The 21st century is definitely the age of superhero movies. TV shows and comic book adaptations have been the dominant genre at the box office for over two decades. But how are superheroes so popular? What is it about them that attracts audiences of all ages? For many fans, the answer comes down to wish fulfillment. These characters represent the best in us, often standing up for justice and equality. They’re also incredibly powerful, sometimes even immortal. In short, they seem to be everything we’d like to be.
When superhero films first hit the big screen in the 1970s, they were primarily aimed at children. The Superman films starring Christopher Reeve were bright and colorful, full of action but somewhat campy. Over time, however, superhero films have evolved. They’ve become darker and more serious; modern films like Logan and The Dark Knight show us more complex heroes who struggle with their own identities as well as external forces. This is something we can all relate to in some way. After all, who hasn’t felt like an outcast or struggled with doubt?
Marvel and DC undoubtedly paved the way for the superhero movies of this generation with dozens of films under their belt, but they’re not the only ones. Each entry on our list represents a new high watermark in what hero movies can be. Some were box-office hits. Some were critically acclaimed. Some did both. Others flew under the radar despite being some of the best superhero movies ever made. But all of them are essential viewing for fans of comic book characters in film. Enjoy!
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