Tornado's Top/Bottom 10 Superhero Films

[morpheus1987]

Morpheus's Top 10 Superhero Films

8. X-Men: First Class


Before seeing this movie, I was pretty fed up with X-Men movies. X3 was pretty bad, and Wolverine was a travesty. To be honest, I did not have the highest of hopes for this. Then reviews started coming out, and I thought that this might actually be good. It absolutely was.

I want to start off by saying that Michael Fassbender (Magneto) was absolutely brilliant in this. He had more swagger than James Bond, and was more lethal than Jason Bourne. He was incredibly fun to watch on screen. That isn't to say that his co-stars weren't. Which is partly why I think this film succeeds. The case is great for the most part. With the exception of January Jones as Emma Frost. She seems to suck the life right out of every scene she is in. Other than her though, the cast is great. The plot is awesome, and setting it during the Cuban Missile Crisis really helped the film out.

The movie is not accurate to the comics at all. Many of those portrayed in the "First Class" were not X-men until much later. I don't think this is a problem though. Typically I like superhero films to be faithful to their origins, but I feel like this film actually pulls it off rather well. I'm glad they decided to focus on story instead of accuracy.

Some might actually dislike the emphasis on story, as the action is fairly minimal for a superhero film. I think the movie actually is made better off by having less action. By focusing more on the characters, the scenes in which there is fighting are given that much more emotional weight. The scene in which Darwin fights Sebastian is incredibly sad, and the final fight in the film is really engaging. When Magneto finally gets his payoff, the audience is feeling many of the same emotions he is.

This movie did what no X-Men movie had done since X2, it left me with the feeling of gratification.



Favorite Moment: Magneto putting the coin through Sebastian Shaw's head. Easily the most gratifying scene in the film, and one of the most gratifying scenes I have seen in a superhero film.




7. Batman (1989)


This was my absolute favorite movie as a kid. I actually wore out my vhs copy of the movie, because I watched it too much. There really is no overstating how important this was to comic book films and to the conception of Batman that we know today. Sure Frank Miller and others had turned batman into the darker character that we know today, but it wasn't until Tim Burton released this that the general public truly understood the true potential of Batman. Adam West and the 60s were the only real indoctrination most people had with the character. If this movie failed, chances are that Batman in the comics and beyond would be much different than we know him today. Comic book films would likely be completely different as well. This movie was really the first film that showed that a comic book movie could be serious in tone. Sure Superman came before this, but I feel like that movie did not have the seriousness about it that this did.


So on to the actual movie itself. I watched this the other day (first time in a few years) and I still think it holds hope very well. Sure some of the effects are outdated, and Jack Nicholson's Joker is not nearly as menacing as Heath Ledger's, but the movie still has a lot of charms. This film is very Burtonesque and I think it helps the film for the better. Things seem to get weirder and weirder as the film continues, culminating in an awesome final showdown on top of a bell tower. The final fight is very fun to watch. There is a lot of build up to it, and having the damsel in distress angle really paid off. Although every time I see the Joker fall to his death, I wish that he would somehow climb into the chopper.

This film also showcased all of the bat gadgets in the best possible way. "Where does he get all those wonderful toys?" The Batwing, Batmobile, etc. are all showcased, and look great on screen. The scene with the Batwing is really fun. Watching Batman try to save Gotham from the Joker's poisonous gas is exhilarating. Most people typically talk about Jack Nicholson as the Joker, but I really felt like Michael Keaton did a great job as Bruce Wayne/Batman. In fact, in my opinion, he is the best on screen Batman yet. Sorry Christian Bale, but I'd take Michael Keaton any day of the week.

Sure the movie can be cheesy at times, but I think it is still a fun film to watch, and one that really set the pace for modern superhero films.



Favorite Moment: The fight on the rooftops. "Have you ever danced with the devil in the pail moonlight." The lead up to this scene is also fantastic. The anticipation for the final fight as batman walks up to the top of the bell tower is incredibly exciting.

