12 best Halloween superhero and comic movies and TV shows

12 best Halloween superhero and comic movies and TV shows

As someone who grew up devouring comics and horror films, I must say these adaptations have been quite the treat for this old-school fan! The animated Hellboy movies, though not strictly following the Del Toro films, managed to capture the essence of the comic books wonderfully. The first one might’ve been a bit lighter on the horror, but the second one, oh boy, that vampire scene still gives me chills!


Once more, we approach the season where countless individuals gather with loved ones to either shiver at heart-pounding horror flicks designed to make them tremble to the bone, or indulge in delightfully cheesy movies that offer entertainment for all.

At Bam! Smack! Pow!, we delve into the world of geeky comic books and superheroes. To cater to both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers, I’ve put together a list of horror/supernatural comic movies and shows that would be an ideal watch this Halloween season. Grab your popcorn, get comfortable, and here are my top picks for comic-inspired films and series you should stream! (In no specific order)

Absolutely! The memorable Del Toro Hellboy films, known for their extraordinary creature effects, captivating narratives, and unforgettable portrayal of the main character by Ron Perlman, are a must-watch. Hellboy and Hellboy II: The Golden Army offer a unique perspective on comic book movies with a darker, occult theme, or simply movies dealing with such subject matter. Although the intended trilogy was never fully realized (sigh), these films continue to hold up as essential viewing for fans of comic books and horror movies alike.

Some people believe that movies such as Bryan Singer’s X-Men and Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man marked the beginning of contemporary superhero cinema. However, I contend that it was actually a bloodthirsty vampire fighter who paved the way for today’s successful comic book adaptations: the Blade films.

Back in the day, when Blade hit the silver screen, it was a smashing success, raking in around $70 million at the box office against a production budget of just $45 million. Compared to today’s comic book movie blockbusters, it wasn’t the biggest earner, but for its time, it was considered a hit, paving the way for two sequels with varying levels of quality.

Although some aspects of the “Blade” movies might not resonate as strongly with contemporary viewers, these films, particularly the original, are undeniably the genesis of the explosion of comic book superhero movies over the past two decades. With talks of a new MCU film featuring Blade, it’s clear that this character still packs a powerful punch for audiences.

Initially, upon its release, Constantine was generally viewed as poor quality, receiving mixed reviews from critics and earning only modest box office revenue. As a result, plans for a sequel were minimal, leaving the future of Keanu Reeves’ portrayal uncertain. However, over time, the film has developed a devoted fanbase who view it as a thought-provoking film that was perhaps ahead of its time, with audiences at the initial release possibly failing to appreciate or grasp its depth.

Although I found myself appreciating the movie on the whole, there are certain aspects that continue to feel incongruous. For instance, Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of the main character left me with mixed feelings. Now, I know some folks might not appreciate this opinion, but personally, I haven’t been overly impressed by Keanu Reeves as an actor. Don’t get me wrong – there have been instances where he excelled, like in the Bill and Ted movies. However, generally speaking, his acting strikes me as rather uninspired, to put it mildly.

Many characters in the movie are rather uninteresting, even Constantine himself, and some of the special effects feel dated. Nevertheless, I find myself enjoying the movie. Given the strong fan interest, there could potentially be a sequel being developed. Therefore, despite its shortcomings, I would still suggest watching this film as it offers intriguing world-building, and Peter Stormare’s portrayal of Lucifer was particularly captivating for me.

Among the countless comic characters, Swamp Thing has climbed up my list of favorites. Particularly, Alan Moore’s iconic run with the character during the 80s stands out as an all-time favorite for me. Consequently, when news broke about a live-action Swamp Thing series that would be based on those stories, I couldn’t help but get excited.

When the series debuted, I was thrilled not just by the characters and the genuinely terrifying atmosphere created through practical effects, but also by the palpable affection for the Swamp Thing character portrayed on screen, making it a cherished pick among comic book adaptations for me. Unfortunately, it only lasted one episode before being canceled, leaving its fate uncertain. Despite the unclear reasons behind its cancellation, it’s evident that the show’s quality was not the deciding factor in its demise.

