As popular as comic books and graphic novels are, superhero movies are even more so. They have managed to make tales of kindness and bravery available to a much wider audience. Due to this, everyone has their favorite superheroes nowadays, and this format has become a pop culture milestone.
Although there are a few standout pictures that were made before 2010, it’s no secret that the current decade is the most prolific era for superhero movies. Considering that many of the additions on the list are recent, you might have already caught them when they were playing at your local theatre.
In case you didn’t get the chance to see them, you can always rely on Netflixguides.com to incorporate them into its film selection if they’re not there already. They make great choices for any movie night and are a favorite of many. Without further ado, here are the 10 best superhero movies you need to watch right now (in no particular order).
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The Dark Knight (2008)
The second installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is perhaps the most beloved of them all. It holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and it has received praise from both audiences and critics alike. Even though the film is beautifully scripted and acted, perhaps the most notable performance came from late actor Heath Ledger in the role of the Joker.
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Deadpool (2016)
On a lighter note, Ryan Reynolds’ passion project Deadpool is another successful adaptation of the comics. The leading actor reportedly worked on the project for years on end, and it certainly paid off. The 2016 film is a fan favorite due to its perfect blend of fast-paced action, unapologetic comedy, and cutting satire.
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Logan (2017)
For those who were accustomed to the style of the classic X-Men franchise and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Logan will certainly strike a discordant note, but in the best way possible. In the aftermath of the battle of man against mutants, the latter are dwindling by the minute. What ensues is a race to save the species, played out in a unique fashion.
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Wonder Woman (2017)
Thanks to a solid script and Gal Gadot’s charismatic performance, Wonder Woman quickly established itself as one of the best superhero movies ever made. It’s the story of Amazon warrior princess Diana and her battle alongside man during World War I to defeat a common threat.
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Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
What happens when the unlikeliest group of intergalactic criminals comes together in the battle to save the universe? A lot of fast-paced, SFX-laden action ensues, with hilarity sprinkled throughout for good measure. Chris Pratt is half man, half alien, Bradley Cooper voices a talking raccoon, and Vin Diesel is a literal tree. Need we say more?
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Iron Man (2008)
One of Marvel’s best origin story films to date, Marvel’s 2008 Iron Man shows how playboy millionaire Tony Stark came to build his signature weaponized armor suit. It was the starting point of the very successful Avengers franchise, a superhero film series which has spawned countless story arcs onto the big screen thus far.
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Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
And speaking of the Avengers, no top ten would be complete without the film that brought them all together. In this 2012 cinematic experience, Nick Fury puts together a team of Earth’s mightiest heroes. They band together against Loki, the mischievous Norse god whose treacherous plan could destroy the world as we know it.
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Spiderman: Homecoming (2017)
Although many fans hold Tobey Maguire’s Spiderman close to their hearts, Homecoming is a true breath of fresh air for the beloved comic book character and his portrayals on film. The story arc that is portrayed isn’t the classic Peter Parker endangers and saves the girl who is either Mary Jane or Gwen Stacy, but rather one of his attempts at joining the Avengers.
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X-Men: First Class (2011)
The fifth installment in the already established franchise, X-Men: First Class serves as both a prequel, as well as a soft reboot of sorts. If you’ve ever wanted to see Professor Xavier’s origin story on film, this is your chance. Furthermore, it’s debatably the last good mutant film before 2017’s Logan.
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Superman (1978)
Naturally, the list couldn’t end without mentioning the first ever superhero flick ever made, namely 1978’s Superman. Done way back in the simpler days of cinema, the film is a true to form origin story which depicts how an orphaned alien from a planet far away came to be Earth’s greatest savior.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of whether you’re a DC or Marvel Comics enthusiast, you will surely find something on this list to suit your tastes. And even if you prefer one of them, don’t be afraid to dip your toes on the other side of the pond. The water won’t necessarily be warmer, but you will surely have a fun experience by stepping out of your comfort zone.
Featured Image Sources: Lemonade Magazine, Change.org, Letterboxd
