The best superhero movies: 25 great comic book films to watch in October 2024

Thor’s third solo movie was a marked departure from his previous standalone adventures, but I and many other MCU fans believe it breathed new life into a character in desperate need of reinvention. It’s easy to see why director Taika Waititi’s fresh approach gave the God of Thunder his highest-grossing film yet. Colorful backdrops and funny moments blend well with the movie’s more serious story threads, which helps to inject some originality into Thor's movie series. It also set up Infinity War’s universe-shattering events in its mid-credits scene, so Thor: Ragnarok’s wider importance can’t be overlooked, in my opinion.

Wonder Woman was one of the DCEU’s best films. I agree that doesn't amount to much, what with how poor many of its contemporaries were, but the Gal Gadot-led flick is nonetheless a fantastic watch. Set during World War I, Gadot plays Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, who helps the Allied Forces turn the tide of the conflict and thwart Ares, the god of war, in the process. Comparable to Captain America: The First Avenger due to its period setting, Wonder Woman does a better job of portraying the gravity and consequences of war. It feels grittier and more hard-hitting than Marvel’s film, but Patty Jenkins’ flick isn’t all gloomy. There’s a lot of humor to be had, while Gadot’s chemistry with Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor is a particular highlight. If you can look past its lackluster, CGI-heavy finale, Wonder Woman makes for entertaining viewing.

James Gunn’s first MCU movie is the blueprint that his other superhero films – this movie's two sequels and DCEU entry The Suicide Squad – owe their success to. Led by Pratt’s charismatic Star-Lord, this ragtag group of loners become galactic saviors as they look to halt Ronan the Accuser (Pace) from committing planetary genocide. Like The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 is packed with jokes, emotional story beats, and solid action sequences. Its charming cast are all on song here, catapulting this previously niche band of superheroes into the limelight and making them an important component of the Marvel movie-making machine. Oh, and it has a banging licensed soundtrack to boot, too, which I've played to death on Spotify.

Fox’s second X-Men movie series – learn how to watch the X-Men movies in order while you're here – was ultimately marred by some dreadful entries. However, early on, it had two of the franchise's best movies. The first of those was First Class, the Cold War-era film that put the series back on the right path after the dreadful X-Men: The Last Stand. With a suspense-ridden plot, powerful acting performances, and a stylish retelling of the X-Men origins story, I found First Class to be a welcome return to form for the film series. It laid the foundations for an even better movie to come, too, before things went downhill soon after.

Animated superhero films are sometimes as good, if not better, than their live-action brethren. And few are as wonderful as Pixar’s The Incredibles. It captures the weight of expectation of being a superpowered being, with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone struggling to let go of their crime fighting days. Meanwhile, the first duo's children (Violet and ‘Dash’) have to hide their abilities from the world. Thematically, it’s a surprisingly dense film as well – the movie’s villain, Syndrome, is also afflicted by insecurities. The Incredibles, though, is far from serious. It’s packed with numerous laugh out loud moments, top-tier animation, and a family-friendly tale that’ll equally entertain adults and kids. Stick one of the best Pixar movies on ASAP.

Deadpool may never have been made if its test footage hadn’t leaked online in 2014, but I'm delighted it did. The Ryan Reynolds-starring film changed the game when it came to R-rated superhero movies, with the likes of Joker, Logan, and Deadpool and Wolverine owing their development to this pioneering flick. An inventive origin story that mocks superhero movies that came before, Deadpool is a superbly self-aware flick that does justice to the Marvel fan favorite. Sure, some of its humor comes across as childish and its ending is fairly standard for a superhero movie, but Deadpool demonstrated that there’s room for mature, radical takes on superheroes, and I'm certainly keen to see more.

Coming three years after their live-action debut, X2: X-Men United was bigger and bolder than its predecessor. Building on the plot threads laid out in 2000’s X-Men, it introduced more fan-favorite mutants, upped the stakes and action sequences, and its cliff-hanger ending teased the arrival of the Dark Phoenix, aka Jean Grey’s villainous persona. X-Men 2 has been surpassed by other mutant-based movies since. For its time, however, I considered it to be the benchmark for similar movies moving forward (until Spider-Man 2, at least) and a rare example of a comic book film that bettered its older sibling.

