Marvel movies have certainly taken the spotlight in recent years, but let me tell you now: There are a lot of other superhero movies out there worth watching. From animated movies to DCU and MCU to stand-alones, we’ve compiled the top 50 superhero movies to watch in this article!
Read on and get your movie watchlist ready!
50. Spiderman 3
This is the last movie of Tobey Maguire’s trilogy, and we have to say that it’s the least stellar of the bunch. Was it still good? Yes. Many memes of Black Spiderman still live on today – but that may be what most people remember about it.
49. The Incredible Hulk
This movie was led by Edward Norton, before Mark Ruffalo went on to replace him as the Hulk. In the grand scheme of the MCU, it may seem irrelevant, but it does give viewers a good idea of the Hulk’s story.
48. Thor: Love and Thunder
While I do think this movie wrapped up Thor and Jane’s story pretty well, it does seem to pale in comparison to the other Thor movies. Still, it’s a heartwarming and heartwrenching watch.
47. The Wolverine
I’m pretty sure fans would unleash their claws at me if Wolverine didn’t make this top 50 superhero movies to watch list, but rest assured, it deserves to be here. It can be enjoyed by both longterm fans and casual viewers alike.
46. Megamind
Megamind is a fairly confusing superhero movie, led by a villain who turns into a hero and an aspiring hero who ends up becoming a villain. Regardless, it is the first of its kind and is quite the fun watch!
45. Sky High
Sky High is a Disney coming of age movie done right, complete with a school for heroes and villains, the underdog who ends up becoming really powerful, and the villain hiding in plain sight. I have to admit, I consider this a classic.
44. Aquaman
Aquaman has gained a lot of controversy because of Amber Heard, but that doesn’t make it less worthy of recognition. The comic book character was originally thought of as puny and a lot of people were laughing at the thought of an Aquaman movie.
Then came the revelation that was Jason Momoa, making it worth a place in this Top 50 Superhero Movies list.
43. Batman
This is the 1989 movie with Michael Keaton, and it has all darkness and eeriness one would expect from a Batman movie.
Bonus: Jack Nicholson’s Joker is amazing in this.
42. Ironman 2
Ironman 2 was a great follow up to the first movie, and it perfectly sets up the progression of the Avengers. It has a lot of robots and bangs, and this is the movie where Don Cheadle comes in to replace Terrence Howard.
41. The Amazing Spiderman
Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone have amazing chemistry in this movie, and the entire cast is arguably well chosen. While the plot follows many of the same storylines as the original Spiderman, it is also able to stand on its own.
40. Superman Returns
With Brandon Routh as the lead, Superman Returns is able to capture our Man of Steel with emotional complexity. It is also visually ahead of its time.
39. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
Margot Robbie has always done well as Harley Quinn, and this movie proves her cult status among fans.
38. Captain Marvel
People are mostly divided about Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, but we do think she did a good job producing the strength and confidence needed for the role.
37. Thor
Dazzling, funny, and dramatic, Thor is a blockbuster hit for a reason. It perfectly encapsulates what a Marvel movie was, especially during that time of the MCU.
36. Batman Returns
Like other Batman movies, Batman Returns was dark and brooding. What set this one apart was Tim Burton’s signature dark and brooding fingerprints all over it.
35. X-Men
A Top 50 Superhero Movie list will be incomplete without the original X-Men. This was faithful to the comic, full of action, and forever immortalized as a classic.
34. Iron Man 3
Robert Downey makes every movie he’s in, and this one is no exception. Iron Man 3 is witty, action-packed, smart, and furthers the MCU storyline.
33. Captain America: The First Avenger
This is the movie that introduced us all to the wonder that is Chris Evans. His origin story may take place in 1941 and seem old fashioned compared to the other movies, but it perfectly sets the stage for his character and development.
31. Ant-Man
I do think that much of the success of this film can be attributed to Paul Rudd and his charm. He also has a great supporting cast, with a ton of wit and chemistry across everyone.
30. Batman Begins
This movie stars Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, and Katie Holmes, directed by Christopher Nolan. Need we say more?
29. Deadpool 2
Ryan Reynolds constantly performs as an actor with wit and humor, yet done with nuance. Deadpool 2 has way more gags than any other superhero movie, but it works.
28. X2: X-Men United
Before the Avengers, there were the X-Men, and this movie was one of the tightest movies they’ve ever made. They somehow managed to make this even better than the first movie, and it certainly set a precedent for the others to come.
27. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Avengers: The Age of Ultron is one of the most critical movies in the MCU, as it introduced us to the character of Wanda and set the stage for her trauma and longing for a family.
26. Black Widow
Natasha always had the most mysterious past among the original Avengers, and this movie has us go back to her roots. I will always find it interesting that they chose to release this after Black Widow passed away in Endgame.
