Superhero movies dominated the 2010s, and many studios capitalized on the trend. While the genre isn’t as revered as it once was, it is still incredibly popular, becoming so dominant due to the MCU, which began with Iron Man in 2008. Since then, they have racked up some of the most impressive superhero movies of all time, including Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther.
However, the superhero genre isn’t just the MCU; there are plenty more DC, other Marvel franchises, and third-party superhero films. That is why this list will highlight eight superhero movies that are better than anything the MCU has done, based on originality, writing, acting, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and overall quality. These superhero movies are the best of the best, arguably even greater than Avengers: Infinity War, often considered the peak of the MCU.
8
‘Wonder Woman’ (2017)
This may be a controversial entry, but Wonder Woman is better than most, if not all, MCU movies. Starring Gal Gadot, this film is the first modern live-action feature film of the character, detailing her origin story. When a man lands on Themyscira, Diana learns of a war in the outside world, and she leaves her home to fight for good and justice. However, she realizes that the one pulling the strings is Ares (David Thewlis), the god of war.
Most fans won’t agree with this, but the MCU hasn’t produced much that can top Wonder Woman, especially relating to female superheroes. The film is mature and subtle in its humor, avoiding snarky one-liners that ruin the flow of a scene. What’s more, it focuses on the First World War and Wonder Woman’s role in it. This singular approach created an original story that was both intriguing and well-made. Plus, the no man’s land scene was absolutely incredible, and Gadot featured her best acting.
7
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)
Animated movies are becoming increasingly popular, and the superhero genre has already produced a handful of hits, such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Fans can expect to see the prequel later on, but for now, this film takes place years after, with Miles establishing himself as Spider-Man. When he learns that an organization of Spider-People manages the multiverse, they disagree on one matter, resulting in a mad dash to stop Miles.
It may be Marvel, but it isn’t the MCU, and maybe that’s why Across the Spider-Verse was allowed such freedom. The humor and endearing characters built a comforting vibe, but the plot and villains added intrigue. The Spot is a fascinating character, and fans can’t wait to see what more he does in the final film. However, the real reason for its excellence is its animation and art, an explosion of creativity and detail that stands as one of the greatest animated films ever.
6
‘Superman’ (1978)
James Gunn’s Superman is the change that fans needed, but it isn’t better than everything the MCU has done. However, the first Superman movie, on the other hand, was groundbreaking and essential. It tells the origin of the character, from how he got to Earth, the fate of Krypton, his life in Smallville, and his debut as Superman (Christopher Reeve). However, notorious criminal Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) has a devious plan that Superman must stop.
Superman may be dated by today’s standards, but many aspects hold up, and some elements are even better than the modern-day superhero film. This movie feels straight out of a comic book, with an accurate story and bizarrely cheesy moments that fans can’t help but love. Superman is an essential part of the superhero genre, pretty much inventing the modern-day superhero film. It is an excellent origin story and stays true to the characters’ themes.
5
‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
This list is pretty much just Marvel and DC, but one third-party superhero movie snuck its way onto it: The Incredibles. After falling in love and starting a family, two superheroes stay out of the spotlight, hiding their and their kids’ powers from the world. But when a new threat slowly whittles down superheroes, the Parr family relives the golden days and comes out of retirement to save the day.
If anyone can make a better superhero movie than Marvel, it is Pixar, which created a defining film of the genre and animation. Despite being a kids’ film, The Incredibles is a mature deconstruction of the superhero genre, drawing on its family themes and its ethical message. This beloved, Oscar-winning film presents a relatable story for all ages with well-written characters, creating a new story that’s better and far more original than anything the MCU has done so far. The Incredibles is an animated masterpiece and a flawless superhero movie.
4
‘Spider-Man 2’ (2004)
A decent number of the films on this list are Spider-Man films, which makes sense since he is one of the most famous superheroes. So far, no other live-action adaptation of the character has topped Spider-Man 2. When a failed experiment turns brilliant scientist Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina) into the deranged supervillain Doctor Octopus, he blames Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) for the failure. Spider-Man must deal with this new villain, his struggling love life, his personal doubts, and a best friend who hates his alter ego.
Spider-Man has an excellent film history, and Spider-Man 2 is arguably the best, merging essential storylines into a flawless superhero film. The action is fun, but the character development and personal issues are fascinating to watch, especially with one of the best villains in any superhero film, brought to life with unhinged gusto by the mighty Alfred Molina. Tom Holland has been an excellent Spider-Man, but none of his movies has moved fans the way Spider-Man 2 has, truly being one of the defining movies of the genre.
3
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
This list just mentioned that Spider-Man 2 is the best movie for the character, but if it isn’t that, then it is definitely Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This animated classic follows Miles Morales becoming the new Spider-Man after Peter Parker died. However, he can learn how to embody the hero with the help of Spider-People from alternate universes. As he helps them get back to their world, Kingpin stands in their way for his dastardly goals.
There’s simply no other way of putting it: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a modern masterpiece, showcasing some of the best animation fans will ever see with unique visuals, stunning creativity, and mind-boggling detail. Plus, it tells a relatable, funny, impactful, and essential story. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn’t just better than the MCU; it may also be the best superhero or animated film, period.
2
‘Logan’ (2017)
The X-Men franchise is rich with incredible movies and stories, truly being one of the best parts of Marvel’s movie history. However, only one X-Men film is confidently better than everything the MCU has done, and that is Logan. Set in a barren future, mutants are persecuted, but Logan (Hugh Jackman) finds his meaning in protecting a little girl and helping her to a sanctuary. However, their mission isn’t easy, as they are hunted on the way.
Logan is the ultimate send-off to the X-Men universe, culminating in a tragic farewell and a bittersweet finale masterfully crafted. This impactful ending featured the best performances from Jackman as Wolverine and Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier — Oscar-worthy, some might even say. Fans finally get to see Wolverine in R-rated action, which was a bloody masterpiece. However, the writing, tone, and emotion present in Logan are more nuanced than anything the MCU could do.
1
‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)
Some fans may think most superhero films are better than the MCU, and some might think none are, but there is no denying that The Dark Knight is one of the best movies ever made. A new kind of evil hits Gotham City, with the Joker (Heath Ledger) trying to prove his twisted philosophy by torturing Batman (Christian Bale) and trying to make him the villain.
Christopher Nolan is one of the greatest directors of all time, so if anyone were to make the best superhero movie, it would be him. The Dark Knight stars the greatest villain in cinematic history, a flawless character from the acting to the writing to cultural relevance. This thrilling tale is a roller coaster of suspense, action, drama, and intrigue, proving to be the most fascinating superhero movie. The Dark Knight is much better than the MCU has, or will ever do, and quite frankly, it is unlikely any superhero movie will be better than it.
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