11 Years Before Spider-Man, Sam Raimi Made This Cult Superhero Movie With an 81% RT Score

by

Fans might enjoy revisiting older superhero films, those made before the current era of blockbuster superhero movies. With so many similar films being released today, these older movies could offer something truly different and unique – a hidden gem that doesn’t feel like anything currently in theaters. It’s easy to forget that original superhero ideas existed on film before the dominance of Marvel and DC, and surprisingly, even a well-known Marvel director explored this kind of filmmaking early in their career.

Many moviegoers will recognize Sam Raimi from his work on popular films like the original Spider-Man, its sequels, and the recent Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. He’s also famous for revolutionizing horror in the 1980s with the Evil Dead series. His talent for creating genuinely frightening scenes was a key factor in the unique style of his Doctor Strange film. But Raimi didn’t begin his career with superhero movies, and he didn’t immediately go from horror to directing a blockbuster like Spider-Man in 2002. There was a particularly clever and enjoyable film he made in the early 1990s that actually landed him the job directing Spider-Man, and it’s a movie everyone should check out.

Darkman Is One of the Most Original Superhero Movies of All Time

While Darkman draws inspiration from science fiction, horror, and specific comic books, it’s a surprisingly unique superhero film for the early 1990s. In fact, it helped define the superhero genre for the decade. Following the success of Tim Burton’s Batman, a fresh energy revitalized the genre – something not seen since the original Superman in 1978. Darkman’s success led to a surge in superhero films, ultimately laying the groundwork for the superhero boom of the 2000s.

Many great, but lesser-known, movies have become beloved cult classics over time, and surprisingly, the superhero genre has a few of these hidden gems. Sam Raimi’s 1990 film, Darkman, is often considered the best cult superhero movie ever made. Raimi initially wanted to adapt The Shadow, a somewhat obscure comic book known for its dark and gritty style. When that project didn’t work out, he created his own superhero story inspired by a short story he’d written, blending different influences and paying tribute to classic Universal monster movies.

Okay, so Darkman is basically what would happen if you made a really dark, R-rated comic book movie, and honestly, it’s one of Sam Raimi’s most imaginative films. Liam Neeson plays Peyton Westlake, a scientist who gets horribly disfigured but also gains some crazy powers. It’s all about him using his brains and these new abilities to get revenge on the people who did him wrong and bring some serious street justice. The coolest part? He invents a way to wear anyone’s face! He uses this tech and his skills to fight all the crime in the city, and it’s wild.

Peyton is initially driven by a desire for revenge, stemming from a deeply traumatic experience. He struggles with internal conflicts but eventually finds inner peace. However, his pursuit of vengeance draws his loved one, Julie, into the danger, and he must become her savior. Darkman uniquely blends director Sam Raimi’s creative interests, resulting in a particularly dark and imaginative superhero film of the 1990s. Entirely a product of Raimi’s vision, it features a rich and detailed backstory crafted for an independent superhero narrative.

Darkman Is a Perfect Combination of Other Sam Raimi Films

Despite its modest budget and focus on solid filmmaking, Darkman feels like other independent genre films that value artistry over profit. The film offers a unique blend of cinema and comic book aesthetics, all brought to life through Sam Raimi’s distinctive vision. Those familiar with Raimi’s work—like the Evil Dead movies—understand his skill with tone, genre, and style, and can appreciate how he could translate that talent to the superhero world, making Darkman a truly enjoyable experience.

No one expected Sam Raimi to direct Spider-Man, but he turned out to be a brilliant fit. Looking back, Darkman feels like a practice run for Spider-Man, showcasing the unique style he would bring to superhero films. It’s full of exciting action and rich storytelling. The origin story of Peyton Westlake echoes that of Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man 2, which fans will appreciate. However, Darkman is also noticeably darker than Raimi’s earlier work. Peyton’s situation is both frightening and deeply moving, making his journey compelling to watch. Ultimately, it’s the combination of these elements that makes Darkman so enjoyable.

Despite its wildly over-the-top and often silly humor, the film Darkman developed a unique personality. It wasn’t a mainstream success, but it quickly gained a dedicated cult following, largely due to the signature style of director Sam Raimi that fans appreciated. Looking back, Darkman feels like a blend of Raimi’s other work, showcasing his surreal approach to practical effects, stunts, and makeup, all while playing with genre conventions. While Evil Dead fans might find the horror aspects a bit different, Darkman essentially laid the groundwork for the more famous Marvel character’s blockbuster movie in 2002, telling the story of Peyton’s origins.

A common thread throughout Sam Raimi’s films is a playful, almost mocking sense of humor. He expertly blends scares with laughter, creating a uniquely surreal atmosphere that feels like it jumped straight out of a comic book. Darkman is a prime example of how comic book movies should be made, and it significantly influenced the genre. Raimi’s inventive approach to the superhero concept is largely responsible for the creation of Spider-Man and paved the way for the surge of superhero films in the early 2000s. This often-overlooked film is a true cult classic with a lasting legacy.

Darkman Is the Unsung Hero of the Superhero Genre

Everyone always talks about Tim Burton’s Batman from ’89 as the movie that changed comic book films forever, and it was a big deal. But honestly, I think Sam Raimi’s Darkman went even further. It was way darker, more mature, and just had this really cool, unique style that I hadn’t seen before in a superhero movie.

As a fan, I’ve always thought Darkman was a really interesting movie – it felt like a sweet spot between Tim Burton’s Batman and Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man. While Batman was dark and Spider-Man needed a certain upbeat energy, Darkman managed to blend those elements really well. Looking back, I see a clear connection in style and pacing between all three films, and how they each helped shape the superhero genre. It’s a shame Darkman doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. And honestly, a big part of what ties them all together is Danny Elfman’s music – you can hear his signature style in all three, and it creates a really unique feel.

Looking back, the early 90s felt like a turning point for superhero movies. They started getting a little darker and more realistic, but still kept that comic book feel. Everyone talks about Spider-Man as being a huge influence on how these stories were told, and I think Darkman really nailed that balance too. It was a key film for the genre, and honestly, I think it deserves way more recognition. That underappreciation just adds to its awesome cult classic status, though!

Read More

2025-10-24 21:15