Things have moved around a lot on the site this past week with me finally moving the site to a self host (Bluehost for those who care) and have also shifted this top 10 series to Thursday for the time being. With Superman flying back into the multiplexes this week in Man of Steel, I thought I’d take a crack at ranking the top 10 superhero films of all time. I often get asked about my thoughts regarding superhero films, mostly to do with my apparent terrible lack of overwhelming love for the Dark Knight saga, and indeed you will not find any of his films on this list. There are some odd choices but I tried to factor in nostalgia, characterizations, and impact, so check it out!
10. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Reason: My childhood in a nutshell, the whimsy and sheer foolishness of the show distilled into a film
Best Scene: Ninja Falcon Megazord is formed
9. Unbreakable
Reason: For being a superhero movie that doesn’t call attention to itse;f, Bruce Willis’ great performance
Best Scene: The train crash
8. Iron Man
Reason: RDJ’s magnetic turn as Tony Stark, a compelling hero’s journey, Favreau’s smooth direction
Best Scene: Iron Man’s escape from captivity
7. Batman
Reason: For being dark without being bleak, stirring performances and Tim Burton’s eye for weirdness.
Best Scene: The Joker explains his face
6. Watchmen
Reason: It’s a graphic novel come to life with incredible visuals and a cynical world view
Best Scene: Anything involving Rorshach
5. Superman
Reason: It’s the template for big budget action with a rousing score and great performances
Best Scene: Superman saves Lois from the helicopter
4. The Punisher
Reason: It’s an origin story without all the trappings of one, vivid characterizations, Thomas Jane
Best Scene: “We’re family”
3. X-Men 2
Reason: Maybe the best ending of any film on this list, introducing familiar elements in an organic way, gives every character time to shine
Best Scene: Jean Grey lifts the jet
2. The Incredibles
Reason: Pixar at it’s best, skewring and celebrating superheros, sense of wonder and family dynamics
Best Scene: The Jungle escape
1. Spider-Man 2
Reason: It’s the best superhero film ever made and one of the best sequels, pushes its series forward in an organic way, compelling villain, great action, fleshed out character motivations.
Best Scene: Battle on the L Train