The Best Comic Book Films of all time

This is a personal list of what I feel to be the best comic book adaptations that I have seen. Some are placed above films I would judge to be ‘better’ because I feel that the other films are better ‘comic book adaptations’. I have a great passion for the genre and I’m sure this list will be very different to what any readers of this list think, but that’s where all the fun is. I will could down the lost from 10-1…

10 – Deadpool 2

A controversial pick but I personally prefer this to the first film due to its expanded and more risk taking plot, whilst also featuring the same magic of the original. It is one of the funniest films I have ever watched, perfectly matching up to my sense of humour, and that is why it has made the list for me.

9. Thor: Ragnarok

The Thor franchise could’ve easily died with The Dark World but they decided to give it another shot, completely changing the characters trajectory forever. Taika Waititi brought an incredible irreverence and humour to the property and Chris Hemsworth finally came into the part fully and became one of the Marvel’s MVPs.

8. Avengers: Infinity War

This film brought together characters from 10 years of the MCU for an all out superhero spectacular that totally delivered on the hype and gave us one of films best villains and biggest cliff hanger endings. It also became only the fourth film in history in the time to reach $2 Billion worldwide.

7. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

This film sparked a huge change in future of the super hero because it successfully moved into a new genre. This was a superhero film told through the lens of a political thriller, and the result was one of the best comic book films ever made. It also was the first time the Russo Brothers directed a MCU film (they have directed 3 of the films that are on my list).

6. Spider-Man 2

This is widely regarded by many as one of the great superhero films and Sam Raimi crafted this emotion filled masterpiece long before the superhero genre was dominant in Hollywood. It is a film that is even more important to be as it was a key part of my childhood, and something I have continued to love to this day.

5. Logan

This is more of a western than a super hero film, but it is still very much a comic book adaptation. With the strong feeling of the end of an era, Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart said goodbye to the characters they had been playing for 17 years in one of the most powerful and satisfying films in recent time. It was even nominated for a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar, which is very rare for the genre.

4. Joker

This is now officially the most profitable comic book movie of all time, and is one of the best. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an absolute tour de force performance and the film itself became a cultural phenomenon unlike much we have seen before. It operates as a haunting character drama and critique of society, and also as a very effective origin story for cinema’s most iconic villain.

3. Avengers: Endgame

The highest grossing film in history and the iconic end to the MCUs 11 year Infinity Saga. It delivered an ending so satisfying that many could not believe and I personally experienced a thrill at the movies that I have rarely experienced when watching the midnight screening. It was an hilarious and emotional rollercoaster that worked brilliantly as the culmination to this carefully built saga. While not being the best, it is in my opinion the ‘Ultimate Super Hero Film’.

2. The Dark Knight

Christopher Nolan’s film is regarded by many as the best superhero film ever made, and I would definitely not argue against that, but for me it is a close second. However, it is undeniably a superb piece of filmmaking, with the crime genre mashed together with Batman mythos to create an incredibly sophisticated and satisfying film. It also features an iconic and Oscar winning performance from the late Heath Ledger that will live long in the memory, and the fact this film missed out on a best picture nomination led to the academy expanding the possible nominees from 5 up to potentially 10.

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

This is the only film on the list that isn’t live-action, and I don’t think it could have been even remotely as successful if it was. The film not only perfectly captures the character of Spider-Man and why it means so much to people of all races/sexualities/genders, they also created a thrilling and hilarious story. It also features some of the best and most unique animation ever put on screen, won the Best Animated Feature Oscar, and has a much anticipated sequel on the way in 2022.