Top 10 Best Superhero Movies of the Century (So Far)

Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’re counting down our picks for the best superhero flicks of the 21st century so far. Watch out for minor spoilers ahead. What’s your favorite 21st century superhero movie? Let us know in the comments!

#10: “Zack’s Snyder’s Justice League” (2021)

The theatrical cut of “Justice League” had many problems, the biggest being that it wasn’t one artist’s vision. After years of fan campaigning, WarnerMedia finally released the Snyder Cut, appropriately titled “Zack’s Snyder’s Justice League.” While audiences have polarizing feelings on Snyder, this director’s cut finds him at his best with an emphasis on visual storytelling, massive set pieces, and the gravitas that was missing from Joss Whedon’s cut. The 4-hour runtime might intimidate some, but Snyder earns it with Darkseid’s introduction and more development for all of our heroes, especially Ray Fisher’s Cyborg. With every frame, you sense Snyder’s passion to not only deliver on the insurmountable fan expectations, but to also give his late daughter Autumn a beautiful tribute.

#9: “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014)

In 2003, fans of Marvel’s mutants were treated to an exciting and thrilling superhero sequel. While “X2” was great, “Days of Future Past” took the title of the best direct X-men followup in 2014. The time-bending movie saw Wolverine travel to the past to prevent an apocalyptic future. Thanks to this story setup, we got to see seasoned franchise vets like Patrick Stewart give acting masterclasses to their younger counterparts. We also were introduced to new breakout stars like Quicksilver. And each action sequence stood out by letting individual mutant powers guide the scenes. Despite balancing a huge roster and gigantic stakes, the story feels personal and grounded. This tightly written time epic helped guarantee the X-Men would return for many more future adventures.

#8: “The Batman” (2022)

With every new incarnation of Batman, the filmmakers run the risk of retreading on all-too-familiar territory. Although Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan paved the way for “The Batman,” director Matt Reeves makes this version his own. He does so by focusing on a younger, more inexperienced Bruce Wayne who’s rarely seen out of costume. Reeves not only puts a stronger emphasis on Wayne’s alter ego, but also the character’s detective skills. Batman meets his match in Paul Dano’s Riddler, who’s intimidating and creepy without ever feeling like a Joker wannabe. Zoë Kravitz makes for a feisty yet layered Catwoman while Colin Farrell transforms into the Penguin. Reeves’ Gotham strikes the ideal balance between grounded and otherworldly, delivering possibly the best-looking interpretation we’ve seen in live-action.

#7: “Iron Man” (2008)

It’s the film that didn’t just launch a successful trilogy, but an entire cinematic universe. Even if “Iron Man” had simply been a standalone movie, it still would’ve exceeded all expectations. When you think about it, the fact this movie turned out as well as it did is miraculous. Director Jon Favreau wasn’t known for action while Robert Downey Jr. was struggling to shake his controversial past. The script wasn’t finished when shooting commenced, requiring the actors to improvise a fair deal of dialogue, including Downey Jr.’s final remark to the press. On top of all that, Iron Man wasn’t especially well-known to mainstream audiences in 2008. Now, thanks to this film, we all know that Tony Stark is Iron Man.

#6: “Captain America: Civil War” (2016)

Throughout the Infinity Saga, the “Captain America” movies perhaps went through the most drastic transformation. This makes sense given the time leap, forcing Steve Rogers to adapt to modern day. While Rogers remains a pure-hearted soul to the end, war isn’t always as straightforward as good guys vs. bad guys. Sometimes, both sides have valid standpoints, turning friends into enemies. In fighting for what he believes is right, Captain America goes from boy scout to rebel with a cause. “Civil War” is practically an “Avengers” movie with Spider-Man making his long-awaited MCU debut along with Black Panther. However, the Russos never lose sight of the central conflict between Cap, Iron Man, and The Winter Soldier. In the end, we don’t know who to root for.

