100 Best Superhero Movies Ranked (The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Superman)

Critics Consensus: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of superhero action.

Synopsis: Bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales suddenly develops mysterious powers that transform him into the one and only Spider-Man.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali

Directed By: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman

Critics Consensus: Bringing loads of wit and tons of fun to the animated superhero genre, The Incredibles easily lives up to its name.

Synopsis: In this lauded Pixar animated film, married superheroes Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) are forced to assume mundane lives as Bob... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee

Directed By: Brad Bird

Critics Consensus: Black Panther elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights while telling one of the MCU's most absorbing stories -- and introducing some of its most fully realized characters.

Synopsis: After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira

Directed By: Ryan Coogler

Critics Consensus: Just as visually dazzling and action-packed as its predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse thrills from start to cliffhanger conclusion.

Synopsis: Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn's full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man across the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson

Directed By: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

Critics Consensus: With its unique visual style and a story that captures the essence of the franchise's appeal, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an animated treat for the whole family.

Synopsis: After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne

Directed By: Jeff Rowe

Critics Consensus: Exciting, entertaining, and emotionally impactful, Avengers: Endgame does whatever it takes to deliver a satisfying finale to Marvel's epic Infinity Saga.

Synopsis: Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Critics Consensus: Dark, complex, and unforgettable, The Dark Knight succeeds not just as an entertaining comic book film, but as a richly thrilling crime saga.

Synopsis: With the help of allies, Lt. Jim Gordon and DA Harvey Dent, Batman is able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Critics Consensus: Powered by Robert Downey Jr.'s vibrant charm, Iron Man turbo-charges the superhero genre with a deft intelligence and infectious sense of fun.

Synopsis: A billionaire industrialist and genius inventor, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), is conducting weapons tests overseas, but terrorists kidnap him to force him to build... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Critics Consensus: Quentin Dupieux still isn't for everyone -- but if you're on his loopy wavelength, Smoking Causes Coughing causes laughter.

Synopsis: A wildly inventive new comedy from Quentin Dupieux (MANDIBLES, RUBBER), SMOKING CAUSES COUGHING follows the misadventures of a team of five superheroes known as the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Gilles Lellouche, Vincent Lacoste, Anaïs Demoustier, Jean-Pascal Zadi

Directed By: Quentin Dupieux

Critics Consensus: Hugh Jackman makes the most of his final outing as Wolverine with a gritty, nuanced performance in a violent but surprisingly thoughtful superhero action film that defies genre conventions.

Synopsis: In the near future, a weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) at a remote outpost on the Mexican border.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Richard E. Grant

Directed By: James Mangold

Critics Consensus: Thrilling, earnest, and buoyed by Gal Gadot's charismatic performance, Wonder Woman succeeds in spectacular fashion.

Synopsis: Before she is Wonder Woman, she is Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, Diana... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright

Directed By: Patty Jenkins

Critics Consensus: Exciting, funny, and above all fun, Thor: Ragnarok is a colorful cosmic adventure that sets a new standard for its franchise -- and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Synopsis: Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba

Directed By: Taika Waititi

Critics Consensus: A bigger, bolder Spider-Man sequel, No Way Home expands the franchise's scope and stakes without losing sight of its humor and heart.

Synopsis: For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero's identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon

Directed By: Jon Watts

Critics Consensus: Incredibles 2 reunites Pixar's family crimefighting team for a long-awaited follow-up that may not quite live up to the original, but comes close enough to earn its name.

Synopsis: Telecommunications guru Winston Deavor enlists Elastigirl to fight crime and make the public fall in love with superheroes once again. That leaves Mr. Incredible with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner

Directed By: Brad Bird

Critics Consensus: Boasting an entertaining villain and deeper emotional focus, Spider-Man 2 is a nimble sequel that improves upon the original.

Synopsis: When a failed nuclear fusion experiment results in an explosion that kills his wife, Dr. Otto Octavius is transformed into Dr. Octopus, a cyborg with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina

Directed By: Sam Raimi

Critics Consensus: Spider-Man: Homecoming does whatever a second reboot can, delivering a colorful, fun adventure that fits snugly in the sprawling MCU without getting bogged down in franchise-building.

