Hello CBMers! Thought I'd give the rankings thing another go, keeping the spirit of my first article. This time I set out to rank the top four movies with all the tropes of a CBM, but not actually based on a comic book. Movies people could easily infer as being based upon a comic book, because of the elements borrowed from the comic book realm. Common comic book things such as costumes, secret identities, super powers, and the epic hero versus villain showdown. Without further adieu.....
4.) Sky High (2005)
This was a Disney film that focused on the offspring of famous superheroes, and their high school experiences. Of course these kids can't go to regular high school, rather a facility floating miles above the clouds. The super powered progeny face all the classic themes of a high school movie, with that superhero element added. Cliques, bullies, crushes, and of course the super villain set out to turn all the superheroes into babies.
Costumes? Yes, worn by the main character's parents and the villain. In addition the kids wear clothing of a certain color scheme throughout the movie.
Super Powers? Check! A whole variety of super powers are on display here. From super strength, flight, and super speed; to the not so glamorous abilities, such as glowing in the dark and morphing into a hamster.
Showdown? The villain has her big surprise reveal at the end, and then proceeds to lose to the young Will Stronghold hero.
I've always enjoyed watching this movie, it's fun and very family friendly. Nice supporting performances from Kurt Russell, Dave Foley, and Bruce Campbell. Of course Mary Elizabeth Winstead was great as the villainess.
3) The Incredibles (2004)
This Pixar animated film told the story of a whole family of superheroes in the wake of their exploits and adventuring being outlawed, due to lawsuits filed against all superheroes. The family's patriarch, Mr. Incredible, pines greatly for his former costumed days. His quest to recapture them leads him into trouble. Trouble that requires his whole family's assistance.
Costumes? Oh yeah, there's even some clever scenes with a superhero costume designer, and her commentary about the functionality of certain costume items, i.e. capes.
Super Powers? Yep, each member of the family has a different and unique super power.
Showdown? The main villain here, Syndrome, has his big reveal as a former fan of Mr. Incredible who seeks validation because of being formerly shunned by his hero. However it's Baby Jack who ultimately gets the best of him, that and that darn cape he wears.
Another classic family friendly feature on the list. This was a wonderful family comes together to triumph over all tale.
2) Chronicle (2012)
Chronicle is a found footage style film about three high school friends who gain super powers from an underground rock they come into contact with. It follows their relationships as they test the limits of their newfound abilities. Eventually power corrupts leading the outcasted and abused main character to take his torment out upon the world, leaving it up to his friend to stop him.
Costumes? Not so much. The main characters wear the common attire of high school guys.
Super Powers? They gain telekinesis, which they develope into the ability of flight.
Showdown? Epic. One character transforms into the villain, killing and creating destruction. With one of the super powered trio being killed, it falls upon the other to take up the fight against his former friend. It ends with an aerial throw down with the two flying through downtown throwing a variety of things at each other telekinetically. Ultimately leading to the difficult choice of one having to kill the other. It's then hinted that this character goes onto be a traditional superhero type.
Chronicle is a surprisingly creative and engaging film. The special effects were handled well for being a found footage styled movie. And it showcased break out performances by both Michael B. Jordan and Dane Dehaan.
1) Unbreakable (2000)
Unbreakable tells the story of a security guard who has lost his purpose and fulfillment in life. After he is the sole survivor of a horrific train accident, he is contacted by a mysterious stranger who believes the survivor is a super powered individual. The film then focuses on this survivor discovering his abilities, and coming into acceptance of a greater destiny.
Costumes? Somewhat... The characters attire could be construed as superhero costume-like. The hero's green hooded rain coat, the villain's glass cane and purple inlaid trench coat, and the secondary villain's orange jumpsuit.
Super Powers? Well, our hero in one scene displays great strength he was unaware he possessed. He also has never been sick or injured. He also has some type of psychic intuition, were he can see an individual's bad deeds when he comes into contact with them. He even has a kryptonite-like crippling weakness in the form of water.
Showdown? The hero takes down an evil home invader. He then learns of the greater menace behind the scenes in the form of the manipulative Mr. Glass. Glass sets himself up as the intellectual polar opposite arch nemesis to the hero.
Unbreakable is a brilliant and underrated film. One of the first to take the themes of comic books serious. It was realistic, personal, and gritty, an approach many later superhero movies would emulate.
That's my second "Top" list, thank you for reading. Let me know what other films could fit this list's description. Again thank you.
ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.