[DarthVader 2004]

10 X-Men.
9 V For Vendetta.

RedVaders Top 10 Superhero Films.


8 Batman.



Probably Burtons best movie he ever did other then Edward Scissorhands. I know how good the Nolan Batman movies are and Bale is great Batman in them but Keaton will always be Batman to me movie wise. Some consider this campy and out dated. But for comic book character preferance. Batman was king then and it is or will be King of Comics once again.

[morpheus1987]

Originally Posted by RedVader 2004

Probably Burtons best movie he ever did other then Edward Scissorhands.

Have you seen Ed Wood? I love Batman, but Ed Wood is in another category altogether.

[DarthVader 2004]

No not see ED Wood.I also Liked Beetlejuice and Sleepy Hallow that Burton did. I actually like most of Burtons films.

[morpheus1987]

Originally Posted by RedVader 2004

No not see ED Wood.I also Liked Beetlejuice and Sleepy Hallow that Burton did. I actually like most of Burtons films.

Do yourself a favor and watch Ed Wood.

[Nick1988]

Originally Posted by RedVader 2004

What I mean is you didn't have Catwomen in your top 3 or Jonah Hex.

I know reading is a hard thing for you, but if you tried to read my previous posts i stated i HAVE NEVER SEEN JONAH HEX OR CATWOMAN. I am not gonna put movies on my list that are considered garbage yet i haven't seen, something you did.

[morpheus1987]

Originally Posted by Nick1988

I know reading is a hard thing for you, but if you tried to read my previous posts i stated i HAVE NEVER SEEN JONAH HEX OR CATWOMAN. I am not gonna put movies on my list that are considered garbage yet i haven't seen, something you did.

My favorite post in this thread so far

[DarthVader 2004]

Well i did watch some of Jonah Hex and being i couldn't get through even 33 minutes was enough for me to conclude it sucked.

[Tornado]

6. Iron Man (2008)



As much as I love the characters of Batman and Superman, I was never much of a DC comic reader growing up. I've read the Batman graphic novels, but very few of his monthly titles, and the same goes for Superman. I was however, a big Marvel comic reader, dabbling in the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, and the Fantastic Four. But one of my favorite monthly comics that I subscribed to for years? Invincible Iron Man. I felt that the character was so uniquely different from everybody else in the Marvel world, and when big screen tentpole films started rolling out starring the X-Men and Spider-Man, I was praying for an Iron Man film.

Jon Favreau performed an excellent job keeping the story fairly close in line with the comics I know and love by loosely adapting elements of the 'Extremis' story arc, putting the character in Afghanistan instead of Vietnam (not an original Favreau idea like most people think) keeping the armor similar to that arc as well. The Iron Man armor itself both looks and sounds brilliant, a clanking cacophony of assembled parts coming together for a heart pumping streamlined exterior.

Enough praise cannot be bestowed upon Robert Downey Jr., who, overcoming every last inch of apprehension over his casting, is by far the key element to Iron Man's standing out from the waves of other superhero films. Delivering one of the strongest performances in his formidable career, Downey Jr. effortlessly inhabits every last contradictory inch of Tony Stark like the pristine suits the character himself dons. Putting his own unorthodox spin on the character through his wisecracking, motormouthed energy, Downey Jr. still stays true to the spirit of Stark and his darker overtones, even making the transition from callous, arrogant billionaire weapons vendor to iron clad humanitarian feasible through his extraordinary charisma and gleaming, passionate intensity. To say that Downey Jr. is perfect for the role is an understatement; a testament to the use of quality actors for bringing immortalized comic book figures to life instead of ham-handed fresh young faces chosen for looks over talent.

