21 Best Superhero Movies So Far List

To qualify for this list, the film must be about a hero that combats evil as a costumed, alter ego. So, certain superheroes like Blade, Hellboy or James Bond are not considered.

21. “Superman 2” (1980) Richard Donner 

As a 7 year old taking the family out to the movies this was pretty incredible. It might have been my first superhero film. It still holds up OK but there is a lot of nostalgia in this pick.

20. “The Mask of Zorro” (1998) Martin Campbell 

An inspiration for the best hero imagined is a pretty good superhero himself.

19. “Superman” (1978) Richard Donner 

This film really brought superheroes to the big screen for the first time respectably.

18. “Batman The Movie” (1966) Leslie H. Martinson 

It is cheesy on purpose, and it is wonderful for those willing to take it in the right frame of mind. POW!

17. “X2” (2003) Brian Singer 

Most rank it higher than its predecessor, but more costumed characters doesn’t automatically mean better.

16. “The Amazing Spiderman” (2012) Marc Webb 

If this were the only Spidey film out there it would rank a lot higher, maybe even higher than the Raimi efforts. Instead it is both cutting edge and tired.

15. “X-Men First Class” (2011) Matthew Vaughn 

This is one way to add to a franchise while remaining fresh, but they still just can’t get away from the ever=present origin story.

14. “X-Men” (2000) Brian Singer 

Before Nolan managed to inject reality into the superhero genre, Singer tried to do so with X Men. It was a pretty good try for such an unrealistic premise.

13. “The First Avenger: Captain America” (2011) Joe Johnston 

More superhero stories should be set in the 40s.

12. “Superman Returns” (2006) Brian Singer 

This may be the most underrated, underappreciated superhero movie ever. It is not perfect, but it also is not as bad as you heard it was.

11. “Batman Returns” (1992) Tim Burton 

Tim Burton’s vision make movies based on comic book art rise to the artistic quality required.

10. “Iron Man” (2008) John Favreaou 

This started Marvel Studios down the path towards one of the most amazing cinematic feats ever—the super franchise mash-up.

9. “Unbreakable” (2000) M. Night Shyamalon 

An art house look at the pop culture phenomenon that is the superhero.

8. “Spiderman 2” (2004) Sam Raimi 

Most superhero films are defined not by the hero, but the villain; especially these days when villains are far more celebrated than heroes. In this film we actually do have a story where the “bad guy” is more compelling than the good guy. That may or may not be a good thing.

7. “Spiderman” (2002) Sam Raimi 

At the time this led the superhero genre into the age of computer animation. Since then other have done it better, but this will always be the pioneer.

6. “The Dark Knight” (2008) Christopher Nolan 

Most think this is the high point of Nolan’s trilogy. While great, it is the lesser of the three.

5. “The Avengers” (2012) Joss Whedon 

One hopes this is the future of superhero film. Then again a mere team-up could go horribly wrong if not helmed by someone as talented as Joss Whedon.

4. “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) Christopher Nolan 

This is a real drama disguised as a Batman film.

3. “Batman Begins” (2005) Christopher Nolan 

After this film they never need to do the Batman origin story again. Please.

2. “Batman” (1989) Tim Burton 

This is the first film that translated comic book sensibilities and art to the big screen. The style has fallen out of favor for now, but it will return.


1. “The Incredibles” (2004) Brad Bird 

This is by far the best cinematic look at super heroes. There is no contest.