It’s entirely expected that James Gunn will create a follow-up to the Superman movie, but what’s a bit unexpected is the swift timing of its release.
Today, Gunn – the screenwriter, director of Superman, and joint CEO of DC Studios – shared on social media that the upcoming sequel is set to debut in cinemas in July 2027. This means it’s just under two years until its release!
He shared an image, featuring a Jim Lee artwork of Lex Luthor in his iconic purple and green armor from DC Comics, along with David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman.
Title confirmation for the upcoming movie: “Superman – Man of Future” set to hit theaters on July 9, 2027.
Superman is also known as ‘The Man of Tomorrow,’ though not as well-known as ‘The Man of Steel.’ The latter was the title of Zack Snyder’s initial Superman film featuring Henry Cavill. This lesser-known nickname, however, remains popular within DC Comics. The comic book series titled Superman: Tomorrow’s Man (an alternate version of ‘Superman: The Man of Tomorrow’) made its debut in stores in 1995 and lasted for 16 issues.
The nation’s capital, DC, has come out with a comic featuring Superboy, titled “The Future Man.” A well-known Superman tale shares the same tagline – “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” penned by Alan Moore in 1986. This story served as a goodbye to the initial phase of Superman’s continuity before his history was reworked during the Crisis on Infinite Earths. However, it is unlikely that James Gunn’s narrative will borrow heavily from this plotline, given its dissimilarity to any elements in his first Superman film. But then again, surprises are always possible!
In the United States this year, Gunn’s Superman ranks third in box office earnings, following The Minecraft Movie and the remake of Lilo & Stitch. Globally, it stands as the seventh highest-grossing film of 2025, amassing $611 million so far.
Superman 2 (henceforth Superman: Man of Tomorrow) opens in theaters on July 9, 2027.
Every DC Comics Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
46. Catwoman (2004)
Halle Berry learns that her beauty company’s new product is harmful, leading to her untimely death at the hands of her superiors as part of a cover-up. In an unusual twist, she is resurrected by cats and assumes the role of Catwoman – a legendary feline figure who has been protecting the world throughout history. Berry’s character, Patience Phillips, now combines cat-like traits in her fight against crime (occasionally instigating it as well). She demonstrates exceptional agility, always lands on her feet, is an extraordinary basketball player, enjoys stealing jewelry, employs a whip, makes cheesy basketball puns, and has a fondness for leather – much like a real cat.
The film’s director, Pitof, originates from a visual effects background, which unfortunately results in better-looking DC films being scarce. However, Catwoman stands out as the most poorly edited movie ever made. Not only does the entire cast wear the same clothes for two consecutive days, but it appears that scenes from the first day were reused to create the impression of two separate days without any additional filming. This odd assortment of peculiar decisions and incompetence makes Catwoman a must-see for enthusiasts of bad movies.
45. Jonah Hex (2010)
In simpler, more conversational terms:
Jonah Hex from DC Comics is a tough cowboy with a scarred face, typically fitting for a Western hero. A movie based on him should have been fantastic, with Josh Brolin playing the role in a spaghetti-western style plot, making him an action-packed gunslinger. However, the film took a strange turn by granting him supernatural abilities (like talking to the dead) and unrealistic, over-the-top weapons that matched its outlandish storyline. The only reason it’s not last on this list is due to its short length. Unfortunately, it’s only 80 minutes long because it has been severely cut up, making it hard to understand. Jonah Hex is such an unusual and catastrophic failure that even Wild Wild West looks like a classic compared to it. And just like Wild Wild West and its lead actor…
(Note: The comparison to The Searchers is left out as it may not be easily understood without context.)
44. Suicide Squad (2016)
In this movie, if the Suicide Squad wasn’t present, neither would the main conflict that they are tasked to resolve. The antagonist is a rebel member of the Suicide Squad, and a significant part of the plot revolves around saving a secret character who, as it turns out, is the mastermind behind the Suicide Squad. Essentially, in this film, the Suicide Squad serves as both the root and the remedy for all the story’s issues, similar to how Homer Simpson describes alcohol. Although the original idea for the movie might have been well-structured by director David Ayer, the final version of Suicide Squad was edited down so much that it resembles shredded cabbage more than a coherent film. A note of warning: The “Extended Cut” won’t improve the movie. In fact, making Suicide Squad longer was probably not what it needed.
