Like a Western in the 1940s and 1950s, genre of comics has risen sharply over the past two decades. What once seemed like an unfathomable oddity has now become one of the most guaranteed commercial successes as major studios have pushed for as many comic book adaptations as possible, with no end in sight.
Below we recall and choose the best comic book movie, starting from 1998 when it was releasedBlade and then 1 film each year until 2020. Like all lists of this kind, this one is subjective - there will undoubtedly be disagreements. But this article is intended to provoke discussion and reflection, and not to act as an authoritative source in all respects. So let's try to keep that in mind.
1998 - Blade
When you look at Marvel Comics' enduring legacy and the MCU's current dominance at the box office, it's easy to think that the former always meant the latter was a given. But that's not the case at all. In fact, just a few years beforeBlade In 1998, set the stage for a cinematic movement that redefined the modern film industry, Marvel Entertainment Group filed for bankruptcy. The last movie based on a Marvel character to hit theaters washoward duck 1986 of the year (which was also the first since the 1944 series aboutCaptain America), makingBlade Marvel's first film since the disappointing DTV duo of the '90s -the Punisher andCaptain America.. Against all odds, the film was a hit, grossing $131 million on a reported budget of $45 million.
1999 - Mysterious people
1999 is one of the best years for movies, but when it comes to comic book movies, it doesn't really stand out. So thatMystery Men, free adaptationcomics Bob Burden «Flaming Carrots», default wins here. But it's a pretty funny movie that has a bit of a darker side to it, as it follows a group of smaller superheroes with inexpressive powers (like the ability to be invisible, but only when no one is looking) who are forced to save the day when a villain named Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush) prepares to use the weapon in the City of Champions.Mystery menwas slightly ahead of its time, and one can imagine that it could have been more successful had it been released when the general public was more familiar with comic book movie tropes. ButBen Stiller is a real genius as a person who can get angry, and the colorful characters and the film's willingness to be extremely weird make it an interesting and unique comedy.
2000 - X-Men
IfBlade helped ignite the current wave of superhero films, then "X-Men" helped to establish their separate genre. After the appalling allegations againstBryan Singer a haze hung over the entire franchise, but "X-Men" were the movie that set the template for superhero madness that we're still living in two decades later. ProducerLauren Shuler Donner saw the untapped potential of the X-Men's popularity and brought the project to the screen on a long, nearly two-decade-long journey to a finish line that saw the revolving doors of Hollywood's biggest names come and go. James Cameron - Michael Chabon. Ultimately the screenwriterDavid Hayterwas hired to take the film to its finished form, an ensemble superhero epic with a sociopolitical underpinning that went on to become the highest-grossing film of the year and proved that superhero films can be big box office hits.
2001 - Josie and the kitties
Second place:ghost world
Let's just say it takes a long time to winghostworld.«Josie and the kitties is one of those films that never got the respect it deserved when it first hit theaters, but has since engendered a cult following. And thank goodness, this is a pre-historic comedy gem that boasts one of the best original soundtracks of the era. Produced by R&B legendKenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and vocalist Letters to CleoKay Hanley.with lead vocals, the soundtrack is absolutely ripping. But like anyone who grew up with the scent of herbal essences and a tube of 3D Doritos in their hand, it was never in doubt. Critics and zeitgeists have only recently taken notice of the quality of the film itself, a jubilant ode to an era of female power in the power of music and friendship that didn't pander to its audience.
2002 - Spiderman
Second place:Blade 2
Tobey Maguire objectively, ridiculously too old for the role, but he is also absolutely convinced of the sincere, wide-open good nature of the character. And it corresponds to the cult antagonist fromWillem Dafoe as the Green Goblin. VSpiderman there's a cleanliness and unpretentiousness that sets it apart from the competition, giving it a distinct luster that hasn't tarnished for me ever since.
2003 - X-Men 2
Second place: american splendor, Hulk
x-men 2, It wasextremelyan important event. It was the long-awaited sequel to the successful and genre-defining " X-Men", as well as who came on the heels of " Spiderman" Sam Raimi,set box office records and garnered positive public support for new comic book films.