While the rest of the cast cannot quite match up to Downey Jr.'s dynamo of a performance, all prove equally adept in adapting their comic book incarnations in a plausible fashion. Terrence Howard delivers an appropriately curt dignity to Stark's military ally Jim 'Rhodey' Rhodes, adding the perfect clipped acerbic deadpan to the character. Similarly, Gwyneth Paltrow makes a surprisingly convincing potential love interest as Stark's personal assistant Pepper Potts, her natural charisma and share of icy comebacks easily proving a superb foil to Downey Jr.'s livewire of a performance. Jeff Bridges molds his usual laid back image into one of a despicably greedy businessman concealing his shockingly selfish dealings under a veneer of oily respectability, his unconventional performance easily overcoming the trappings of his otherwise conventional villain figure.

Simply put, Iron Man is everything a comic book movie could hope to be: a perfect balance between the grittily serious and exuberantly enjoyable, flawless special effects and a roster of incredible performances.

[DarthVader 2004]

RedVaders Top 10 Superhero Movies.


7 X-Men First Class.



This could have further declined the X-Men series but instead it saved it and it was probably best attempt at an X-Men film since X-Men 2.
I do like Singers X-Men movies but Vaughn gave new life into this declining franchise.
I know Singer was part of this producer wise but Vaughn i think did allot to this movie. I am not coping Morpheus list its just so happens that we have the same ones for 7th and 8th only reversed in order.

[Tornado]

I'm surprised X-Men: First Class isn't higher up on any of your lists. 7 from Vader and 8 from Morpheus.

[Nick1988]

When i first saw X-men First Class, i thought it was by far the best X-men film to date and one of the best superhero movies, but after repeat viewings it kinda of loses appeal to me, i don't know , better then x3 or wolverine movie, not sure if it tops the first two though.

[DarthVader 2004]

10 X-Men
9 V For Vendetta.
8 Batman
7 X-Men First Class.
RedVader's Top 10 Superheroes List.


6 Spider-Man 2.



I know many likely feel this should be higher but for some reason I like my 5 remaining more. Which includes Spider-Man 1 somewhere. Spider-Man2 was a great movie but i just happen to like the original more. Maybe its because I watched it more times.
Anyways This movie was beloved by all Raimi fans. At the time i was more of an X-Men fan so I likely had different feelings. As i reflect on it Raimi Spider-Man films were as good And were equal i think to Nolans Batman.
You ask anyone and they felt that Spider-Mans 1 and 2 were two of the best films made.
Then Spider-Man 3 came and people seemed to forget.
I didn't forget and am glad to have them within the Top 6.

[MasterChief117]

You lost credibility when you said the Spider Man films were of equal quality as the Nolan films. I might be a super bias Batman fan, but that doesn't make a lick of sense to my actual semi-intelligent non bias mind.

[Neverending]

#8 - THE MASK (1994)



People do not automatically think of The Mask as a superhero, but he certainly is one. Think about it. His alter ego, Stanley Ipkiss, is a sweet guy who constantly gets stepped on by everyone he knows. He's too darn nice to defend himself. Then, one day, he discovers a mythical mask that transforms him into everything he secretly desired to be. And when the mask falls into the wrong hands, it is up to him to save the day. What's great about The Mask is its ability to succeed as a comedy. Making a funny superhero flick is not an easy task. Only a handful have managed to pull it off and The Mask, in my opinion, is the best one.

#7 - BATMAN RETURNS (1992)



"Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it."
"But a kiss... can be even deadlier if you mean it."

I have defended Batman Returns so many times in the past 10 years that I am quite tired of doing it. So, all I'm gonna say is that Batman Returns is an artist achievement. Tim Burton didn't wanna just make another summer blockbuster. He didn't wanna just make another superhero flick. He wanted to make a statement. Batman Returns is a psychological examination of all these characters. It is the ultimate analysis of the Batman universe. And for that, I love it and think it's a GREAT movie.

#6 - SPIDER-MAN 2 (2004)



After introducing all the characters and exploring the universe with the first film, the sequel gets the opportunity to capture everything we love from the comics. We see Peter Parker struggling to hold a job, keep up with his school work, and have some level of social life. Here is the film where the Peter Parker we can relate with is prominent. So, when we see him quit being Spider-Man, we can't blame him. And when he is Spider-Man, we can't help but cheer because the action scenes are spectacular. To this day, you won't see better action scenes in a superhero movie. That train fight is still at the top of the list.