43. Steel (1997)
In this heartfelt yet humorous action film, Shaquille O’Neal steps into the role of Steel, a Superman sidekick who temporarily took over during the 1990s in the DC Comics universe. With Superman notably absent, the storyline had to undergo significant changes to accommodate Steel’s origins. Shaquille certainly embodies the physical presence required for a superhero role, and he seems to be enjoying himself immensely. However, the script is filled with self-referential jokes that often break the fourth wall – such as Shaq missing basketball shots and shrugging, or Richard Roundtree making humor about Steel’s hammer’s shaft. Moreover, the Steel costume appears poorly designed, which gives the movie a feeling less like a genuine film and more like an overly long, disastrously unfunny Saturday Night Live sketch.
42. Supergirl (1984)
In the years prior to the 1980s, when the original Superman’s source had completely depleted, filmmakers created a spinoff focusing on Superman’s cousin Kara Zor-El, portrayed by Helen Slater. This story followed Kara’s journey from Argo City, an unusual location hidden at the bottom of a Earth lake and existing within inner space. The narrative revolves around Kara’s quest to retrieve a crucial MacGuffin that powers her home.
In this film, Superman (played by Christopher Reeve) is mentioned as being absent, though a poster of him can be seen in a college dorm room. The only other reference connecting this movie to the original Superman films is a brief appearance by Marc McClure’s character Jimmy Olsen. Despite Helen Slater fitting well into her role, the film, titled Supergirl, is largely forgettable unless you are particularly fond of Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of a New Age witch-like character. And boy, does she embody that character quite extensively throughout the movie.
41. Green Lantern (2011)
In the world of comics, die-hard fans often become agitated when adaptations deviate too much from their cherished original stories. A common counterargument to this preference is presented by the film ‘Green Lantern.’ This movie attempts to squeeze an extensive amount of DC’s intergalactic police force lore and the magic rings they wield into a mere 114 minutes. While it introduces characters like Tomar-Re, Kilowog, Abin-Sur, Sinestro, among others, the abundance of content results in shallow character development, leaving insufficient screen time for Hal Jordan (played by Ryan Reynolds) and his life on Earth before or during his transformation into the protector of Sector 2814. Peter Sarsgaard portrays Hector Hammond convincingly as a telekinetic monster with what appears to be a large growth on his forehead; however, it is hard to believe that he is on equal footing with Blake Lively’s Carol Ferris, who plays a character 16 years younger than Sarsgaard, despite their characters being supposedly long-time companions in the story.
40. Justice League (2017)
It’s disappointing that Justice League, intended as a climactic finale to a connected narrative, fell short and marked a low point for its cinematic universe. Initially directed by Zack Snyder, he left due to personal matters, and Joss Whedon stepped in. The end product lacks the signature style of either filmmaker. The editing is haphazard, the tone inconsistent, and the main antagonist, a generic CGI character, lacks depth or motivation beyond the cliché of world domination. Interestingly, Snyder’s original cut is now available on HBO Max, but the initial release of Justice League will forever be remembered as one of the weaker DC films.
39. Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)
Though it has a notorious reputation, the production company handling Superman’s franchise at the time was known for exploiting movies. Consequently, the budget for “The Quest For Peace” was significantly reduced – approximately $17 million compared to the original film’s $55 million budget a decade prior. Despite these limitations, Gene Hackman delivers an impressive performance as the villainous Lex Luthor, there are enjoyable fight scenes, and Christopher Reeve pours all his energy into Superman’s confrontation with his toughest adversary yet: The impending threat of nuclear war.
38. Superman Returns (2006)
In this rephrased version, I’ve aimed to maintain the original meaning while making the text more conversational and easy to read:
“One standout moment in ‘Superman Returns,’ featuring Brandon Routh as Superman saving an airplane from crashing, is among the best superhero movie scenes. However, the rest of the film seems overly focused on recapturing the atmosphere of the first two Superman films directed by Richard Donner, despite being made much later without the original cast. This results in a slightly stiff or museum-like feel; it’s faithful but lacks energy. To make matters worse, the most intriguing aspect of the plot is abruptly dropped as a surprising twist near the end of the third act, which could have provided an exciting focus for the entire story.
