Superhero movies beyond Marvel and DC: 10 great films to watch
Great superhero movies that are not Marvel or DC, from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Crow to The Incredibles, Unbreakable, Hellboy, Kick-Ass and Dredd, in release order.
Superheroes are not only Marvel and DC. This list gathers ten great superhero movies based on other comics or on original stories, from the 1990s to today, with posters, and tells you what makes each one worth watching.
How we chose
We left out films based on Marvel or DC characters. The ten films below come from other comics, original stories and animated originals, were chosen by reception and influence, and are listed in release order. It is not a numbered ranking.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Four turtle brothers trained as ninjas by a rat sensei, adapted from the Mirage comic. A cult classic of the 1990s.
The Crow (1994)
A murdered musician returns to avenge his fiancée, in a gothic film based on James O'Barr's comic. It is also remembered for the death of its star Brandon Lee during production.
The Mask (1994)
Jim Carrey turns a cursed mask into cartoon chaos, in a film based on a Dark Horse comic.
Unbreakable (2000)
M. Night Shyamalan's quiet origin story, with Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson.
The Incredibles (2004)
Pixar's family of superheroes in hiding, directed by Brad Bird. It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Hellboy (2004)
Guillermo del Toro's film about a demon who fights monsters, with Ron Perlman, from Mike Mignola's comic.
Kick-Ass (2010)
A teenager decides to become a superhero with no powers, from the Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. comic, directed by Matthew Vaughn.
Megamind (2010)
An animated comedy about a villain who wins and then realizes he misses having a hero.
Chronicle (2012)
Three teenagers gain telekinetic powers in a found-footage drama.
Dredd (2012)
Karl Urban as a law-enforcing Judge in a violent, stylish adaptation of the British comic 2000 AD.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best superhero movies that are not Marvel or DC?
Critics and fans often name The Incredibles, Unbreakable, Hellboy and Kick-Ass, and The Crow and Dredd are cult favorites.
Which of these superhero movies should I watch first?
Start with The Incredibles for the whole family, Unbreakable for a quiet drama or Kick-Ass for violent comedy.
Are there superhero movies that are not based on comics?
Yes. The Incredibles, Unbreakable, Megamind and Chronicle are original stories.
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Sources: official studio releases, filmographies and public records.
