7 Must-See Non-Comic Book Superhero Movies: Ranked!

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It’s not always true that all films about superheroes are adapted from comic books. Although costumes like capes and masks often bring up images of characters from Marvel or DC, there are numerous movies featuring crime fighters that don’t fall under either category. These films span a variety of genres, ranging from horror to drama to comedy, even the absurdly funny ones. Movies based on comic books can be heartfelt tributes or clever satire, sometimes combining both. Given the close relationship between cinema and comics, it’s no surprise that some directors prefer to skip the printed page altogether and present their superheroes exclusively in movies.

Similar to how some superheroes in films derived from comics may not live up to Superman’s standards (now that he’s back in his costume), we’ve created a list of the top 7 non-comic book inspired superhero movies, arranged in order of excellence, to help distinguish between the “Shark Boys” and the “Meteor Men.

7) The Toxic Avenger

To put it plainly, let’s get straight to the point: “The Toxic Avenger” isn’t typically considered a “quality” film. It appears amateurish with a script that leans heavily on crude humor, and it contains excessive nudity and graphic violence. However, there’s an endearing quality to “The Toxic Avenger” that manages to overshadow these shortcomings. In fact, the character of Toxie is so appealing that this outrageous, adult-oriented production turned into a popular children’s cartoon in the 1990s.

As a cinephile hailing from the Garden State, I must admit that Ms. Marvel has certainly added another superhero to our roster, yet the Toxic Avenger remains an intriguing figure – the very first superhero to emerge from the horrifying depths of a New Jersey-born movie. He’s worth a watch, if only for the unique twist on the traditional superhero origin story!

6) Hancock

Instead of exploring the hypothetical scenario of Superman being evil, the movie “Hancock” poses a unique question: What if Superman struggled with alcohol? Unlike characters such as Homelander or Omni-Man, Hancock genuinely wants to aid humans; he just happens to be terrible at it. This premise, though seemingly straightforward, proves to have lasting appeal. Each instance where Will Smith stumbles while flying or accidentally damages property due to his drunken state brings a laugh.

In the end, the film “Hancock” tends to slip into a commonplace pattern for a superhero tale, shedding some of its original appeal. Nevertheless, it remains a side-splitting portrayal of a superhuman character grappling with typical human flaws.

5) Brightburn

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the “Anti-Superman” motif has been somewhat overplayed in recent years, but when executed skillfully, it remains a captivating premise. The film “Brightburn” undoubtedly ranks among the best to reinvent this concept.

In many ways, Brandon Breyer mirrors Clark Kent: he’s an extraterrestrial who landed as a baby in Kansas, raised by parents with traditional Midwest values, and endowed with divine powers. Yet, it is Brandon’s inherently malevolent character that sets him apart from the benevolent Kent. Despite his upbringing, Brandon was born evil to such an extent that no nurturing could alter his sinister disposition.

As a cinema connoisseur with a soft spot for the superhero genre, let me tell you that if you’ve ever fantasized about Superman turning into a terrifying horror movie monster, Brightburn is definitely the flick for you. Just a heads up, though: if gory eye-related scenes make your stomach churn, you might want to reconsider watching it.

4) Defendor

The little-known film titled “Defendor” is often overlooked yet stands out among superhero movies. Unlike many in its genre that portray the idea of ordinary individuals tackling crime, this movie offers something that films like “Kick-Ass” and “Super” lack – authentic emotion. The character Arthur Poppington, who dons a trench club from World War I and hornets in a jar as his weapons, stumbles in his attempts to combat crime under the alias Defendor.

Defendor” is humorous, heartfelt, and tragically overlooked. Give it a watch if you can, I promise it’s worth your time.

3) Darkman

Supporters of Sam Raimi might find it intriguing to discover that Spider-Man wasn’t his initial venture into the realm of masked crime fighters. More than a decade prior to handling the web-slinging superhero, Raimi initially introduced us to Darkman, a disfigured character who could craft synthetic skin masks mimicking anyone’s face, which dissolved after 90 minutes.

Darkman blends elements of Batman, The Shadow, and classic monster films from the 30’s and 40’s Universal Studios, all while drawing inspiration for its origin story from Swamp Thing. This unique superhero adventure is unlike any other film Sam Raimi has created before or since, offering a mix of the bizarre and brutal.

2) Unbreakable

When you ask many people about M. Night Shyamalan’s top film, they’ll likely respond with “The Sixth Sense“. Yet, those in the know recognize that his real masterpiece is “Unbreakable“. This movie isn’t just a tribute to the concept of superheroes, but also to mythology as a whole. It’s a thought-provoking, gradual drama that delves into what might happen if an ordinary, blue-collar individual were to discover he possessed extraordinary abilities.

Among the films on this list, what sets Unbreakable apart is Bruce Willis’s exceptional portrayal of David Dunn, a humble security guard who miraculously survives a train crash, hinting at his potentially superhuman abilities. If you haven’t watched this movie yet, I strongly recommend you correct that oversight as soon as you can.

1) The Incredibles

You couldn’t deny it: The Incredibles was destined for number one given its exceptional status as one of the finest superhero films, whether based on a comic or not. Moreover, it stands as the top Fantastic Four movie to date, serving as the benchmark that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be measured against when it premieres on July 25th.

The Incredibles” cleverly pays tribute to early Marvel comics in a heartwarming manner, yet simultaneously offers a family-friendly spin on the gritty themes of Watchmen, complete with exhilarating action sequences that match those seen in any high-budget live-action superhero film. This unique movie is as captivating for grownups as it is for kids, making it a timeless modern classic.

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2025-04-29 05:13