The oldest movie on this list, Christopher Reeve’s first appearance as the Man of Steel is still my favorite Superman movie to date (2025's Superman film might change that, though). Yes, it looks dated compared to modern superhero movies and some of its dialog is corny. But, for its time, Superman: The Movie was a crowd pleaser that blended comedy and drama in a way that other movies seldom could. It’s old fashioned in its approach but, for me, that’s what makes it great. Superman is an old fashioned creation – he was developed in the 1940s – and Superman: The Movie reflects that. It was, and still is, a nostalgic tribute to one of DC Comics’ most iconic heroes.

This time-spanning team-up between different X-Men generations is a dazzling entry in Fox’s now defunct universe. Days of Future Past combined the best elements of the series – namely, its two first-rate casts – and provided each character with their moment to shine. For a movie that contains 19 superheroes spread across different time periods, that’s no small feat. Add in a satisfying story that’s revisionist in bringing dead characters back to life (spoiler: I'm still not over Xavier’s death in The Last Stand), X-Men: Days of Future Past is a terrific fan service-style superhero film that had me beaming from ear to ear.

Iron Man kickstarted the MCU in 2008 and Marvel hasn’t looked back since. Robert Downey Jr’s electric and charismatic portrayal of Tony Stark is, for me, unrivalled in the superhero space, and the film as a whole is a surprising spectacle. It possesses a strong supporting cast, quality CGI that still holds up, and feels grounded for a movie centered on a billionaire arms dealer-turned-superhero. Above all, though, Iron Man is just fun. There’s a zestfulness to it that runs through subsequent MCU movies and, while it isn’t perfect (its final battle isn’t great), it pioneered the blueprint on which all Marvel films are built. A welcome addition to our best superhero movies article and one I won't be replacing for some time, if ever.

With tensions bubbling under the surface since The Avengers, the Russo brothers used their second Marvel movie to tear the superhero group apart in devastating fashion. A mini-Avengers movie, Captain America: Civil War is the cinematic showdown that I didn’t know I wanted. Like Days of Future Past, it juggles the MCU’s superhero line-up with aplomb. It even has time to introduce Black Panther and Spider-Man, making them feel part of this world ahead of their own first solo outings. With thought-provoking themes surrounding family and friendship, and a number of top quality set pieces, Civil War maintained the MCU’s push to become the world’s biggest film series in an era where, in mine and many other fans' opinions, it could do no wrong.

With the first film’s experience under his belt, Tim Burton’s second Batman outing was an equally dark but more entertaining spectacle. Michael Keaton captures what makes Batman such a complex character, but it’s the movie’s supporting cast that outshines him. Indeed, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito, and Christopher Walken’s performances as Catwoman, The Penguin, and Max Shreck remain iconic to this day, providing a mix of playful seduction, horror-like threat, and whimsicality to proceedings. It’s a pity that we didn’t see some of them in a Batman Returns sequel, instead receiving a lesser movie (sans Keaton) in 1995’s Batman Forever. My suggestion? Stick to this best superhero movies entry if you want your Keaton Batman fix.

Before his return as James 'Logan' Howlett/Wolverine in Deadpool and Wolverine, everyone (myself included) were convinced this R-rated X-Men spin-off was Hugh Jackman's final hurrah as the adamantium-clawed hero. Regardless of whether it was or not, though, I consider Logan to not only be one of the best X-Men movies ever, but also one of the best superhero movies. Yes, it's incredibly violent and somewhat grimdark in its tonality, but Logan is also a deeply resonant and heart-wrenching story about survivor's guilt, found family, and legacy. For me, Jackman gives his best performance as the iconic superhero in this movie; the Australian actor anchoring this movie alongside captivating turns from its strong supporting cast (newcomer Dafne Keen and esteemed star Patrick Stewart, though, are notable highlights) in a film that'll make you laugh, wince, and cry.

