Superhero movies have become a defining pillar of 21st century cinema, offering a spectacle of action, grandeur, and significant stakes. While some films strive to make the experience as accessible and enjoyable as possible, others aim to generate suspense and intensity while exploring darker, more complex narratives. However, not every movie in the genre can be entirely flawless. This article highlights 10 magnificent examples of superhero storytelling that are very nearly perfect, but with a few minor flaws that prevent them from reaching absolute perfection.
First up is “The Suicide Squad” (2021), directed by James Gunn, which offers a lively, creative, and often shocking spin on the genre. While it’s a frenetic and pulsating joyride of excessive ultra-violence and profanity, it’s occasionally let down by lulls of indecision and an undertone that can come across as condescending. Next is “Spider-Man” (2002), directed by Sam Raimi, which was a game-changer in the superhero genre and remains influential to this day. While it’s fun, accessible, action-packed, and emotionally rousing, it has been surpassed by more recent Spider-Man films and feels a bit too vanilla by modern standards.
Another early entrant is “Darkman” (1990), also directed by Sam Raimi, which was a violent vigilante flick that showcased Raimi’s background in horror and weaved together a rewarding superhero tale. While some of its deviations from convention are truly inspired, it’s ultimately let down by uncertain footing as the plot progresses. “Batman” (1989), directed by Tim Burton, is another classic entry that sees the caped crusader take on the Joker, acted by Jack Nicholson, and features a distinct and direct sense of style that was pivotal for the future of superhero films. While it’s only really let down by a couple of lulls in the story, it remains one of the most visually charming and striking superhero films ever made.
“Kick-Ass” (2010), directed by Matthew Vaughn, is a pulsating, balls-to-the-wall action comedy that simultaneously plays by the rules of superhero narratives and dismantles them. While it thrives at hitting hard at the places that other superhero films wouldn’t dare to reach, its sheer excess can get exhausting, and its sensitivities won’t be to everyone’s tastes. “X-Men: First Class” (2011), also directed by Matthew Vaughn, is an audacious and energetic triumph that tempers its stylistic tendencies with a strong screenplay and stellar cast. While it’s difficult to pinpoint any major flaws in the film, it’s only missing out on absolute perfection due to its failure to reach the same level as the greatest films in the genre.
The Dark Knight Rises (Image via Getty)
“The Rocketeer” (1991), directed by Joe Johnston, is an old-time simple and charming film that brings back the pulp matinée serials of the 30s. While its anachronistic qualities are sometimes overbearing, and it’s far from immune to narrative missteps, it remains an uplifting triumph of superhero cinema from an era where films in the genre rarely excelled. “V For Vendetta” (2005), directed by James McTeigue, is a highlight of superhero cinema at its most psychological and socially pointed, as it explores how individuals functioning as symbols inspire a response from society, and whether violence is celebrated or condemned depending on what the symbol represents. While it’s a flawless exploration of superhero narratives, it’s only marred by the ease with which the protagonist deceiver and torments a character to liberate her.
“The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), directed by Christopher Nolan, is a spectacular and thrilling conclusion to the Dark Knight trilogy, as Batman takes on Bane, a ruthless terrorist planning to destroy Gotham City. While it’s a fantastic job closing out the trilogy, it’s only marred by a couple of scenes that miss the mark entirely and an intriguing reference to Charles Dickens’ story that fails to come to any thematic head. Finally, there’s “Wonder Woman” (2017), directed by Patty Jenkins, which is an outstanding balance between superhero thrills and poignant war drama. While it’s largely an exceptional film, it’s let down by a cheapened and excessive fight scene that stains an otherwise exceptional superhero movie.
These 10 superhero movies are magnificent examples of what can be accomplished in the genre when filmmakers strive for perfection. While they may have minor flaws that prevent them from reaching absolute perfection, they are still enjoyable and thought-provoking entries that contribute to the rich world of superhero cinema.