Synopsis: Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker returns home to live with his Aunt May. Under the watchful eye of mentor Tony... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei

Directed By: Jon Watts

Critics Consensus: Guardians of the Galaxy is just as irreverent as fans of the frequently zany Marvel comic would expect -- as well as funny, thrilling, full of heart, and packed with visual splendor.

Synopsis: Brash space adventurer Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) finds himself the quarry of relentless bounty hunters after he steals an orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel

Directed By: James Gunn

Critics Consensus: While over-the-top and gory, Robocop is also a surprisingly smart sci-fi flick that uses ultraviolence to disguise its satire of American culture.

Synopsis: In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Ronny Cox, Dan O'Herlihy

Directed By: Paul Verhoeven

Critics Consensus: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies distills the enduring appeal of its colorful characters into a charmingly light-hearted adventure whose wacky humor fuels its infectious fun -- and belies a surprising level of intelligence.

Synopsis: It seems that all the major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies -- all but the Teen Titans. Robin is bound and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong

Directed By: Peter Rida Michail, Aaron Horvath

Critics Consensus: Thanks to a script that emphasizes its heroes' humanity and a wealth of superpowered set pieces, The Avengers lives up to its hype and raises the bar for Marvel at the movies.

Synopsis: When Thor's evil brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), gains access to the unlimited power of the energy cube called the Tesseract, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson),... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth

Directed By: Joss Whedon

Critics Consensus: A breezily unpredictable blend of teen romance and superhero action, Spider-Man: Far from Home stylishly sets the stage for the next era of the MCU.

Synopsis: Peter Parker's relaxing European vacation takes an unexpected turn when Nick Fury shows up in his hotel room to recruit him for a mission. The... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei

Directed By: Jon Watts

Critics Consensus: Captain America: Civil War begins the next wave of Marvel movies with an action-packed superhero blockbuster boasting a decidedly non-cartoonish plot and the courage to explore thought-provoking themes.

Synopsis: Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The new status quo deeply divides... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Critics Consensus: An effortlessly entertaining blend of humor and heart, Shazam! is a superhero movie that never forgets the genre's real power: joyous wish fulfillment.

Synopsis: We all have a superhero inside of us -- it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In 14-year-old Billy Batson's case,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer

Directed By: David F. Sandberg

Critics Consensus: Enlivened by writer-director James Gunn's singularly skewed vision, The Suicide Squad marks a funny, fast-paced rebound that plays to the source material's violent, anarchic strengths.

Synopsis: Welcome to hell--a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst Super-Villains are kept and where... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Viola Davis

Directed By: James Gunn

Critics Consensus: X-Men: Days of Future Past combines the best elements of the series to produce a satisfyingly fast-paced outing that ranks among the franchise's finest installments.

Synopsis: Convinced that mutants pose a threat to humanity, Dr. Bolivar Trask develops the Sentinels, enormous robotic weapons that can detect a mutant gene and zero... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

Directed By: Bryan Singer

Critics Consensus: Suspenseful and politically astute, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a superior entry in the Avengers canon and is sure to thrill Marvel diehards.

Synopsis: After the cataclysmic events in New York with his fellow Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America (Chris Evans), lives in the nation's capital as he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Critics Consensus: Not only does Spider-Man provide a good dose of web-swinging fun, it also has a heart, thanks to the combined charms of director Sam Raimi and star Tobey Maguire.

Synopsis: "Spider-Man" centers on student Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) who, after being bitten by a genetically-altered spider, gains superhuman strength and the spider-like ability to cling... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco

Directed By: Sam Raimi

Critics Consensus: Agreeably entertaining and brilliantly animated, Big Hero 6 is briskly-paced, action-packed, and often touching.

