Summary
Comic book movies may receive a little too much flak, but there is no denying that a select fewMarvelandDCofferings are nothing short of perfect.Superhero films are more of a mainstay in cinema than they have everbeen thanks to some of the mosticonic comic book movieslaunching the genre into the stratosphere. The sheer number that exists today means that creators are under more pressure to deliver some semblance of uniqueness - and these examples certainly deliver.
TheMarvel Cinematic Universeremains the most successful movie franchise in history with a total worldwide box office that feels unassailable at this point. While DC is refreshing its cinematic franchise with theDC Universe’s slate, it can also rest easy that it has offered up some of the most iconic movies - though they do typically center around one character in particular. The best movies that Marvel and DC have provided over the last few decades were not only box office hits but also critical successes.
Every Upcoming Marvel Movie: Full MCU Phase 6 List (& Beyond)
With Marvel Studios' MCU now dominating the upcoming release slate for Marvel movies, here’s what to expect in the coming years and beyond.
10Logan Is Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine At His Best
Released In March 2017
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is thesuperhero genre’s second-longest-serving character, and his 24-year career is about to continue with his celebrated appearance inDeadpool & Wolverine. After so many years on the big screen, it is no surprise that Fox’s X-Men franchise aimed to give the character as heartfelt a sendoff as possible as it rounded out his story inLogan. With an R-rating that ensured there could be no half-measures, Logan’s swansong was the work of art he deserved.
X-24, who made her live-action debut inLogan, first appeared inX-Men: Evolutionbefore joining the comics.
The cinematography perfectly conveyed the post-apocalyptic tone in which several beloved X-Men characters meet their ends either off-screen or on.A visibly bedraggled Logan exuded the air of a man at the end of his arc, which was poetically brought to an end by a younger clone of himself. The movie was mature beyond anything seen thus far in live-action superhero movies, and stood out for its excellent cast, heart-wrenching conclusion, and visceral choreography that truly conveyed what Wolverine interacting with real life would look like.
Logan
Cast
Logan is set in a near future where an aging Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, takes care of a frail Professor Xavier, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, at a secluded location near the Mexican border. Their secluded existence is disrupted by the arrival of a young mutant, pursued by malevolent forces.
9Avengers: Infinity War Changed Everything
Released In April 2018
Avengers: Infinity War’s ending remains one of the most memorable and shocking conclusions to any movie, let alone in the superhero genre. The sheer weight of the titular heroes' failure can be felt in every second of the silence and feeble last words of beloved characters in the movie’s final sequence. Bringing fans of the MCU to the brink of despair, however, is not the only place whereAvengers: Infinity Warexcels.
The sheer weight of the titular heroes' failure can be felt in every second of the silence and feeble last words of beloved characters in the movie’s final sequence.
The sense of hopelessness is felt immediately as the audience is quickly showna team of Avengersthat look decidedly disparate in the face of their greatest threat yet. Half of Asgard is immediately wiped out as Thor and the other erstwhile Avengers embark on their ill-fated attempts to quell Thanos, bringing together every facet of Marvel’s sprawling cinematic universe. Despite the risks,Infinity Warnever feels overstuffed and instead forms a beautifully paced and stunningly shot culmination of a decade’s worth of storieswhile managing to be just as compelling as ever.
Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War brings together the Avengers and their allies to face a new threat from the cosmos, Thanos, who seeks to collect the Infinity Stones. The film, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unites numerous superhero characters in a battle to prevent Thanos' ambition of altering reality itself.
8Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Is Worthy Of Its Awards
Released In December 2018
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Versewon the award for Best Animated Feature Film at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and the Academy Awards. Simply looking at the stills of the movie demonstrates how this occurred, butthe game-changing animation style ofInto the Spider-Versewas just the tip of the iceberg. After several years andthree iterations of Peter Parker being adapted into live-actionmovies,Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Versechampioned a new Spider-Man story, and capitalized wholeheartedly on its premise.
A soundtrack featuring such artists as Post Malone and Juice WRLD not only diverted from the musical norm in Superhero movies but became one of the movie’s most beloved features.Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Versealso pulled off the multiversal premise with aplomb, delivering such memorable variants as Doctor Olivia Octavius, Spider-Noir, and Spider-Ham while delivering a story that felt wholly unique. It was hilarious and poignant in equal measure, throwing out all notion that animation is purely for kids and proving that comic book movies can be works of art.
Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse
In the first animated Spider-Man film released in theaters, Miles Morales, a teenager who idolizes Spider-Man, gains Spider-Man powers of his own. While learning to use his new abilities, Miles crosses parallel dimensions and teams up with the different versions of Spider-Man from those dimensions to stop a threat to all reality.