#5 - KICK ASS (2010)



Kick-Ass is the most mult-layered superhero movie ever made. And so much of the content went over the audience's head that it's amazing. Director Matthew Vaughn packs his screenplay with so many plots, sub-plots, character details and commentary that it could confuse the viewer if they aren't keeping up. That's why so many people complained that the film turned into what it was spoofing. To begin with, this movie isn't really a spoof. It's more of a thesis on popular culture than anything else. Kick-Ass is just an average kid who realized that no one helps anyone. He gets mugged and an adult just looks through their window and does nothing. He finally becomes Kick-Ass and tries to save a guy from a beating while a big crowd records it on their cellphone. No one called the police. No one tried to jump in. They just recorded it, laughed, and posted it on YouTube. Kick-Ass could have become a cop, a lawyer, or a politican. Something that could actually lead to changes in society. Instead, he became a superhero. Then, there's Hit Girl. She is a victim of her father. Her father is so thirsty for revenge that he creates this fantasy world of supeheroes for his daughter, so she could help him in his quest. Finally, we have Red Mist. He's a shy, sheltered geeky kid who's always trying to impress his father. So, he becomes a faux superhero to set a trap for Big Daddy and Hit Girl. Basically, superheroes are at the center of all these character's world. As is technology. And nothing good comes out of it. One could argue that Matthew Vaughn was making fun of the audience and not the superheroes themselve.

[DarthVader 2004]

Originally Posted by MasterChief117

You lost credibility when you said the Spider Man films were of equal quality as the Nolan films. I might be a super bias Batman fan, but that doesn't make a lick of sense to my actual semi-intelligent non bias mind.

That Is my opinion of my own list and Its not number 1 is it. Its for a number 6. We would not be having this conversation if Spider-Man 3 hadn't turned out like it did.
If Spider-Man 3 had been grand my comment would not made the batman fury come out of ya.
I am not always logical in my lists. People think i am insane because I prefer Batman Begins over TDK.

[MasterChief117]

Originally Posted by RedVader 2004

That Is my opinion of my own list and Its not number 1 is it. Its for a number 6. We would not be having this conversation if Spider-Man 3 hadn't turned out like it did.
If Spider-Man 3 had been grand my comment would not made the batman fury come out of ya.
I am not always logical in my lists. People think i am insane because I prefer Batman Begins over TDK.

Batman Begins over TDK, to me, isn't crazy. Now that's a personal preference because both movies are entertaining, and both, I believe, bring something slightly different. Batman Begins has more of a Burton esque feel to it, where as TDK feels definitely a bit more realistic.

[Nick1988]

Batman Returns is in my top 5 favorite superhero movies really liked that movie and thought it was better then Batman 89, i am gonna do a list tomorrow for my favorites .

[Tornado]

There are elements of Batman Returns that I really like, but overall it is not one of my favorites. It's in the middleground between my lists.

[DarthVader 2004]

We Should be allowed to do a Middle List so we have all superhero movies covered. Movies not quite the best but clearly no where near the bottum.

[JBond]

No we shouldn't.

[Tornado]

That doesn't make any sense. If you want to include more films, make a bigger top or bottom list. And besides, there's no draw to that, there's no building to anything. The fun thing about top/bottom 10 lists is that you're ultimately building toward the best/worst of whatever category, and everybody else is anticipating what your #1 is going to be. What's the fun in a middleground list? Building toward what just missed the cut on the top 10 list?

[JBond]

I once made a Top 10 Mediocre Film list. I think I put Space Cowboys on it...

[Nick1988]

Originally Posted by RedVader 2004

We Should be allowed to do a Middle List so we have all superhero movies covered. Movies not quite the best but clearly no where near the bottum.

huh?

[DarthVader 2004]

If need English terms it means the movies comic wise not in the Top or Bottom lists should be used in a another Top Ten. Which would be the Middle or Medium list.