On the heels of the first half of this summer's remarkable super-hero movie spree, and in anticipation of seeing "Dark Knight" and "Hell Boy 2", I wanted to put my thoughts in order (literally) about what I consider my personal top ten super-hero films of all time. So without further ado, here goes:
- Iron Man: This is the only super-hero movie I can think of that I like better than any comic book issue featuring the character.
- Batman Begins: The definitive Batman film, dark, dangerous, engrossing, cool, and fun all rolled up into one.
- The Incredibles: Often overlooked because it wasn't a comic book first, but this is a great, great genre film, with characters you really care about, special effects that are completely cool, and a perfect mix of humor and action.
- Spider-Man 2: I like Doc Ock as a villain in this movie, and although it didn't have as hot a moment as that upside-down kiss from Spider-Man 1, the action sequences and overall story line more than make up for it.
- Superman, The Movie: Would've ranked higher if not for that horrible song in the middle when he's flying with Lois Lane.
- X2: X-Men United: I like sequels better because you don't waste a lot of time having to lay down background, and this movie fills that added breathing room with fantastic action and super-hero goodness. The opening sequence with Nightcrawler bamf-ing around the White House is awesome. Plus, Halle Barry finally gave up on the accent, which was a blessed relief.
- The Rocketeer: Two words: Jennifer Connelly. She couldn't save Hulk, but she was younger and hotter here. Plus I thought the whole "pulp" genre needed representation on the list.
- Mystery Men: The best super-hero comedy, hands down. Of course there are only, what, three names on the entire list of "super-hero comedies", but still.
- Superman II: Right up there with "Wrath of Khan" on the "Great Sequels" list, I love the sheer ass-kickery of this film. I'd have ranked this higher if it hadn't been for Superman giving up his powers for Margo freaking Kidder.
- Batman: A bit dated (like the Superman movies), but I feel it deserves a spot both because Michael Keaton was so surprisingly convincing as Batman, and because it's just good fun. It definitely loses points for age and for the obligatory "hero reveals secret identity to hot babe" scene, but I think you can honestly say if it weren't for "Batman", few of the other super-hero movies would have gotten made.
I'd love to hear your top ten in comments, or what you think of this list -- additions, deletions, oversights, outrages, etc. And I hope I'll have to clear out two of them to make room for "Dark Knight" and "Hell Boy 2"!
1. Iron Man
2. The Incredible Hulk
3. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
4. X-Men 3
5. Batman
6. Mystery Men
7. Daredevil
8. Hellboy
9. X-Men 2
10. The Incredibles
DJ, I gotta say I am surprised to see “Daredevil” on that list. What did you like about that movie? I honestly couldn’t even finish it, and I’ve sat through some really bad films …
I dont know I just loved the whole movie. To me it was done really well and I have never been able to understand the hate people give it. The action sequences looked awesome and the story was done great in my opinion. I cant understand why people like Batman Begins though.
Awesome list, but I’m not a big fan of Spiderman 2. Superman the movie, maybe it’s because I had kid ADD but I couldn’t finish it.
One that EVERYBODY overlooks because it was in theaters for about five minutes was the brilliant The Specials, starring Robert Downey Jr. (yes, Iron Man dude), Thomas Hayden Church (yes, from the execrable Spider-Man 3), and Jamie Kennedy (from Son of the Mask). You can get it from Netflix.
“The Specials are the sixth or seventh greatest superhero team in the world.”
It reminds me a lot of my webcomic – The Adventures of the S-Team. [ / plug]
The Mask was another well-done superhero movie. And for a slightly different feel, I really liked Unbreakable. The Phantom and The Shadow were both wonderfully fun period superhero pieces.
Ian
Oh, and even though it wasn’t a movie, per se, the 2-season series of The Flash in the early ’90s was also great fun. And it’s hilarious to see their clunky computers in the labs. Very dated. But my kids love the show and Mark Hamill was a perfectly insane Trickster.
Ian again
1 – Iron Man: ‘Nuff said.
2 – Batman Begins: Loved it, and thought it was the best superhero movie until a certain iron-clad playboy came along…
3 – The Incredible Hulk: Mostly for Edward Norton’s performance.
4 – The Punisher: Just loved the movie, and I’m sad Thomas Jane isn’t back for the new movie…
5 – Superman II: Screw the first one! General Zod makes this the best Superman movie ever! Here’s hoping that the next Superman movies has the good General return!
6 – Raiders of the Lost Ark: Hey, it counts…It’s pulp, after all…
7 – Justice League: The New Frontier: Once more, it counts as well…If only for the fact Superman is out of the final fight, and Hal is the most powerful one there…
8 – Spider-Man 2: See Jeff’s reasons.
9 – Hellboy: Ron Perelman’s performance is perfect, and made me love the character and the movie.
10 – Blade: It brought me into Superhero movies, what can I say?