In the making of this series, James Wan – mastermind behind the thriving “Conjuring” universe – took the reins, guaranteeing a dose of chills that did not disappoint thanks to some impressive practical effects. Derek Mears’ portrayal of Swamp Thing was particularly captivating, with his convincing performance perfectly complemented by the striking design of the Swamp Thing costume. This production felt like a faithful adaptation of Alan Moore’s original comics for me.

We can only wish that the upcoming film by James Mangold, titled Swamp Thing, will continue both the comic book character’s legacy and the spirit of the 2019 series.

As a devoted fan, I must share my excitement about the latest addition to the list – Marvel’s foray into hour-long specials, exploring various aspects of the Marvel universe. The first one to grace our screens was none other than “Werewolf by Night,” inspired by a 70’s comic series. This special marked a significant milestone as it introduced genuine classic horror elements into the Marvel cinematic universe for the very first time.

In contrast to how the “Doctor Strange” films gradually introduced supernatural aspects into the MCU, this particular special took things a step further by fully embracing its horror themes. Despite its brief runtime of just an hour, it managed to cram in plenty of classic horror monster elements without seeming contrived or misplaced. The acting was consistently strong, with a nostalgic 1940s vibe, and the practical werewolf effects were a refreshing change in a universe typically dominated by CGI. It has become an annual tradition to watch during Halloween, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

It’s Morbin Time! Psyche!

This particular movie carries a significant emotional attachment for me, as it was both my initial encounter with the Ghost Rider character and the catalyst for my lifelong fascination with the supernatural and frightening phenomena. As a child, though, this film gave me quite the scare (pun intended), particularly the scenes featuring the main antagonist Blackheart. With age, however, I can confidently assert that while it may not be as terrifying or impressive as I once thought, it remains an enjoyable watch.

Nic Cage to me was perfect for the role, in the sense that he made the Ghost Rider scenes and transformations so engaging and insane. Most of the film has that early to mid-2000s comic book movie style of storytelling; weird and out-of-place editing, characters trying to be edgy but coming across as unintentionally hilarious or dull, taking things too seriously one moment and and the next being absolutely bonkers, etc. The less said about the sequel the better, for these attributes were still present in the sequel, despite coming out many years after the first when those tropes were worn out when even the first came out. Ghost Rider is the perfect popcorn movie to get into the spooky season, with some actually badass scenes and another out-of-bounds performance from the Man, Nic Cage.

As a gamer, let me take you back to my childhood days when I was captivated by movies that fueled my fascination for the eerie aspects of life. One such flick that left a lasting impression is reminiscent of Ghost Rider, but here’s the twist – it’s not just a cheesy movie, it’s genuinely good!

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my thoughts about “Batman vs. Dracula,” a film inspired by the 2004 animated series of the same name (differentiating it from Matt Reeves’ “The Batman”). Contrary to its intended audience, this movie took a dark and gruesome turn. Although there’s no graphic gore, the violence was palpable. Vampires like Dracula and others could be seen draining the life out of people, turning them into vampires themselves, and shedding blood profusely.

This film, “Batman vs. Dracula,” served as an initial terror for me regarding vampires for quite some time, and although they no longer frighten me intensely, there remains a lingering sense of discomfort whenever I encounter them in movies or other media. If you haven’t seen the show it was adapted from, you won’t feel lost at all; it is a straightforward but impactful vampire tale that appeals to both Batman and horror enthusiasts alike.

As a hardcore gamer, let me confirm that what you see isn’t just a figment of your imagination, but rather a reimagining of the classic Swamp Thing comics. Unfortunately, this game seems to have slipped under the radar for many, making it feel like an undiscovered gem in the gaming world.

