Superhero moviesget a bad rep for being spectacle over substance, but there are plenty of superhero films with depth that demand a rewatch to fully understand and appreciate the film. Yes, superhero movies can be flashy. They often require a great deal of special effects, and they deliver fantasy stories that usually require suspension of belief in some capacity. However, that does not make them any less worthwhile compared to a high-brow fantasy or sci-fi film.
While mostcomic book and superhero moviescould be boiled down to a good versus evil narrative, it’s rare that they are ever so simple in their approach.Whether the film is packed full of ideas and concepts that require a deep dive, features a thick storyline that needs time to digest, or the psychological aspects are just so vast and well-defined, there are plenty of examples of deep, thought-provoking superhero films that need to be watched more than once. These films stand out as some of the best superhero movies ever made, and for good reason.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Cast
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Starting off with the simple stuffed comic book movie that features a wealth of Easter Eggs, cameos, and stories that pay tribute to the source material,Deadpool & Wolverineis a great example of what comic book movies can do.The movie weaves an intricate narrative that pays tribute to the Marvel movies that came before, from multiple universes, and brings them all into the MCU in a satisfying and smooth way. Making something this ambitious was a wild and risky move, but the writing, direction, and performance paid off and made something truly spectacular.
10 Exact Moments That Doomed Superhero Movies
Superhero movies have grown to be incredibly popular in the last 20 years, but that hasn’t stopped some of these titles from falling flat.
However, with so much involved in the film, it demands a rewatch just to try and get a grasp on all the references that were included.Whether a viewer has pre-existing knowledge of the Marvel films, the MCU, the Fox Universe, or just the comics, there is something for everyone. And this means that there is plenty to glean from a rewatch that was likely missed the first time around.
The Batman
The Batman follows a young Bruce Wayne as he investigates a sadistic serial killer targeting key political figures in Gotham. As he delves deeper, he is confronted by the city’s hidden corruption and questions surrounding his own family’s legacy.
The Batmanis another ambitious superhero film, but for very different reasons.Since 1989, Batman is a character that has been adapted in live-action a lot. In fact, the character had been portrayed by five different actors, across various entries, and they were already appearing in a potentially concurrent universe with the DCEU. Despite this, Matt Reeves and the team set out to deliver a new take on Gotham’s Dark Knight.
Somehow, against all the odds, this film starring a former twinkly Vampire fromTwilightmanaged to create the darkest andmost intense version of Gotham to date.As Robert Pattinson’s young novice Batman begins his vigilante journey, he is faced with villains like the Riddler, and an intricate criminal underground that has eroded the city.The film’s story develops in a natural way, but watching it back and seeing all the moments that signpost these developments makes it even better.
Moving away from Marvel and DC for a moment,V for Vendettadelivered a very different kind of comic book movie back in 2005.The movie is based on the Vertigo comics by legendary comic book writer Alan Moore, and while Moore disregards the adaptation, the movie does do a great job at showcasing a dystopian world that has fallen into disrepair. The movie follows the faceless protagonist, V, as he sets out on a conquest to avenge his former life, and the lives of fellow prisoners in the new society.
Due to the dense political themes, the vast dystopian world, and the twists that develop over the course of the film, it’s a necessity to watch it back in order to understand what is happening in its fullest sense. And while the movie is entertaining and inspiring after a first viewing, it brings the audience further down the rabbit hole with V upon repeat viewings.Regardless, it’s well worth it, and never gets boring, and despite the time that elapses since its release, it only becomes more relevant in its storytelling.
Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War brings together the Avengers and their allies to face a new threat from the cosmos, Thanos, who seeks to collect the Infinity Stones. The film, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unites numerous superhero characters in a battle to prevent Thanos' ambition of altering reality itself.
Back to the spectacle of the MCU, and potentially one of the most spectacular movies in the entire franchise,Avengers: Infinity War. This film is the culmination of 18 films, and the first part of the epicfinal chapter for the Infinity Saga.The movie is packed with heroes from previous movies, and sees them rise up to fight against their biggest threat yet, Thanos. And while many superhero movies see good beating evil, this film completely shakes up the narrative in a way that hits incredibly hard.
Upon a rewatch, viewers can better appreciate and understand the events that lead up to the fateful Snap.
For that reason, the movie can leave the audience in shock after a single viewing, and may demand further viewing to fully appreciate the story. Upon a rewatch, viewers can better appreciate and understand the events that lead up to the fateful Snap. In addition,Infinity Waris a powerful hero story that acts as a send-off for some of these incredible heroes before they embark on their final outing inAvengers: Endgame.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice features the iconic clash between Gotham’s Dark Knight, played by Ben Affleck, and Metropolis’s Man of Steel, portrayed by Henry Cavill. As these two heroes confront each other, a looming threat endangers humanity, setting the stage for larger challenges ahead in the DC Extended Universe.
While the DCEU’s epic crossover event was received with significantly more criticism and controversy, it does stand out as one of the most poignant storylines within the DCEU. An initial watch could cause viewers some degree of disorientation, as the story races by, or frustration at how the narrative is resolved, but upon rewatching with an open mind, there are parts of the movie worth admiring.
In addition, some of the biggest criticisms of the movie can be improved upon with a little background reading about comic book events referenced in the movie, which provides additional helpful context that didn’t make it into the movie.It may not be enough to redeem everything, but, it certainly helps to have some distance from the initial frustration and sting that comes with watching the movie and seeing things that don’t make sense play out.