Synopsis: Robotics prodigy Hiro lives in the city of San Fransokyo. Next to his older brother, Tadashi, Hiro's closest companion is Baymax, a robot whose sole... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung

Directed By: Don Hall, Chris Williams

Critics Consensus: The Lego Batman Movie continues its block-buster franchise's winning streak with another round of dizzyingly funny -- and beautifully animated -- family-friendly mayhem.

Synopsis: There are big changes brewing in Gotham, but if Batman (Will Arnett) wants to save the city from the Joker's (Zach Galifianakis) hostile takeover, he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes

Directed By: Chris McKay

Critics Consensus: Doctor Strange artfully balances its outré source material against the blockbuster constraints of the MCU, delivering a thoroughly entertaining superhero origin story in the bargain.

Synopsis: Dr. Stephen Strange's (Benedict Cumberbatch) life changes after a car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong

Directed By: Scott Derrickson

Critics Consensus: Assembling a ragtag band of underdogs with Florence Pugh as their magnetic standout, Thunderbolts* refreshingly returns to the tried-and-true blueprint of the MCU's best adventures.

Synopsis: In "Thunderbolts*," Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes -- Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker. After finding themselves... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell

Directed By: Jake Schreier

Critics Consensus: Superman: The Movie deftly blends humor and gravitas, taking advantage of the perfectly cast Christopher Reeve to craft a loving, nostalgic tribute to an American pop culture icon.

Synopsis: Just before the destruction of the planet Krypton, scientist Jor-El (Marlon Brando) sends his infant son Kal-El on a spaceship to Earth. Raised by kindly... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Margot Kidder

Directed By: Richard Donner

Critics Consensus: The humor occasionally stumbles into slapstick territory, and the special effects are dated, but Superman II meets, if not exceeds, the standard set by its predecessor.

Synopsis: Superman (Christopher Reeve) foils the plot of terrorists by hurtling their nuclear device into outer space, but the bomb's shock waves free the Kryptonian villain... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty

Directed By: Richard Lester

Critics Consensus: A lighter, brighter superhero movie powered by the effortless charisma of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, Ant-Man and The Wasp offers a much-needed MCU palate cleanser.

Synopsis: Scott Lang is grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a superhero and a father. Approached by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Peña

Directed By: Peyton Reed

Critics Consensus: The Dark Knight Rises is an ambitious, thoughtful, and potent action film that concludes Christopher Nolan's franchise in spectacular fashion.

Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman (Christian Bale), in collusion with Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), vanished into the night. Assuming responsibility for the death... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Critics Consensus: With a tidy plot, clean animation, and humor that fits its source material snugly, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is entertainment that won't drive a wedge between family members.

Synopsis: George Beard and Harold Hutchins are two overly imaginative pranksters who spend hours in a treehouse creating comic books. When their mean principal threatens to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Nick Kroll, Thomas Middleditch

Directed By: David Soren

Critics Consensus: Filled with style and dark, lurid energy, The Crow is an action-packed visual feast that also has a soul in the performance of the late Brandon Lee.

Synopsis: The night before his wedding, musician Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) and his fiancée are brutally murdered by members of a violent inner-city gang. On the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, David Patrick Kelly

Directed By: Alex Proyas

Critics Consensus: Benefitting from rock-solid cast chemistry and clad in appealingly retro 1960s design, this crack at The Fantastic Four does Marvel's First Family justice.

Synopsis: Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel's First Family--Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal),... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn

Directed By: Matt Shakman

Critics Consensus: With a strong script, stylish direction, and powerful performances from its well-rounded cast, X-Men: First Class is a welcome return to form for the franchise.

Synopsis: In the early 1960s, during the height of the Cold War, a mutant named Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) meets a fellow mutant named Erik Lehnsherr... View Full Synopsis

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn

Critics Consensus: Guillermo del Toro crafts a stellar comic book sequel, boasting visuals that are as imaginative as the characters are endearing.

Synopsis: Hellboy (Ron Perlman), his pyrokinetic girlfriend, Liz (Selma Blair), and aquatic empath, Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), face their biggest battle when an underworld prince (Luke... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor

Directed By: Guillermo del Toro

Critics Consensus: A grim, gritty, and gripping super-noir, The Batman ranks among the Dark Knight's bleakest -- and most thrillingly ambitious -- live-action outings.

