The Best Superhero Movie of Every Year From 2000 to Today

Without a doubt, various perspectives exist when it comes to describing the present epoch of Hollywood filmmaking. However, it is indisputable that one particular subcategory dominates the others significantly: the superhero genre.

Prior to the new millennium, Hollywood largely considered comic books and their vibrant characters as material for exploitation films. Occasional blockbuster adaptations such as 1978’s “Superman” and 1989’s “Batman” didn’t significantly change the view that comics were just for action-packed kids, and no matter how much budget was invested, they would always remain so.

During the 2000s’ beginning, films such as X-Men and Spider-Man shifted the landscape significantly. Previously, superheroes were sporadic curiosities; however, they soon became the mainstay of mainstream cinema production. Today, it’s common to find large-scale adaptations gracing our screens every summer (and sometimes even in spring or fall). What was once limited to iconic figures like Superman and Batman expanded into films based on lesser-known characters who, surprisingly, spawned successful franchises. A prime example can be found by looking into the early days of Guardians of the Galaxy.

In today’s discussion, let’s explore the golden age of Hollywood cinema, specifically focusing on the iconic superheroes that have graced our screens during this period. We will delve into the top comic-book movie of each year from 2000 up until now. At the turn of the century, when there were fewer such films, selecting the best was quite straightforward. However, as we progressed through time, the competition grew fiercer, making it a bit more challenging. But fear not, I’ll do my utmost to provide an honest and unbiased assessment, in the spirit of truth, justice, and all that superhero lore represents.

The Best Superhero Movie Of Every Year From 2000 to Today

2000: X-Men

Indeed, the black leather outfits from the initial X-Men film make it seem dated. And compared to Hugh Jackman’s muscular portrayal of Logan in later sequels, his physique here appears quite lean. Nevertheless, there’s a compelling reason why the first X-Men film played a significant role in igniting the superhero movie craze of the 2000s. It captured the essence of these characters brilliantly, translating them from comic books to the screen with a discerning editor’s touch; trimming away unnecessary details and focusing on the fundamental aspects that resonated strongly with a wide audience. Interestingly, Hugh Jackman, who became a global sensation portraying Wolverine, came close to missing his breakthrough role. He was the filmmakers’ second choice, securing the part only after the original Logan, Dougray Scott, had to withdraw due to delays in wrapping up Mission: Impossible II.

2001: Spy Kids

In the early 21st century, it wasn’t until several years had passed that big-screen superhero adaptations became commonplace, sometimes even appearing multiple times a year. However, the impact of comics – their visual storytelling, their character archetypes – could be seen everywhere, even in films such as Robert Rodriguez’s “Spy Kids”. Although this movie is marketed as an espionage adventure for children, it doesn’t delve too deeply into spycraft. Instead, it features a lot of superhero-style combat and sci-fi technology – a blend of James Bond and Batman with a dash of “Home Alone” for good measure. This unusual combination may seem odd, but it was successful, paving the way for numerous sequels, reboots, and television series from Rodriguez.

2002: Spider-Man

With numerous Spider-Man films releasing almost annually, it’s quite simple for us to overlook just how exceptional Sam Raimi’s initial “Spider-Man” movie was in 2002. It was truly ahead of its time. It nailed every aspect: The costume design, the action sequences, the special effects, the poignant portrayal of Uncle Ben’s death, and Peter Parker’s intricate relationships with Norman and Harry Osborn. It transformed mainstream audiences’ perspective on superhero films, paving the way for Hollywood to evolve towards today’s cinematic universes. And astonishingly, many subsequent superhero movies have emulated its final shot, where Spiderman gracefully swings through New York City in a prolonged take.

2003: X2

In many perspectives, “X2” could be considered the most influential superhero film of the 21st century. The initial “X-Men” and “Spider-Man” movies demonstrated that films could capture the essence of comics. However, “X2” took it a step further by showing that movies could not only match but exceed the comic book experience. Scenes like Nightcrawler’s White House siege are a prime example, where his teleporting ability, usually static in comics, was brought to life in smooth motion on screen, making it more captivating than ever before. The dam that explodes in the movie’s finale symbolizes the opening of floodgates, marking the start of the Hollywood Superhero Boom. After “X2”, nothing was quite the same.

