The Top 12 Superhero Films of All Time, Ranked

      What is the best superhero film of all time? In our opinion, it's one of the following, ranked from least to most exceptional.

      Think differently? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Here's our ranking.

      12. Logan (2017)

      Hugh Jackman appears in Logan. Fox – Credit: C/O

      A rule-breaking narrative about sacrifice, loss, and a solitary figure's fight to do more good than harm throughout the centuries. Director James Mangold demonstrated that comic book films can resonate beyond children with a metaphorical exploration of aging gracefully.

      Mangold revisited the theme of an aging action hero in the recent Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, but honestly, we favor Logan.

      11. Blade (1998)

      New Line Cinema

      Though not flawless, Blade broadened the perception of what a superhero film could be by drawing from one of Marvel's lesser-known characters: a vampire hunter in a leather jacket instead of a traditional cape or tights. Blade showed that Marvel could find great success with its underappreciated or lesser-known characters, much like Ant-Man or the Guardians of the Galaxy.

      We also appreciate a superhero film that captivates us without relying heavily on CGI, which has marred many otherwise solid superhero movies, such as Wonder Woman.

      Plus, Wesley Snipes delivers an impressive performance in the lead, including the iconic line, "Some mother—-er’s are always trying to ice skate uphill."

      10. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

      Fox – Credit: 20th Century Fox

      This film is a fairly faithful adaptation of one of Christopher Claremont’s most famous comic storylines, placing Logan (Hugh Jackman) in a central role rather than Kitty Pryde, and ambitiously combining the 2000s X-Men films with their 2010s prequels.

      Long before movie metaverses made time travel and alternate realities feel overused, this X-Men installment offered a fresh and thrilling perspective. The 1970s section is outstanding, but it loses points due to the dreary future scenes, where the CGI is rather uninspired.

      9. Deadpool (2016)

      Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) in Deadpool. Fox

      The most outright hilarious comic book movie ever created, made possible through Ryan Reynolds’ tenacious belief that one of Marvel's quirkiest characters could also be its greatest.

      And yes, we’re looking forward to Hugh Jackman returning for Deadpool 3.

      8. X2: X-Men United (2003)

      Fox

      2003’s X-Men 2 greatly enhances the original, opening with Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) operatically infiltrating the Oval Office and maintaining a fast pace throughout.

      The battle between Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Lady Deathstryke (Kelly Hu) feels much more grounded and intense compared to the CGI-heavy conflicts that would plague many upcoming superhero films, and a pre-Succession Brian Cox delivers a menacingly perfect performance as Col. William Stryker, an authentic adversary to our beloved mutants.

      7. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

      Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man and Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man 2. Sony

      Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) discovers that great power includes not just great responsibility, but also significant sacrifice, as he realizes his role as Spider-Man puts Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) in danger. Doc Ock (Alfred Molina) is one of the most iconic Spider-Man villains, with a standout moment where New York City comes to Spider-Man's aid.

      It is also the most romantic superhero film — except for the movie at No. 2 on our list.

      6. Black Panther (2018)

      T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) in Black Panther. Disney

      The film excels in world-building and features outstanding acting throughout. Michael B. Jordan portrays perhaps the best villain in the MCU, while Chadwick Boseman shines as a king torn between his people and the wider world in this Ryan Coogler Best Picture nominee.

      It's impressive that both Black Panther and Infinity War were released just months apart, marking a significant peak for the MCU.

      5. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

      Disney – Credit: C/O

      With an astonishing opening suggesting anything can happen, Infinity War engages in character development as thoroughly as action, concluding with a cliffhanger of epic proportions. Its sequel, Avengers: Endgame, not only resolves that cliffhanger but also wraps up more than a decade's worth of Marvel superhero movie narratives.

      4. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

      The spider friends in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Sony

      2018 was a remarkable year for superhero films.

      This audaciously experimental, visually stunning animated feature breaks every traditional mold, offering