10 Superhero Movies Worth Watching For Their Stories

Key Takeaways

• Superhero movies have evolved beyond simple narratives, exploring new depths and moral ambiguities in characters and storylines.
• Classic superhero movies like Superman (1978) and Batman: The Dark Knight set the standard for storytelling and character development.
• Innovative films like Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse bring refreshing narratives and heartwarming messages to the superhero genre.

Superhero movies have thrived in the past couple of decades, becoming more popular among audiences. With many films becoming box office successes, the genre has attracted a lot of attention and criticism, gaining the fame for being superficial and predictable. Yet, the expansion of the genre also brought so many changes to superhero movies that have expanded beyond the simplistic narrative it was once known for.

While the genre may have been defined by certain story tropes and shared comic-book related elements in the past, it continues to grow more complex. With a plethora of superhero movies available for audiences, there are certain titles that just innovate through its narrative, relying mostly on its story and writing, rather than the hero’s pzaaz and popularity. While some titles play beautifully inside the narrative box, others venture out of it with unique plotlines. Like any other genre, some superhero movies are worth watching for their story alone, bringing an entertaining narrative wrapped up in a superhero cape.

10 Superman (1978)

A Classic Story That Survived The Time Test

• Release: December 11, 1978
• Director: Richard Donner
• Runtime: 143 minutes

There is a reason Superman has become the pop culture reference for so long, with the 1978 movie adapting a classic origin story of an alien sent to Earth who becomes its worthy protector. Featuring a well known superhero, this movie plays it safe with a classic depiction of the hero’s journey.

While there have been other great adaptations of the hero, this one offers a narrative that is hopeful and simple with great characters and a plot that still holds up despite the many years since its release. Overall, the movie does not aim to innovate on its narrative, but it tells a story masterfully, helping establish the cinematic genre.

9 Spider-Man 2

A Spider-Man Adventure That Brings New Depth

• Release: June 30, 2004
• Director: Sam Raimi
• Runtime: 127 minutes

With a superhero as popular as Spider-Man, there will always be a polarizing perspective on the best portrayal, yet in terms of story, Spider-Man 2 continues to charm viewers with a great story. Not only diving deep into superhero tropes, it also introduced a character-driven perspective to the genre.

It may not stand out in more recent superhero movies, but the installment not only gave Peter Park depth as he struggles to reconcile his alter ego and personal life, but it gave moral ambiguity to the villain. Notwithstanding its many iconic scenes, the story embraces the comic book perspective while adapting it into a movie that went beyond the established format.

8 Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

An Entertaining Story To Bring About An Event Movie

• Release: July 30, 2013
• Director: Jay Oliva
• Runtime: 75 minutes

There have been plenty of event movies that rely solely on fan-service and big action sequences, yet it is possible to have a great narrative that stands on its own. In The Flashpoint Paradox, Barry Allen (A.K.A. The Flash) has to deal with a timeline that has been changed by a supervillain.

As one of the best animated DC movies, this animated feature is able to encompass the best of the DC universe, showcasing how an event movie can handle multiple storylines in an all-encompassing narrative.

7 Captain America: The Winter Soldier

A Spy Thriller Superhero Movie That Sets Important Discussions

• Release: March 13, 2014
• Director: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
• Runtime: 136 minutes

At a moment when the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) started growing, portraying mostly origin stories that fit their narrative cookbook, Captain America: The Winter Soldier did something new with its story and format. Regarded as one of the best MCU movies, its high-quality storytelling brought a spy-like perspective to the title that offers depth to characters and their relationships.

While there are many reasons to watch this movie, including its great action and fighting scenes, the plot alone is able to carry it to its esteemed position. Bringing polarizing topics like surveillance and ethics around superheroes, this movie’s storylines are prominent and interesting, further establishing Captain America in a complex universe.