7Thor: Ragnarok Turned The Hero’s MCU Story Around
Released In October 2017
There are very few who would suggest thatThor: Ragnarokis notthe best of the four Thor movies, butThor: Ragnarok’s quality extends far beyond its own franchise. The third Thor movie is helped by the fact that its predecessor,Thor: The Dark Worldset its eponymous hero on an unfortunate trajectory after failing to inspire audiences with its dark and dingy premise.Thor: Ragnarokrighted that boat and then some, catapulting Thor into being one of the most charismatic and lovable figures in the MCU.
Thor is currently the only MCU character to receive four solo movies, and may soon be given a fifth.
Taika Waititi’s penchant for wit was prevalent throughout the lighthearted yet heartfelt narrative. From the jump, the movie felt like the spectacle that a regal alien race revered as gods warrant, with Sakaarevoking a colorful cyberpunk aesthetic bolstered significantly by its magnificent synth-heavy soundtrack. Hela still stands as one of the MCU’s greatest villains, proving that lacking a motive beyond bloodthirst and tyranny is very far from boring. Jeff Goldblum’s seminal MCU debut as the Grandmaster, meanwhile, is one of the mostinspired casting decisions of the entire MCU.
Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarokis the third Thor solo film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first directed by Taika Waititi. In the sequel, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself stranded on Sakaar, ruled by the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). Soon he teams with Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to return to Asgard and defeat his sister Hela.
6The Dark Knight Delivers DC’s Best Villain
Released In July 2008
Heath Ledger’s Joker is one of the most iconic characters in all cinemaand a prime example of what makesThe Dark Knightso compelling.The Dark Knightbucked a trend in superhero cinema by delivering one of the most grounded takes on a comic book adaptation and bringing characters and a gritty plot that hardly feels inconceivable. Heath Ledger’s seminal take on the Joker was just one facet of what madeThe Dark Knightso perfect, but he was as enthralling as he was terrifying, turning the typically hammy depiction of Joker completely on its head.
Heath Ledger tragically passed away beforeThe Dark Knightwas released, and received a posthumous Oscar award for his performance - the first in any comic book movie.
The physical and ideological struggle in the face of Joker’s unpredictability brought a whole new dynamic to the typical cat-and-mouse story as both good and bad guys were forced to reckon with a force for pure chaos. In the wake of more cut-and-dry superhero movies depicting good vs. evil,The Dark Knightdelivered something distinctly fresh. Along withvisceral action sequences, another stellar score from Hans Zimmer, and fresh but believable takes on iconic DC characters,The Dark Knightremains a paradigm of what comic book movies can be.
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, is the second installment in the Batman trilogy starring Christian Bale as Batman. Released in 2008, the film follows Batman’s alliance with Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent as they combat the organized crime that threatens Gotham, facing the menacing Joker.
5Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox Is A Testament To Animation
Released In July 2013
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradoxmanages to be one thebest DC Animated Movie Universe entriesand a visually enthralling installment - thanks in no small part to its decision to turn its heroes into hulking beefcakes that admittedly befits their inordinate power levels. This is significantly bolstered by the effort put in byJustice League: The Flashpoint Paradox’s voice actors, who throw their heart and soul into their animated roles. C. Thomas Howell’s Reverse Flash is a standout example among several highlights.
The movie’s tone belies the fact that it is a cartoon.There is a pervasive sense of hopelessness that is intensified substantially by seeing DC heroes who were once paragons of virtue embody a ruthless and warlike roleat the expense of humanity. For its memorable and fresh takes on so many beloved characters in an impossibly engaging alternate universe story, it remains one of DC’s best animations - which is a high bar to clear.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox revolves around Barry Allen, known as The Flash, who inadvertently creates an alternate timeline after going back in time to prevent his mother’s murder. Directed by Jay Oliva, the film features an altered reality where the Justice League is replaced by conflicting heroes and villains, with cataclysmic consequences. This animated feature showcases the complexities and ramifications of time travel within the DC Universe.
4Captain America: The Winter Soldier Earns Its Reputation
Released In March 2014
Of the main Avengers that earned sequels (or solo movies to begin with),Captain America: The Winter Soldierbucked an unfortunate trend. WithIron Man 2andThor: The Dark Worldbecoming two of the MCU’s worst-rated installments (at least, at the time),Captain America: The Winter Soldierremains to this day one ofthe best MCU movies ever made. The reasons are multifaceted but similar to why Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is also so beloved. Marvel Studios took a risk with the second Captain America movie by dipping its toe in a new genre: spy thriller.
Sam Wilson takes over the mantle of Captain America inCaptain America: Brave New World.
