Most people associate superhero movies with the blockbusters released after 2000, starting with films like X-Men and Spider-Man, and then the Marvel and DC cinematic universes. While older movies, particularly those featuring Batman and Superman, are remembered, many other superhero films from before 2000 are often overlooked. These include lesser-known releases from Marvel and DC, as well as independent adaptations of comic books.
Before the flood of modern superhero films, there were some hidden gems. Here are seven superhero movies from before the year 2000 that deserve a second look, including early works from directors like Wes Craven and Sam Raimi.
7) Swamp Thing
Wes Craven, best known for directing horror hits like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream, also ventured into comic book adaptations early in his career. In 1982, he directed the first ever movie based on DC Comics’ Swamp Thing. The film featured a strong cast, including horror icon Adrienne Barbeau as Alice Cable, a character who aids Swamp Thing, and Ray Wise as Alec Holland, the man who transforms into the creature. While reviews were mixed upon its release, Swamp Thing became a cult classic and spawned both a sequel and a television series in 1990.
6) The Shadow
Created in 1931 by Walter B. Gibson, The Shadow is a classic pulp hero who actually came before Superman and Batman – by a full eight years! He’s appeared in various media over the decades, from radio shows and comics to publications by DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and Dynamite. In 1994, Alec Baldwin played The Shadow in a film directed by Russell Mulcahy (known for Highlander). Though the movie wasn’t a financial success, it’s a strong example of comic book noir, and fans of the genre will likely enjoy it.
5) The Phantom
I remember when The Phantom movie came out! The Phantom is one of those classic comic strip heroes, created way back in 1936. It was cool to see Simon Wincer – the guy who directed Lonesome Dove, which was amazing and won an Emmy – try a superhero movie in 1996. He went for a really flashy, over-the-top style and cast Billy Zane as The Phantom. It didn’t do great in theaters, but honestly, it became a huge hit on VHS and DVD, and now it’s a total cult classic! I still enjoy watching it sometimes.
4) The Toxic Avenger
In 2025, audiences saw a fresh take on The Toxic Avenger, starring Peter Dinklage as Toxie. But this remake wouldn’t have happened without the original film, which launched Troma as a major independent studio. The first movie tells the story of Melvin, a nerdy janitor in Tromaville who’s relentlessly bullied. After a particularly cruel prank, he accidentally falls into a drum of toxic waste instead of to his death, transforming him into the monstrous, yet heroic, Toxic Avenger. The film is a deliberately over-the-top, violent, and raunchy comedy aimed at adults, filled with bad jokes and plenty of gore. It was designed to be a cult classic, and it remains one to this day.
3) The Rocketeer
Many consider The Rocketeer to be one of the greatest superhero movies ever made, though it doesn’t get mentioned as often as it should. Directed by Joe Johnston (who also directed Captain America: The First Avenger), the film is set in the 1930s and follows a daring stunt pilot who finds a jetpack. He soon realizes both the FBI and Nazis—who stole it from Howard Hughes—are after it. The movie is a fantastic tribute to classic adventure serials and featured incredible practical effects for its time. It continues to be a favorite among sci-fi and superhero fans.
2) Darkman
Sam Raimi became well-known for directing the early 2000s Spider-Man films, but he’d actually hoped to make a superhero movie much earlier. Unfortunately, neither DC nor Marvel were willing to give him a chance at the time. So, in 2000, he created his own superhero story with the film Darkman. The movie stars Liam Neeson as Dr. Peyton Westlake, a scientist who is attacked and left disfigured, but who surprisingly loses all sense of pain as a result. Critics generally liked the film—it earned an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—and it led to a few sequels, though neither Raimi nor Neeson were involved. Darkman demonstrated Raimi’s ability to successfully blend the superhero genre with his established talent for horror.
1) The Crow
Despite being followed by several poor sequels, the 1994 film The Crow, directed by Alex Proyas, remains one of the most successful and unique comic book adaptations ever made. Based on James O’Barr’s graphic novel, the movie tells the story of a musician murdered and resurrected with supernatural abilities, seeking revenge. Brandon Lee delivered a fantastic performance in the lead role, tragically passing away during filming. While the sequels failed to live up to the original, this first film is a true standout, boasting a fantastic alternative soundtrack and a distinctive visual style that hadn’t been seen in comic book movies before. Many consider it the best superhero film released before the year 2000.
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2026-01-18 19:16