Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Superhero Movies: Best of All Time
Published on November 1, 2009 by Admin/Neil · 5 CommentsIn the action movies genre, a unique and entertaining sub-genre is superhero movies. These are movies that are based on a character or characters with superhuman abilities who most often take on the role of a heroic figure. Many of these films are based on books or comic books, many of which are owned by Marvel Entertainment
Superhero movies come in all shapes and sizes and trying to narrow down some of the best movies about superheroes to a list of 10 best is quite difficult. However, based on entertainment value, impact in the marketplace, and epic nature of the movie, here is our ranking of the Top 10 Best Superhero Movies of All Time!
10. Superman (WB) – While the original Christopher Reeve classic may not be the highest ranked Superman movie in our top 10, it certainly has a significant place in the history of superhero movies. It represents arguably the most iconic superhero figure in entertainment history. This movie ranks #21 all time currently in earnings for superhero films.
9. X-Men (Fox) – While this movie may not fit the ball as a classic superhero movie, it has a unique place in the genre. There are many adventurous and interesting characters to follow and it is one of the few very successful superhero movies to incorporate multiple characters portraying good and evil. This film is the 16th higest in earnings for superhero flicks.
8. The Dark Knight (WB) – It will be interesting to see what time does for the legacy of this latest film in the Batman series. Will it go down as one of the most successful action movies (currently ranks #11 in all time superhero earnings), or was its prowess more driven by the shocking death of star Heath Ledger before the theatrical release of the film? The films was certainly successful at the box office, currently ranking as the top earning superhero film of all time.
7. Superman III (WB) – Okay, perhaps we have an affinity for the man of steel, but the first three films in the Superman series all carry great way in the superhero realm, especially with the legacy Christopher Reeve left behind. This edition of the series is our second highest rated of the three as it included some great star power. Along with the regulars, Richard Pryor played an important role in this one. Plus, the epic battle of good Superman versus evil Superman was classic. This movie is the 36th highest earning among superhero movies.
6. Batman Begins (WB) – Christian Bale is arguably the best caped crusader since the original Batman, Michael Keaton. His balance of charisma and grit work well in this recreation of the original story of Batman’s beginnings. The Dark Knight may ultimately garner more recognition, but this one was a better movie. Liam Neeson was a great villain. This movie is currently the 11th best earner among superhero films.
5. Iron Man (Paramount) – The main character may not be as iconic as some of the other features superheroes on the list, but Robert Downey Jr. and a great script helped make this movie extremely entertaining. There is a nice blend of action and plot and the connection to the popular video game series helps. Iron Man is also #5 on the top superhero earner’s list.
4. Spider-Man (Sony) – It took a while for Spidey to make it to the silver screen, but he came through with a bang. One of Stan Lee’s best creations, the Spider-Man character is certainly among the elite in comic book and action history. Tobey McGuire has successfully made Peter Parker/Spider-Man his own and he and leading lady Kirsten Dunst shared in one of the most recognized movie kisses of all time in this second-best superhero movie earner of all time.
3. The Crow (Miramax) – Perhaps the biggest surprise entry in our list of best superhero movies of all time, The Crow has plenty to offer. Some consider this film one of the best – PERIOD! It is a great story about a man who returns from the dead to avenge his wife’s killers. In the meantime, he finds new lives to protect. Brandon Lee is brilliant as the lead character, Eric Draven, and in one of the most iconic movie making stories of all time, Lee was killed in real life during an accidental gunshot during one of the final scenes in the film. This movie ranks #40 on the list of best earning superhero movies.
2. Batman (WB) – There have been several Batman movies made in the last twenty years, but none can recreate the same feel and excitement of the original Batman movie. Michael Keaton made the Batman character what it is in movies, Jack Nicholsan was brilliant as the Joker, and you can add the beautiful damsel in distress, Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale. This is the 7th top earning superhero movie.
1. Superman II (WB) – Perhaps a surprise atop our list of best superhero movies of all-time, none of the Christopher Reeve Superman movies was as entertaining as the second in the series. This movie featured a real test of Superman’s abilities. It also featured a reveal of his dual-identity to Lois, after which he returned to his home and gave up his superhero powers. However, when duty called, he found a way to get them back in order to save the world. The final scene where Superman returns as Clark Kent to redeem himself against the thug in the diner is a favorite. The movie ranks #25 in superhero movie earnings.
Other movies considered: Blade, The Incredible Hulk, Unbreakable, Wanted
Thanks for allowing us to share our perspective on the best superhero movies of all time. Agree or disagree? Let us know by adding a comment and sharing in movies you think deserve recognition.
This featured about the best superhero movies was written by Neil of Movie Room Reviews
Tags: best Superhero movies, Superhero movies
Readers Comments (5)
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[...] Best Superhero Movies [...]
DUDE Your list SUCKS!!!!! Sorry but the first superman is the best and Superman III as good as it is shouldn’t be in the top 10 if it is it should be #10 also batman begins and the dark knight are not only the best batman films(the original 1980’s batman is also great and should be on the list but just not above begins or tdk) but should also be ahead of Iron Man.
Hi John,
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.. to each his own, eh. If I could only watch one Superman movie ever, it would be II and I felt TDK was a bit more hype than substance. Still good, but almost unrealistic expectations.
Neil
I can’t take any top superhero movie list seriously that does not include The Incredibles, one of the smartest and funniest superhero movies ever. I would also include X-men 2 and omit Spider-man (I don’t get what people saw in this movie) and Superman 3. Now that Kick-Ass is out, I would bump another movie out of your list too.
All the Superman movies are Horrendous! #1)The Dark Knight…..#2) X-Men….#3) Sin City ( I know it`s a comic, but not a “superhero” movie…But if the Crow counts, so should Marv)
#4) Ironman…#5) Spiderman2….#6) X-Men United…..#7) Batman (1989)….#8) The Crow….#9) Wolverine…..#10) X-Men: The Last Stand.
Daredevil/all the other Batman flicks/Hancock..etc all Suck!