What are Superhero Movies?
Superhero movies are big-budget productions based on comic book characters that have been around since the 1930s, many of which define the modern-day mythology. The popularity of superhero movies has exploded in the past 20 years, with Marvel and DC Comics leading the way in terms of box office returns, profits, and particularly cultural impact. For example, The Avengers and Black Panther both grossed over $1 billion in box office sales.
This appeal of superhero movies is undeniable; stories about everyday people embodying superhuman strength and special abilities have been able to captivate audiences of all ages and unite them under a shared sense of awe and excitement. To that end, the presence of superheroes in our popular imaginations has been steadily growing, with a total of 88 Marvel and DC Comics movies released so far, and more on the horizon.
Are There Too Many Superhero Movies?
The answer to this question depends on whom you ask. Some people argue that superhero movies are oversaturating the market, leading to a certain level of fatigue for serious comic book fans. The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee, for example, has been a vocal critic of modern superhero movies, citing a lack of depth, creativity, and originality in comparison to the Marvel and DC characters of our youth.
And yet, the evidence suggests that superhero movies are here to stay and arguably even expanding their reach. A recent survey of over 5000 moviegoers in five countries found that 87% of them were more likely to watch a superhero movie than any other genre. And, as of mid-2021, the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) has grossed over 22 billion dollars in the global box office—an amazing accomplishment.
This is a prime example of how strong storytelling can continue to engage audiences, and how the need for escapism and entertainment has become increasingly important during difficult times. Superheroes serve as a reminder to audiences of the power of the human spirit and that even the most difficult tasks can be achieved through dedication and hard work.
At the same time, it is worth noting that there are many other genres and stories about heroic characters which could be used to inspire modern audiences. Thus, the conversation about superhero movies is also an opportunity to think more critically about both the stories we tell—and the ones we don’t.
The Fandom of Superhero Movies
The surge in fandom for superhero movies, in particular, speaks to their unparalleled ability to make us relate with their stories and themes. Whether it be Batman’s identity issues or Captain America’s loyalty-driven mission to do good, there is something for all of us in the vast array of superhero movies that can touch us on a personal level.
This has led to passionate fandom around the superhero genre, with many people eagerly anticipating each new movie, creating endless fan theories, and spending a tremendous amount of time discussing new developments in the franchise. Comic and movie conventions, too, have become an important part of the experience, allowing a community of passionate fans to come together to share their love of these stories.
Ultimately, the success of superhero movies must also be measured in terms of the impact they create beyond box office returns. In addition to providing entertainment and escapism, these stories have also been able to have a profound impact on our perceptions of morality and justice, as well as inspire people to do good in their own lives.
The Impact of Superhero Movies
Superhero movies can also be looked at from a psychological perspective, as researchers have suggested that the emotional power of these stories can help us to process traumatic events. In other words, these stories provide a sense of hope and catharsis that can often be hard to find in our daily lives.
Moreover, the success of superhero movies has created an unprecedented opportunity for representation, particularly in cultures and populations that were underrepresented in the past, such as Black and Asian superheroes, which often take center stage in many popular franchises.
In addition to exploring a variety of issues that are meaningful and relevant to the times, superhero movies—like all great stories—are able to evoke a deep emotional response in viewers, which has helped them remain popular, even during difficult times.
The Cost of Superhero Movies
While superhero movies can bring us together, they are also a major source of revenue for studios and producers. In fact, the cost of these movies can be staggering, with some estimates suggesting that a single film can cost upwards of $250 million to make. This figure is based on talent costs, production design, marketing, and other costs associated with creating a superhero movie.
In addition to financial costs, there have been concerns that superhero movies are also taking an environmental toll, particularly with the proliferation of special effects-driven blockbuster movies, which often involve far-ranging on-location shoots with an army of extras and technicians.
The same is true of the merchandise associated with these movies, which can include toys, apparel, and other items, many of which are produced on a larger scale than necessary and without any regard for environmental regulations.
Are Superhero Movies Here to Stay?
The future of the superhero movie genre is uncertain, but at least for now it appears that these stories are here to stay—at least for the time being. The sheer number of superhero-related projects in the works suggests that we are not close to the end of this cinematic phenomenon just yet.
Ultimately, the success of superhero movies cannot be measured solely in terms of box office sales, profits, or ratings. These stories are inspiring legions of fans to become passionate about their favorite heroes, to connect and bond over a shared love of these characters, and to believe in the possibility of heroes in their own lives.
The Short-Term Future of Superhero Movies
Meanwhile, the near future of superhero movies seems bright. In addition to the numerous sequels and spin-offs on the horizon, there are several new and exciting projects in the works. Disney-owned Marvel Studios, for example, is planning to debut a new superhero movie every single year for the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, Warner Bros. and other studios have announced plans to develop new standalone superhero movies with diverse storytellers at the helm. And, even beyond its cinematic presence, the superhero genre remains a mainstay in comics, television, and video games, guaranteeing that superheroes will continue to dominate the entertainment landscape for years to come.
Themes of Superhero Movies
Superhero movies are not just about the action, however; they often explore deeper themes that are relevant to our everyday lives. Examples include themes of loyalty and justice, truth and power, courage and justice.
On a larger scale, superhero movies often use their characters to tackle big questions about our world. The 2017 film, Logan, for instance, used its themes to explore immigration, poverty, and the implications of technological advancement. Similarly, Black Panther focused on the destruction of black communities, the importance of unity, and the power of reclaiming one’s heritage.
At their core, these stories often emphasize compassion, empathy and self-reflection, which can be seen in characters like Batman, who must reconcile his personal struggles with his calling to do what is right. Thus, superhero movies have the power to act both as escapist entertainment, but also to make us think and grow.
Altering Audiences Perception of Superhero Movies
The sheer wealth of superheroes and their unique stories has often caused audiences to be overwhelmed and confused, resulting in a certain level of fatigue. This fatigue is due, in part, to the nature of the genre itself, which relies heavily on characters and plotlines that are familiar to audiences.
However, there are also signs that audiences are beginning to demand more diverse and complex stories that go beyond the traditional tropes of the genre, such as gender, race and sexuality. The success of critically acclaimed films such as Black Panther and Wonder Woman, both of which feature strong female protagonists, suggest that people are increasingly demanding greater representation in superhero movies.
In addition, there is a growing appreciation for the thematic complexity of superhero movies, as stories start to reflect deeper societal struggles and contradictions that are often glossed over in other genres.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that superhero movies have become an essential part of the modern-day mythos. They have become a source of escapism for millions, an inspiration for many, and a reminder of the power of hope and courage in the face of great adversity.
The popularity of superhero movies shows no signs of slowing down and despite the challenges of making them, there is no denying that these stories are here to stay. They are powerful stories that can move us, inspire us, and make us think about the issues that matter to us.