It was an inspired move that perfectly fits Captain America’s characterization and relatively modest powers (at least when compared to half of his Avengers colleagues). The score for Bucky Barnes' Winter Soldier is haunting, as is his presence on screen as some of the MCU’s best choreography plays out with him at its center - not counting, of course, the iconic enclosed elevator brawl.Cap’s unerring sense of honor and morality is on full displayas he kicks back against authority to “do what’s right,” before culminating in one ofthe most heartbreaking fights in the MCU.
3Spider-Man 2 Defined The Genre
Released In June 2004
Spider-Man’s characterization in his original cinematic trilogy remains unassailable, and nowhere is the faithful depiction of his struggle as a reluctant superhero more prevalent than inSpider-Man 2.Peter Parker’s battle with the burden of his great power is painstakingly depictedas he agonizes over keeping necessary secrets from his loved ones while confronting challenges that nobody that young has ever faced. This is then counterbalanced by one of the best andmost sympathetic villains in comic book movie history.
A compelling in-universe MCU theory suggests that Octavius' change of heart at the end of the movie was thanks to the events ofSpider-Man: No Way Homewhere Peter Parker fixed his inhibitor chip.
Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus is undoubtedly one of the coolest Spider-Man villains that ever graced the big screen. It is also no secret - nor a rarity for Marvel movies - that sympathetic villains tend to be a surefire win. Nonetheless, the action sequences, a Spider-Man in full swing, and a single villain for Spider-Man to bounce off of make for a comic book movie that will forever stand the test of time.
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 continues Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, with Tobey Maguire returning as Peter Parker. Released in 2004, the film follows Peter’s struggle with balancing his personal life and superhero responsibilities, while confronting the formidable villain, Doc Ock, portrayed by Alfred Molina. Parker’s relationships with Mary Jane and Harry Osborn further complicate his journey.
2Batman Returns Is A Champion Of Comic Book Characterization
Released In June 1992
Although 1989’sBatmanestablished Batman’s legendary movie legacy with Michael Keaton’siconic rendition of the Caped Crusader, the sequel was an improvement.Tim Burton’s classic gothic style worked swimmingly with Batman’s tone, which inBatman Returnswas campier than modern iterations but perfectly rendered nonetheless. Much of the credit forBatman Returns' quality, it cannot be overstated, is thanks to the excellent casting and costumes.
As the DCU’s Batman will debut around the same time as Matt Reeves’The Batmantrilogy, it may lean into a lighter take on the character more akin to Keaton’s.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s enchanting take on Selina Kyle remains one of the best versions of the character and one that is unlikely to be paralleled in modern takes. The same must be said for Danny DeVito’s Oswald Cobblepot, whose exaggerated take on the character is one of the most memorable characters in cinema. The overall somewhat brightly gothic tone of the movie sticks in the mind and cements itself as one of the greatest adaptations to date.
Batman Returns
Batman Returns sees the return of Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne after his victory over the Joker. This time, the Dark Knight faces a new threat in the form of The Penguin, an outcast who wants revenge on Gotham City. Featuring Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman, and Christopher Walken as Max Schreck, Batman Returns is Tim Burton’s second and final movie based on the iconic DC comics character.
1Iron Man Changed The Future Of Cinema
Released In May 2008
The MCU’s Iron Man is largely to thank for the record-breaking success of the franchise. His cinematic debut brought a new spin on the genre by blending sharp wit, colorful fun, mind-bending spectacles, and a strange believability to the notion that one modern-day Da Vinci can build an all-singing-all-dancing suit of armor.What makesIron Manso perfect, especially on a re-watch, is knowing how much it changed the face of cinemaby launching the superhero craze.
From the jump, it was clear that Robert Downey Jr.’s casting was inspired. Iron Man was a lesser-known superhero by the timeIron Manwas released in 2008 compared to otherMarvelandDCtitans, but his boundless charisma and repartee turned him into an overnight sensation and one of the most beloved comic book characters in existence. Thankfully, RDJ wasn’t exactly needed to carry the movie, which remains second to none in terms of its choreography, special effects, expertly picked soundtrack, and punchy pacing.
Iron Man
Iron Man is the first film in the long-running Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark, who becomes Iron Man after he is kidnapped and discovers terrorists are using weapons developed by Stark Industries. Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Tony’s love interest Pepper Potts alongside Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan and Jeff Bridges as the villainous Obadiah Stane.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
DC Universe
The DC Universe is one of the biggest comic book franchises and often competes with Marvel. DC Comics started as National Allied Publications, founded by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson in 1935. Since then, the franchise has exploded with thousands of comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. 2013 marked the beginning of the most recent iteration of the superheroes, with Zack Snyder introducing Henry Cavill as Superman. After several movies with mixed reviews, DC underwent a soft reboot under the helm of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
