The Greatest Superhero Films Prior to the MCU

      Here are the top superhero films that were released before the MCU transformed the landscape.

      But First

      Jennifer Connelly and Billy Campbell in The Rocketeer (1991). Buena Vista Pictures Distribution – Credit: C/O

      To establish a common understanding, the MCU, or Marvel Cinematic Universe, began in 2008 with Iron Man. Iron Man was released just a few months prior to The Dark Knight, which is why The Dark Knight is excluded from this list—however, it does feature in our compilation of the greatest superhero movies, including those from the MCU.

      Additionally, all the films listed here debuted before the creation of the DC Extended Universe, which launched with 2011's Man of Steel.

      Thus, Batman vs Superman and any other Snyderverse films are not included in this list of the Best Superhero Movies before the MCU. However, there is a significant presence of Batman and Superman, starting with…

      Batman (1989)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      In 1989, Tim Burton faced a challenging task: The general audience viewed Batman as the campy hero from the lighthearted '60s TV series featuring Adam West, while comic book fans admired him as the grim detective portrayed in Frank Miller’s iconic and highly influential works, The Dark Knight Returns (1986) and Batman: Year One (1987).

      Burton, along with screenwriters Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren, struck a balance by merging the campy humor of the TV series (with throwaway gags and Jack Nicholson's flamboyant Joker) with a profoundly sincere and emotionally scarred Batman and Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton). Kim Basinger’s Vicki Vale serves as a proxy for the audience, acknowledging Gotham's peculiarities while keeping the narrative grounded.

      The film also paid tribute to Batman’s origins in 1939 with its elegantly updated Art Deco set design.

      Spider-Man 2 (2004)

      Sony

      In Spider-Man 2, director Sam Raimi enhanced his original film with a narrative focused on power, responsibility, and the importance of giving your all, regardless of your strengths or weaknesses.

      The film's stakes feel genuine due to the compelling chemistry between Peter Parker/Spidey (Tobey Maguire) and Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), while Alfred Molina delivers an outstanding performance as the tormented and power-hungry Doc Ock. The subway scene where everyday New Yorkers come to the aid of a superhero is among our favorites in superhero cinema.

      X2: X-Men United (2003)

      20th Century Fox

      When released in 2003, X-Men 2 came closest to embodying the energy of the X-Men at their 1980s zenith, as comic book writer Chris Claremont took them through emotional challenges with storylines that drew clear parallels between mutants and various oppressed and marginalized groups.

      X-Men 2 capitalizes on this metaphor from its electrifying opening scene featuring Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) invading the Oval Office. Brian Cox excellently portrays Col. William Stryker, a convincingly menacing adversary to our beloved mutants.

      Superman (1978)

      Warner Bros.

      This film kicked off the superhero genre. Its sincerity and reliance on practical effects—along with stellar performances and a moving love story between Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and Superman—becomes increasingly charming and inspiring with time.

      Christopher Reeve will always be our Superman, not only for his heroism but also for his comedic timing—one gets the impression that even when Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) has him figuratively drowning in kryptonite, he remains too much of a gentleman to use his full powers against his foe. Despite having the simplest superhero costume, he embodied the essence of a true superhero.

      Fun fact: Margot Kidder appeared in both the top movie of 1978, Superman, and the second, The Amityville Horror.

      Moreover, Superman is arguably the most romantic of all superhero films, perhaps only rivaled by…

      Superman II (1980)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      The early '80s provided a real wake-up call for Gen X kids—first Han Solo was frozen in carbonite in The Empire Strikes Back, then shortly after, Superman sacrificed his powers for a normal life with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) in Superman II.

      The narrative of a superhero choosing to relinquish his powers for love—only to later give up that love to save the world—was shocking for young fans who expected Superman to remain all-powerful. Superman II imparted significant lessons to its audience.

      Additionally, kudos to writers Mario Puzo, David Newman, and Leslie Newman (who contributed to both Superman and Superman II) for reintroducing General Zod (Terence Stamp) and his henchmen, relatively minor figures in the first Superman film, as the antagonists in the sequel. Was this