Top 10 GameChangers in Superhero Cinema
A list of the top 10 superhero films that changed and molded the genre into what it is, and what it is becoming.
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- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonJack NicholsonKim BasingerThe Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.Prior to 1989's "Batman," most audiences only thought of superheroes as fun and campy (especially if you look at Adam West 1960's interpretation of the dark knight). Tim Burton's "Batman" forever changed that narrative, showing that heroes and villains can be darker and more serious, and not look ridiculous doing so. This was also huge influence for the "Batman: Animated Series" (1992) that was a ground breaking superhero show that proved t.v. animation can be more adult focused as well.
However, the future of this series stumbled when Tim Burton left the directors chair after "Batman Returns" (1992). The series returned to its campy routes, which hurt it with both critics and audiences. It wasn't until the early 2000's that the superhero cinema evolved... - DirectorBryan SingerStarsPatrick StewartHugh JackmanIan McKellenIn a world where mutants (evolved super-powered humans) exist and are discriminated against, two groups form for an inevitable clash: the supremacist Brotherhood, and the pacifist X-Men.And evolved it did! While some may argue that "Blade" (1998) was the first Marvel movie gamechanger, it didn't quite reach the box office levels and audience impact that "X-men" (2000) did. "X-men" was the first superhero team up movie that was a summer box office hit.
Bryan Singer took these iconic heroes from the comics and placed them in a realistic sci-fi world. Many future directors, including Christopher Nolan, have praised "X-men" as being a major influence to them for showing that superheroes can live in our world and have real meaning.
X-men proved that superhero films can be entertaining, but also can delve into more serious subjects like persecution, racial conflict, etc. It was ground breaking, and sadly doesn't quite get the praise it deserves. Especially considering that the franchise is still going strong almost 18 years later. - DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstWillem DafoeAfter being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero and face a vengeful enemy.After the success of "X-men" many more studios started to bring comic book movies the foreground (particularly Marvel films). Sony hoped on board with "Spider-man" (2002).
"Spider-man" was a massive box office smash (probably the biggest since Tim Burtons "Batman), and one of the few superhero films at the time that appealed to all ages. Peter Parker (played by Tobey Maguire) was a lovable and relatable hero that many identified with. He taught us the iconic lesson "with great power comes great responsibility."
This film was an example of how to do a lighthearted and fun superhero film, that is also going for a more realistic approach. It paved the way for more sequels, but also was a major influence on the "fun and entertaining" tone for the future MCU films. - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.While I personally prefer "Batman Begins" (2005) as Nolans best Batman film, it would be hard to argue the level of influence that "The Dark Knight" (2008) had. This was the first superhero film to receive two major Oscar awards (including one for best supporting actor for the late Heath Ledger), and was a major success at the box office that joined the billion dollar club.
Nolan created a world that was dark, gritty, and real with almost no humor. The filming, action, and acting were all top notch and took a very stylistic auteur approach that wasn't seen before.
"The Dark Knight" has already gone down in history as one of the greatest films ever made, and continues to be on many top 10 lists. Sadly, its influence started to die down over the years as very few modern superhero films have taken an auteur approach. - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.While many MCU films, especially "Iron Man" (2008), made headlines at the box office, it wasn't until 2012's "The Avengers" that we saw how this promised movie universe actually worked. After watching films that introduced us to characters like Thor, Captain America, and the Hulk, we finally saw all of these beloved characters come together on the big screen.
"The Avengers" was the first movie that showed just how fun it can be to have all of your favorite superheroes onscreen together. While the story and filming isn't anything to brag about, the movie was entertaining and fun (which is clearly what audiences wanted since this movie easily joined the billion dollar club in its first two weeks).
Many studios followed the MCU format, including the DCEU and the XCU (which technically started before the Avengers...). If it wasn't for the success of "The Avengers" we would not have almost five or more superhero films coming out a year. - DirectorBryan SingerStarsPatrick StewartIan McKellenHugh JackmanThe X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.Many thought that the X-men series would just focus on making prequels after "X-men: First Class" (2011) was released. Little did we know that the series would bring back the original trilogy cast, while also building an "x-men cinematic universe" with the "X-men: First Class" cast.
