OK, let’s take a look at 9 super-hero films that have that special “something.” My choice of 9 instead of 10 is just a reminder to me that most super-hero films are not made to be great so there should be no surprise that there aren’t even enough good ones to make a top 10 list. I’m sure you’ll disagree with what I’ve got here so let me know what you think. Here we go!
#9 – Hellboy
Looking at the list as a whole I note that I’ve got some of the darker pieces in here. Hellboy is kind of grimy dark with a character group that may be better described as monster misfits than super heroes. Hellboy is, in fact, an non-malevolent demon working for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. The character is not a Marvel or DC creation (it was originally published by Dark Horse Comics) and he forms a much more interesting group around him than the Avengers. The Hellboy world is rich and odd with the story and it’s characters given as much attention in the film as the well crafted fight scenes it produces. A refreshing addition to the genre.
#8 – Thor
Thor is, for me, the Marvel hero that works the best in transition to full-length film. The co-mingling of Norse mythology into the super hero genre seems to fit well on film and provides a rich and surreal setting for interesting story telling. Another key might be the screenplay writing for Thor of Joe Straczynski who wrote for comics and graphic novels before teaming for big-screen efforts – he knows the craft and the two Thor stories to date are much tighter than the hubbub found in the other Avenger heroes’ movies. Thor is beautifully designed and the muscled Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, and Tom Hiddleston as the wickedly unpredictable Loki form a fascinating triangle among the 9 Realms.
#7 – Watchmen
Different is key here. Sourced from a graphic novel series, it's not quite clear what makes some of these characters super but they are super interesting. And they claim as a team member one of the most fascinating characters of any of my list of nine – Dr. Manhattan (who lives on Mars now I believe). Combine Dr. Manhattan and the Smartest Man in the World with a good story and a catchy ending and you have a memorable super-hero film – which is rare.
#6 – The Crow
Darkly dark. A risen-from-the-dead rock star with a crow as his guide – great starting point for a different type of super-hero film. Maybe most famous for the death if its star, Brandon Lee (son of Bruce Lee), during filming, the film is more scary than action-thriller. Gothic and Poe-like, it crosses horror and science fiction genres to give us a story of the anti-hero vs. a decaying society that is not easily forgotten.
#5 – Superman II
Best of all the Superman movies (how many are there now… 30?). The second sequel film I’ve put on this list – its just much better than the first good but not great Superman offering. Superman II gets right to it. With all the origin description and character building handled in the first installment, the cool trio of villains from Superman’s home planet propels the series to a significant acme. The oldest movie on my list lacks the special effects of the modern super-hero films, but its characters and story telling are much better than what we’ve been getting out of Marvel and DC lately.
#4 – Guardians of the Galaxy
What a joyous surprise. Anti-serious but surprisingly entertaining, Guardians gives a fresh breath to the genre with a dumb (sort of) lunk of a hero and his odd-ball gang of Guardians. Super big and colorful like the comic book it sprang from. Can’t wait for GOTG-II.
#3 – Spiderman II
Spidey has always been my favorite super hero and he hit his stride in this one. Great super villain (Doc-Ock is one of the best), great aunt, and great girlfriend – its like that vanilla coke. Every thing clicked in this one and the out-of-control train ending is superb.
#2 – The Incredible
Just a really good super-hero movie. Don’t get caught in not considering this since it’s Pixar animated. True, the story appeals to kids and adults (and adults who act like kids especially) – but it’s a really, really, really good film.
#1 – Batman Begins
My favorite of all the super hero movies. No cartoony stuff here - no Arnold as Mr. Freeze or DeVito’s sad attempt at a penguin. The show is elevated in my book by its seriousness and superb balance. It is a dark drama that is the best origins story of the super-hero genre. The action is surrounded by plot and character. It’s careful and precise. And they finally got it right with Bale as the Dark Knight.
