Introduction
With the increasing number of superhero movies being produced, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep track of the style, the plots and the overall quality. Many of them have become household names, and many more have been critically acclaimed and sparked a huge interest in the genre. While there is no definitive list of all superhero movies, we can look at some of the most popular and influential entries into the worldwide franchise.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been one of the biggest successes among superhero movies. Established in 2008, the franchise has produced an impressive array of 19 films by 2019. These films feature a wide variety of characters including Captain America, Iron Man and the Avengers. Not all of these films feature superheroes in the traditional sense, but they are all set in the same universe and they all feature characters who have special skills and abilities. Some of the highlights from the franchise include The Avengers (2012), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
DC Extended Universe
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is a rival franchise to the MCU, featuring iconic characters such as Superman and Wonder Woman. While the DCEU is smaller than the MCU, it still has an impressive selection of films. The films focus more on the characters’ backstories and psychological depths. Some of the films in the DCEU include Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman (2016) and Aquaman (2018).
Spider-Man
The Spider-Man franchise is one of the most iconic superhero franchises, first appearing in comic books in the 1960s. The character has been rebooted on the big screen numerous times, but the last two iterations of the character have been especially successful. The films, starring Tom Holland, focus more on the character’s teenage struggles and anxieties while still providing plenty of action. The two films in the series are Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
X-Men
The X-Men franchise first appeared in comic books in the 1960s, but its prominence was cemented by the successful film series from 2000 to 2018. This series features mutants with superhuman abilities who have to live with being feared and persecuted by society. The series tackles themes such as discrimination and social injustice, while providing plenty of thrilling action sequences. Highlights from the series include X-Men (2000), X-Men: First Class (2011) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014).
Other Popular Movies
There are many other popular superhero movies that deserve mention, such as Deadpool (2016), Logan (2017), Incredibles 2 (2018) and Shazam! (2019). These films feature an array of characters with unique powers and special abilities, and they are often extremely entertaining and engaging.
Lesser Known Gems
Aside from the popular entries, there are many lesser known gems that are worth mentioning. Films such as Chronicle (2012), The Losers (2010) and Super (2010) provide interesting insights into the genre and feature refreshingly unconventional protagonists.
Influence Of Superhero Movies
The world of superhero movies has grown exponentially over the past few decades, and its influence can be felt in all aspects of pop culture. From comic books to video games and even TV shows, the influence of superhero movies is far-reaching.
Impact Of Superhero Movies
Superhero movies have had a profound impact on the culture, from inspiring children to pursue their dreams to highlighting important social and political issues. They have also provided an escape from reality and a sense of hope in dark and uncertain times.
Legacy Of Superhero Movies
The legacy of superhero movies is undeniable, as they have become some of the most successful and beloved films of all time. They have become touchstones in popular culture, inspiring legions of fans and providing a platform for the exploration of larger themes.
Final Thoughts
While there may not be a definitive list of all superhero movies, the genre has provided us with some of the most memorable characters and storylines of the past few decades. Superhero movies offer us escapist fun, but they also have a lot to say about the real world and the power of the individual. In the end, superhero movies have an impact on us all and will continue to be an important part of popular culture for many years to come.
