Superhero movies have been a popular genre of film for decades, but there are those who don’t like the genre. This may be due to various reasons, such as the lack of realistic plotlines, the often cliched storylines, or sometimes just because they don’t find them to be entertaining enough. Whatever the case may be, those who don’t like superhero movies don’t need to feel left out when it comes to movie night.
One of the main reasons why people don’t like superhero movies is that they can be quite formulaic. As film critic Roger Ebert put it in a review of Spider-Man 3 back in 2007, “Each movie has a pretty much identical structure: a collection of villains with their individual motivations, a parade of spectacular special effects, an exhaustive array of digital enhancement, and the occasional dollop of sentimentality”. This type of formulaic approach can grow tiresome after a while, so it’s understandable why some people might get bored of superhero movies.
Other people might not like superhero movies because they can often be overly dramatic and centred around a battle of good vs. evil. While this may be an integral part of the genre, depending on personal taste it can get can be a little too much. As Professor of English Deborah Thomas pointed out in a research paper in 2020, “Superhero movies can feel quite heavy-handed in terms of their moral weight, with no room for grey areas”. This might be too much for some people who prefer a subtler approach with their movies.
It’s important to remember that everybody is entitled to their own preferences, and so those who don’t like superhero movies don’t need to feel alienated from the rest of the movie-going public. There are plenty of other genres to explore, and there’s even a chance you’ll end up enjoying a superhero movie one day. But if that’s not for you, there’s no need to force it.
Romantic Comedies
For those who don’t like superhero movies, romantic comedies offer a more light-hearted genre of film. These films often revolve around fun romances between the two leads, as well as comedic moments that appeal to a broad section of movie-goers. Rom-coms can provide a much needed break from the often intense action of superhero films, and can even offer a welcome dose of escapism.
One of the best-loved rom-coms of all time is When Harry Met Sally, which was first released in 1989. The movie takes place over several years, and follows the characters of Harry and Sally as their friendship turns into something more. Not only is it a funny and charming story, but it also makes a concerted effort to explore the complex dynamics between its two main characters. As a result, the film has become a classic and shows why the genre still resonates with audiences today.
Independent Movies
If you’re not fond of superhero films or romantic comedies, then independent movies could be the genre for you. As the name suggests, independent films are typically made with a small budget and are not part of a larger studio production. This gives indie films room to explore more unique and challenging storytelling, and to try and push the boundaries of a certain genre.
An example of an acclaimed indie movie is The Farewell, which was released in 2019. The story follows a young Chinese-American woman who finds out her grandmother has been quite ill and decides to visit her in China. Despite the small budget, this heartfelt movie resonates with audiences due to its intimate and richly detailed look at the lives of its two leads.
Documentaries
Documentaries are also an interesting and engaging alternative to superhero movies, and provide fascinating insights into different aspects of the world. From sports to science, to politics and beyond, documentaries cover a huge range of topics. They can even become as exciting and immersive as a fiction film, as seen with the excellent Icarus, which won an Oscar in 2018.
Furthermore, documentaries often present unique perspectives not seen in other genres and allow us to delve deep into a subject. We can learn the ideas and beliefs that people have, as well as the social issues surrounding them. The Look of Silence, for example, examines the impact of the genocide in Indonesia in the 1960s by following an optometrist as he meets those affected by it and trying to get an understanding of the events that occurred.
Sci-Fi Movies
Sci-fi movies are an exciting and imaginative alternative to superhero films. Although there is some crossover between the two genres, sci-fi films generally take a more theoretical approach, and delve into the notion of time-travel and space exploration. Such stories can take us on exhilarating journeys and make us think more deeply about the possibilities of the universe.
An excellent example is Interstellar, which was released in 2014 and directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie blends a science-fiction narrative with a more personal drama, as it focuses on a group of astronauts travelling through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. With a mix of hard sci-fi themes and more emotional character arcs, it is a great example of film-making at its best.
Thrillers
Thrillers can also be an entertaining and suspenseful genre for those who don’t like superhero movies. Such films often involve elaborate plots with twists and turns, and arguably require more of the viewers’ attention than other genres. Thrillers may also contain scenes of violence or intense psychological scenarios, making them a great way to escape from the real world and get immersed in something different.
Gone Girl is a great example of a thriller and provides a gripping story with a shocking twist. Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, the movie revolves around a mysterious disappearance and follows a couple’s marriage as it falls apart. It is a classic thriller that is both thrilling and thought-provoking in its examination of a troubled marriage and the public perception of it.
Animation
Animation is not just for kids, and can be great for adults who don’t like superhero movies. Animation can often be funny and entertaining, while also exploring interesting themes and tackling complex stories. The beauty of animation is that it can take us to almost any environment, be it to a sci-fi space station or a medieval kingdom.
One of the standout animated movies in recent years is Coco, which was released in 2017. The movie is set in Mexico and follows a young boy who is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a musician, despite his family’s disapproval. From its stunning animation to its heartfelt story, Coco is a terrific example of how animation can be used to tell an emotional and meaningful story.