37. Batman and Robin (1997)
In my opinion as a film enthusiast, despite being infamously blamed for the demise of the ’90s Batman series, Batman & Robin still manages to entertain with its inherent campiness. It’s almost like watching a cheesy masterpiece! Now, I must admit, Arnold Schwarzenegger does dish out a plethora of ice-related puns that might make you shiver. But isn’t there something irresistible about a good ice pun?
Similarly, Uma Thurman’s portrayal of the seductive Poison Ivy is anything but subtle, yet there’s an undeniable allure to her character. And who can forget the slinky, sensual Uma Thurman?
George Clooney’s relaxed demeanor as Bruce Wayne might seem out of place, but isn’t it refreshing to see a superhero enjoying his high-flying lifestyle? After all, what’s not to love about a man who dons a giant rubber bat suit?
So, whether you label it awful or not, I can’t help but revisit this film time and again. Even the much-ridiculed costumes from the Schumacher era, particularly those infamous pronounced nipples – let’s face it, they’re quite noticeable – can’t deter me from appreciating the stylish design of Chris O’Donnell’s Nightwing-inspired suit. It stands out as one of the best in DC movie history, in my book!
36. Batman Forever (1995)
Nestled precariously between Burton’s haunting Gothic horrors and the flashy extravagance of Gotham City depicted in Batman and Robin, we find Batman Forever. This film elevates its predecessors with grander design (enlarged fins on the Batmobile, exaggerated Bat-muscles) and performances. Batman engages in life-or-death battles with Two-Face, portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones, and the Riddler, played by Jim Carrey. Both actors compete fiercely in a theatrical battle to deliver the most outrageous performance ever seen on screen. (It’s worth mentioning that Jim Carrey wins this contest.) Val Kilmer delivers an intriguing portrayal as Batman; he’s less warm-hearted than Michael Keaton and more reserved compared to George Clooney. One hopes for more of Kilmer in this role, but not necessarily in this specific film.
35. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
In this somewhat illogical follow-up to the iconic Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot and Chris Pine reprise their roles, providing the standout moments amidst a rather sluggish sequel. Set in the 1980s, the storyline finds Diana going up against the villainous oil tycoon Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) and the formidable Cheetah (Kristen Wiig). There are several thrilling superhero scenes, such as a chase through the desert, but there is also an excessive amount of aimless wandering throughout.
34. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
In the second installment, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” there’s a noticeable lack of enchantment compared to the engaging original. The first movie centered around our teenage superhero and his creative exploration of his new abilities. However, with the mastery of powers under control, this sequel struggles to offer compelling reasons for its existence. It overloads on special effects but often falls flat in humor attempts. On a positive note, Helen Mirren seems to be enjoying her role as one of the Daughters of Atlas.
33. The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)
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32. Constantine (2005)
This modern, wittily eerie supernatural suspense story may not resemble the classic Hellblazer comics or their somber anti-hero in tone and appearance. If you are attached to the old Hellblazer series, this might be a few drawbacks for you initially. However, it manages to offer an enjoyable experience, with its dark humor adding to its charm. Keanu Reeves delivers a decent performance, but Constantine would have benefited from more Tilda Swinton as the archangel Gabriel.
31. Joker (2019)
The countless Oscars that this film might win won’t change my mind about it being just another Scorsese-like tale, dark and dismal, overdone with excessive gloominess. Yes, Joaquin Phoenix delivers an intense and terrifying performance as Arthur Fleck, the tragic clown character – but he’s shown even more depth elsewhere, particularly in roles similar to this one about disturbed individuals turning violent due to their mental health issues. Moreover, there are at least two other portrayals of The Joker that we find more captivating than this one. So, I’ll pass on watching it.
30. Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
The movie deliberately provokes the audience who enjoyed Arthur Fleck’s transformation into Gotham City hero, replacing his turmoil with courtroom scenes and extravagant musical performances. While the idea of putting the first film on trial and casting Lady Gaga as an unhinged Joker fan is intriguing, Folie à Deux fails to capitalize on these concepts, and the songs (perhaps intentionally?) lack impact.
29. Black Adam (2022)
Dividing Black Adam from Shazam results in a gloomy, gruff anti-hero lacking the contrast of the optimistic Billy Batson. Dwayne Johnson has been waiting patiently for his opportunity to embody this character, and he exudes strength that could easily destroy a plane with nothing but his bare hands. However, Black Adam mainly provides impressive visuals amidst an uninspiring superhero origin story, barely hinting at a theme suggesting power corrupts.
