The Greatest Superhero Films Prior to the MCU

      Here are the 12 finest superhero films released prior to the MCU transforming the landscape.

      But First

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

      To clarify, the MCU, or Marvel Cinematic Universe, commenced in 2008 with Iron Man. Iron Man debuted a few months ahead of The Dark Knight, so The Dark Knight is excluded from this list — though it is featured in the compilation of the greatest superhero films, which includes MCU titles.

      Additionally, all of these films were released before the DC Extended Universe began with 2011’s Man of Steel.

      Consequently, you won't find Batman vs Superman or any other Snyderverse films among this list of the Best Superhero Movies predating the MCU. However, there is plenty of Batman and Superman to enjoy, starting with…

      Batman (1989)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Tim Burton faced a challenging task in 1989: Most mainstream viewers recognized Batman as the humorous, campy superhero from the beloved ’60s TV show starring Adam West, whereas comic book fans revered him as the dark detective portrayed in Frank Miller’s seminal works, The Dark Knight Returns (1986) and Batman: Year One (1987).

      Burton and screenwriters Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren struck a balance by blending the campiness of the TV series (with throwaway jokes and Jack Nicholson's flamboyant Joker) with a seriously troubled Batman and Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton). Kim Basinger’s Vicki Vale acts as an audience surrogate, acknowledging Gotham's peculiarities while keeping the narrative grounded.

      The film also pays tribute to Batman’s origins in 1939 through its elegantly updated Art Deco production design.

      Spider-Man 2 (2004)

      Sony

      With Spider-Man 2, director Sam Raimi built on the success of his predecessor, presenting a narrative centered on power, responsibility, and the importance of giving everything you can, no matter your strengths or weaknesses.

      The stakes feel significant due to the palpable chemistry between Peter Parker/Spidey (Tobey Maguire) and Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), while Alfred Molina excels as the conflicted and power-hungry Doc Ock. The subway scene where ordinary New Yorkers come to the superhero's aid is among our favorites in superhero cinema.

      X2: X-Men United (2003)

      20th Century Fox

      Upon its release, 2003’s X-Men 2 came closest to capturing the essence of the X-Men during their peak in the 1980s, as comics writer Chris Claremont challenged them with storylines that drew explicit parallels between mutants and marginalized groups of people.

      X-Men 2 leverages this metaphor right from its thrilling opening scene featuring Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) infiltrating the Oval Office. Brian Cox delivers a menacing performance as Col. William Stryker, a believable adversary for our beloved mutants.

      Superman (1978)

      Warner Bros.

      The film that initiated it all. Its sincerity and heavy reliance on practical effects, along with outstanding performances and the heartfelt romance between Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and Superman, render it increasingly charming and inspiring as time goes by.

      Christopher Reeve remains our quintessential Superman not only for his heroism but for his comedic timing — even when Luther (Gene Hackman) has him virtually drowning in kryptonite, he is too much of a gentleman to unleash his full powers against his foe. He also wore the least intricate superhero costume but felt the most authentic.

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

      Moreover, Superman is arguably the most romantic superhero film, possibly only rivaled by…

      Superman II (1980)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      The early ’80s served as a significant wake-up call for Gen X children — first Han Solo was frozen in carbonite in The Empire Strikes Back, and then shortly after, Superman sacrificed his powers in Superman II for a chance at a normal life with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder).

      The concept of a superhero willingly relinquishing his abilities for love — only to forfeit that love to save the world — was mind-bending for younger fans who wished for an all-powerful Superman. Superman II offered numerous lessons.

      Kudos also go to writers Mario Puzo, David Newman, and Leslie Newman (who contributed to both Superman and Superman II) for bringing back General Zod (Terence Stamp) and his allies, relatively minor characters from the first film, as the antagonists in the sequel. Were they planning this all along? Yes! The two films were filmed almost simultaneously. (Robert Benton also wrote for the first Superman but not the sequel.)

      Batman Begins (2005)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: