Movies

Favorite Superhero Movies of the Decade

This one is likely to generate some arguments and yelling. Anyway, I will geek out now...

10. Spider-Man
This would've been higher on the list, but there's one fight between Spider-Man and Green Goblin in broad daylight in the middle of the street that looks like something from a Power Rangers episode. And the Green Goblin design was a huge disappointment. Other than that, it was everything a Spider-Man movie ought to be.

9. Hancock
Really a fun movie, with outstanding action sequences. And Will Smith was an excellent asshole/hero. Good job! The only downside is that a sequel would be out of the question. The best version of Hancock was the homeless asshole Hancock, but then he became well-liked and slick by the end of the movie, so a sequel would be slick, well-liked Hancock -- unless he backslid into alcoholism and homelessness. There's always a shot for a prequel.

8. X-Men
Despite Superman Returns, Bryan Singer can make a great superhero movie. The casting of Stewart opposite Ian McKellen gave the movie serious heft. Too bad Brett Ratner screwed up the franchise.

7. Watchmen
As outstanding as it could get considering the depth of the graphic novel. I mean, it could've been a disaster -- they could've abandoned the superhero deconstruction theme and turned it into a fun Summer blockbuster with, say, Seth Rogen as Comedian. But they stuck with the dark personal stories and made a movie that's totally faithful to the novel. Also, I'm fascinated with throwback versions of superheroes and the subsequent evolution or origins of the characters. And Jackie Earle Haley is a total badass as Rorschach.

6. Hellboy
My second favorite comic book series, and Guillermo Del Toro just nailed it -- and considering that he had a small budget and studio meddling, it's still a fantastic adaptation. Of course Jeffrey Tambor almost steals the movie. "What's wrong with you?!" is one of the most hilarious responses to a psychotic supervillain ever.


5. Batman BeginsNot only was this a great movie, but it completely obliterated the previous several Batman movies which, as we all know, sucked bigtime ass thanks to Joel Schumacher's twisted fucking batnipples and black lights. I hope Schumacher watched Nolan's movies and decided to quit the business.4. The IncrediblesBrad Bird's outstanding homage to superheroes is also the best CG movie ever made.3. Hellboy II: The Golden ArmyEvery frame of this movie is stunning. So dense and fun and interesting. Johann Krauss is awesome in every way. The Troll Market is a masterpiece of design and animation. I can't wait until Del Toro unleashes on The Hobbit.2. UnbreakableThe best movie M. Night ever made and probably will ever make. If you haven't seen this one in a while, I urge you to give it another look. The only problem is that it left me wanting more. I want two more Unbreakable films!1. The Dark KnightNo surprise here. The sequence with The Joker blowing up the hospital is probably the best sequence of any superhero movie ever. While Aaron Eckhart was excellent, I could've done without Harvey Two Face. He should've been saved for the next movie. The Dark Knight only needed one villain, and as we all know, that role was one for the ages. Other than that, easily the best superhero movie ever made.