The action of the sets remains impressive, and the film continues the Wolverine storyline that started with the first film extremely effectively. What really sets him apart is the gameBrian Cox'sthe role of William Stryker - one of the best and most effective villains in the franchise. The X-Men does gain hatred and prejudice against mutants, but puts the militant man on the opposite side with the necessary means to gather all the mutants he can - despite the fact that his own son is a mutant. The thematic parallels with the fight for LGBT rights are as obvious as daylight, and in this sense the film is a kind of time capsule.
2004 - Spiderman 2
Once upon a timeSpiderman 2 was hailed as one of the best sequels ever made. Now, with the advent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC's gritty approach, his status seems to have dropped despite actually being great. An approachSam Raimi to Spider-Man was certainly more sublime than what came out after.
2005 - Batman Begins
Second place:Constantine, Justified Cruelty
Generally, "Batman Begins one of the most influential comic book films ever made. And that's good too! Upon its release, studios were overwhelmed with projects that were described as "a rough reboot in the vein of"Batman Begins "". Director's approachChristopher Nolan to the iconic character was to present a logical explanation for every aspect of his being, which led to a highly grounded comic book adaptation that avoided logical leaps, sayX-Men orspiderman, and instead envisioned what the real world would look like if Batman really existed.Christian Baleturned into a fitting production, and every aspect of Nolan's design matched the way the film worked, from The Tumbler to Jonathan Crane's transformation into the Scarecrow. And besides delivering blockbusters and a pure entertainment level, Nolan was also able to create a thematically rich story about fear. Not bad for a comic book movie.
2006 - Return of Superman
Yes, "Return of Superman" - this is good. Directorbryan Singer, whose personal allegations are deeply troubling and should not be discounted, viewed this reboot with admiration, creating something of a sequel to the filmRichard Donner, albeit with a new composition. And while many were upset by the film's lack of action and violence, I actually think the Superman character's tone is accurate. This is an alien whose entire defining quality is the protection of others. He doesn't often go on the offensive, so seeing him save people throughout the film, especially after 9/11, is refreshing and inspiring.Brandon Routhmade an amazing Superman and it's a shame he didn't get the chance to further explore the character.
2007 - 30 Days of Night
"30 Days of Night" easily ranks among my most underrated horror films of the 21st century. Based on the authentically inspired idea of the comic book miniseries of the same nameSteve Niles, the film shows how a pack of ancient vampires descends on an Alaskan city, where it settles down for a month-long polar night. Blame it on a negative reactionJosh Hartnettor the vampire's malaise after a series of poor-quality offerings in early August, includingDracula 2000, Queen of the DamnedandVan Helsing, but audiences and critics largely panned the film upon release. It's crazy because it's freakingregulations. These are the scariest vampires that have ever appeared on the screen.Danny Huston? Terrible.Ben Foster? Even the vampire, still terrifying! DirectorDavid Slade and operatorJoe Willems they make a hell of a dark, violent horror movie, making vampires feel like a force of nature as inevitable as a cold winter. I'm still waiting for this to have a proper cultural reappraisal, but for now I'll beat the drum that "30 days of night is a bloody awful movie and a bloody unexpected comic book adaptation.
2008 - The Dark Knight
Second place: Iron Man, The Punisher: War Zone
Christopher Nolan reimagined what a Batman movie could look like, with "Batman Begins", nose"The Dark Knight" he set the bar for grounded, naturalistic superhero storytelling that filmmakers are still trying to surpass to this day. Considered by many to be the best comic book movie of all time, it's easy to see why, because Nolan doesn't condescend to the genre he works in, he embraces it and treats it with respect. It is also a film that showcases the work of the deceasedHeath Ledgerlike the Joker; one of the most iconic screen incarnations of the last 20 years.
2009 - Keepers
Guardians have long been considered the pinnacle of non-adaptable comics, and for good reason; it's a dense, existential, provocative piece of material brimming with sideshows and storylines, a massive ensemble of characters far from sympathetic to overtly reprehensible characters, and a critique of the superhero narrative in general that resists cinematic adaptation. And then comes the impossible end.Vfilm versionZack Snyder2009 doesn't quite get it right, but it's as insanely accurate and stylishly done as you could ask for in a feature film. I've made a case for why I think the controversial final switch works in the context of the movie, but putting that aside, along with all the talk about which option is best (this is the director's cut)Watchmen is one of the most visually stunning comic book movies of all time, an anchor knockout ensemble (they are all great butJackie Earle Haley is anfinal,) Larry Fong" s lush cinematography, and some of the most outstanding action choreography on this list.