#5: “Logan” (2017)

Although “Deadpool” had already brought “X-Men” into R-rated territory, “Logan” was a different beast entirely. For all its ups and downs, superhero movies wouldn’t be what they are today without “X-Men,” and “Logan” was the franchise’s most daring outing to date. Director James Mangold redefined what a superhero movie could be, trading flashy visuals for a bleak, unforgiving backdrop reminiscent of an apocalyptic western. There isn’t a day to save anymore, but living to see tomorrow is considered a victory. Heroes who once seemed invincible are pushed beyond their limits on the road to redemption and salvation. For all the brutality, it’s also a touching family drama with Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Dafne Keen giving career-best performances as three generations of X-Men.

#4: “Black Panther” (2018)

“Logan” was the first comic book superhero movie to receive a screenplay Oscar nomination, but “Black Panther” went even further. This Best Picture nominee wasn’t merely another MCU movie. It was a cultural milestone for representation. Of course, representation alone doesn’t secure a film’s place in the zeitgeist. To truly make an impact, the characters have to be identifiable, the drama needs to be compelling, and the world must spring to life. Director Ryan Coogler accomplished all of the above, celebrating Black culture on an unprecedented scale. Of all the movies produced during his time as Disney CEO, Bob Iger said that he was proudest of “Black Panther.” We can see why. It’s a landmark that’s still making a difference. Wakanda and Chadwick Boseman forever.

#3: “Spider-Man 2” (2004)

Before there was the MCU, there was Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” and its superior sequel. “Spider-Man 2,” in particular, set a precedent for all future Marvel movies. At the time, it was the funniest and most visually impressive superhero yet. What surprised critics like Roger Ebert, though, was the human story. Although Donner’s “Superman” and Burton’s “Batman” gave us layered heroes, “Spider-Man 2” delved deeper into the realities that superheroes would face. Peter Parker isn’t much different from the average college student balancing studies, relationships, and paying the rent. What sets him apart is one enormous responsibility with few rewards. Throw in Alfred Molina as one of the greatest supervillains, and you have a superhero movie that evolved the genre to new frontiers.

#2: “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)

The MCU has taken up nearly half this list, but “Infinity War” may be this cinematic universe’s most impactful entry thus far. Although “Endgame” had an even bigger cast, Thanos alone propelled “Infinity War” into top-tier territory. After several years of build-up, Thanos firmly established himself as the MCU’s most physically daunting villain. What makes Thanos so intimidating, though, are his dangerous mindset and identifiable motivations. From Thanos’ perspective, he’s a hero willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good. Following the trajectory of other heroes’ journeys, Thanos emerges victorious. On the other side of the mirror, however, Thanos’ triumph is the biggest failure for the real heroes. The grim ending is one for the ages, reducing the audience to piles of ashes.

Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Deadpool” (2016)

A Biting Satire of the Genre That Also Stands As a Great Superhero Flick

“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (2008)

This Vastly Underrated Gem Is Devilishly Entertaining From Start to Finish

“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)

A Funny & Inspiring Space Opera That Celebrates the Underdogs

“Wonder Woman” (2017)

This Sprawling War Adventure Finally Did the Famous Amazon Justice

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021)

Three Webheads Plus Five Classic Villains Equals One Epic Spidey Film

#1: “The Dark Knight” (2008)

At this point, “The Dark Knight’s” status as the best superhero movie isn’t a matter of opinion. It’s essentially a fact that few would argue against. Picking up where “Batman Begins” left off, director Christopher Nolan improved upon everything, from the action, to the real-world commentary, to the villain. In a posthumous performance that earned him a well-deserved Oscar, Heath Ledger molded the Joker from a comic book villain to the embodiment of terror. It’s often said that Joker is Batman’s opposite. Really, though, Joker is the antithesis of Harvey Dent’s White Knight. Sometimes opposites are just one bad day away from being identical, however. This is where Batman comes in, traversing the lonely line between nobility and darkness on the double-headed coin of justice.