Constantine (2005)
Purists lambasted the Francis Lawrence-directed film for casting Keanu Reeves, who is assuredly not as blonde a British bloke as his comic book counterpart. Yet he perfectly captures the essence of the chain-smoking, reluctant exorcist and demonologist. Plus, with Tilda Swinton as the gender-bending and morally ambiguous half-angel Gabriel, the movie has the essential elements for a cool supernatural thriller. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)
Blade (1998)
Blade II is often credited as the best of the trilogy featuring the Daywalker, but the first installment isn’t to be underrated. Without Wesley Snipes’s intense, committed performance, the movie’s sillier contrivances of vampire cures and rave clubs would not have held up. Instead, the supernatural superhero movie is one of the most stylish to come out of the ‘90s. (Photo: Warner Bros)
Tank Girl (1995)
Now that we live in a post-Mad Max: Fury Road world, we hope Tank Girl can get more of the love it deserves. Based on the eponymous gonzo British comic, Tank Girl stars Orange Is The New Black’s Lori Petty as a post-apocalyptic tank enthusiast who rebels against the evil corporation who takes her prisoner. Shiny and chrome shenanigans ensue. (Photo by: United Artists)
Mystery Men (1999)
Urban legend has it that this superhero action comedy was really directed by Tim Burton. Does it matter either way? Nope. Mystery Men is a fun romp for anyone looking for saviors who take themselves less seriously. Misfit heroes attempt to step in for well-established superhero Captain Amazing when he’s captured by the nefarious Casanova Frankenstein. Ridiculous? Yes, but watching talented stars such as Geoffrey Rush, Janeane Garofalo and Ben Stiller commit to the ridiculousness is a delight. (Photo by: Universal)
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008)
Expanding the world from Guillermo del Toro’s sleek first film, Hellboy 2 has more creatures, action sequences and heart than its predecessor. Big Red, Liz and Abe Sapien continue to kick butt at the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, but this time, their enemy may not be so evil after all. (Photo by: Universal)
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012)
Ostensibly a sequel to the first, strange Ghost Rider movie starring Nicholas Cage, Spirit of Vengeance pretty much ignores the melodrama of its predecessor to focus on the over-the-top absurdity that made bits of the first one watchable. Plus, Idris Elba is in it, and can a movie really be that bad if it features Idris Elba as a drunken, world-weary monk? (Photo by: Sony)
The Wolverine (2013)
With all of the focus placed on the subsequently released game-changer X-Men: Days of Future Past, the style and frenetic energy that make up this Japan-set Wolverine movie have gone under the radar. For any fan of Japanese action movies or Hugh Jackman, this one-off film is a must-see. (Photo by: Fox)
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Thor: The Dark World is no Captain America: Winter Soldier, but it’s certainly a better sequel for Thor than Iron Man 2 is for Iron Man. While the Marvel movie’s villain and Aether plots never quite work, The Dark World shines when putting brothers Thor and Loki back together, played by the always game Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston, respectively. (Photo by: Marvel)
Darkman (1990)
Spider-Man wasn’t writer-director Sam Raimi’s first foray into the superhero genre; he first created his own original work with the 1990 superhero/horror movie, Darkman. Liam Neeson stars as Dr. Peter Westlake, who, after being betrayed, burned,and left for dead, survives to seek revenge against those who wronged him. Classic tortured hero versus evil never gets old. (Photo by: Universal)
Punisher: War Zone (2008)
Prior to becoming the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Volstagg, Ray Winstone portrayed another Marvel hero, or, in this case, anti-hero, as the lead in Punisher: War Zone. Unafraid to tackle on the gore, violence, and grittiness associated with the Punisher, War Zone stays faithful to the comics, sure to please any Frank Castle fan. (Photo by: Lionsgate)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Sure, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, or as marketers deemed it LXG, is but another adaptation of Alan Moore’s critically acclaimed comic book that pretty much ignores everything that made the source material great. But that doesn’t mean LXG isn’t a lot of fun. The film’s production design alone, with its elaborate steampunk elements, make this period action movie worth a second look. (Photo by: Fox)
Dredd (2012)
It’s been about 20 years since Sylvester Stallone’s chintzy attempt at adapting the comic anti-hero debuted. That just makes Karl Urban’s take on Judge Dredd all the more refreshing. Never breaking his enforcer persona, and never taking off his helmet, this Dredd, alongside his apprentice Judge Anderson, played by Olivia Thirlby, is believable and enthralling to watch—especially when when facing off against an entire skyscraper of enemies. (Photo by: Joe Alblas/Lionsgate)
The Rocketeer (1991)
Twenty years before directing Captain America: The First Avenger, Joe Johnston showed off his superhero movie-making skills with the 1930s-set The Rocketeer. Less cynical than many modern superhero and action flicks, this Disney live-action picture pays homage not only to the Golden Age of comics but also mid-20th century movie serials. (Photo by: Disney)
Daredevil: Director’s Cut (2004)
Rated R, Daredevil: Director’s Cut punches up the good stuff and cuts out (most of) the cringe-worthy bits from the Ben Affleck superhero vehicle, Daredevil. While Vincent D’Onofrio makes for a compelling Kingpin in the more recent Daredevil Netflix series, Michael Clarke Duncan’s murderous dandy of a Kingpin remains an iconic portrayal of one of Marvel’s best baddies. (Photo by: Fox)
Batman Forever (1995)
Establishing a decidedly more comedic world than preceding Burton bat-movies, Joel Schumacher’s first attempt at Batman actually has the hallmarks of a solid superhero movie—dynamic lead (played by Val Kilmer) bombastic action scenes and a memorable, captivating villain in Jim Carrey’s The Riddler. Yes, we’re ignoring Tommy Lee Jones’s Two-Face for a reason. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)
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