Synopsis: Batman ventures into Gotham City's underworld when a sadistic killer leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues. As the scale of the perpetrator's plans become... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell

Directed By: Matt Reeves

Critics Consensus: Avengers: Infinity War ably juggles a dizzying array of MCU heroes in the fight against their gravest threat yet, and the result is a thrilling, emotionally resonant blockbuster that (mostly) realizes its gargantuan ambitions.

Synopsis: Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet -- the evil Thanos. On a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin, Chadwick Boseman

Directed By: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Critics Consensus: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's action-packed plot, dazzling visuals, and irreverent humor add up to a sequel that's almost as fun -- if not quite as thrillingly fresh -- as its predecessor.

Synopsis: Peter Quill and his fellow Guardians are hired by a powerful alien race, the Sovereign, to protect their precious batteries from invaders. When it is... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista

Directed By: James Gunn

Critics Consensus: Fast, funny, and gleefully profane, the fourth-wall-busting Deadpool subverts superhero film formula with wildly entertaining -- and decidedly non-family-friendly -- results.

Synopsis: Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a former Special Forces operative who now works as a mercenary. His world comes crashing down when evil scientist Ajax... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller

Directed By: Tim Miller

Critics Consensus: Brooding and dark, but also exciting and smart, Batman Begins is a film that understands the essence of one of the definitive superheroes.

Synopsis: A young Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels to the Far East, where he's trained in the martial arts by Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), a member... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Critics Consensus: Tightly scripted, solidly acted, and impressively ambitious, X2: X-Men United is bigger and better than its predecessor -- and a benchmark for comic sequels in general.

Synopsis: Stryker (Brian Cox), a villainous former Army commander, holds the key to Wolverine's (Hugh Jackman) past and the future of the X-Men. This threat re-ignites... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry

Directed By: Bryan Singer

Critics Consensus: Though it threatens to buckle under the weight of its meta gags, Deadpool 2 is a gory, gleeful lampoon of the superhero genre buoyed by Ryan Reynolds' undeniable charm.

Synopsis: Wisecracking mercenary Deadpool meets Russell, an angry teenage mutant who lives at an orphanage. When Russell becomes the target of Cable -- a genetically enhanced... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Zazie Beetz

Directed By: David Leitch

Critics Consensus: A poignant tribute that satisfyingly moves the franchise forward, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marks an ambitious and emotionally rewarding triumph for the MCU.

Synopsis: In Marvel Studios' "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M'Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong'o, Tenoch Huerta

Directed By: Ryan Coogler

Critics Consensus: Gruesome and deliciously broad, Sam Raimi's Darkman bears the haunted soulfulness of gothic tragedy while packing the stylistic verve of onomatopoeia springing off a comic strip page.

Synopsis: When thugs employed by a crime boss lead a vicious assault on Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson), leaving him literally and psychologically scarred, an emergency... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake

Directed By: Sam Raimi

Critics Consensus: Led by a charming performance from Paul Rudd, Ant-Man offers Marvel thrills on an appropriately smaller scale -- albeit not as smoothly as its most successful predecessors.

Synopsis: Forced out of his own company by former protégé Darren Cross, Dr. Hank Pym recruits the talents of Scott Lang, a master thief just released... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll

Directed By: Peyton Reed

Critics Consensus: Stylish and admirably respectful of the source material, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm succeeds where many of the live-action Batman adaptations have failed.

Synopsis: In this animated feature set in the 1940s, the troubled yet heroic Batman (Kevin Conroy) is pitted against a mysterious figure who is rubbing out... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Bob Hastings, Mark Hamill

Directed By: Eric Radomski, Bruce Timm

Critics Consensus: A grounded superhero story with more on its mind than punching bad guys, Fast Color leaps over uneven execution with a singular Gugu Mbatha-Raw performance.

