12 Greatest Superhero Films Prior to the MCU

      Here are the 12 top superhero films that were released prior to the MCU's impact on the genre.

      To clarify, the MCU, or Marvel Cinematic Universe, began in 2008 with Iron Man. Iron Man premiered just a few months before The Dark Knight, so The Dark Knight is not included here — although it is featured in our list of the greatest superhero films ever, which encompasses those in the MCU as well.

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

      Therefore, you won't find Batman vs. Superman or any Snyderverse films in this compilation of the Best Superhero Movies before the MCU. However, you will find plenty of Batman and Superman, starting with…

      **Batman (1989)**

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      In 1989, Tim Burton faced a challenging task: Most casual viewers knew Batman as the whimsical caped hero from the beloved '60s TV series starring Adam West, while comic book fans revered him as the gritty detective depicted in Frank Miller’s influential works, The Dark Knight Returns (1986) and Batman: Year One (1987).

      Burton, along with screenwriters Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren, expertly balanced the campiness of the TV show (complete with throwaway lines and Jack Nicholson’s vibrant Joker) with a sincerely damaged Batman and Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton). Kim Basinger's Vicki Vale acts as a surrogate for the audience, acknowledging the oddities in Gotham while maintaining a sense of realism.

      The film also pays tribute to Batman’s origins from 1939 with its beautifully modernized Art Deco set design.

      **Spider-Man 2 (2004)**

      Sony

      In Spider-Man 2, director Sam Raimi developed a deeper narrative than the original, focusing on themes of power, responsibility, and the importance of giving everything you have, regardless of your abilities.

      The stakes feel genuine, amplified by the palpable chemistry between Peter Parker/Spidey (Tobey Maguire) and Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), while Alfred Molina shines as the conflicted, power-obsessed Doc Ock. The subway scene, where everyday New Yorkers rally to assist a superhero, stands out as one of the most memorable moments in superhero cinema.

      **X2: X-Men United (2003)**

      20th Century Fox

      When it premiered, X-Men 2 came closest to embodying the essence of the X-Men at their peak in the 1980s, as comic writer Chris Claremont explored emotional depths through storylines that drew clear comparisons between mutants and marginalized human beings.

      X-Men 2 extends this metaphor, beginning with the exhilarating scene where Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) invades the Oval Office. Brian Cox is compellingly menacing as Col. William Stryker, a believable adversary to our beloved mutants.

      **Superman (1978)**

      Warner Bros.

      This is the film that initiated it all. Its sincerity and dependence on practical effects, along with excellent performances and the touching love story between Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and Superman, make it increasingly charming and uplifting over time.

      Christopher Reeve will forever be viewed as our Superman, not only for his heroism but also for his comedic talent — even when Luthor (Gene Hackman) has him literally submerged in kryptonite, he remains too much of a gentleman to unleash his full powers against his foe. His superhero outfit was the simplest yet embodied the essence of a true hero.

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

      Moreover, Superman is arguably the most romantic of superhero films, unless you count…

      **Superman II (1980)**

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      The early '80s were a significant wake-up call for Generation X — first, Han Solo was frozen in carbonite in The Empire Strikes Back, and shortly after, Superman forfeited his powers in Superman II. Rather, he willingly sacrificed his abilities for a chance at a normal life with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder).

      The notion of a superhero choosing to relinquish his powers for love — only to sacrifice that love to save the world — was a staggering concept for young fans who simply wanted Superman to be invincible. Superman II imparted numerous lessons.

      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, previously minor characters in the first film, as the antagonists in the sequel. Was this part of an elaborate plan? Yes! The two films were filmed almost simultaneously. (Robert Benton contributed to the first Superman, but not the sequel.)

      **Batman Begins (2005)**