Chronicle
Chronicle is a superhero film captured in a “found-footage” format similar to films like Cloverfield that follows three high school seniors brought together by a mysterious alien artifact. After stumbling upon a mysterious hole in the middle of the woods, they find a crystal that gives them inexplicable powers that grow as time passes. The movie records the teens practicing their newfound abilities, but when one friend begins to give in to the temptation of power and control, this quickly spirals beyond their control.
Once again,straying away from DC and Marvel,Chronicleis a spectacular superhero moviewith an entirely original concept.The film was directed by Josh Trank, who would go on to direct the critically panned Fantastic Four movie in 2015, but this 2012 gem is a spectacular film that stands out from the genre. Utilizing the found footage format within a superhero story, and finding ways to make that a natural element in the story is just the tip of the iceberg in this deeply contemplative and intriguing story of three young men who gain powers overnight.
The movie follows a short period where the boys find a mysterious asteroid, and soon after begin showing signs of supernatural abilities.
However,as they each hone their new gifts, and attempt to use them in meaningful ways, the group begins to fracture.The film’s central figure, Andrew, has a gift for advancing his powers, and it’s worth watching again just to see the path he walks as he develops his gift.
Hulk
Hulk is a 2003 superhero movie directed by Ang Lee, starring Eric Bana as the titular character. Predating the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hulk ended up being a critical flop despite being based on a popular superhero. However, the film still made a huge profit at the box office upon release.
BeforeThe Incredible Hulkintroduced the green giant to the MCU, and before Mark Ruffalo assumed the role,Eric Bana was cast as the mild-mannered Bruce Banner in 2003sHulk.With direction from Ang Lee, this film featured incredible storytelling, impressive visuals, and a more raw emotional superhero story than many other modern hits, despite the main hero being a computer-generated monster.
The film also features potentially the most overtly powerful and terrifying version of the Hulk to date, with the creature growing in size as they get more and more angry.However, it’s worth watching the film to see the developments that happen between Banner and his alter-ego, how people like Ross respond, and the way that these actions impact on the further chaos and destruction that plays out in the story. Rather than Hulk fighting other monsters, the movie focuses on the inner struggle, which is a pivotal part of the comic book characters' journey.
X-Men Days of Future Past
Based on the epic Marvel comic event and following up after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand and The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past is an action superhero film that sees Logan sent back into the past to attempt to avert a cataclysmic disaster. In the future, the last surviving members of the human and mutant races are facing the end of days as the Sentinel menace has nearly wiped everything out of existence. Out of options and out of time, Professor Charles Xavier and Eric Lehnsherr (aka Magneto) agree to send Logan back into the past to prevent the assassination of a man that leads to the end of the world.
When theX-Menmovies were rebooted in 2011, it seemed as though the previous generations of actors would be retired from the roles.However, in 2014, Fox chose to blend both sets of heroes together in the epic crossover that wasX-Men: Days of Future Past. This film sees young Professor Xavier, played by James McAvoy, connect with his future self through a psychic link with Logan,played by Hugh Jackman, that allows Patrick Stewart’s version of the character to warn him of impending doom. This then develops into a complex time travel story as the heroes present and future work to stop their enemies.
With most movies that explore time travel, it’s worth rewatching just to try and make sense of the timeline within the film.However,Days of Future Pasthas a lot more to offer as it resolves the discrepancies between the originalX-Menmovies and the modern reboot.It’s an incredible adventure, and one that is well worth watching again to get a better grasp on the story.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Joker: Folie à Deux is the sequel to Todd Phillips' critically acclaimed comic book thriller Joker. Reprising his Academy Award-winning performance as the failed comedian Arthur Fleck, Joaquin Phoenix revisits the iconic DC character alongside Lady Gaga, who makes her debut as Joker’s lover Harley Quinn in this standalone continuity of the DC Universe.
So,Joker: Folie à Deuxhas not received glowing praise from critics, and the movie appears to have undone a lot of what the original 2019 film managed to achieve so spectacularly,but that doesn’t mean its not worth watching again. Many fans were not expecting the musical element, and others were displeased with the movies intentional dismantling of the earlier entry, but all things considered, the movie did create something that was more true to the character of the Joker.
While it may not win awards, or achieve the same level of discussion and celebration as the original, it does a lot with the characters and explores themes of identity.
Jokerwas designed to give a backstory to a character whose past is shrouded in mystery, butJoker 2put that cloud of confusion and intrigue back in place.While it may not win awards, or achieve the same level of discussion and celebration as the original, it does a lot with the characters and explores themes of identity. It also makes it very clear that the Joker was always a villain, and never a hero.
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, is the second installment in the Batman trilogy starring Christian Bale as Batman. Released in 2008, the film follows Batman’s alliance with Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent as they combat the organized crime that threatens Gotham, facing the menacing Joker.
Another film where the Joker’s performance was praised widely was Christopher Nolan’s 2008 hit,The Dark Knight.The film stars Christian Bale as the masked vigilante hero, but Heath Ledger steals the show as the Joker. Throughout, Batman is put through his paces, as this new rival appears to wreak havoc with total disregard for his own life, for wealth, or for any material or rational reasoning. However, the Joker does have a clear motive for his actions.
Watching the film back provides viewers with a deeper insight into the mind of the Joker, and the mind of Bale’s Batman, as the pair fight it out to win the heart of Gotham and the safety of its citizens.It also introduces the character of Harvey Dent, who initially appears to be Gotham’s savior and White Knight, but throughout the story, he devolves into something far more disturbing.Just watching how Dent transforms is enough reason, but everything about this Nolan masterpiece is worth watching.