Some people may ask why Spider-Man: No Way Home features so high on this list, but I believe there are many reasons why Tom Holland's latest Spidey film sits 12th in our best superhero movies guide. The return of iconic villains, which includes Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin and Alfred Molina's Doc Ock, its heart-wrenching tale, underappreciated humor, brutal battles, and exploration of Spidey's darker side, No Way Home is a celebration of everything that I love about the webslinger. Add in cameos from those two characters – if you know, you know – and I couldn't leave No Way Home off this list Another Spider-Man film may have explored the wallcrawler's multiverse first (and arguably better, too – but more on this later) but No Way Home is an excellent MCU entry that superbly honors Spidey's silver screen adventures. Check out our Spider-Man movies ranked guide to see how it fares against its brethren.

The MCU didn’t require a refresh in 2014, but Cap’s second solo movie gave it one anyway. An espionage thriller wrapped in superhero clothing, Captain America: The Winter Soldier was the first Marvel movie to truly dabble in another genre. And, to my surprise, it actually worked. The Winter Soldier allowed Marvel's cinematic juggernaut to take a step back from its previously CGI-heavy visuals to focus on greater character development, political intrigue, and frenetic close-quarters combat. Few Marvel films have come close to replicating The Winter Soldier’s realism, even in a world of superheroes, which makes it a standout entry in the eyes of many, including mine.

I'll never forget seeing this movie for the first time. A ground-breaking moment for the genre, The Avengers showed that superhero movies can deliver a spectacle to rival any film. Witty and action-packed, Joss Whedon's team-up flick is a pulsating ride that knows when to ease off the gas or go full throttle. Each hero gets opportunities to showcase their talents and, in bringing the mischievous Loki back into the fold, solidified the trickster god as the MCU’s first truly great villain. The Avengers is not only a Marvel fan’s dream, but also possessed the ability to appeal to a mass audience, which didn't hurt the MCU's chances on its journey to becoming a cinematic juggernaut. The one Marvel movie that not only changed the game, but also proved that superhero team-ups can work on the silver screen.

Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is, The Batman notwithstanding, the closest thing we’ll get to Batman in real life. Batman Begins is a smart, compelling, and brooding neo-noir adaptation that definitively captures the character’s essence, psychology, and motivations in minute detail. It’s these elements that sets Nolan’s trilogy apart from other Batman productions, despite it being another retelling of the character’s origin story. It wouldn’t be long until it was usurped by its successor, and it isn’t a faultless film (Bruce Wayne and Rachel Dawes’ interactions lack chemistry). But, if you ask me, Batman Begins is a brilliant movie that offered a different cinematic take on the icon to what we’d seen before. A worthy entry in our best superhero movies list and one of the best Batman movies ever produced.

Widely considered the best Spider-Man film until late 2018, Spider-Man 2 has everything I wanted from a superhero flick at the time. Boasting one of the genre’s most tragic and complex villains in Molina’s Doc Ock, Spider-Man 2 is an emotionally gripping story about father figures and letting go of the past. Its hugely satisfying set pieces – I was bowled over by that exceptional train fight sequence – also make for a great spectacle. Few movies, superhero-based or otherwise, can match its blend of action, comedy, horror, and drama. It’s just a shame that Spider-Man 3 couldn’t elevate Sam Raimi’s trilogy even further, otherwise I'd consider it to be up there with Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy as an epic non-MCU or non-DCEU film series.

Top-tier Batman movies are a dime a dozen – there's still one more to come in this list, too – but few can hold a candle to Matt Reeves' 2022 film adaptation. The Batman, which stars Robert Pattinson as the titular vigilante, is a stupendous flick that just gets everything that's great about the Caped Crusader. From its authentic portrayal of the superhero's detective skills – an often overlooked aspect of the character in previous movies, in my view – and its soaring score, to its thematic resonance, powerful acting performances, and brutal action, The Batman has laid down a marker that all future Batman flicks must meet. Read more about my thoughts on it in my review of The Batman. Once you've seen it, check out its first spin-off in The Penguin, too.