This movie was initially directed and scripted by Wes Craven, who later became renowned for horror classics like “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Scream.” Given its production prior to his major successes, it can be considered an early work of his. Characterized as a B-movie due to the exaggerated performances of its actors, this film showcases costumes that, while visually intriguing, appear dated in today’s CGI-dominated era. The Swamp Thing costume, though well-crafted, exhibited noticeable flaws such as tears and rips.

The movie “Swamp Thing” deviates significantly from its initial comic book roots, which I found lessened its overall impact. In my opinion, the most grievous mistake a movie can commit is being tedious and monotonous, and unfortunately, the middle portion of this film was exactly that – dull and repetitive. However, there’s a reason I’m advocating for it. This film carries importance not only as an early work by Wes Craven, which horror enthusiasts might appreciate adding to their collection, but also as the inaugural big-screen portrayal of the Swamp Thing character. Despite its flaws, this adaptation holds historical significance for comic book movies from that era up until today.

Surprisingly, there have been animated Hellboy movies featuring the main cast from Guillermo del Toro’s films. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a supposed third del Toro Hellboy film; instead, it’s two separate animated productions. In a recent article, I discussed the possibility of a third del Toro Hellboy movie through animation, and I also delved into these animated movies. These animated Hellboy films were released between the first and second del Toro movies, yet they didn’t adhere to the continuity established in del Toro’s films, despite having the same core cast.

The initial movie was named “Hellboy: Sword of Storms,” and it leaned towards fantasy rather than being purely horror-based. Personally, I found this film less compelling compared to the second one. The second film, titled “Hellboy: Blood and Iron,” delves into vampire lore, making it significantly darker and more focused on horror than its predecessor. As a kid, I watched both of these movies, and the second one had a profound impact due to a scene where a vampire murders a mother and her baby. Although the killing wasn’t depicted graphically, we only see the deceased mother lying on the ground next to her child’s blood-stained cradle, leaving the necessary details for the audience without showing anything excessively violent or gory. These movies effectively captured the spirit of the comics and the del Toro films while establishing their unique identity, making them appealing to fans seeking additional Hellboy content.

Among the options presented here, this one stands out: “The choice on the list is unique because it wasn’t derived from a pre-existing comic or book, but instead an original story by horror and future Spider-Man legend Sam Raimi – Darkman. This movie blends elements of traditional superhero beginnings with some noir aesthetics, incorporating both practical and special effects while infusing it with his distinctive filmmaking style.

This movie centers around a scientist who, on one fateful night, falls victim to thieves seeking his research. In the ensuing struggle, an explosion occurs, leaving the impression that he has perished. However, against all odds, the scientist miraculously survives, albeit with severe scarring as a result of the accident. His groundbreaking work endows him with superhuman strength and a temperament prone to rage, yet he swears vengeance on those who wronged him. Despite its familiar narrative structure, the film stands out due to Raimi’s unique character development and quirky directing techniques. Plus, Liam Neeson lends his talent as Darkman, elevating the movie even further. The remarkable practical makeup for Darkman adds depth to the production, and the dedication poured into this project is evident – making it a must-watch in my opinion.

Transforming a well-known and cherished tale into a movie or TV series may upset certain fans, but Netflix’s “Sandman” does an outstanding job of breathing life into Neil Gaiman’s iconic comic book world. The initial season mirrors the early story arcs from the comics, including the main character Dream being held captive for decades by a sorcerer who aimed to imprison Death, Dream’s sister. The remainder of the season delves into the plotline “The Doll’s House,” as well as the final two episodes featuring an anthology-style structure, adapting the tales “Calliope” and “Dream of a Thousand Cats.” These stories may not directly tie into the main storyline of the season, but they still revolve around Dream and his principal characters.

This series boasts exceptional storytelling, special effects, and visuals, particularly in Dream’s Kingdom which is incredibly eye-catching. When Dream ventures into Hell to meet Lucifer, that’s where the horror unfolds, with tormented souls filling the landscapes. It’s a feast for the senses! The first season was highly appreciated, and preparations are underway for a second season due out next year, so we’ll have to be patient to uncover more stories from this captivating universe.

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2024-10-26 18:01

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