21 Years Ago Today, One of the Best Non-Marvel or DC Comic Book Movies Ever Released (& Its Sequel Was a Letdown)

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Although Marvel and DC are famous for their superhero films, one of the best comic book movies actually came out 21 years ago and isn’t part of either of those franchises. While comic book movies have a rich history, the genre is now largely defined by superhero blockbusters. With so many films in the Marvel and DC universes, those are usually the first movies people think of when they hear the term ‘comic book movie’.

Many comic book movies don’t focus on traditional superheroes. Films like Ralph Bakshi’s Fritz the Cat, based on Robert Crumb’s work, and the 2012 film Dredd prove this. These movies often aren’t suitable for families, much like Robert Rodriguez’s 2005 film Sin City, which was adapted from Frank Miller’s comic books. Sin City features a large cast, including Jessica Alba and Bruce Willis, and is structured as three separate, but connected, stories. Its dark, unique style significantly impacted how comic book movies were made.

Sin City Remains One of the Best Comic Book Movies Ever Made

Frank Miller’s Sin City began as a comic book series published from 1991 to 2000, known for its dark, gritty style. The movie is based on three of those comics and tells interwoven stories. One follows a former convict seeking revenge for his girlfriend’s murder, another centers on a tough police officer rescuing a dancer from a horrifying killer, and the third involves a private investigator assisting a group of prostitutes in their fight against the mob and crooked police officers.

While the storyline of Sin City might seem like something you’ve seen in crime films before, the movie is surprisingly original thanks to its incredible and captivating visuals. The cast is packed with stars, including Clive Owen, Rosario Dawson, Brittany Murphy, Elijah Wood, Mickey Rourke, Josh Hartnett, and Benicio del Toro, alongside Bruce Willis and Jessica Alba. But what really makes the film, adapted from Frank Miller’s work by Robert Rodriguez, stand out is its innovative and visually impressive use of digital photography.

Most comic book movies end up looking duller and less vibrant than the original comics, but Sin City successfully recreates the striking black-and-white style of its source material. Although Robert Rodriguez is known for his visually unique films, Sin City reached a new peak of polished artistry that he hasn’t achieved in other movies. The film truly feels like you’re looking at the comic book pages come to life, with all the impressive artwork that entails.

Sin City’s Long-Awaited Sequel Was Always Doomed To Be A Letdown

While the success of the original Sin City led to a sequel, 2014’s Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, it didn’t have the same impact. Despite featuring a strong cast including Josh Brolin, Eva Green, Lady Gaga, and Ray Liotta, the sequel didn’t earn back its $65 million production cost. Critics also found the second film less impressive than the first.

While some critics pointed to the movie’s length, weak writing, or its failure to match the intense violence of the first film, they missed the real problem. After Sin City revolutionized the visual style of comic book movies, films like 300 and The Dark Knight adopted similar techniques. By the time the sequel arrived nearly ten years later, this widespread imitation had diminished the original’s unique impact.

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2026-04-01 17:41