20 superhero films even a superhero-film hater could enjoy

Director Matthew Vaughn satirizes the comic book genre with Kicĸ-Āss, an R-rated take on superheroes that amps up the violence and foul language to one hundred. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Dave, a comic book nerd who becomes a superhero called Kicĸ-Āss, even though he has no skills or powers. Fast-paced, witty, often disgusting, and even heartwarming, it is a clever spin on comic book films, with a scene-stealing Chloë Grace Moretz as Hit Girl.

M. Night Shyamalan brings his signature storytelling and twists to the superhero world with Unbreakable, starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. Willis plays David, a security guard who survives a dangerous train accident unscathed. He is approached by Jackson’s Elijah Prince, who tells him he has superhuman powers. With engaging performances from Willis and Jackson, Unbreakable brings authenticity to the superhero genre in an understated and grounded way.

In Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds plays Wade Wilson, who is cured of cancer after an experiment. However, it leaves him disfigured and immortal. Wade becomes Deadpool, the merc with a mouth and the filthiest Marvel character to date. Forget the wholesomeness of Captain America because Deadpool is full of over-the-top violence, sex, drugs, and language. The fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero offers a refreshing change from clean-cut superhero movies, and Reynolds is perfectly cast.

One of the best found-footage films in recent years is sci-fi Chronicle, starring Dan DeHaan and Michael B. Jordan. The film follows three teens who gain superpowers after making a discovery underground. What starts as fun experimentation quickly turns sinister as one of them starts to lose control and abuse his powers. The found-footage format makes the film incredibly immersive and realistic and proves you don’t need a large budget to make an engaging superhero film.

While Guardians of the Galaxy is technically an MCU film, it really is unlike any other MCU film, and at the time of release, was unlike any other superhero film. The galactic adventure follows Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, a group of space criminals who come together to defend the galaxy from the evil Ronan the Accuser. It is one of the rare superhero movies that was a hit with non-superhero fans, thanks to its lovable characters and perfect balance of humor and heart.

Before James Gunn ruled the superhero world with Guardians of the Galaxy and as the new head of DC Studios, he directed the satirical comedy Super. When his wife leaves him for another man, ordinary guy Frank decides to transform himself into the superhero Crimson Bolt and fight crime, although he has no training or powers. The film’s darkly comedic tone and graphic violence make for a twisted take on superheroes, yet the film remains oddly endearing.

In Blade, Wesley Snipes plays a half-human vampire hunter while also being part-vampire himself. His mission is to rid the world of all evil vampires and protect the human race. Not only was Blade one of the first superhero movies to have a Black lead and insert elements of horror into the genre. The action is macabre and bloody, the martial arts sleek and stylized, and Snipes brings plenty of charisma to his performance. It was a dark, gorey, and visually splendid ride. 

Sci-fi classic RoboCop is one of the most unique films to come from the ‘80s and superbly works against the superhero formula. Set in a crime-ridden dystopian city, police officer Alex Murphy is killed in the line of duty. However, he returns from the dead as RoboCop, a cyborg who sets out to track down and execute his attackers. RoboCop is steeped in realism, particularly from a character point of view, as the protagonist grapples with his humanity and remaining loyal to his corrupt superiors.

The darkness and grit of Gotham City and the world of Batman are taken to new heights with Joker, a character study that explores the disturbing origins of the iconic villain. Arthur Fleck is an aspiring comedian who is psychologically troubled and, therefore, tossed aside by society. Because of this, he descends into madness and embraces a life of violence. Utterly hopeless and disturbing, the crime drama is grounded in reality and exhibits the versatility of the comic book genre. 

There have been countless Spider-Man movies, but the best one isn’t actually live-action. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse follows teen Miles Morales on a multiversal adventure, as he is forced to wear the mask and fight alongside other Spider people. The groundbreaking animation, made up of both 2D and 3D elements reminiscent of comic book art, permanently changed the game and has left a new standard for animated films. The film’s sequel, Across the Spider-Verse, is equally impressive.

