What I look for in a comic book movie: a strong and layered narrative, an emotional hook, a balanced tone that fits the character(s), character exploration, strongly developed villain(s), originality (i.e. non cookie cutter plot), social commentary, well executed action sequences, memorable music, etc...
15. V FOR VENDETTA
One of the better adaptions of Moore’s work, the movie is not only a great deal of fun but is also full of social commentary and relevance.
14. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER
My second favorite movie in the MCU is an entertaining romp and largely under-appreciated. The tone works, as does the villain played memorably by Hugo Weaving. As someone who wasn’t blown away at all by Captain America: The Winter Soldier (I still liked it), Captain America: The First Avengers remains the best on-screen Cap story yet.
13. THE WOLVERINE
The Wolverine represents the best of the character on screen. The story is dark, emotional, and captivating; as well as beautifully shot and directed by James Mangold. Another underrated and under-appreciated CBM.
12. DREDD
This movie is just kick-ass fun. Simple story but its still a violent and awesome ride from start to finish.
11. IRON MAN
Easily my favorite movie in the MCU, this film (unlike many subsequent MCU films IMO) perfectly balances its tone while having a strong story. Plus its just a blast watching.
10. BATMAN BEGINS
The first in Nolan’s masterful Dark Knight trilogy is the weakest of the three (IMO) but still one of the best superhero movies ever made.
9. WATCHMEN
This darkly immersive and captivating cinematic masterpiece has only grown greater to me since watching it in theaters back in ’09. The visual and narrative world constructed by Snyder is not only a near perfect adaption of the once unadaptable comic, but also a genuinely brilliant movie.
8. MAN OF STEEL
This under-appreciated epic is exactly what the Superman character needed. The movie is mature (i.e. its not just a big cartoon/toy commercial), has emotional resonance, finally gives Superman/Clark Kent meaningful depth, and has the best action sequences on any comic book movie yet. More importantly to me however is that it made me into a Superman fan.
7. SPIDER-MAN
I have such distinct memories of watching this in theaters for the first time and it remains one of my favorite movies in general to this day. The characterization, tone, music, and more are nearly perfect. Raimi understood Spider-Man in every way and it comes across on screen.
6. X2: X-MEN UNITED
This movie hits nearly all the things I want to see in a superhero movie, and is about tied with X-Men: First Class.
5. X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
First Class still remains a great template on how to make a “superhero team” movie without sacrificing character development, emotion, and depth in place of mindless action sequences and a cliched plot. The Erik/Charles friendship is one of my favorite aspects of the movie.
4. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
Singer and Co. were on top form while making this movie. This part sequel, part prequel, part reboot is nearly perfect in every way, and the best X-Men movie yet (very close with X2 & FC) - I’ve never been more excited for the future of this franchise and the directions it could take.
3. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
While it doesn’t quite live up to The Dark Knight, this concluding chapter is still a masterpiece as it continues the trend of making meaningful and deep genre movies rather than typical popcorn fare.
2. SPIDER-MAN 2
Spider-Man is my favorite superhero, and Spider-Man 2 represents the best on-screen interpretation yet. Everything just works.
1. THE DARK KNIGHT
What can be said about this movie that hasn’t already? The Dark Knight isn’t just a good superhero movie, its a good movie - period. No other superhero film (let alone most films in general) have come close to what this movie brings to the screen. It literally transcends the genre.
What are your favourite CBMs?