25. Hellboy II: the Goldern Army
The graphics and characters are all great in this movie, especially for its time. We have to give Guillermo del Toro the credit for crafting an impressive sequel.
24. The Lego Batman Movie
Yes, the Lego Superhero movies have every right to be a part of this Top 50 Superhero Movies To Watch list. And why not? This is Batman made cute and family friendly, and people of all ages love it. That’s more than most can say for the original Batman movies.
23. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
It’s hard to make a sequel as fresh and fun as the first one, but Guardians of the Galaxy did it – even with the high bar it set with the prequel. I also think that this movie has some of the most beautiful planetary landscapes that Marvel has shown to date.
22. The Incredibles
Some of you may be surprised that this movie ranks this high, but here’s the thing: The Incredibles was probably the first superhero movie that a lot of you probably saw. For sure, it made a mark.
21. Black Panther
Black Panther was politically loaded and had a lot to say – yet it does so in a manner that is smart and strategic. Chadwick Boseman will always and forever be remembered as Black Panther, and we honor him for taking on the characterization of what it meant to be a true hero.
20. Wonder Woman
This is the first DC movie in recent years that really became mainstream, and a lot of people adored Gal Gadot for carrying this role so well. She is the perfect actress for Wonder Woman.
19. Shazam!
Zachary Levi as Shazam is funny, loveable, and effortless. This movie was a pleasant surprise, providing equal heart and entertainment to its audiences.
18. The Suicide Squad
Everyone was dressing up as the Suicide Squad for Halloween the year this movie was released, simply because this generation considered it that iconic. It’s the perfect mix of funny and anarchy.
17. Doctor Strange
The movie perfectly encapsulates the origin story of the very powerful Doctor Strange, and introduces us to his quirks and power with a punch of fun.
16. Captain America: Civil War
Captain America: Civil War is an interesting movie because it felt more like a story with an ensemble cast than a show revolving around Captain America. This somehow makes it even more exciting and interesting, as it explores themes worth thinking about.
This is the movie we’re introduced to Tom Holland as Peter Parker.
15. Thor: Ragnarok
Thor Ragnarok is colorful, adventurous, and exciting. It arguably set the standard for superhero movies by the time it was released.
14. Spiderman: Homecoming
This is the third reboot, and I absolutely love it. The characters are younger compared to the other Spiderman movies, but somehow, it works.
13. Marvel’s The Avengers
Marvel’s The Avengers movie is really the movie that changed everything for MCU. It set the direction of what is to come, and they just kept raising the bar since.
12. X-Men: Days of Future Past
This is probably the best X-Men movie out there, as it weaves all the best parts and themes of previous movies and puts them all together. If you’re a fan of the franchise, this is definitely a satisfying watch.
11. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
This movie had people thinking that Black Widow and Captain America will be romantically matched (they weren’t) and that Bucky will be the next Captain America (he wasn’t). Either way, this is a great movie with smart political themes.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy
This movie is the first of its kind, with the retro soundtrack, self-deprecating main character, and alien crew. Everyone simply fell in love with it on the first watch.
9. Iron Man
Iron Man changed everything for Robert Downey Jr. and Marvel. If you’re just starting out with superhero movies, this is definitely the first movie you should watch before everything else.
8. Spiderman: Far From Home
We think we’ve nailed superhero movie formulas, then this came along. It’s unpredictable, fun, and let me tell you: NO ONE saw that ending coming.
7. Logan
Logan is violent, gritty, and nuanced, as one would expect from a Wolverine film. Yet it is also thoughtful and self-aware, ultimately breaking the box most people placed it in.
6. Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Fans clamored for this, and they got everything they wanted and more. This movie may be four hours long, but it perfectly captured Zack Snyder’s vision for the original movie. It’s worth every minute.
5. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
This movie is the most recently released on this list, and it somehow manages to weave grief, action, longing, and growth in 2 hours and 40 minutes. It is the perfect tribute to Chadwick Boseman, and even though he left big shoes to fill, the cast certainly stepped up to the challenge.
4. The Dark Knight
The best Batman movie there is, and fans and critics alike agree. The movie is rich, compelling, dark, and complex, with Christian Bale and Heath Ledger really coming through with unforgettable performances.
3. Spiderman: No Way Home
All three Spidermans. In one film. You best bet this is one of the top 50 superhero movies you should watch. It should even be in your top three. It’s definitely in ours.
2. Avengers: Endgame
Endgame marks the end of the MCU’s phase one, and it certainly ended on a wild note. There were lots of laughs, gasps, and tears, and it delivered painful yet satisfying blows.
1. Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse
This movie is a story, soundtrack, and graphics powerhouse. It makes the top of this list because it can be watched as a standalone movie, and no one can really deny how good it is.
That’s it for our Top 50 Superhero Movies to Watch list!
Do you agree with our choices?
Let us know in the comment section down below!
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