Synopsis: Hunted by mysterious forces, a young woman who has supernatural abilities must go on the run when her powers are discovered. With nowhere else to... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Lorraine Toussaint, Saniyya Sidney, David Strathairn

Directed By: Julia Hart

Critics Consensus: Pulling off the heroic feat of fleshing out a dynamic new world while putting its champion's big, beating heart front and center, this Superman flies high as a Man of Tomorrow grounded in the here and now.

Synopsis: When Superman gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man... View Full Synopsis

Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi

Directed By: James Gunn

Critics Consensus: Faithful to the comics and filled with action, X-Men brings a crowded slate of classic Marvel characters to the screen with a talented ensemble cast and surprisingly sharp narrative focus.

Synopsis: They are children of the atom, homo superior, the next link in the chain of evolution. Each was born with a unique genetic mutation, which... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen

Directed By: Bryan Singer

Critics Consensus: Director Tim Burton's dark, brooding atmosphere, Michael Keaton's work as the tormented hero, and the flawless casting of Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Christopher Walken as, well, Christopher Walken make the sequel better than the first.

Synopsis: The monstrous Penguin (Danny DeVito), who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) to topple the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken

Directed By: Tim Burton

Critics Consensus: With wit, humor and Guillermo del Toro's fantastic visuals, the entertaining Hellboy transcends the derivative nature of the genre.

Synopsis: At the end of World War II, the Nazis attempt to open a portal to a paranormal dimension in order to defeat the Allies, but... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans

Directed By: Guillermo del Toro

Critics Consensus: It misses perhaps as often as it hits, but Jim Carrey's manic bombast, Cameron Diaz' blowsy appeal, and the film's overall cartoony bombast keep The Mask afloat.

Synopsis: When timid bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) discovers a magical mask containing the spirit of the Norse god Loki, his entire life changes. While... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene

Directed By: Chuck Russell

Critics Consensus: With plenty of pulpy action, a pleasantly retro vibe, and a handful of fine performances, Captain America is solidly old-fashioned blockbuster entertainment.

Synopsis: It is 1941 and the world is in the throes of war. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) wants to do his part and join America's armed... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones

Directed By: Joe Johnston

Critics Consensus: Fueled by bombastic violence and impressive special effects, rooted in self-satire and deadpan humor, Dredd 3D does a remarkable job of capturing its source material's gritty spirit.

Synopsis: Mega City One is a vast, violent metropolis where felons rule the streets. The only law lies with cops called "judges," who act as judge,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Wood Harris

Directed By: Pete Travis

Critics Consensus: Packed with action, humor, and visual thrills, Captain Marvel introduces the MCU's latest hero with an origin story that makes effective use of the franchise's signature formula.

Synopsis: Captain Marvel is an extraterrestrial Kree warrior who finds herself caught in the middle of an intergalactic battle between her people and the Skrulls. Living... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou

Directed By: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck

Critics Consensus: Black Widow's deeper themes are drowned out in all the action, but it remains a solidly entertaining standalone adventure that's rounded out by a stellar supporting cast.

Synopsis: In Marvel Studios' action-packed spy thriller "Black Widow," Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz

Directed By: Cate Shortland

Critics Consensus: With the help of its charismatic lead, some impressive action sequences, and even a few surprises, Iron Man 3 is a witty, entertaining adventure and a strong addition to the Marvel canon.

Synopsis: Plagued with worry and insomnia since saving New York from destruction, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), now, is more dependent on the suits that give... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce

Directed By: Shane Black

Critics Consensus: With a fresh perspective, some new friends, and loads of fast-paced action, Birds of Prey captures the colorfully anarchic spirit of Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn.

Synopsis: It's open season on Harley Quinn when her explosive breakup with the Joker puts a big fat target on her back. Unprotected and on the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett

Directed By: Cathy Yan

Critics Consensus: Ryan Reynolds makes himself at home in the MCU with acerbic wit while Hugh Jackman provides an Adamantium backbone to proceedings in Deadpool & Wolverine, an irreverent romp with a surprising soft spot for a bygone era of superhero movies.