2004: Spider-Man 2

In Spider-Man 2, director Sam Raimi chose to focus on a deep exploration of Peter Parker’s relationship with the complex character played brilliantly by Alfred Molina. This scientist, driven by uncontrolled ambition and aided by malevolent mechanical arms, provides the backbone for one of the best performances in the entire Spider-Man series. Even after more than 15 years, the movie continues to impress, with its train sequence being a standout moment across Marvel productions. The film’s knack for heaping problem after problem onto poor Peter Parker makes his eventual, though bittersweet, triumph all the more rewarding.

2005: Batman Begins

The movie “Batman Begins” offered a nice shift in tone. It discarded the excess baggage that had been burdening the series, allowing us to reconnect with the character at his grassroots level. We were introduced to a fresh Bruce Wayne portrayed by Christian Bale, along with a rather intricate antagonist, skillfully played by Liam Neeson. Even if director Christopher Nolan hadn’t made subsequent films, he would still be praised for crafting one of the finest Batman movies in history.

2006: X-Men: The Last Stand

The film X-Men: The Last Stand, while not entirely living up to its reputation, does have some commendable aspects. Scattered throughout are moments that are truly enjoyable; for instance, Ian McKellen delivers a strong performance as Magneto, the Danger Room sequence is a highlight worth the wait, and Kelsey Grammer’s portrayal of Beast convincingly resembles a character straight from a Marvel comic. This role even earned him a spot among the earliest X-Men introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the Dark Phoenix storyline leaves much to be desired – it’s quite problematic. In summary, despite its flaws, it remains the best of the limited superhero films released in 2006.

2007: Spider-Man 3

The final film directed by Sam Raimi in the Spider-Man series has been unjustly criticized – even by Raimi himself, who once commented that it “didn’t work very well.” While it’s true that not everything about the movie is perfect, there are many aspects that shine, such as several of the action sequences from the Maguire trilogy, like the thrilling mid-air rescue of Gwen Stacy from a construction accident. However, the portrayal of Venom, particularly Raimi’s treatment of the black suit as a running joke, has been a significant point of contention for many viewers. The scenes where an “evil” Peter under the influence of his alien costume dances through New York City streets were seen as outdated given the trend toward darker and grittier superheroes in movies of the late 2000s.

However, when you consider Spider-Man 3 as Raimi intentionally using Venom to mock the concept of a “dark” comic book movie, the film becomes much more enjoyable. (Go on, admit it; you’ve come to appreciate Emo Tobey and his questionable dancing!)

2008: The Dark Knight

The Christopher Nolan film “The Dark Knight” continues to be the benchmark for all Batman movies, and arguably every superhero movie as well. It provided an impressive level of visual spectacle, especially when viewed in IMAX, a format it introduced to mainstream cinema for the first time. Additionally, it presented numerous ethical and philosophical dilemmas for contemplation. The film’s quotes have even become part of everyday conversation, with one (“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”) becoming so popular and enduring that it’s surprising it originated from a 2008 Batman movie. Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s memorable score, and the sheer coolness of the Bat-pod are just a few of the many hallmarks of this exceptional film. Over a decade since its release, “The Dark Knight” remains unmatched in its category.

2009: Watchmen

In a new take by Zack Snyder, the iconic comic series “Watchmen” by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons can be compared to Gus Van Sant’s remake of “Psycho”. While it stays true to the original, it lacks some energy and excitement. The opening credits, showcasing how the superheroes could have changed 20th-century history, remain captivating. However, much of the film has been outdone by Damon Lindelof’s more recent series. Considering the growth of the superhero genre since its release in 2009, Snyder’s “Watchmen” now offers an intriguing viewpoint when revisited from a somewhat experimental standpoint.

2010: Super

Before James Gunn gained prominence with “Guardians of the Galaxy”, he created this bold satire. The story revolves around a disturbed individual, played by Rainn Wilson, who chooses to take up vigilantism despite not having superpowers or exceptional physical fitness. Essentially, it’s a reimagining of “Taxi Driver” in a comedic superhero setting – just as intense and thought-provoking as that description suggests.

