The Top 25 Must-See Quintessential Superhero Movies

Ranker Film
Updated September 27, 2024 92.6K views 27 items
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57.3K votes
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Vote up the superhero movies that define the genre and should be required viewing for beginners in an Intro to Superhero Films class.

It seems every month, a new superhero movie is being released - and that's a good thing! Thanks to the success of earlier films like Spider-Man and Iron Man, the superhero genre has taken Hollywood by storm. Superhero films define our culture as these characters have been with us for decades. Spider-Man, Captain America, Superman, and others are America's epic heroes. Much like Odysseus and Achilles illustrated Greek values, these figures represent the moral principals that define our nation. Audiences are drawn to these characters again and again because of their multigenerational storylines that continue to have relevance today. These essential superhero films teach us that great power means great responsibility, our differences should be valued, humanity is capable of both great good and great evil, and no hero truly stands alone. Even if you're not an aficionado of action and fantasy, there are some superhero movies everyone should watch. 

Superhero films have proven to be some of the most popular, critically acclaimed movies made in decades, and there appears to be no slowing them down anytime soon. Given the sheer magnitude of superhero films out there, getting into the genre can feel overwhelming. This list contains superhero movies for beginners to ease you into the fictional worlds that have proved resonate with millions. 

If you're new to the genre, you can consider this list an intro to superhero movies, containing the most famous films the genre has to offer. Check out these must-see superhero movies and then give your favorites a thumbs up! 

Most divisive: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
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