Synopsis: Deadpool's peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon unites with his would-be pal,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin

Directed By: Shawn Levy

Critics Consensus: Led by Xolo Maridueña's magnetic performance in the title role, Blue Beetle is a refreshingly family-focused superhero movie with plenty of humor and heart.

Synopsis: Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo

Directed By: Angel Manuel Soto

Critics Consensus: Not for the faint of heart, Kick-Ass takes the comic adaptation genre to new levels of visual style, bloody violence, and gleeful profanity.

Synopsis: Using his love for comics as inspiration, teenager Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) decides to reinvent himself as a superhero -- despite a complete lack of... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong, Chloë Grace Moretz

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn

Critics Consensus: A dazzling blockbuster that tempers its sweeping scope with wit, humor, and human drama, Thor is mighty Marvel entertainment.

Synopsis: As the son of Odin (Anthony Hopkins), king of the Norse gods, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) will soon inherit the throne of Asgard from his aging... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh

Critics Consensus: An eerie, haunting spectacle, Batman succeeds as dark entertainment, even if Jack Nicholson's Joker too often overshadows the title character.

Synopsis: Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl

Directed By: Tim Burton

Critics Consensus: Exuberant and eye-popping, Avengers: Age of Ultron serves as an overstuffed but mostly satisfying sequel, reuniting its predecessor's unwieldy cast with a few new additions and a worthy foe.

Synopsis: When Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) jump-starts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go terribly awry, forcing him, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans

Directed By: Joss Whedon

Critics Consensus: Visually stunning and thought-provoking, V For Vendetta's political pronouncements may rile some, but its story and impressive set pieces will nevertheless entertain.

Synopsis: Following world war, London is a police state occupied by a fascist government, and a vigilante known only as V (Hugo Weaving) uses terrorist tactics... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, John Hurt

Directed By: James McTeigue

Critics Consensus: Bryan Singer's reverent and visually decadent adaptation gives the Man of Steel welcome emotional complexity. The result: a satisfying stick-to-your-ribs adaptation.

Synopsis: While Lex Luthor plots to destroy him once and for all, the Man of Steel returns after a long absence to a much-changed world. Lois... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Frank Langella

Directed By: Bryan Singer

Critics Consensus: It isn't quite the breath of fresh air that Iron Man was, but this sequel comes close with solid performances and an action-packed plot.

Synopsis: With the world now aware that he is Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from all sides to share his... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Critics Consensus: A well-chosen cast and sure-handed direction allow The Amazing Spider-Man to thrill, despite revisiting many of the same plot points from 2002's Spider-Man.

Synopsis: Abandoned by his parents and raised by an aunt and uncle, teenager Peter Parker, AKA Spider-Man, is trying to sort out who he is and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary

Directed By: Marc Webb

Critics Consensus: Batman: The Movie elevates camp to an art form -- and has a blast doing it, every gloriously tongue-in-cheek inch of the way.

Synopsis: Kaaapowie! Holy feature film, Batman ... one based on the tongue-in-cheek, campy 1960s television series. Watch Batman and Robin battle sharks, Catwoman, The Joker and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Adam West, Burt Ward, Cesar Romero, Lee Meriwether

Directed By: Leslie H. Martinson

Critics Consensus: This highly derivative superhero coming-of-age flick is moderately entertaining, family-friendly fluff.

Synopsis: At a school in the sky where teens learn how to be superheroes, Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano) lands in a class for students who show... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Danielle Panabaker

Directed By: Mike Mitchell

Critics Consensus: It regurgitates plot points from earlier animated efforts, and isn't quite as funny as it should be, but a top-shelf voice cast and strong visuals help make Megamind a pleasant, if unspectacular, diversion.

Synopsis: Though he is the most-brilliant supervillain the world has known, Megamind (Will Ferrell) is the least-successful. Thwarted time and again by heroic Metro Man (Brad... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill

Directed By: Tom McGrath

Critics Consensus: Agreeable if not exceptional, Flora and Ulysses offers a fun, funny, family-friendly diversion -- and a furry twist on the superhero genre.