"X-men: Days of Future Past" did something remarkable in how it gave satisfying closure for the original trilogy cast, but also did a "semi-reboot" to the franchise that has allowed it to "erase" past mistakes that fans weren't happy with (mainly from "X-men: The Last Stand" and "X-men Origins: Wolverine").
The film was also made with quality filming, acting, and an emotionally charged story that many consider to be one of the greatest (if not the greatest) X-men films yet. If not for "Days of Future Past," we may never have gotten more X-men related films and fresh ideas for this franchise... - DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattVin DieselBradley CooperA group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe."Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014) was the film that proved anything with the name "Marvel Studios" attached to it would be box office gold in our modern age. These characters were unpopular with mainstream audiences prior to the release of the film, but that didn't stop "Guardians" from becoming a major summer box office smash.
The film was such a success that other films that Marvel Studios made started to repeat its format of humor, action, and fun. Recent releases such as "Spider-man: Homecoming" (2017) and "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017) have all been hugely popular and followed a similar lighthearted humorous tone that "Guardians" established.
Marvel has also started taking risks in introducing more lesser known characters such as "Ant-man" (2015), "Black Panther" (2018), and "Captain Marvel" (2019) that prove that the studio is more confident in taking risks with lesser known characters after the success of this film. - DirectorTim MillerStarsRyan ReynoldsMorena BaccarinT.J. MillerA wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal yet hideously scarred, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.While there have been plenty of r-rated superhero films in the past, none ever reached the heights of "Deadpool" (2016). "Deadpool" was the first hard-core, raunchy, action superhero comedy that mainstream audiences flocked to. It was amazing how many people loved the "merc with the mouth" and how well received he was.
R-rated superhero films up until "Deadpool" were known for being overly dark and violent, but "Deadpool" enacted Marvel's formula of "fun" with an R-rated twist. The success of "Deadpool" even encouraged its filming company (20th Century Fox) to take more risks with its X-men franchise that has lead to "Logan" (2017) and "New Mutants" (2018).
Other studios, namely Sony, have also stated that they will make R-rated inspired films such as "Venom" (2018). It will be interesting to see if those films (and the upcoming "Deadpool" sequel) can capture the same magic as the first "Deadpool." - DirectorJames MangoldStarsHugh JackmanPatrick StewartDafne KeenIn a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.While "Deadpool" enacted a humorous and fun approach to an R-rated superhero film, "Logan" went full on dramatic and story driven western. "Logan" was an emotionally charged ending to Hugh Jackman's iconic performance as Wolverine.
Not since "The Dark Knight" (2008) has there been a superhero film with such Oscar quality storytelling, cinematography, and acting. "Logan" was a prime example of how well made and artistic a superhero film could be, while also proving that comic book movies are far from losing ideas and stories to tell. - DirectorPatty JenkinsStarsGal GadotChris PineRobin WrightWhen a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.While the DCEU remains very divisive among DC and Marvel fan wars, it would be hard to deny just how influential and successful "Wonder Woman" (2017) is. While the film treads old ground in storytelling such as Germans being the bad guys, as well as influences from films and stories such as "The Little Mermaid" and "Indiana Jones," it is well done and entertaining.
Perhaps what makes "Wonder Woman" a game changer is the fact that it is a female driven superhero film. In the past "Catwoman" (2004) and "Elektra" (2005) were the only attempts at making a female driven solo superhero film, and both failed critically and at the box office.
"Wonder Woman" has become iconic not only in that she won over critics and the box office, but it has also inspired many filmmakers (especially women) to pursue their dreams. It has encouraged studios to start investing in more female lead properties such as "Gotham City Sirens," "Batgirl," and "Captain Marvel." It will be interesting to see if "Wonder Woman" truly changes the game for female driven action films, or if she is just a one time fluke.