In a more conversational tone: Playing Black Adam apart from Shazam leaves us with a grumpy, brooding anti-hero who lacks the cheerful influence of Billy Batson. Dwayne Johnson has been waiting for years to embody this character, and he certainly looks powerful enough to shatter a plane with his bare hands. Unfortunately, that’s about all Black Adam offers – some eye-catching visuals in an otherwise dull superhero origin story with a faint suggestion of the idea that power corrupts.
28. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
In the DC Extended Universe, two long-standing allies, Batman portrayed by Ben Affleck and Superman played by Henry Cavill, have their first encounter and end up fighting each other. Batman accuses Superman of causing the destruction of Metropolis during the events depicted in “Man of Steel,” a claim that could hold some merit. However, the competitive dynamic between these two iconic figures escalates to an overly masculine level in “Batman v Superman.” This results in moments that border on self-mockery. After watching this movie, it seems unlikely we will ever take the character named Martha seriously again.
27. Man of Steel (2013)
As a film enthusiast, I find myself longing for a more personal touch in the portrayal of Superman in “Man of Steel.” Young Clark Kent lamented the vastness of the world, but his loving Ma replied with wisdom that perhaps it was within his power to make it smaller. Zack Snyder might have benefited from heeding this advice, as the movie seemed to struggle grasping the essence of its title character amidst an overabundance of World Engines, collapsing structures, and hostile Kryptonians.
Perhaps Snyder aimed to present Superman not as a beacon of hope and inspiration, but rather as an alien outsider whose presence could potentially pose a greater threat to humanity than a savior. At the very least, this fresh perspective on the character is intriguing.
26. Superman III (1983)
In an era dominated by blockbuster superhero movies requiring cosmic conflicts, colossal stakes, and spectacular visual effects, it’s refreshing to appreciate a film as modest and intentionally whimsical like “Superman III”. Elements of this flick are reminiscent of a Tati-style comedy, where Superman occasionally transverses, resembling the adaptation of an eccentric Metropolis comic issue. Moreover, some scenes serve as subtle yet poignant criticisms of capitalism – a system Superman has long been engaged in combat since his initial escapades. To top it off, the film is hard to completely dismiss when Superman becomes villainous and performs a petty act like correcting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, seemingly just to vex an unassuming souvenir vendor. Oh, what a jerk Superman can be!
25. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
The conclusion of the DCEU comes unexpectedly with Aquaman at its center, even though it’s not the best portrayal of the character. This sequel is disjointed and inconsistent, as if two separate movies were stitched together to create a confusing theater release. The relationship between half-brothers Arthur (played by Jason Momoa) and Orm (Patrick Wilson) provides some comedic relief, but the movie seems to have been edited haphazardly, leaving gaps in characters like Amber Heard’s Mera or Nicole Kidman’s Atlanna. The ending might not be what fans hoped for, but given the overall performance of the DCEU, it sadly feels fitting.
This version maintains the original meaning and style while making the text easier to understand for a wider audience.
24. Superman II (1980)
Fans adore Terence Stamp and his iconic line “Kneel before Zod!” to such an extent that they overlook the fact that the rest of the film, “Superman II,” is a disorganized mess. Even elements from the original “Superman” film like the chemistry between Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder in their screwball-comedy scenes seem out of place in this sequel. Superman’s preoccupation with showing Lois his Fortress of Solitude leads him to ignore three Kryptonian supermen taking over the Earth, which seems strange given his super hearing. It’s puzzling that despite possessing magic amnesia kisses, teleportation abilities, and projectile chest emblems in this film, Superman would apparently lack awareness of these powerful beings conquering the planet, considering he has super-hearing. (Note: Both cuts of the movie lack quality.)
23. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)
The initial DC Comics movie served as a precursor for the 1950s “Adventures of Superman” TV series starring George Reeves, who portrayed Superman. Although the special effects are generally poor – the fearsome “Mole Men” are simply small individuals wearing black turtlenecks and bald caps resembling eggheads – the narrative effectively conveys the ethical principles that define Superman. It showcases his courage in protecting a vulnerable little boy from mob violence, while George Reeves skillfully embodies the compassionate essence of Clark Kent more than any other actor in history.