Synopsis: An imaginative and creative 10-year old cynic never could have predicted that her little squirrel would be born anew as a superhero and have the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Alyson Hannigan, Kate Micucci, Danny Pudi, Bobby Moynihan

Directed By: Lena Khan

Critics Consensus: Defendor's reach occasionally exceeds its grasp, but this unique take on the superhero genre is held together by Woody Harrelson's solid performance.

Synopsis: An everyday guy (Woody Harrelson) believes he is a superhero and befriends a teenager while seeing a psychiatrist.

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Kat Dennings, Sandra Oh, Elias Koteas

Directed By: Peter Stebbings

Critics Consensus: Zack Snyder's Justice League lives up to its title with a sprawling cut that expands to fit the director's vision -- and should satisfy the fans who willed it into existence.

Synopsis: In ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE, determined to ensure Superman's (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa

Directed By: Zack Snyder

Critics Consensus: Although its final act succumbs to the usual cartoonish antics, The Wolverine is one superhero movie that manages to stay true to the comics while keeping casual viewers entertained.

Synopsis: Lured to a Japan he hasn't seen since World War II, century-old mutant Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) finds himself in a shadowy realm of yakuza and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Famke Janssen, Will Yun Lee

Directed By: James Mangold

Critics Consensus: A silly and ribald superhero spoof, Toxic Avenger uninhibited humor hits more than it misses.

Synopsis: A 98-pound nerd (Mark Torgl) from New Jersey lands in a vat of toxic waste and becomes a benevolent monster (Mitchell Cohen).

Starring: Andree Maranda, Mitch Cohen, Mark Torgl, Jennifer Prichard

Directed By: Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman

Critics Consensus: With a weaker ending, Unbreakable is not as a good as The Sixth Sense. However, it is a quietly suspenseful film that intrigues and engages, taking the audience through unpredictable twists and turns along the way.

Synopsis: David Dunn (Bruce Willis) is the sole survivor of a devastating train wreck. Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson) is a mysterious stranger who offers a... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright, Charlayne Woodard

Directed By: M. Night Shyamalan

Critics Consensus: The Incredible Hulk may not be quite the smashing success that fans of Marvel's raging behemoth might hope for, but it offers more than enough big green action to make up for its occasionally puny narrative.

Synopsis: Scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) desperately seeks a cure for the gamma radiation that contaminated his cells and turned him into The Hulk. Cut off... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt

Directed By: Louis Leterrier

Critics Consensus: An action-packed, if anachronistic, look back at pulp matinee serials, The Rocketeer may ring hollow with viewers expecting more than simple fun and gee-whiz special effects.

Synopsis: Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell) is a cocky stunt pilot in love with a beautiful actress, Jenny Blake (Jennifer Connelly). When he discovers a jetpack hidden... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, Alan Arkin

Directed By: Joe Johnston

Critics Consensus: It may not be the finest film to come from the Marvel Universe, but Thor: The Dark World still offers plenty of the humor and high-stakes action that fans have come to expect.

Synopsis: In ancient times, the gods of Asgard fought and won a war against an evil race known as the Dark Elves. The survivors were neutralized,... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård

Directed By: Alan Taylor

Critics Consensus: Aquaman swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun.

Synopsis: Once home to the most advanced civilization on Earth, the city of Atlantis is now an underwater kingdom ruled by the power-hungry King Orm. With... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson

Directed By: James Wan

Critics Consensus: Gritty and visually striking, Watchmen is a faithful adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel, but its complex narrative structure may make it difficult for it to appeal to viewers not already familiar with the source material.

Synopsis: In an alternate 1985 America, costumed superheroes are part of everyday life. When one of his former comrades is murdered, masked vigilante Rorschach (Jackie Earle... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Billy Crudup, Malin Akerman, Jackie Earle Haley, Matthew Goode

Directed By: Zack Snyder

Critics Consensus: It plays like an extended episode, but The Powerpuff Girls Movie is still lots of fun.

