The First Superhero Movie Ever Was Released Over 100 Years Ago Today

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It’s easy to assume superhero movies are a recent trend, especially with the huge success of the Marvel and DC universes. But superhero films have actually been entertaining audiences for over a century! These stories of heroes protecting people, battling villains, and saving the day – often with incredible powers and a touch of mystery – have a long history. While the genre is more popular now than ever, it all started with a surprising film that influenced both movies and comic books – and that film is celebrating its 105th anniversary today.

Released on November 27, 1920, The Mark of Zorro is an important film in the history of superhero stories. While often labeled a “swashbuckler” – an adventure film full of sword fighting and heroic characters – it’s also a clear example of an early superhero tale. Zorro existed long before the superhero genre was formally defined, but the film helped pave the way for it. Directed by Fred Niblo and starring Douglas Fairbanks and Noah Beery, this silent film is based on Johnston McCulley’s novel, The Curse of Capistrano. It tells the story of Don Diego Vega (Fairbanks), a master swordsman who returns to Spanish California to find its people mistreated by the rich and powerful. Outraged, he creates the masked persona of Señor Zorro, becoming a champion for the common people and leaving his signature “Z” mark on those who do wrong.

The Mark of Zorro Helped Popularize the Idea of the Superhero… and is Key to Batman

Zorro is considered one of the first superheroes because he fought for ordinary people against unfair and powerful enemies, all while hiding his true identity. The story of The Mark of Zorro also cleverly shows Don Diego struggling to balance his normal life with his adventures as Zorro, and he even uses this contrast for comedic effect. He intentionally acts clumsy and unassuming as Don Diego to impress Lolita Pulido, who is captivated by the heroic and charming Zorro.

Zorro, made famous by the film adaptation, significantly influenced the development of comic book characters, most notably Batman. Although Batman wasn’t directly based on Zorro, his early stories borrowed elements from Zorro and The Shadow to create the vigilante’s persona. This influence became so ingrained that it’s now considered part of Batman’s official history. The story of Bruce Wayne witnessing his parents’ murder after a movie is central to Batman’s origin. Initially, the movie wasn’t specified, but Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns #1 later revealed the Waynes were watching the 1940 film The Mark of Zorro, starring Tyrone Power – a clever reference to a character and movie that greatly shaped one of comic’s most iconic heroes.

Zorro Continues to Inspire

As a film buff, I always get a kick out of spotting references, and it’s fascinating how Matt Reeves used the 1940 The Mark of Zorro as a little nod to Batman’s beginnings. But honestly, it’s the original 1920 version that really fueled the creative spark. That film was a game-changer for swashbucklers. It didn’t just feel like a period piece; it blended classic romance with a more modern energy. That combination created a really dynamic style of storytelling – almost a template – that we still see echoed in action and superhero movies today. You can definitely feel the influence of The Mask of Zorro in so much of what comes after it.

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2025-11-27 17:14