The 10 Best Superhero Movies of the 2020s (So Far)

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Superhero movies aren’t as consistently popular with audiences now as they were throughout the 2010s. During that decade, Marvel films were almost always box office successes, with even their weaker performers still turning a profit. While DC’s films weren’t always well-received, most did okay financially, except for Justice League. Today, things are different. Even when a big superhero movie like The Fantastic Four: First Steps comes out, reports often describe its performance as disappointing.

Despite concerns, superhero movies released from 2020 to 2025 actually include some of the best the genre has ever seen. The quality hasn’t declined at all.

10) Deadpool & Wolverine

While Deadpool & Wolverine isn’t higher on the list because the story takes a backseat to Deadpool and Wolverine constantly bickering, that very bickering is what makes the movie enjoyable and earns it a spot here.

I really enjoyed seeing Hugh Jackman return as Logan, and it was clever how they didn’t just repeat his previous performance. This version felt like the same gruff Wolverine, but with a different kind of sadness – a nice nod to the ending we got for him in Logan. He got a really strong story arc, which was fantastic. While the movie definitely included things for fans like me to love, it didn’t overdo it, and I was so happy to see Dafne Keen reprise her role as X-23. I’m really hoping the MCU continues to use her character!

Stream Deadpool & Wolverine on Disney+.

9) The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Okay, so The Fantastic Four: First Steps was the biggest Marvel movie of 2025, but honestly, it didn’t perform as well as everyone hoped. I think audiences were just tired of the constant superhero releases, and let’s be real, the Fantastic Four has a bit of a history. We’ve all seen those previous attempts – two were just…okay, and one was a total disaster. It’s hard to get people excited again after that!

I was completely blown away by this one – the team they assembled is just perfect! Each of the four actors really embodies their character, and the way they’ve created that 1960s world feels so genuine. They all felt like real people, with unique personalities. Honestly, it instantly made Vanessa Kirby stand out to me as the best new addition to the MCU that year.

Stream The Fantastic Four: First Steps on Disney+.

8) Thunderbolts*

Both The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Thunderbolts are decent movies, earning around three and a half out of five stars. However, Thunderbolts is slightly better because it explores more complex and emotionally resonant themes, and generally does so effectively.

It’s unclear why the people who made Thunderbolts didn’t seem to value the Taskmaster character, but the film generally succeeds thanks to its strong cast. As usual, Florence Pugh is the standout performer, and it’s clear she deserves a prominent, ongoing role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Stream Thunderbolts* on Disney+.

7) The Batman

While The Batman doesn’t always justify its long length, that grand scope is actually part of what makes it appealing. Similarly, the movie finally focuses on Bruce Wayne’s detective abilities, though the mysteries he solves aren’t particularly complex.

Ultimately, The Batman is a bit of both good and bad. However, it’s a visually impressive and well-acted film with a fantastic soundtrack. While The Penguin is arguably superior, this movie still deserves credit for successfully reimagining Batman and making the familiar story feel fresh and worthwhile.

Stream The Batman on HBO Max.

6) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

I was really worried for a bit that we wouldn’t get to see James Gunn finish his Guardians of the Galaxy story. But looking back, I’m so glad things happened the way they did! If Marvel hadn’t let him go, he never would have made The Suicide Squad, and DC might not have realized just how perfect he was to lead their new universe. It all worked out for the best, honestly!

Does Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 live up to the high standard set by its predecessors? While opinions vary, all three Guardians movies share a special quality: none are clearly better or worse than the others. They all have heart, strong character development, and relatable storylines. This time, the focus is on Rocket Raccoon, and his flashback scenes are among the most memorable in the entire series.

Stream Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on Disney+.

5) Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Destin Daniel Cretton proved with Wonder Man that he understands how to create a memorable Marvel Cinematic Universe story. The key? Focusing on characters we genuinely care about.

While Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings features impressive fight scenes that look great in trailers, it’s the emotional core of the story – the relationship between Shang-Chi, his sister, and their complicated father – that truly captivates audiences. This approach effectively addresses a weakness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s villains and is a smart way to introduce a lesser-known character to a wider audience.

Stream Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on Disney+.

4) Superman

Following the generally grim DC Extended Universe, James Gunn’s Superman successfully relaunched the franchise with a fresh, lighter tone. The film smartly avoids a lengthy origin story, immediately throwing viewers into the action with a dynamic opening. This demonstrates Gunn’s understanding that most audiences already know Superman’s background, allowing the film to quickly establish its new direction and immerse viewers in the story.

James Gunn’s writing is consistently excellent, and David Corenswet quickly establishes himself as the perfect choice for the lead role. He brings a relatable vulnerability to the character, making us root for him and believe in his core humanity. Gunn once again demonstrates his skill with character development, prioritizing it throughout the story.

Stream Superman on HBO Max.

3) Spider-Man: No Way Home

Similar to Deadpool & Wolverine, Spider-Man: No Way Home relies on appealing to fans, but it feels more earned and less gratuitous. The film genuinely portrays Tom Holland’s Peter Parker grieving the loss of his aunt, and convincingly shows he would struggle to overcome the multiversal threats without help from the other Spider-Men.

The surprising and exciting moments in the movie weren’t just for spectacle – they actually moved the story forward. Seeing familiar characters from previous Spider-Man films was a definite plus, but what truly captivated audiences about No Way Home was its emotional impact.

Stream Spider-Man: No Way Home on Starz.

2) Birds of Prey

It was only a matter of time before we discussed a divisive movie, and here we are talking about Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey. It’s truly a fantastic film, and it’s a shame it didn’t stay in theaters longer, because it’s exactly the kind of movie Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn needed.

Given Robbie’s immense popularity, it seems unlikely she’ll reprise her role as Quinn in the DCU. However, we at least got one story that matched her character’s wild energy and fast pace, offering a genuinely fun and immersive experience. Plus, Ewan McGregor is clearly enjoying his portrayal of Black Mask, delivering a performance that’s both frightening and indulgently playful.

Stream Birds of Prey on HBO Max.

1) The Suicide Squad

Interestingly, the two most popular movies aren’t actually about superheroes – they focus on supervillains instead. This is understandable, though, because we’ve seen so many superhero films since the year 2000 that movies about villains feel like a welcome change of pace.

This is especially clear when a film truly delivers. Unlike David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad has a clear vision and fully embraces its over-the-top, R-rated style. Despite a somewhat chaotic narrative, the film remains engaging, and many will likely consider it Gunn’s most significant achievement in the superhero genre, beyond his work building an entire cinematic universe. As far as standalone movies go, it’s difficult to envision him creating anything better.

Stream The Suicide Squad on HBO Max.

I’m really curious to hear what everyone’s been watching! What’s your favorite superhero or supervillain movie that’s come out since 2020? I’d love to know – let’s chat about it over on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-17 01:43