2011: Captain America: The First Avenger

Although it could use some finesse in its storyline (as a whole war is compressed into a brief montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America remains one of the most successful character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film took a hero often criticized as dull or outdated and transformed him into a captivating, intricate individual embodying straightforward human values. The subsequent Captain America films have been strong, but I’m not certain any have surpassed this one in encapsulating the spirit of Steve Rogers. This remains the MCU film to watch when you need a boost of inspiration.

2012: The Avengers

Despite the release of “Infinity War” and “Endgame,” the initial “Avengers” movie remains an extraordinary feat that seems almost miraculous. The characters are skillfully balanced, the script is concise, and the final extended Battle of New York stands among the finest action sequences in comic-book cinema. While Marvel has grown since then, it’s questionable whether they have ever surpassed the brilliance of iconic lines like “Puny god” or “That’s my secret, Captain. I’m always angry.” It’s a topic open to debate.

2013: Iron Man 3

In simpler terms, the movie “Iron Man 3” was generally good, but its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe slightly diminished its impact. The storyline culminates in Tony Stark deciding to retire as Iron Man, only to reappear in several more films later. Unfortunately, Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, didn’t live up to expectations, but Robert Downey Jr.’s interactions with his intelligent young sidekick were excellent. Usually, Marvel movies are better when viewed within the context of the series; however, “Iron Man 3” might be more enjoyable if you watch it spontaneously without considering its place in the series.

2014: Guardians of the Galaxy

In the beginning, the initial “Guardians” demonstrated that Marvel’s reputation was potent enough to draw audiences towards properties with minimal mainstream popularity. Many seasoned Marvel enthusiasts hadn’t read a single Guardians of the Galaxy comic before the movie premiered – these characters were practically an insignificant detail in Marvel lore until James Gunn transformed them into an unexpected blockbuster hit. Lastly, it is unequivocally Rocket who holds the title as the best Guardian; there’s no room for debate on this matter, so kindly accept this as indisputable truth.

2015: Avengers: Age of Ultron

In terms of their Letterboxd ratings, The Avengers scored 3.7, while its sequel, Avengers: Age of Ultron, received a lower score of 3.2. I can understand that the sequel may not have been as well-received as the original, but I’m still puzzled by the widespread criticism it has received. The climactic scene in Sokovia, where the Avengers unite to save every last citizen, is classic Marvel at its finest. Perhaps with time, people will come to appreciate Ultron more, much like how some fans have started to view Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man movies in a more favorable light after initial criticism.

In this revised version, I aimed to maintain the original’s tone while simplifying certain parts for easier reading and comprehension.

2016: Captain America: Civil War

As a devoted movie buff, I must admit that the ideological conflict between Iron Man and Captain America in “Captain America: Civil War” might not have been as profoundly engaging or consistently thrilling as some might hope. Upon closer inspection, the plot does seem to falter somewhat. However, what this film truly excels at is serving as a spectacular platform for the initial Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) heroes. The climactic action sequence set at an airport, where these heroes clash in epic fashion, is nothing short of breathtaking.

2017: The LEGO Batman Movie

For about two years, my eldest daughter’s preferred movie was “The LEGO Batman Movie”. Frankly, I can’t count how many times we rewatched it during that time. In essence, “The LEGO Batman Movie” ranks among the most enjoyable films of the past decade. There are numerous visual jokes, puns, and references to lesser-known Batman mythos, all complemented by Will Arnett’s brilliantly arrogant voice portrayal of LEGO Batman. Over the last ten years, I’ve watched plenty of children’s movies; some were amusing, others downright boring. Without a doubt, “The LEGO Batman Movie” is the funniest. Instead of poking fun at the character or comics, it offers a heartwarming tribute to everything that makes the Dark Knight so iconic.

2018: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

In a different yet clear manner:

The statement

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is arguably the greatest Spider-Man movie ever made. (Until Across the Spider-Verse came along) It has a fantastic cast of web-slinging superheroes, including Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and a relatable middle-aged Peter B. Parker. The film also emphasizes the moral message from the original Amazing Spider-Man comics about how anyone can become a hero by using their powers responsibly – all presented in an amazingly animated way!

2019: Avengers: Endgame

2020: The Old Guard

According to the comic created by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández, “The Old Guard” shares many typical elements of superhero stories: A band of immortal warriors, led by the renowned Charlize Theron, who cannot die and engage in endless battles against evil forces. However, this film deviates from the norm with director Gina Prince-Bythewood’s thoughtful and complex approach. Usually, movies like this overlook the workings of superpowers and indulge in predictable power fantasies; “The Old Guard”, on the other hand, delves into the darker aspects of immortality.

