Buzz
Superhero films are everywhere, taking over box offices and Blu-ray sales, not to mention dominating award seasons. These movies spark ongoing conversations that can last for months—or even years. With streaming services being equally prevalent, it only makes sense that these two powerhouses would come together in perfect harmony.
So, if you're searching for the absolute best comic book films out there, where should you look? While many DC Comics films have shifted to the new DC Universe streaming platform, and Marvel's titles are bound for Disney's upcoming service, you'll still find some of the finest comic adaptations across top streaming platforms. Here are 15 standout films (in no particular order).
1. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
When Marvel promised a comic book movie of unmatched scope with Avengers: Infinity War, they weren't exaggerating. This 2018 blockbuster marked the pinnacle of over a decade of meticulous planning, casting, and storytelling, all converging into a single epic cinematic event. It would have been impressive solely for its ambition and scale, but it's also arguably the best attempt to bring a comic book crossover story to life on the big screen.
Where to watch it: Netflix
2. Black Panther (2018)
The first superhero film ever to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, Black Panther became not only one of the most successful films of 2018 for Marvel Studios but a global cultural sensation. The movie sparked viral moments and quotable lines, and even a year after its release, it stands as a landmark in the superhero genre, offering something truly unique. Though it didn’t win Best Picture, it walked away with three Oscars out of seven nominations.
Where to watch it: Netflix
3. Wonder Woman (2017)
It took far too long for Wonder Woman to make her big-screen debut, so in many ways, just the fact that this movie existed made it worth the watch. The fact that it turned out to be so exceptional was almost a bonus. But Wonder Woman became so much more, as millions of fans finally saw her come to life. Director Patty Jenkins and lead actress Gal Gadot delivered the finest film in the DC Extended Universe to date, showing that Diana of Themyscira didn’t need the Justice League to shine.
Where to watch it: HBO Go
4. The Dark Knight (2008)
Still regarded by many as the best Batman film—and arguably the greatest superhero film ever made—the second installment of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy continues to impress more than a decade after its debut. Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning portrayal of The Joker remains a thrilling highlight, and the film's jaw-dropping car chases feature some of the most mind-blowing practical effects ever achieved in a superhero movie.
Where to watch it: Netflix
5. Watchmen (2009)
Before HBO brings its own take on the iconic miniseries by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, it's worth revisiting Zack Snyder's adaptation of one of the most groundbreaking and influential comic books ever written. Is the film a meticulous and faithful deconstruction of
Where to watch it: Netflix
6. Hellboy (2004)
Before he became the Oscar-winning director of The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro took a swing at a comic book adaptation, bringing one of the most 'del Toro-esque' superheroes to life: a demon (played brilliantly by Ron Perlman) who hunts monsters. A reboot is coming later this year, but the original Hellboy remains a wonderfully pulpy, supernatural adventure.
Where to watch it: Netflix
7. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Both Hellboy films make this list because they’re both exceptional in their own unique ways. Del Toro’s first Hellboy is an action-packed monster-hunting pulp adventure, but the sequel dives deep into pure fantasy. Here, Hellboy and his team uncover an ancient conflict, while Big Red edges closer to his fate. A word of caution: this film will leave you longing for the third chapter of Del Toro's trilogy that never came to be.
Where to watch it: Hulu
8. The Crow (1994)
Long before superheroes were packaged into massive shared universes and billion-dollar franchises, The Crow emerged as perhaps the quintessential Generation X comic book movie. It tells the tale of an aspiring rock star (Brandon Lee), brutally murdered by thugs on Devil’s Night, who returns from the dead one year later as a supernatural vigilante seeking vengeance. Director Alex Proyas crafts a gothic visual masterpiece, and the film’s soundtrack alone is worth the watch.
Where to watch it: Netflix
9. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
In a rare adaptation, writer/director Edgar Wright brings Bryan Lee O'Malley's beloved graphic novel series to the screen. Michael Cera is perfectly cast as Scott Pilgrim, a nerdy young man who attempts to win the heart of his love interest (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) by battling her “Seven Evil Exes” in video game-style showdowns. Wright unleashes every cinematic trick he knows, resulting in a film that’s endlessly rewatchable.
Where to watch it: Netflix
10. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
For a while, the Thor films were falling behind Marvel’s other major franchises... that is, until Ragnarok came to the rescue. Directed by the brilliantly quirky Taika Waititi (What We Do In the Shadows), this entry pushes Thor (Chris Hemsworth, who proves he’s just as funny as he is heroic) out of his comfort zone and into a new world where he must fight for survival, freedom, and the future of his people. It’s one of Marvel’s funniest films, yes, but also one of its most visually and thematically daring.
Where to watch it: Netflix
11. The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
The iconic Tintin tales by Belgian cartoonist Herge were brought to the big screen in 2011 with a star-studded production team, including Steven Spielberg in the director's chair, Peter Jackson as producer, and a screenplay by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, and Joe Cornish. While the film didn’t become a blockbuster in the same way other comic book adaptations or animated features did, it’s still worth watching for Spielberg’s brilliant use of motion capture, pushing the medium into a thrilling realm of adventure.
Where to watch it: Prime Video
12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
James Gunn may not have quite outdone himself with this ambitious and even more star-studded sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy, but he certainly came very close. Like its predecessor, the second Guardians movie is packed with unforgettable humor, spectacular action sequences, and a killer soundtrack. And one area where it absolutely surpasses the first film? Its emotional conclusion—so keep some tissues handy after all the laughs.
Where to watch it: Netflix
13. I Kill Giants (2017)
If you’re not after superheroes, and you’re in the mood for a hidden gem that hasn’t received the attention it truly deserves, consider this fantasy drama based on the acclaimed Image Comics series. The film follows a teenage girl who, fueled by her obsession with Dungeons and Dragons, believes she must battle real giants that are invading her world. It's a beautifully imaginative anthem for misfit kids.
Where to watch it: Hulu
14. Logan (2017)
Hugh Jackman’s final performance as Wolverine showed that superhero films don’t need colossal budgets, massive ensembles, or world-ending threats to leave an impact. It also demonstrated that superhero films don’t have to stick to the typical formula to be great, just as superhero comics never have. Jackman’s moving portrayal of a dying mutant is matched only by Sir Patrick Stewart’s powerful turn as a frail Charles Xavier. This is the perfect farewell to the man who defined superhero stardom in the 2000s, long before Robert Downey Jr. ever donned his Iron Man suit.
Where to watch it: HBO Go
15. KICK-ASS (2010)
Writer and director Matthew Vaughn's first adaptation of comic book writer Mark Millar's work (who also co-created the Kingsman series) brought us this dark comedy imagining what would happen if regular people donned costumes, chose cool names, and decided to take on crime. You’ll be laughing from start to finish, though you might feel a bit guilty about it.
Where to watch it: Prime Video
