the years since its release and a wonderful reminder of how no one makes movies like Troma.
In the '80s, sword and sorcery movies were just as much a part of the culture as neon headbands. As a result, Red Sonja - starring Brigitte Nielsen as the titular warrior who seeks vengeance for her family and the restoration of her kingdom to its glory days - holds a special place in the hearts of many, including non-comic fans.
The film also features a neat score from legendary composer Ennio Morricone that pumps an extra splash of epic to the whole adventure.