2021: Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third “Spider-Man” movie, its quality is similar to Sam Raimi’s third “Spider-Man” film. Both share the issue of being overloaded with numerous villains. However, on a positive note, this film successfully portrays and emphasizes Peter Parker as a character – someone who repeatedly stumbles but consistently endeavors to rectify his mistakes in future attempts. Moreover, it significantly introduced the concept of the multiverse into Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, thereby marking a significant landmark in the studio’s history.

2022: RRR

This Indian film titled “RRR” immerses you in three hours of grandeur, romance, music, and thrilling action scenes, leaving your pleasure centers spellbound. Essentially, it’s a creative blend of an old-school John Woo action movie with a South Asian twist, featuring two powerful figures from different sides of the law who form an unexpected alliance. These characters are Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), a Gond tribe warrior, and Rama (Ram Charan), a British Empire soldier. Intriguingly, Bheem travels to Delhi in search of a kidnapped girl, while Rama is tasked with finding the man who seeks her. Despite being adversaries initially, an unexpected accident transforms them into swift companions.

Although they don’t have capes or the ability to fly, “RRR” draws inspiration from the superhero genre. In fact, its director, S.S. Rajamouli, openly referred to it as a “fictional friendship between two superheroes.” With contagious enthusiasm and an invigorating spirit of adventure, they elevate the superhero genre to new heights, leading us towards an exciting future.

2023: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

2024: Deadpool & Wolverine

The camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is just what you’d expect. Their cameos are surprising, even jaw-dropping. The plot, however, pushes the limits of how much information a film can convey without becoming incomprehensible. (Is it necessary for one character to have so many sad pasts? This movie certainly suggests at least two!) Fortunately, Jackman and Reynolds deliver on a Deadpool and Wolverine collaboration, grumbling their way towards a partnership to safeguard the Fox X-Men universe.

13 Actors Who Returned To Iconic Roles Decades Later

1. Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler in Jurassic World: Dominion

In the 1993 blockbuster movie “Jurassic Park”, Laura Dern, with her iconic high-waisted khaki shorts, resonated deeply with countless viewers. Her charming portrayal, alongside Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum, added an enchanting touch to the film that made it a repeat watch. Three decades later, in 2022’s “Jurassic World: Dominion”, Dern reprised her role as Dr. Ellie Sattler, ensuring that her character remained authentic to the original. During development, she collaborated closely with director Colin Trevorrow to keep Ellie as an activist and whistleblower against corporate greed, a trait that felt fitting for the character we had come to know back then.

2. Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars — Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

There’s no denying that George Lucas, the mastermind behind Star Wars, initially thought his science fiction series would bomb, but history tells a different story. Today, Star Wars stands as one of the most lasting and valuable franchises in cinema history, making the return of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in the sequel trilogy particularly significant for fans. While Hamill had a brief cameo in The Force Awakens, his role expanded significantly in 2017’s The Last Jedi – four decades after his initial portrayal of Luke. The sequel trilogy also brought back Carrie Fisher as Leia Skywalker and Harrison Ford as Han Solo, characters who have left an indelible mark on audiences for over four decades.

3. Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in Halloween

Jamie Lee Curtis made a name for herself as a “scream queen” with her portrayal of Laurie Strode in the 1978 horror masterpiece, Halloween. Notably, she was just 19 years old during the filming of this classic. Since then, Curtis’ career has flourished, but she’s never shied away from revisiting her beginnings. Over the span of six sequels, she has consistently kept the character of Laurie Strode alive. The most recent installment, Halloween Ends (2022), marks a significant milestone, being released 44 years after the original Halloween. Her commitment to the role of Laurie hasn’t gone unrecognized – even basketball legend LeBron James described her as a “legend & badass” on Twitter following a viewing of the film.

4. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates in Psycho II & III

It’s challenging to replicate the intense cinematic atmosphere found in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 movie “Psycho”, but director Richard Franklin gave it a shot in 1983 with “Psycho II”. Released in 1983, this sequel takes place 22 years after the original film, yet it doesn’t quite match the same level of tension. However, Anthony Perkins delivers another compelling performance as Norman Bates. Interestingly, Perkins himself directed the third installment of the franchise, “Psycho III”, which unfolds only a month after the events depicted in “Psycho II”.

5. Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049

Few movie series manage to span a 35-year interval between releases, but remarkably, the iconic film franchise Blade Runner has done just that. The initial Blade Runner, which premiered in 1982 and starred Harrison Ford as ex-police officer Rick Deckard, initially struggled in theaters. However, over time it gained recognition as a sci-fi masterpiece. In 2017, Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049 graced our screens, with Ford reprising his role as Rick Deckard and this time set 30 years after the first movie. Ryan Gosling stepped into the spotlight as K, another “blade runner” who joined forces with Deckard in the dilapidated remnants of Las Vegas.

6. Michael Keaton as Batman in Batgirl

Although DC’s nearly finished Batgirl film was ultimately scrapped, Michael Keaton showed us it’s never too late to return as a hero. In fact, Keaton was slated to play Bruce Wayne/Batman in the now-abandoned HBO Max project, marking his first appearance in the iconic costume in three decades. Despite this, pictures from Batgirl’s set depicting Keaton as Batman have surfaced online, confirming that scenes were indeed filmed. Thankfully, Keaton will reprise his superhero role in another DC production, The Flash, which is scheduled for release in June 2023.

7. Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson in Independence Day: Resurgence

In the 1996 film “Independence Day”, while Will Smith was indeed the main star, Jeff Goldblum delivered an exceptional performance as David Levinson, a satellite engineer from MIT. Interestingly, twenty years later, it was Smith who opted not to reprise his role for the sequel. On the other hand, Goldblum, along with Bill Pullman, chose to return. The events of “Independence Day: Resurgence” unfold two decades after the initial alien invasion from “Independence Day”, and unfortunately for fans of Smith’s character, he is already deceased before the movie starts. Despite the flop of “Resurgence” at the box office, it’s always enjoyable to see Goldblum portray a nerdy scientist – although his performance in “Jurassic Park” might still be your best bet.

8. Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo in Rambo

Although Sylvester Stallone is primarily known for his role as Rocky Balboa in the Rocky series, it’s important not to overlook his prolonged portrayal of John J. Rambo. The initial Rambo film, named First Blood, was launched in 1982, followed by two more films in 1985 and 1988. Stallone took a break from the role for about twenty years before returning for the fourth part, simply titled Rambo, which came out in 2008. Directed and co-written by Stallone himself, the film received mixed reactions due to its intense violence. Nevertheless, critics highly commended Stallone’s consistent acting prowess throughout the movie.

9. Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn in Tron

The 1982 film “Tron” was revolutionary with its visual effects, setting the stage for a sequel that wouldn’t appear until 28 years later. In this original movie, Jeff Bridges played Kevin Flynn, a video game developer and arcade owner who was transported into his old company’s mainframe by laser digitization. In the 2010 sequel, “Tron: Legacy”, it’s been seven years since Bridges’ character Kevin has disappeared; his son, Samuel (portrayed by Garrett Hedlund), takes on the task of venturing into “the Grid” to rescue him. Interestingly, in this newer film, Bridges also portrays Clu (Codified Likeness Utility) through digital makeup and voiceover.

10. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne in Dumb and Dumber To

Prior to the release of “Dumb and Dumber To” in 2014, a prequel titled “Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd” was produced in 2003. However, this film didn’t feature Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels because it delved into their high school years. In contrast, the actors reunited for “Dumb and Dumber To,” the sequel to the original released 20 years later. In the sequel, they reappeared as Harry Dunne and Lloyd Christmas, even though it didn’t quite recreate the charm of the first film, but it was still enjoyable to watch them together again. This is significant given the challenging pre-production phase, where difficulties arose, including a temporary withdrawal from Jim Carrey himself.

11. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves as Bill and Ted in Bill & Ted Face The Music

Watching Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in the 1989 film “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” is a delight – their friendship is timelessly endearing, a bromance for the ages! They returned to their roles in 1991 for “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey.” After nearly three decades apart, they reunited in 2020 for “Bill & Ted Face The Music,” where we find our heroes as grown men with families, who must write a song to save the universe from impending destruction. Despite their age, the duo’s unique chemistry remains undiminished.

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2025-04-25 18:59