Lately, it seems like the genre of superhero movies has been facing some challenges. Despite earning huge sums of money, films like “Thunderbolts” and “Captain America: New World Order” suggest a decline in popularity within this category. Given the sheer number of superhero movies we’ve seen over time, it’s no surprise that audiences might be growing tired of them. Most of these films have been adapted from Marvel or DC Comics, but there are exceptions. Over almost half a century of studio-made superhero films, occasionally we receive one based on the intellectual properties of smaller companies like Dark Horse, or entirely original productions.
These are ten exceptional superhero films not tied to either Marvel or DC comic book origins. They range from original creations by innovative filmmakers to successful translations of lesser-known source materials.
1) Darkman
As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of ’90s sci-fi films, I’d be remiss not to mention Sam Raimi’s masterpiece, Darkman. This movie is a testament to creativity, boasting a unique concept that hooks you right from the start. Liam Neeson delivers an outstanding performance as the tragically scarred Peyton Westlake, a role that showcases his versatility and talent. Frances McDormand holds her own as Julie Hastings, displaying a resilience that makes her character endearing. Lastly, Larry Drake leaves an indelible mark with his chilling portrayal of the ruthless mobster Robert Durant – a performance that’s nothing short of spectacular.
The outstanding talent of Drake notwithstanding, what truly captivates audiences about Darkman is its core idea: a lone man strategically unravels a criminal empire by manipulating its members against each other. This concept is remarkably engaging, and it shines due to the masterful blend of action, science fiction, and a hint of horror – traits that reflect the director’s background, having directed two Evil Dead films prior and later directing the Spider-Man trilogy.
2) Unbreakable
As a movie critic, I’d say: “Though the impact of ‘Unbreakable’ was somewhat dulled by the lower quality of ‘Glass’, it remains a strong early work from M. Night Shyamalan, before his career hit a rough patch. However, ‘Split’, the first sequel (or almost sequel) to ‘Unbreakable’, demonstrated that this creative lull wouldn’t persist indefinitely.
In the end, “Unbreakable” shines more as a standalone movie. It tends to move at a brisk pace that might benefit from an additional 20 minutes, but the dynamic between Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson is palpable and undeniable. Jackson, in particular, delivers a captivating performance, making the twist concerning his character all the more surprising.
Stream Unbreakable on Hulu.
3) Mystery Men
Fundamentally, the movie “Mystery Men” was inspired by Bob Burden’s “Flaming Carrot Comics,” even though the Flaming Carrot character wasn’t featured in it. Instead, it was more about capturing the whimsical essence of those comics (which were under Dark Horse when “Mystery Men” was produced). Additionally, the protagonist of the movie possesses an unusual power that is largely ineffective.
The movie titled “Mystery Men” was initially a box office flop when it debuted in the late ’90s, but it has since found a home on cable television and amassed a considerable following among fans. This is not surprising given its distinctive appeal that continues to stand out even as the superhero film genre proliferates. Moreover, the film boasts an exceptional cast for a ’90s studio comedy, with Ben Stiller leading the pack as the most popular draw at the time. Supporting him were talented actors like Kel Mitchell, Paul Reubens, Janeane Garofalo, and Eddie Izzard, who added depth to the production.
4) The Incredibles
Among the top-notch superhero films not derived from any prior work, “The Incredibles” stands out as an exceptional production from Pixar’s golden era. Remarkably, “Incredibles 2” matches its quality.
What makes The Incredibles stand out, apart from its stunning animation and compelling narrative, is our deep affection for the five superpowered family members. Craig T. Nelson convincingly portrays Mr. Incredible’s discontent with middle age and love for his family, while Holly Hunter embodies Elasigirl’s strength and maternal instincts. Sarah Vowell brings a touch of melancholy to Violet, Spencer Fox makes Dash seem out-of-control, and Jack-Jack steals our hearts. However, it’s Edna who truly shines as the funniest character in any superhero film.
Stream The Incredibles on Disney+.
5) Super
As a newcomer to the realm of superhero filmmaking, I found myself diving headfirst into an exciting venture with the production of my first movie. Although my previous acting experience was in a sequel to the Toxic Avenger, this new endeavor felt like a fresh start.
