Superheroes have always been a popular genre in comic books, and they have recently been the topic of numerous highly successful films. Some are your everyday average Joe, gaining special powers and abilities due to exposure to radioactive or nuclear substances, while some use their own abilities, resources and intellect to make themselves something great. They do all of this to protect the innocent and ensure the greater good. Superheroes appeal to our inner righteousness and morals.
They also raise important moral and philosophical questions. One of which is the hardest of all: What super power would you pick? If you could only be one, would you rather be the Hulk, or the Flash? It’s a question that haunts many their entire lives.
Whether you’re a fan of DC or Marvel, this list of our top 10 favorite Superhero films will surely inspire a nerdy, manly, and heroic movie night.
Did your favorite superhero movie not make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
[ new page = 10: Spider-Man]
Starting off is 2002’s Spider-Man. The films featured Tobey Maguire (Eric Forman from That '70s Show) as Peter Parker. The film is a fairly accurate portrayal of the comics. It shows Peter Parker's origins and his first adventures as the newly empowered superhero.
[ new page = 9: Batman Begins ]
At No. 9 comes 2005’s Batman Begins. The film was directed by Christopher Nolan, and is the first of the Nolan Batman trilogy. The film features a star cast of Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, and Morgan freeman. Based on the DC Comics, the Nolan trilogy has been well-received by fans and critics, though some critique the length and dry spots in action. The film is the only Batman film thus far to feature the Scarecrow, a fan-favorite villain.
[ new page = 8: X-Men 2]
Coming in at No. 8 is 2003’s X-Men 2. The second installment in the original X-Men trilogy, the film features all the characters from the first film, with added X-Men such as Nightcrawler. The film delves into the complicated past of Wolverine, when the man who erased his memories enters his life.
[ new page = 7: Batman]
Coming in at No. 7 is 1989’s Batman. The film features Michael Keaton as Batman, and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. The film is considered by many, and debated by some fans, as the best of the Batman films. Nicholson portrays a wacky and insane Joker that is straight from the comic pages.
[ new page = 6: X-Men]
At No. 6 is 2000’s X-Men. The film features Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Patrick Stewart as Professor X. Filming took place mostly in Toronto, Canada. The film is well favored by critics and was a financial success. It focuses on Wolverine wandering until he meets teenage Rogue and the two stumble upon Xavier’s school for the gifted.
[ new page = 5: Iron Man 2 ]
At No. 5 is 2010’s Iron Man 2. Due to the success of the first film, work on a sequel quickly began. During the film the world is aware or Iron Man’s identity, and the government is demanding Tony Stark hand over the equipment.
[ new page = 4: Thor: The Dark World]
At No. 4 comes 2013’s Thor: The Dark World. A sequel to the first film and based on Marvel’s comics, the film follows Thor and Loki in the aftermath of the film, The Avengers. The film stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and Anthony Hopkins as Odin. Thor and Loki unite to fight the dark elves and save both the universe and Thor’s mortal love, Jane.
[ new page = 3:Iron Man ]
And at No. 3 is the 2008 film, Iron Man. The film was chosen as one of the top ten best of the year, and was well received, primarily for Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Iron Man. The film was shot primarily in California to set it apart from other East Coast aesthetics apparent in other superhero films. The film explores Tony Stark after inheriting his father’s industry and building the first Iron Man suit.
[ new page = 2: Captain America: The First Avenger ]
Coming in at No. 2 is 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger. The film portrays the wimpy Steve Rogers, who is denied enlistment into the United States Army during World War II. He proves himself to be so moral, self-sacrificing, and virtuous that he is chosen for a procedure that will make him the ultimate soldier.
[ new page = 1: The Avengers ]
And at No. 1, comes Marvel’s The Avengers. Everyone loves seeing his or her favorite characters interact; unfortunately, it’s usually a disappointment. This film breaks that rule, however. The Marvel universe’s many heroes come together to form the group “The Avengers” and protect the world from Loki’s invasion. The film features some hilarious moments and intense action.