The 11 Best Comic Book Movies of All Time
Which comic book movies do you go back to over and over again?
'Spider-Man 2'
Comic book movies have been popular in Hollywood for a long time, but in the last 25 years, I feel like we've seen a massive explosion of them.
When I was growing up, I collected thousands of comics. I wound up selling them to buy my wife an engagement ring, but I kept a few for sentimental value.
That's why I feel a special connection to the best comic book movies. They connect my youth to my adulthood, and they're fun to to watch.
So, let's dive into a list of some of my favorites.
1. Spider-Man 2
Legitimately a masterclass in making a movie that feels like a comic book and connects with people. It's a movie about Peter Parker, who happens to be a hero. And its heart is so full.
2. The Dark Knight
Nolan's masterpiece takes its cues from classic crime movies and envelopes us in Gotham with a stark reality to many major cities. Its take on the Joker and terrorism will stand the test of time.
3. Superman: The Movie
Probably the first comic book movie I ever saw, I still think Donner's classic should be the blueprint for any director coming into this world. It has so much heart and care, memorable lines, and a cast with chemistry.
4. Captain America: Winter Soldier
A throwback to '70s political thrillers, this is Captain America shining as he confronts corruption within the government he swore to protect.
5. Logan
After decades of superhero movies, this is a destruction of what people came to expect. It is about redemption, anger, and righteous indignation.
6. Black Panther
- Director: Ryan Coogler
- Writers: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole
- Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, 1 Winston Duke, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Martin Freeman
Man, we lost an icon in Chadwick Boseman. He had so much charisma and class. This is a great movie because it contains amazing performances anchored by a common belief that we can't change the past but we can find a better future.
7. Hellboy II: The Golden Army
I really loved Guillermo del Toro's take on this comic world. It felt like it would be so hard to adapt, but he knew how to handle monsters and the occult, and still find a way to make us emotionally connect with the characters.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy
I love assembling the team movie. This hit Marvel right at the perfect time. It was funny, broadly entertaining, and so witty. It helped expand their universe and give us endless possibilities within their world.
9. Sin City
This is one of those great movies that totally understands the comic that inspired it. We have a dedication to getting the images and pulpy world correct for our enjoyment.
10. 300
I love how faithful this is to the visuals and the story of the comic. It contains all sorts of fun themes and underlying ideas. you are seeing art come alive in it.
11. Akira
We have to have a special shoutout to Manga, which I have many blind spots with, but I know the most famous title. This is a movie I watched a ton in college - I loved putting it on and just watching the images fly past.
Summing Up The Best Comic Book Movies
From the time I cracked my first comic book when I was a little kid, it's been a pleasure seeing those images come to life in major motion pictures.
These are some of my favorites, I know you may have different ones.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
The Omen (1976)Source: 20th Century Fox