While it’s true that this project might be more intense than some other superhero films such as the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy or Superman, I am proud to say that it is every bit as captivating and well-crafted.
The film is emotionally challenging due to the profound sympathy we have for Rainn Wilson’s character, Frank Darbo/The Crimson Bolt. His partner seems to prefer drugs and another man, his work lacks satisfaction, and he carries a heavy burden of regret and sorrow. The death of Elliot Page’s character, Libby/Boltie, might be the most startling departure of a superhero movie character, making “Super” particularly poignant and memorable.
Stream Super on Philo.
6) Hellboy
On different occasions, efforts have been made to restart the Hellboy series without Guillermo del Toro and Ron Perlman, with the latest attempt being “Hellboy: The Crooked Man.” However, it’s clear that this duo was the ideal fit for the role, and despite their success in bringing the character to life twice, it wasn’t expected that Hellboy would garner audiences as large as those drawn to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mike Mignola’s original material doesn’t possess the tone that typically captivates a vast audience.
Both films, “Hellboy” and “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” softened the tone from the comics but failed to generate enough box office success for a trilogy. Unfortunately, this is regrettable as they managed to attract viewers who weren’t familiar with Mignola’s work. However, the 2019 movie featuring David Harbour couldn’t replicate the same success, despite his best performance. Contrarily, it seems that the film missed its mark and was too grim compared to the original films.
By using a more conversational tone and breaking up complex sentences into simpler ones, I aimed to make the text easy to understand while still maintaining the original meaning.
Stream Hellboy on HBO Max.
7) The Crow
Amidst the era of reboots and revivals that we’re currently immersed in, it seems like everything from the past is being dusted off and given a modern makeover. However, there are instances where things should be left untouched as they were products of their time. For me, one such example is the iconic 1994 film, ‘The Crow’. Despite the dedication and talent of its cast and crew, the accusation by its original director, Alex Proyas, that the remake was a mere cynical cash grab rings true in my opinion.
Proyas’ rendition of Caliber Press comics offers a visually breathtaking, emotionally impactful gothic opus. The casting is spot-on, with the late Brandon Lee captivating viewers as the tormented undead rocker Eric Draven, Michael Wincott exuding chilling villainy as Top Dollar, and Tony Todd making a powerful impression as Grange, Tod Dollar’s trusted lieutenant. Furthermore, this film serves as an unparalleled demonstration of how a central theme like loss can be intensified by a poignant real-life production event.
8) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Many folks hold a special affection for the 1990 live-action version, but “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” stands out as the most exceptional adaptation of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s original work. This isn’t due to its adherence to the original tone, but rather because it’s incredibly entertaining (and visually stunning).
Mutant Mayhem is filled with high-energy action, jokes that appeal to both kids and adults, and a blockbuster movie experience. In contrast, the 2007 version of TMNT was an effort to bring the Turtles to life on the big screen, but it falls short when compared to this impressive 2023 film featuring a talented cast.
Stream Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on Prime Video.
9) Chronicle
A lesser-known superhero movie with potential to launch a series, “Chronicle” was a remarkable directorial first for Josh Trank. Regrettably, his second attempt, “The Fantastic Four,” led to him likely avoiding the genre in the future.
What makes Chronicle stand out is its focus on developing characters rather than displaying grand action sequences. Even when the action ramps up towards the end, we can understand the villain’s motivations and, to some extent, sympathize with him. However, he pushes boundaries too far for us to fully empathize with him, but the movie shows us how he ended up that way.
Stream Chronicle on HBO Max.
10) The Old Guard
Although there’s some debate about whether “The Old Guard” should have begun a trilogy, its excellent second sequel has certainly reinforced the quality of the initial film. It’s worth noting that it was delightful to see Charlize Theron in her first genuine comic book movie, following the more humorous original films like “Hancock” and the spy graphic novel adaptation “Atomic Blonde.” Two years later, she made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
One significant strength of “The Old Guard” lies in its authorship by one of the original comic book writers, Greg Rucka. His deep familiarity with the characters allows him to portray them authentically, and by the film’s end, we gain a compelling insight into the identities of these immortal warriors.
Stream The Old Guard on Netflix.
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2025-08-11 20:21