Zack Snyder is known for bringing the Justice League to the DCEU, but his first collaboration with the studio was the neo-noir film Watchmen. In the film, vigilante Rorschach stumbles upon a dark secret while investigating the murder of a colleague. Rather than solely focusing on spectacle, Watchmen leans more into plot and character to create a somber and moody story. With graphic violence, sex, and language, this is not your typical Batman or Superman fare.

With Judge Dredd releasing in 1995, 2012’s Dredd is another worthy adaptation of the source material. In a dystopian future, the police have the authority to act as judge, jury, and executioner. Judge Dredd teams up with a trainee to take down a dangerous drug ring. Dredd is not your average hero but a vigilante with a gray moral compass. The film is perfect for those seeking something darker within the superhero world and less black-and-white in terms of heroes and villains.

Darkman is not your typical superhero movie. Dr. Peyton Westlake, a.k.a Darkman, does have superpowers, but the film itself falls more into the drama or horror category. Starring Liam Neeson, the film sees Westlake burned in an attack, leading him to create an experiment that allows him to take on the faces of other people. Darkman is a tale of vengeance and tragedy, helmed by director Sam Raimi before his later superhero success. The film has become a cult classic in its own right.

Before Disney bought the rights to Marvel, they gave us one of the most beloved superhero movies of all time, Pixar’s The Incredibles. The film follows a super-powered family who live an undercover suburban life when they are forced to come out of hiding to save the world. The Incredibles ranks as one of Pixar’s best, thanks to its mix of action, humor, and emotion. The film also features many memorable characters, including the fabulous fashionista Edna Mode.

While the film The Crow is mostly associated with the tragic on-set death of its star, Brandon Lee, it still stands as a stylishly thrilling comic book adaptation. Lee plays Eric Draven, who is murdered alongside his fiancée. When he is resurrected, a crow helps him seek revenge on his killers. The Crow is difficult to watch, knowing the true events surrounding its making, but Lee is utterly compelling, and the film is shrouded in mystery and atmosphere alongside its gothic aesthetic.

What if Superman was a bad guy? That is the question that the horror-superhero movie Brightburn answers, a twisted take on the chosen one. Just like in Superman, a couple finds a baby boy who has crash-landed on Earth in a spaceship and adopts him as Brandon. When Brandon grows up, he discovers he has superpowers and uses them for evil instead of good. The film presents a frightening alternate reality and combines sci-fi and horror elements to create an unsettling experience.

Big Hero 6 is an action-packed and heartfelt take on superheroes from Disney. The film follows young Hiro and his robot Baymax, given to him by his late brother Tadashi. Hiro sets out to avenge his brother’s death with his friends, and they form the superhero team Big Hero 6. The film is an example of Disney’s ability to deal with mature themes in a family-friendly nature and features stunning animation and world-building. Plus, viewers will fall in love with the adorable Baymax.

The Dark Knight is the film that reinvented the superhero genre, and it deserves as much credit as it gets. Christopher Nolan brings his blockbuster filmmaking style to the world of Gotham, imbuing it with grit and realism. The Dark Knight isn’t just a great superhero but a great crime-thriller movie. It also features Heath Ledger’s legendary take on the Joker, which is often regarded as one of the best film performances of all time and paved the way for future actors who would take on the role.

Batman stole the show in the surprise animated hit The Lego Movie, so it was only appropriate that he got his own film. The Lego Batman movie is a light-hearted and humorous take on the caped crusader, which sees Batman work with Robin and Barbara Gordon to take down the Joker. Featuring eye-popping animation, an array of classic characters, plenty of gags, and comic book references, it manages to poke fun at other DC movies while also being genuinely moving.

Based on the hugely popular children’s book series, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is as silly and entertaining as it sounds. Best friends and pranksters George and Harold hypnotize their tough school principal into thinking he’s a superhero called Captain Underpants. What ensues is total and utter chaos and a hilariously wild ride. The film is a faithful adaptation of the source material both visually and tonally and probably has the most fart jokes in any superhero movie.