22. Birds of Prey (2020)
The movie “Birds of Prey” tries to mimic the humor and anarchy of the Marvel film “Deadpool”, with Margot Robbie’s character Harley Quinn playing a key role. She is a morally questionable, profane, and self-aware antihero who learns to do good by protecting a young girl with a motley crew of unlikely allies. The movie has a cool, rebellious vibe and an interesting hero in Harley, but it could benefit from delving deeper into its characters. The frequent references to the Joker create an odd feeling, as if the film is overly focused on a character who isn’t actually present, giving off a Poochie-like energy.
(Poochie was a fictional cartoon dog character that was forcefully introduced to the “The Itchy & Scratchy Show” in an episode of “The Simpsons”, becoming a symbol for forced and unnecessary characters.)
21. Watchmen (2009)
Zack Snyder’s remake of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ iconic series can be likened to Gus Van Sant’s remake of Psycho in the world of comic-book movies – it stays true to the original, yet lacks the spark and innovation. The opening credits, showcasing how the superheroes of the Watchmen universe could have influenced 20th century history, remain captivating. However, much of the rest has been overshadowed by Damon Lindelof’s more impressive HBO adaptation.
20. The Flash (2023)
In essence, The Flash was meant to mark the end of the DC Extended Universe, but it surprisingly serves as a heartfelt homage to its most impressive aspects. For instance, Ben Affleck delivers an enjoyable performance as Batman, and there is an abundance of interconnectedness between different DC properties within the film, making it more of a grand crossover event rather than just a solo movie for The Flash.
Ezra Miller effectively portrays two versions of Barry Allen in the storyline, but it’s Michael Keaton who steals the show with his return as Batman, 30 years after his initial appearance as the iconic superhero.
19. Swamp Thing (1982)
The trailers proclaimed excitedly, ‘The legend of the comic book horror icon lives!’ – a statement made two years before ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’. Wes Craven directed this adaptation of DC’s renowned horror creature, featuring Ray Wise as the scientist who becomes a sentient mass of mud following a catastrophic lab accident. Despite Craven’s aspirations often outweighing his budget, his ‘Swamp Thing’ offers an engaging blend of thrills, comedy, and a touch of poetic ode to nature.”
By using more conversational language and breaking up the sentences for better flow, this version aims to make the text more readable while maintaining its original meaning.
18. Blue Beetle (2023)
In simpler and more natural language:
The film “Blue Beetle” often seemed to borrow action sequences from other DC and Marvel films, such as “Shazam!” and the initial “Iron Man.” However, what set it apart from some DCEU projects was its emphasis on the titular character’s family. Unlike many superhero stories that emphasize the hero keeping their secret identity hidden from loved ones, “Blue Beetle” delved into how Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) discovering a mystical scarab affected everyone around him, particularly his captivating grandmother (Adriana Barraza). While Maridueña played a decent Jaime Reyes, I couldn’t help but feel that Barraza was so outstanding that I wished there was a movie where she played the superhero instead.
17. Aquaman (2018)
Did James Wan and Jason Momoa transform the DC superhero who communicates with fish into an unexpectedly entertaining (with a hint of trippy elements) worldwide expedition, indeed they did! Bravo!
16. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Despite not being a cinematic triumph, Zack Snyder’s Justice League marked a significant enhancement over its originally released version, boasting a more coherent plot and deeper character development, notably for Ray Fisher’s conflicted hero Cyborg. Although the extended four-hour runtime is somewhat excessive, the original cut may have been too concise. However, the Snyder Cut stands as the most outstanding DC film in Snyder’s career, potentially shaping his lasting impression with the company.
15. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)
Attention lovers of meta-comedies: The live-action adaptation of the lengthy Cartoon Network series featuring DC’s teen sidekicks could potentially skewer the concept of superhero films even more ruthlessly than “The LEGO Batman Movie.” (It also features Will Arnett as the villain Slade.) When Robin bemoans the fact that every other DC hero except him is getting a movie (he’s not incorrect!), his team ventures to Hollywood, where they’re informed the only way they can get their own spinoff is if no other heroes are around. They do what any exceptional superheroes would do in such a scenario: They journey back in time to prevent Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League from ever wearing a cape or mask. Additionally, Nicolas Cage portrays Superman! A film that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
14. Batman (1966)
The movie “Batman” from 1966, which was released between the first and second seasons of the Adam West TV show, feels like a collection of the best moments from that terrific series. It features Adam West and Burt Ward as the lively Dynamic Duo battling an all-star lineup of villains such as Lee Meriwether’s Catwoman, Burgess Meredith’s Penguin, Frank Gorshin’s Riddler, and Cesar Romero’s Joker. People who criticize “Batman” for its campy aspects might not realize that the show and film are intended as satires – a mockery of the 1940s Batman serials they may never have watched. There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who find it amusing that Batman always carries a Bat-Shark Repellent, and those who are mistaken.
13. The Suicide Squad (2021)
Marvel committed a significant mistake when they temporarily dismissed James Gunn from working on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Swiftly, Gunn shifted allegiances to rival studios and breathed new life into the struggling Suicide Squad franchise, transforming it into one of DC’s most thrilling properties. Instead of sticking with the chaos Warners had created previously, Gunn salvaged its top-tier characters like Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, while phasing out the rest (apologies to Jared Leto!). In their stead, Gunn introduced more humor and several new additions, including Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and John Cena’s Peacemaker, who possesses the ideal superhuman physique (and twisted sense of humor) for portraying a distorted version of unwaveringly patriotic heroes. Brutal, amusing, and strangely captivating, The Suicide Squad is the film that fans had hoped the original Suicide Squad would be.
12. The Batman (2022)
In Matt Reeves’ gritty and intellectually stimulating movie, Batman starts anew. The film brings back the detective aspect of the character in DC Comics. Robert Pattinson portrays a Bruce Wayne who is only two years into his vigilante role as Gotham City’s Dark Knight. He crosses paths with Paul Dano’s Riddler, a villain targeting key figures of Gotham in a macabre game that only Batman can unravel. While other Batman movies have taken the character seriously, none seems to have delved as deeply into what the character represents – for his fans and the citizens of Gotham – as thoughtfully as The Batman. Particularly noteworthy are the movie’s complex conclusions, which echo the epic scale of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
11. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
As a movie enthusiast who was reluctantly reacquainted with “The LEGO Batman Movie” by my daughter over a two-year period, I’ve come to appreciate it as possibly the most hilarious superhero film ever made. The self-centered Caped Crusader portrayed by Will Arnett, much like me watching this movie 20 times, discovers that friends can indeed be family (that catchy song is stuck in my head, driving me insane). This spoof not only pokes fun at but also pays homage to nearly every iteration of Batman throughout his illustrious history, even showcasing Batman’s chiseled physique – or as I like to call it, his impressive nine-pack.
10. Wonder Woman (2017)
In this collaboration, the captivating prowess of Gal Gadot’s Princess Diana harmonized with Patty Jenkins’ robust action scenes. As Wonder Woman, Gadot journeys from her secluded island sanctuary, Themyscira, to the battle-scarred trenches of Europe during World War I. Along the way, she finds herself smitten by a dashing spy (Chris Pine), all while demonstrating considerable combat prowess. The character of Diana is challenging due to her innocence and strength, bravery without excessive aggression. However, Gadot’s performance skillfully surpassed expectations.
9. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The idea that the character portrayed in the 1966 Batman and The Dark Knight Rises is essentially the same is quite surprising. This fact underscores the extraordinary flexibility of the Batman character. The Dark Knight Rises, serving as the final chapter in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, was generally exciting, yet somewhat overly ambitious. In an effort to surpass The Dark Knight, it might have bitten off more than it could chew. Nevertheless, if more comic-book films aimed for something more profound than mere entertainment, the result would be significantly improved.
8. Shazam (2019)
When it appeared as if the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) had reached its end, Warner Bros. astonishingly revived the franchise with a creative spin on the original Captain Marvel, who now goes by the name Shazam. This film reimagines the source material as a hilarious body-swap comedy reminiscent of “Big”. Asher Angel portrays Billy Batson, an orphan who transforms into the powerful but bumbling figure of Zachary Levi whenever he utters the word “Shazam!”. Featuring compelling villains, a playful sense of humor, and an impressive action climax packed with unexpected twists, Shazam could very well be the finest film in the DCEU.
