Top 10 Animated Superhero Movies You Forgot Were Awesome
#10: “Planet Hulk” (2010)
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Based on the popular 2006 comic storyline with the same name, "Planet Hulk" sees its destructive hero sent on a one way trip to space by his apologetic friends. A not amused Hulk crash lands on Sakaar, where he is taken captive and forced to take part in gladiator fights. "Planet Hulk" moves at a blistering pace and prioritizes action above anything else, delivering plenty of gore and kinetic battles along the way. While the movie lacks the character-depth of the original comic, "Planet Hulk" at least captures the visceral intensity of its source material. It’s just a shame "World War Hulk" was not adapted.
#9: “Hellboy: Sword of Storms” (2006) & “Hellboy: Blood and Iron” (2007)
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Sandwiched between the first two live-action "Hellboy" movies, these animated adventures were naturally eclipsed by Guillermo del Toro's big-budget movies. Featuring a voice cast that sees various actors from the live-action films reprising their roles, the two "Hellboy Animated" movies provide another opportunity to spend time with these unique characters. While both are perfectly watchable, "Blood and Iron" is the stronger film, as it features a more captivating narrative and better fights. Although neither comes close to matching the brilliance of the comics, the "Hellboy Animated" flicks are arguably truer to the source material than the live-action adaptations, even if they are not necessarily better.
#8: “The Batman vs. Dracula” (2005)
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The Dark Knight has starred in some of the greatest animated superhero movies ever, but even Bruce's lesser outings tend to be pretty fun. "The Batman vs. Dracula" delivers pretty much what it promises on the tin; an enjoyable romp that sees the legendary vampire arriving in Gotham and, eventually, the Batcave. While based on "The Batman" cartoon, this movie is slightly darker than its parent series, allowing it to work well as a Halloween-themed special that happens to feature a vampiric version of The Joker. "The Batman vs. Dracula" is no "Red Rain," but it ain't half-bad either.
#7: “Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther” (2006)
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In the mid-2000s, Marvel launched a series of direct-to-video animated films, starting with "Ultimate Avengers: The Movie." That film saw the Avengers assemble for the first time to take on the Chitauri and, later on, a rampaging Hulk, setting the stage for "Ultimate Avengers 2" to up the ante in the action and drama department. In a pre-MCU world, these two movies marked a rare opportunity to see a version of the Avengers together outside of the comics. "Ultimate Avengers 2" used the character work done by its predecessor to deliver a tightly written adventure with effective personal drama.
#6: “Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme” (2007)
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Almost a decade before the MCU adapted Doctor Strange's origin story, the surgeon appeared in an animated flick that hit many of the same story beats as the live-action movie. "Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme" chronicles its protagonist's journey from a detestable doctor to a hero, a process that involves visions of children, broken hands, and an intimidating demon. "The Sorcerer Supreme" features good animation and art for a direct-to-video project, especially once Stephen arrives in Tibet. While there isn't much reason to revisit this film in a post-MCU world, "Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme" demonstrated the character's potential for a cinematic adaptation.
#5: “Turtles Forever” (2009)
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Created to celebrate 25 years of the Ninja Turtles, "Turtles Forever" is a loving tribute to a franchise that has brought so much joy to so many people. Through Technodrome-related hijinks, the Turtles from the 1987 animated series end up in the dimension of the 2003 cartoon, and the heroes are not the only ones who make the trip. Along with it being cool to see these two sets of Heroes in a Half-Shell bounce off each other, "Turtles Forever" also boasts great animation, a fittingly ludicrous and fast-paced storyline, and the inclusion of another set of Turtles that will surely delight long-time fans.
#4: “Hulk Vs.” (2009)
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Split into two short films that boast different art styles but share a taste for wanton destruction, "Hulk Vs." pits Marvel's green giant against Wolverine and Thor. The longer of the two parts, "Hulk Vs. Thor" sees Loki unleashing a Banner-free Hulk on Asgard, which naturally causes a bit of chaos. Despite having a thinner storyline, the Wolverine short works a bit better than Thor's, as Logan's viciousness proves to be a better match for Hulk's rage. Also, an appearance by Deadpool certainly does not hurt. "Hulk Vs." is pretty much non-stop action, but the film does it well.
#3: “Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo” (2006)
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Acting as a finale for the fantastic "Teen Titans" series while still mostly standing on its own two feet, "Trouble in Tokyo" tends to be treated as a footnote in the franchise's legacy. An attack in Jump City inspires the Titans to hitch a ride to Tokyo in search of the perpetrator, a trip that leads to Robin being framed for murder. "Trouble in Tokyo's" greatest contribution is that it provides closure for the Boy Wonder and Starfire's relationship. Although "Trouble in Tokyo" does not quite manage to reach the same heights as the TV show, the movie is hardly lacking in entertaining action or humor.
#2: “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders” (2016)
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While the 1966 "Batman" series is a camp classic, the Dark Knight has changed a lot over the last five decades. A continuation of the TV show, "Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders" is not only a loving throwback to a simpler time in Bruce Wayne's legacy, but also serves as an endearing sendup to DC's iconic character in general. Following a first act that sticks close to the show's blueprint, the animated movie then goes off the deep end, becoming a hilarious and insightful superhero parody in the process. Although some familiarity with the TV show does not hurt, it is not required to enjoy "Return of the Caped Crusaders." Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Wonder Woman” (2009) Because There Is a Lot to Love About Diana’s Animated Origin Story “The Invincible Iron Man” (2007) Because This Movie Is Surprisingly Quite Character-Driven “Justice League: Gods and Monsters” (2015) Because DC’s Alternate Universe Movies Are Almost Always a Blast “The Powerpuff Girls Movie” (2002) Because Sugar, Spice, & Everything Nice Is the Perfect Recipe for an Awesome Movie
#1: “Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero” (1998)
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As a successor to the brilliant "Mask of the Phantasm" and a continuation of a storyline that launched with perhaps the best episode of "Batman: The Animated Series," "Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero" could never hope to fully meet expectations. Like "Heart of Ice," "SubZero" presents a sympathetic Mr. Freeze desperate to protect his wife Nora, who has been left on the brink of death following an unfortunate accident. Batman takes somewhat of a backseat in "SubZero," allowing the tragedy of Dr. Victor Fries to drive the plot forward, serving as the emotional core in a gripping and mature movie that happens to feature polar bears.