6 Watchmen

A Faithful Representation Of Imperfect Superheroes

• Release: February 23, 2009
• Director: Zack Snyder
• Runtime: 162 minutes

Even though some superhero movies try to stand out by deviating from source material, Watchmen proves this is not necessary. Its closeness to the source material only makes this a more compelling story that renders the inner psyches of flawed superheroes who reunite after one of their old teammates dies.

Besides being recognized for its visual flare as one of Zack Snyder’s best movies, Watchmen really shines due to its well-written script and faithful narrative that stands out among superhero stories.

5 The Incredibles

A Family Of Superheroes Bring An Original Concept To The Genre

• Release: November 28, 2004
• Director: Brad Bird
• Runtime: 115 minutes

It is tough to step into the superhero world without an engaging source material to base it on, yet this Disney Pixar animation was able to make a name for itself, despite not being a Marvel or DC story. In a world where superheroes have become outlawed, this powerful family takes on a suburban lifestyle, despite missing their crime-fighting days.

Exploring collateral damage and the accountability of superheroes before it became a popular discourse, The Incredibles brought a story that inspired so many others. With an original concept, diverse characters and a heartwarming message, The Incredibles deserves to be appreciated by kids and adults alike.

4 Unbreakable

• Release: November 22, 2000
• Director: M. Night Shyamalan
• Runtime: 106 minutes

Unbreakable might not be the first movie that comes to mind when talking about superhero films, yet it manages to depict a narrative that falls both inside and outside the genre’s boundaries. Following a comic book expert that has a disorder that causes his bones to easily break and his counterpart who survives a train crash without a scratch, this movie is a love letter to superheroes.

Like other M. Night Shyamalan movies, this comes with a great plot twist that makes the narrative even more enthralling and worth watching. Commentating on the genre’s fallacies, it presents relatable characters and a great origin story in a movie that encapsulates within its narrative what superhero stories are all about.

3 Logan

An Emotional Sendoff With The Best Of Wolverine

• Release: February 24, 2017
• Director: James Mangold
• Runtime: 137 minutes

While the X-Men movies were filled with ups and downs, Logan represents the franchise at its highest point with an emotional story to give a send-off to a character with an unmatched legacy. Based on a popular comic, the movie is set in a future where Logan has given up until he meets Laura, his female clone.

As one of the best r-rated superhero movies, it does an amazing job with fighting scenes and bringing brutality that is needed for that character. Yet, what makes this movie stand out is its narrative, which positions a flawed and defeated superhero that rises to the occasion when it matters the most, adapting perfectly one of the best Wolverine storylines as a beautiful ending to the character.

2 Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

A New Story That Plays On Innovation And Tradition To Create The Perfect Spider-Man

• Release: December 14, 2018
• Director: Rob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman
• Runtime: 117 minutes

There have been quite a few iterations of the web-headed superhero in the cinema, yet this animated film is probably one of the best adaptations. While its sequel was just as adored, this Oscar winner sets forward a new story regarding the hero as it depicts the young Miles Morales trying to step into the shoes of the incredible Spider-Man.

Into the Spider-Verse definitely stands out for its breathtaking visuals and iconic soundtrack, yet its narrative is what makes this movie one of the best superhero movies out there. With a heartwarming message and a focus on a relatable character, it balances perfectly the use of common tropes and complex techniques that make it a true superhero story.

1 Batman: The Dark Knight

A Complex Narrative That Brings Depth To Batman’s Story

• Release: July 18, 2008
• Director: Christopher Nolan
• Runtime: 152 minutes

Showcasing a depth that a lot of superhero movies lacked at the time, The Dark Knight is not only one of the best cinematic renditions of Batman, but it is also an all-around masterpiece, regardless of its genre. With a psychological perspective to the narrative, the story of The Dark Knight is entertaining and profound, bringing brutal reality to a superhero story.

Pushing the boundaries of the genre, it showcases a relationship between hero and a complex villain in a well-woven plot that explores humanity’s true nature. Without reinventing the wheel, this movie brought a new depth to the iconic character in a groundbreaking story brought to life by incredible visuals, performances and characters.