7. Superman (2025)
In simpler terms,
Many people find it blasphemous to compare the two Superman films. While I lean towards Richard Donner’s 1978 movie, I must admit that James Gunn’s version has its merits, particularly in its portrayal of Lex Luthor (a narcissistic Nicholas Hoult) and a stellar supporting cast, including Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific and Krypto the disobedient superdog.
The film also boasts a relatable Superman, played by David Corenswet, making him easier to cheer for and believe in. It’s entertaining, action-packed, romantic, and subtly delivers social commentary. This film raises the bar for future DC movies, which is fantastic considering it’s expected to kickstart a whole universe of them.
6. Batman Begins (2005)
As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I must say that diving into “Batman Begins” was like a breath of fresh air. It skillfully peeled off all the baggage that had previously burdened the franchise, taking us back to the roots of our favorite character – Batman. This reboot introduced a new Bruce Wayne, embodied superbly by Christian Bale, and presented an exceptionally intricate antagonist, masterfully portrayed by Liam Neeson. Christopher Nolan, the director, set the stage for something truly exceptional with this film; even if he hadn’t continued to build on it in later years, he would still be lauded for creating one of the best Batman films ever made.
5. Superman (1978)
In a nod to Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford, and those who mispronounce ‘Krypton’, this film could be more impactful if the initial 45 minutes were eliminated, commencing when Clark Kent arrives in Metropolis instead. By 1978, audiences were well-aware of Superman’s origins or had a good enough understanding to follow the rest of the movie. The appeal of Superman, despite its aging special effects, lies in Christopher Reeve. Few comic book films boast a performance as strong as his portrayal of both Clark Kent and Superman, and he excels at both roles.
4. Batman (1989)
As a movie enthusiast who’s seen his fair share of films, I can confidently say that Tim Burton’s Batman, even after three decades, remains a timeless masterpiece. While it might have revolutionized Hollywood’s approach to comic-book adaptations, one could argue it shows signs of aging. However, its enduring appeal is undeniable.
Back in the day, Jack Nicholson’s Joker was the talk of the town and rightfully so. His charisma was palpable and his presence electrifying. But if you ask me today, it’s Michael Keaton’s Batman that leaves a lasting impression. As Bruce Wayne, he embodied an intriguing blend of sanity and madness – a weirdo you couldn’t help but admire.
As the Dark Knight, his somewhat rigid movements, a result of the restrictive costume, transformed him into an intimidating, almost supernatural figure. Every time he graced the screen, a wave of dread would wash over me. Simply put, Keaton’s Batman set a new standard for brooding, enigmatic superheroes.
3. Batman Returns (1992)
Tim Burton successfully persuaded Warner Bros. to allow him to create a follow-up to the original Batman movie, making it even more somber, peculiar, and gloomy than the first one. In this installment, Michael Keaton confronts two infamous villains from Gotham City: Danny DeVito’s Penguin, who pollutes the city with waste, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman, clad in vinyl. However, it’s worth noting that Batman Returns is actually Tim Burton’s final Batman film rather than the second installment of a series consisting of five movies.
2. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
In an era preceding “The LEGO Batman Movie,” the animated film “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” strongly advocated that animation was the optimal platform for the Dark Knight. Crafted by the same team responsible for the iconic “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Mask of the Phantasm” encapsulated all the elements that made the show exceptional – stunning visuals, smooth animations, and celebrated voice artists – into a nearly flawless 75-minute presentation. With over 25 years behind it, this film has remained timeless due in part to its deliberately anachronistic Art Deco and futuristic design, which even in 1993 seemed out of the ordinary. None of the tragic love stories portrayed in live-action Batman films compare to Bruce Wayne and Andrea Beaumont’s relationship.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” continues to be the benchmark that all Batman films, and arguably every superhero movie, are measured against. The film offered an abundance of thrilling visuals, especially in IMAX, where it introduced the format to mainstream cinema for the first time. It also raised numerous ethical and philosophical dilemmas for viewers to ponder. Quotes from the movie have become common phrases in everyday speech, such as one famous line (“You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”) that’s so powerful and frequently quoted it seems surprising it originated from a 2008 Batman film. Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, combined with Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s memorable score, as well as the sleek, stylish Bat-pod, make “The Dark Knight” a cinematic masterpiece filled with standout moments. Even over a decade later, this film has yet to be surpassed in its impact.
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2025-09-03 20:49