Superhero movies have defined an entire generation of cinema fans. Jon Favreau introduced the world to Robert Downey Jr.'s version of Tony Stark in his 2008 film, Iron Man. Since then, a Marvel Cinematic Universe has been created which involves characters and storylines intertwining throughout multiple films and franchises. At the same time, DC has created their own Extended Universe with films like Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman. The superhero genre has also branched out to animated movies including the widely popular Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, which currently holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Whether you are a DC or a Marvel fan, there is no doubt that superhero films are action packed rides that could get mostly anyone into the theater. 2021 was a fantastic year for the genre and continued many storylines including The Suicide Squad, and the much anticipated Spider-Man: No Way Home. This year, Marvel also introduced several new characters including the first Asian-American led superhero film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, starring Simu Liu as the titular hero. The genre is constantly broadening horizons and taking cinema to new levels. After some tough cuts, let's take a look at the top ten superhero films of 2021, ranked.
10 Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Andy Serkis directed this sequel to the 2018 film, Venom. The film stars Tom Hardy who reprises his role of Eddie Brock. While Brock is trying to adapt to his new life of hosting an alien entity named Venom, he finds himself facing off against Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) who becomes the host of the menacing alien Carnage. Venom: Let There Be Carnage offers grotesque special effects once again while further exploring the complicated relationship between Brock and Venom. The film has a solid blend of comedy and action and is a must-see for any Marvel fan.
9 Justice Society: Word War II
Justice Society: World War II is an animated film that follows a group of DC superheroes led by Wonder Woman who aid the Allies in World War II. The film is a fantastic superhero movie that also offers glimpses into World History. Audiences got a good look at The Flash, voiced by Matt Bomer, who uses his time traveling capabilities to help the Justice Society through their battle. Taking place in the 1940s was an original twist for a superhero movie, and the film delivers on all levels including great animation, fantastic battle scenes, and convincing voice performances.
8 Major Grom: Plague Doctor
Major Grom: Plague Doctor was adapted from the Russian comic book of the same time, published by Bubble Comics. The film follows Igor Grom (Tikhon Zhiznevsky), a skilled police officer who tracks down criminals with unique and strategic methods. His main pusuit in the film is that of an evil murderer named The Plague Doctor. The film is filled with impressive visuals that feel like a Marvel or DC film at many points. Major Grom: Plague Doctor currently holds an 81% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
7 Batman: Soul of the Dragon
Batman: Soul of the Dragon is an original film that was not based on a specific comic book issue. The film follows Batman and other trained heroes who discover that their Martial Arts Master is missing and a mysterious relic has been released. The film is an original take on Batman and offers satisfying glimpses into his martial arts training. The animation is top-notch and the plot is mind-blowing while it takes you to new dimensions in the Batman Universe.
6 Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Zack Snyder's Justice League is most definitely DC's version of The Avengers. A group of heroes including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and more are brought together to face off against a threat to humanity. The film is extremely character driven, and offers glimpses into the past turmoils of each hero. After the original Justice League was met with mixed reviews, fans begged for Zack Snyder's cut of the film, which gave us a darker and more thought-provoking version.
5 Black Widow
Scarlett Johanson reprises her role as the titular assassin-turned-spy in the 2021 solo film Black Widow. This time, we are introduced to her surrogate family filled with A-list actors including Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, and David Harbour. Johanson and Pugh carry the film with their charisma and fantastic physical capabilities. The story is action packed from beginning to end and focuses on the family dynamics between the characters. The film currently has a 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
4 The Suicide Squad
Acclaimed filmmaker James Gunn directed the sequel to Suicide Squad that brought back familiar characters, while introducing us to some new anti-heros. The talented Idris Elba takes the role of Bloodsport, John Cena plays Peacemaker, and Margot Robbie once again reprises her role of Harley Quinn. The Suicide Squad is a great mix of comedy and action that features even more fights and violence compared to the original.
3 Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Disney
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is arevolutionary film that (finally) opened the door for the first Asian-American led superhero film in MCU history. The film stars Simu Lui as Shang Chi, with a fantastic supporting cast including Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, and Benedict Wong. The choreography in this film is groundbreaking and creates several memorable action scenes. The mythology of the Ten Rings Organisation is fascinating and helps create a memorable story. The success of the film has already paved the way for an upcoming sequel.
2 Batman: The Long Halloween Parts 1& 2
This animated direct-to-video two-part film follows Batman teaming up with the Gotham City Police Department to solve a series of mysterious deaths during the holidays. Batman: The Long Halloween is an in-depth look into Gotham crime and politics that showcases several classic villains including Joker, Penguin, and Carmine Falcone. The brilliant visual design of the film masterfully adapts the comic book material and gives us one of the best Batman movies to date.
1 Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man: No Way Home was possibly the most anticipated movie of the year. After Peter Parker (Tom Holland) requests that Doctor Strange erases the world's memory of his identity, he is launched into an epic adventure through multi-verses that brings back memorable villains from past Spider-Man films. The film is a non-stop adventure that is filled with nostalgia and characters who are beloved by Spider-Man fans. No Way Home sets the bar for superhero movies, producing an original film that takes storytelling to new levels.