Synopsis: Based on the hit animated television series, this feature film adaptation tells the story of how Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup - three exuberant young girls... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Cathy Cavadini, E.G. Daily, Roger L. Jackson, Tara Strong

Directed By: Craig McCracken

Critics Consensus: The Flash is funny, fittingly fast-paced, and overall ranks as one of the best DC movies in recent years.

Synopsis: Worlds collide in "The Flash" when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston

Directed By: Andy Muschietti

Critics Consensus: In some ways, Thor: Love and Thunder feels like Ragnarok redux -- but overall, it offers enough fast-paced fun to make this a worthy addition to the MCU.

Synopsis: "Thor: Love and Thunder" finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he's ever faced -- a quest for inner peace. But his retirement... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson

Directed By: Taika Waititi

Critics Consensus: Though there are more characters and plotlines, and the action sequences still dazzle, Spider-Man 3 nonetheless isn't quite as refined as the first two.

Synopsis: Peter Parker and M.J. seem to finally be on the right track in their complicated relationship, but trouble looms for the superhero and his lover.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church

Directed By: Sam Raimi

Critics Consensus: While Ang Lee's ambitious film earns marks for style and an attempt at dramatic depth, there's ultimately too much talking and not enough smashing.

Synopsis: Eric Bana ("Black Hawk Down") stars as scientist Bruce Banner, whose inner demons transform him in the aftermath of a catastrophic experiment; Jennifer Connelly portrays... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott, Josh Lucas

Directed By: Ang Lee

Critics Consensus: Funny, refreshingly brief, and elevated by the chemistry of its three leads, The Marvels is easy to enjoy in the moment despite its cluttered story and jumbled tonal shifts.

Synopsis: Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson

Directed By: Nia DaCosta

Critics Consensus: Unabashedly campy -- often to its detriment -- Swamp Thing is not without its charms, among them Adrienne Barbeau as the damsel in distress.

Synopsis: On the verge of a breakthrough in his quest to wipe out world hunger, altruistic botanist Dr. Alec Holland (Ray Wise) is placed under the... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise, David Hess

Directed By: Wes Craven

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: The mutant superhero (David Mattey) rises from the sludge to save a group of students held hostage in Tromaville.

Starring: David Mattey, Heidi Sjursen, Clyde Lewis, Debbie Rochon

Directed By: Lloyd Kaufman

Critics Consensus: Absurd characters and quirky gags are brought to life by a talented cast, providing this superhero spoof with lots of laughs.

Synopsis: Champion City already has a superhero, the appropriately named Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear), but that doesn't deter the city's seven quirky amateur crime-fighters, who use... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Hank Azaria, Janeane Garofalo, William H. Macy, Kel Mitchell

Directed By: Kinka Usher

Critics Consensus: Though some may find the plot a bit lacking, Blade's action is fierce, plentiful, and appropriately stylish for a comic book adaptation.

Synopsis: A half-mortal, half-immortal is out to avenge his mother's death and rid the world of vampires. The modern-day technologically advanced vampires he is going after... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright

Directed By: Stephen Norrington

Critics Consensus: A sequel aimed squarely at fans of the original's odd couple chemistry, Venom: Let There Be Carnage eagerly embraces the franchise's sillier side.

Synopsis: Tom Hardy returns to the big screen as the lethal protector Venom, one of MARVEL's greatest and most complex characters.

Starring: Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris

Directed By: Andy Serkis

Critics Consensus: Wonder Woman 1984 struggles with sequel overload, but still offers enough vibrant escapism to satisfy fans of the franchise and its classic central character.

Synopsis: Diana Prince lives quietly among mortals in the vibrant, sleek 1980s -- an era of excess driven by the pursuit of having it all. Though... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal

Directed By: Patty Jenkins

Critics Consensus: Man of Steel's exhilarating action and spectacle can't fully overcome its detours into generic blockbuster territory.

Synopsis: With the imminent destruction of Krypton, their home planet, Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and his wife seek to preserve their race by sending their infant son... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane

Directed By: Zack Snyder