Superhero movies have become a staple of popular culture, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe launching the genre into unprecedented levels of success. However, some of the most entertaining and rewatchable films from the early 2000s remain underrated. This article examines ten undervalued superhero movies that still hold up as some of the most enjoyable adventures, from DC to Marvel and beyond.
Superman Returns is Bryan Singer’s underrated gem that offers a charming look into the world of the iconic superhero, anchored by a solid performance from Brandon Routh and a delightful, if menacing, turn by Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Bolt is a Disney animated feature that tells an endearing tale of self-discovery and boasts gorgeous visuals, making it one of the most underrated gems from the noughties despite being initially overlooked.
A Still From Superman Returns (2006) Movie(Via IMDB)
X-Men is as the precursor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, X-Men remains an action-packed crowd-pleaser, introducing Hugh Jackman’s unforgettable portrayal of Wolverine and inspiring a bountiful franchise. Iron Man Kickstarting the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man features a charming Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, building the foundation for a massively successful series.
Batman Begins is a: Christopher Nolan’s gritty, thought-provoking take on the caped crusader reinvigorated the character for a new generation and established Michael Caine as a beloved Alfred. The Dark Knight is With a chilling performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker, The Dark Knight remains a gripping journey examining morality and the depths of humanity’s darkness.
A Still From Iron Man (2008) (Via IMDB)
X2: X-Men United is an engaging and thrilling sequel, X2 delivers outstanding action and world-building that makes it the most applauded of the X-Men original trilogy. Spider-Man is Sam Raimi’s original trilogy laid the groundwork for the modern superhero film genre, introducing Toby Maguire’s delightful take on the wall-crawler.
The Incredibles is a highly-lauded Pixar gem, a superhero family The Incredibles has remained a revered powerhouse of animated storytelling for nearly two decades. Spider-Man 2 is Acclaimed for its heartfelt emotions and thrilling narrative, Spider-Man 2 excels in its faithful take on the Doc Ock storyline and remains one of the highest points in live-action superhero cinema.
While the box office juggernauts overshadow some of these treasures, there’s no denying that these films are, indeed, some of the most rewatchable superhero movies from the early 2000s – well worth a fresh look.
