Long before antiheroes became a staple of superhero storytelling, Will Smith brought to life one of the most unconventional heroes ever seen on screen — a drunken, reckless, and emotionally scarred man with powers that made him nearly invincible. Directed by Peter Berg, Hancock (2008) took the familiar superhero formula and turned it upside down, offering a story that mixed action, dark humor, and redemption in unexpected ways. A Hero Unlike Any Other Released in July 2008, Hancock centers on John Hancock (Will Smith), a superpowered being who has all the abilities of a classic comic book hero — flight, super strength, invulnerability — but none of the charm, discipline, or public approval.

Long before the DC Extended Universe brought Wonder Woman to life on the big screen, there was the groundbreaking Wonder Woman TV series, starring Lynda Carter. Airing from 1975 to 1979, the show remains one of the most iconic superhero series in television history, cementing Wonder Woman as a pop culture symbol of strength, justice, and empowerment. The Origins of a Hero Developed by Douglas S. Cramer and Stanley Ralph Ross, the Wonder Woman series was based on the DC Comics character created by William Moulton Marston. The pilot episode aired in 1975 as a made-for-TV movie titled The New Original Wonder Woman, which immediately captured the imagination of audiences.

When Batman: The Animated Series first aired in 1992, it didn’t just redefine superhero animation — it redefined Batman himself. With its striking art deco style, noir atmosphere, and emotionally complex storytelling, the series elevated the superhero genre to new heights, creating what many still consider the definitive version of the Dark Knight. The Birth of an Iconic Series Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and developed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, the series was inspired by Tim Burton’s Batman films but carved its own darker, more sophisticated identity.

Released in July 2000, X-Men was more than just a comic book adaptation — it was the film that reignited Hollywood’s belief in the superhero genre. Directed by Bryan Singer, the movie brought Marvel’s team of mutant heroes to the big screen with a grounded, character-driven approach that set the tone for the next two decades of comic book cinema. Before Spider-Man, before the MCU, and before The Dark Knight, there was X-Men — a bold, intelligent blockbuster that proved superhero stories could have emotional depth and real-world relevance.

Before Batman ever donned his cape and cowl, there was Gotham — a city teetering on the edge of chaos, corruption, and crime. Premiering in 2014 on Fox, Gotham reimagined the legendary Batman mythos as a gritty crime drama, exploring how the city — and its most infamous villains — came to be long before the Dark Knight rose to protect it. Created by Bruno Heller (The Mentalist), the series ran for five seasons, blending noir detective storytelling with comic-book flair. With its rich character development, haunting tone, and compelling performances, Gotham became one of DC’s most ambitious and stylish live-action series.

When Big Hero 6 hit theaters in 2014, it wasn’t just another superhero movie — it was a vibrant, emotional, and action-packed animated adventure that combined the best elements of Marvel storytelling with Disney’s heartfelt charm. Loosely inspired by a lesser-known Marvel comic, Big Hero 6 brought to life a colorful futuristic world where technology, teamwork, and compassion came together to create something truly special. With its lovable characters, emotional core, and stunning animation, the film quickly became one of Disney’s most celebrated modern classics. The Story — A Young Genius, a Tragic Loss, and a Heroic Team…

In 2021, Netflix premiered Jupiter’s Legacy, a superhero drama based on the comic book series by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely. With a high-profile cast, a sprawling multi-generational story, and Netflix’s big-budget ambitions, the show was intended to launch an expansive superhero franchise to rival Marvel and DC. However, despite its potential, the series lasted only one season before being canceled. Plot OverviewJupiter’s Legacy tells the story of the world’s first generation of superheroes, known as The Union, and how their legacy impacts their children decades later. The central figure is Sheldon Sampson, a.k.a.

When Madame Web swung into theaters in February 2024, expectations were cautious, a standard for entries in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU)—the same world that brought audiences Venom and Morbius. With a promising cast and ties to the larger Spider-Verse, the film aimed to expand the mythos surrounding Spider-related characters. Unfortunately, despite its intriguing concept and talented leads, the movie ended up being one of the most critically panned and financially unsuccessful superhero films of the decade. A Premonition of Things to Come Directed by S.J. Clarkson, Madame Web stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra "Cassie" Webb, a New York City paramedic who gains mysterious psychic abilities that allow her to see the future.

Before the MCU fully dominated global superhero storytelling, Marvel experimented with a bold idea: what if some of its most iconic heroes were reimagined through the lens of Japanese anime? Among the projects that came out of this creative partnership with Madhouse was the Wolverine (2011) anime series — a stylish, action-packed retelling of Logan’s story that took him far from his Canadian roots and deep into the heart of Japan. Though short-lived and not widely known, Wolverine (2011) remains one of the most distinct adaptations of the character — darker, more grounded, and deeply infused with Japanese storytelling aesthetics.

Before cinematic universes and multiverses dominated superhero storytelling, Disney released a film that blended comic book adventure with high school comedy — Sky High (2005). Directed by Mike Mitchell, the movie offered a refreshingly lighthearted take on superheroes, combining coming-of-age humor with the colorful energy of a Saturday morning cartoon. Though it wasn’t based on a comic book, Sky High managed to carve out its own identity, becoming a beloved cult classic among fans who grew up in the early 2000s. A Super School for Super Teens Released in July 2005, Sky High takes place in a world where superheroes are part of everyday life.

When Justice League: The Animated Series debuted in 2001, it became an instant classic — the perfect blend of action, character-driven storytelling, and emotional depth. Building on the success of Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series, this show united DC’s greatest heroes on screen like never before, redefining what superhero animation could be. A Universe Expands Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and developed by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Rich Fogel, Justice League was the next step in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU)

Released in July 2025, Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps was more than just a debut for the beloved team—it was the critical and artistic re-launch the franchise desperately needed. Directed by Matt Shakman (known for WandaVision), the film successfully introduced the First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a visually distinctive, emotionally resonant, and classically comic-inspired approach that harked back to the earliest days of Marvel.Before Avengers: Secret Wars, and against the backdrop of a shifting cinematic landscape, there was The Fantastic Four: First Steps—a clever, retro-futuristic blockbuster that proved the core of superhero storytelling still lies in family, science, and hope.

Before the DC Universe became a cinematic juggernaut, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman brought a fresh and charming take on one of the world’s most famous heroes. Airing from 1993 to 1997 on ABC, the series starred Dean Cain as Clark Kent/Superman and Teri Hatcher as Lois Lane, blending superhero action with romantic comedy and heartfelt drama. A Fresh Spin on a Legendary Hero Unlike earlier portrayals that focused heavily on Superman’s alien origins or his epic battles against villains, Lois & Clark centered on…

Released in November 2010, DreamWorks Animation’s Megamind flipped the superhero genre on its head with a clever twist: what happens when the bad guy finally wins? Directed by Tom McGrath (Madagascar), the film follows the blue-skinned supervillain Megamind, voiced by Will Ferrell, as he accidentally defeats his heroic rival — and discovers that being the world’s greatest villain isn’t as fulfilling as he thought. Funny, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt, Megamind remains one of the most underrated animated films of the 2010s — a smart, emotional story about identity, purpose, and redemption, wrapped in superhero satire.