2010 - Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Second place:Kick-Ass, Super
Edgar Wright is one of the best and most interesting directors working today, so of course he made a great comic book adaptation."Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" is vibrant, pulsating, and full of life, but for all its unique ways of bringing the action of a graphic novel to the screen, it's ultimately a sweet coming-of-age story about a selfish jerk who learns to become a somewhat compassionate person. It helps that it's also fun and has a cast full of incredible performers (Chris Evans in the role of Lucas Leeperfection) and also has a killer soundtrack. It's the kind of movie where if something goes wrong, everything falls apart. And luckily for Wright, he's a genius, so pretty much everything he does here works great.
2011 - X-Men: First Class
Second place:Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor
"X-Men: First Class" - The best movie ever made X-Men and a window into an alternate universe where this franchise could really take off. The decision to set the action in the 1960s was brilliant, but there are three main elements that make this film stand out: an energetic director Matthew Vaughn flirtatious but dangerous scenario Jane Goldman and an absolutely incredible cast.Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Kevin Bacon and Rose Byrneall in one movie? And this is good? The film retains the earthy tone of previous films while reflecting the '60s flair with Bond's approach to aesthetics and action. It's fun and serious at the same time, allowing the young mutants to have some fun while also absolutely nailing the heartbreaking final act in which Charles and Eric's relationship is irretrievably severed.
2012 - The Avengers
Second place: Dredd, The Dark Knight Rises, Men in Black 3
Avengers changed the definition of films. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, led by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, began by playing the then-obscureIron Man, cunningly expanding with each new installment and post-credits scenes of the crossover, until it all culminated inAvengers2012.
2013 - Through the snow
Second place:Man of Steel, Iron Man 3
If you want to see Captain America monologue about eating babies, boy, I've got a movie for you! Before being the darling of phenomenal awardsparasite, Bong Joon Ho built a career that defies all genre expectations, from crime thrillers to monster movies.
2014 - Guardians of the Galaxy
Winners: the first avenger another war, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Kingsman: Secret Service
Guardians of the Galaxy It's just a fun movie. It's so specific toJames Gunn, and at the same time extremely versatile in its scope. When all is said and done, we will likely look back at the Marvel Cinematic Universe and point toGuardians as one of (if notmost) of the most influential films they have ever made. Think of all the sci-fi movies that have come his way with a "sharp" sense of humor and team spirit.
2015 - Avengers: Age of Ultron
Second place:Ant-Man
I know this is a controversial choice, but despite the imperfections, "Avengers: Age of Ultron" deeply interested and ambitious. This is one big father and son story between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and his offended robot creation Ultron (James Spader), who can't help but look like his father, no matter how hard he tries not to.
2016 - Deadpool
Second place:Captain America: Civil War
Yes,Captain America: Civil War - it's fun, epic and amazing, butDeadpool changedregulations games. Years of making and 20th Century Fox have finally agreed to make this irreverent R-rated superhero film, and in doing so, break out of the competition between Marvel Studios films and everything else.
2017 - Thor: Ragnarok
Runner-up winners:Logan, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Wonder Woman, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Taika Waititi continues his crusade to be the very best, whileminimizing fear, raising the bar, making it incredible and fully embracing the sense of fun and wonder that was needed to unlock Thor's full potential (Chris Hemsworth).
2018 - Black Panther & Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (tie)
Second place: Avengers: Infinity War
Black Panther
Marvel Studios appears on this list quite often, but the best movie they've made so far isBlack Panther, which came out the same year as another groundbreaking superhero film. So we call it a tie.
"Bury me in the ocean along with my ancestors who jumped from ships because they knew death was better than slavery."
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Surprising for a genre that has flourished in animation for so long that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is the only animated film on this list, but judging by Sony's 2018 screening, we may be living in one of the most exciting times for animated superhero films. The Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature marks a bold step into the future of superhero storytelling.
2019 - Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame really a miracle. You just have to step back in awe of the scale, ambition, and clockwork precision of filmmaking and storytelling here. A whole decade of films and public attention - all this has led here, and somehow the directorsJoeandAnthony Russoand screenwritersChristopher MarkusandStephen McFeely is being held downbar. It helps that they cleverly cleaned out half the universe at the end.Infinity Wars, leaving room for the original Avengers.