A phenomenal flick that blazed a trail through the cultural zeitgeist, Black Panther’s impact extends far beyond that of superhero movies. Indeed, it transcended the genre as much as it embraced traditional superhero fare, offering representation to Black viewers who, Blade aside, didn’t have a live-action superhero to call their own. Iconic performances from the late Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa and Michael B. Jordan’s Eric Killmonger will live long in the memory, but Black Panther is more than its protagonist and villain’s Shakespearean tale. I see it as an emboldening and electrifying triumph for Black filmmakers, actors, crew members, and viewers worldwide – and that should always be celebrated. Its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is equally terrific, albeit it's a more somber and angst-riddled affair that suffers from Boseman's obvious absence.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a visually stunning superhero film that, in some ways, is superior to its predecessor (more on this movie shortly). Honestly, I regularly find myself running out of superlatives for this gorgeous looking, deeply emotional, and highly amusing flick. It's a darker, more mature take on the webslinger's six decades-spanning source material that also seems to take its narrative cues from Raimi's horror-tinted webhead-centric trilogy. And, with its impressively stunning cliff-hanger ending, and dynamic animation and art styles – have I mentioned how beautiful it is yet? – it deserves a spot in the top five of our best superhero movies list.

Delivering a highly satisfying conclusion to the MCU’s Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgame is as absorbing, moving, and joyful as I hoped it would be. Its three-hour runtime flies by whether I'm watching for the first or 20th time – proof it’s a well-paced movie that slaloms intricately through its numerous story threads, action sequences, and more intimate moments. Avengers: Endgame is a victory lap for the MCU’s most beloved heroes and, with plenty of fan service that both diehard and more casual fans will revel in, it’s a fitting end to the MCU’s first decade. One of the best superhero movies and best Disney Plus movies of all-time.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse had no right to leave me awestruck over how utterly fantastic it is. Yet, here it is, beating the likes of Avengers: Endgame to enter our top three. If that doesn't tell how much I love this film, I don't see what else I can do to explain why that's the case – but humor me, dear reader, and let me try. For one, its eye-popping comic book-inspired art style is ground-breaking, but it isn't the only reason why I adore Into the Spider-Verse. It's also hilarious, inventive, heartfelt, full of exhilarating action sequences, and has a terrific voice cast of newcomers and established stars who deliver sensational performances in their respective roles. Oh, and it even tackled the idea of the multiverse long before Marvel Studios did (and better, may I add), which is no small feat for a movie that exists outside of the MCU. 

One of the best superhero movies ever made, The Dark Knight is a rich, thrilling, and epic crime drama that refuses to let go of your attention as it builds towards its nightmarish and tragic conclusion. The late Heath Ledger’s Joker is the firecracker that ignites it, with his posthumous award-winning display elevating The Dark Knight from a very good superhero flick to an explosive blockbuster that'll emotionally stun you (as it did to me). To only mention Ledger’s performance, though, is a disservice to the rest of the cast, crew, and Nolan’s meticulous crafting of a tense and massive-scale superhero movie. It’s deeper and more evocative than its predecessor, and set a new standard for how any film – not just those from the superhero genre – should be designed, developed, shot, and produced. See where it ranks in our best Christopher Nolan movies list while you're here.

The cream of the crop. Avengers: Infinity War is a sweeping and shocking masterpiece that juggles the MCU’s dizzying array of heroes as they attempt to thwart Thanos’ genocidal plan in a race against time. The result is a hugely captivating but ultimately harrowing film where, in a rare occurrence, the villain is victorious. It’s a shocking play by the Russo brothers, who were directing their fourth Marvel movie, and provided the MCU with its most traumatic and memorable finale ever (I won't forget how deflated I felt as I left my screening after seeing how it ended). With its emotionally complex antagonist, intimate and extravagant battles, pulsating score, and jaw-dropping sequel set-up, Infinity War is a wildly ambitious superhero film that hits the right notes despite its innumerable moving parts. Simply put, it's one of the best Marvel movies and one of the best superhero movies, if not the best, ever – and I'll argue that until the end of time.