The Top 10 Most Terrifying Superhero Films, Ranked

When it comes to superhero movies, most people immediately think of the fun and action-packed films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which have dominated the genre. However, for fans of superhero films who are craving something spooky to watch this Halloween, there is actually a fantastic selection of scary superhero films available.

From the impressive makeup and special effects in Spawn to the chilling slasher-film vibes in Blade II, the superhero film genre isn't afraid to explore horror themes in its storytelling. While the merging of these two popular genres is rare, the outcomes are often unforgettable. Here are the top superhero movies that bravely incorporate elements of horror, ranked by how scary they are.

10. 'The Toxic Avenger' (1984)

Directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz

Image via Troma Entertainment

Melvin, a nerdy boy from Tromaville, always felt like an outsider among the popular crowd. While working as Cleaning Staff for a health club, he endures constant bullying and torment. One fateful day, he is relentlessly chased and ultimately finds himself accidentally plummeting out of a two-story window. The unfortunate fall leads him to land in a barrel filled with toxic waste, which alters his physical appearance and transforms him into the legendary figure known as the Toxic Avenger.

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9. 'Spawn' (1997)

Directed by Mark A.Z. Dippé

Image via New Line Cinema

Tasked with infiltrating a biochemical weapons plant, Al Simmons meets his untimely demise at the hands of an assassin hired by his superior, Jason Wynn. Upon reaching Hell, Simmons is faced with a life-altering choice: serve Hell indefinitely and be granted the opportunity to reunite with his wife on Earth, or endure an eternity in Hell itself. Opting to return to Earth, Simmons discovers that five years have elapsed, and he has been transformed into the formidable being known as Spawn.

8. 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' (2022)

Despite the mixed reviews, the make-up and special effects in the film create terrifying characters that perfectly set the tone for each scene. The film received a well-deserved nomination for Best Make-up at the Saturn Awards.

Directed by Sam Raimi

Image via Marvel

When America Chavez, a young girl from another dimension, arrives on Earth, she attracts the dangerous attention of the mentally unstable Scarlet Witch. Doctor Strange takes on the responsibility of protecting America, as Scarlet Witch intends to eliminate her in order to acquire her dimension-hopping abilities.

Director Sam Raimi is renowned for his skill in blending horror with other genres. Having previously incorporated horror elements into his famous Spider-Man trilogy, Raimi now has the opportunity to explore the horror genre further through his interpretation of the Sorcerer Supreme. By utilizing Scarlet Witch's powers to enhance body horror, Raimi aims to shock unsuspecting Marvel Cinematic Universe audiences with an unexpected horror film experience.

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7. 'Hellboy' (2004)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Rescued from the Nazis as a child, a young demon evolves into a hero dedicated to safeguarding the public from darkness. Hellboy, employed by the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, is the central protagonist of this tale defending America.

Regarded as one of the most terrifying aspects of the film, the main villain captivates audiences with his first reveal sans costume. Karl Ruprecht Kroenen's appearance, with a body stitched together and a virtually featureless face, is bound to send shivers down the spine of anyone watching. Amidst a saturated superhero landscape, Hellboy stands out as a visually stunning and emotionally gripping masterpiece, thanks to the director, Guillermo del Toro.

6. 'Split' (2016)

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Although it may not appear to be a traditional superhero film, Split actually serves as the origin story for a supervillain in the Unbreakable universe. This universe was first introduced in the superhero film Unbreakable, which starred Bruce Willis and was directed by M. Night Shyamalan. In Split, we follow the character Kevin, a man who has 23 different personalities with one hidden personality struggling to emerge. He kidnaps three girls while his various personalities battle for control.

What sets Split apart is its reliance on psychological tension rather than graphic violence or elaborate special effects. The film is a captivating psychological thriller that effectively builds suspense through the incredible performance by James McAvoy. As Kevin, he gives the audience the impression that his personality could change at any given moment and potentially harm the film's second protagonist, Casey, who happens to be the leader of the group of kidnapped girls.

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5. 'Blade II' (2002)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Blade II, a slasher film that embodies the essence of the horror genre, showcases thrilling gore and non-stop action. As a widespread pandemic turns reapers into mutant freaks capable of infecting both humans and vampires, the safety of all individuals becomes uncertain. Reluctantly, Blade joins forces with the Vampires in an effort to eradicate this menace. Embracing its slasher film roots, Blade II masterfully delivers well-choreographed and intensely brutal action. Viewers can expect a thrilling and bloody journey filled with bone-chilling kills. Today, Blade II is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the series, with Del Toro's skillful command evident in every aspect, from the visceral gore effects to the expertly balanced blend of campiness and creepiness.

4. 'Brightburn' (2019)

Directed by David Yarovesky

In the past 20 years, numerous franchises have contemplated the outcome if a supremely powerful character like Superman were to become malevolent. Brightburn explores this concept, envisioning a scenario where a young Superman turns evil during a turbulent period of intense emotions and significant life changes.

The killings depicted in Brightburn are both chilling and notably inventive. Unlike DC studios, which often restrain themselves when portraying an evil-Superman narrative by toning down the explicit violence and gore, Brightburn does not hold back. At the time of its release, the film presented audiences with a fresh and unprecedented level of violence, with The Boys, another show featuring similarly gruesome scenes, not airing until approximately two months later.

3. 'Darkman' (1990)

Directed by Sam Raimi

Image Via Universal Pictures

With a solid track record in directing superhero/horror films, Sam Raimi has established himself as a seasoned filmmaker. Among his notable works is Darkman, a gripping movie centered on a scientist seeking retribution after being horrifically burned. This remarkable film features the talents of Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand.

2. 'The Crow' (1994)

Darkman's association with horror stems from its protagonist being inspired by classic monster movie tropes. Witnessing the horrifying sight of Darkman's burnt and disfigured face is truly nauseating. It is widely believed that this serves as Raimi's initial demonstration of his exceptional ability to seamlessly merge and shift between different moods.

Directed by Alex Proyas

After Eric Lee and his wife are killed by a gang, he emerges from death to seek vengeance on the gang while being pursued by Sergeant Daryl Albrecht, a police officer portrayed by Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters.

The film's eerie atmosphere, blending elements of gritty revenge and grunge aesthetics, creates a chilling viewing experience. Witnessing Eric's wife being ruthlessly slaughtered before his eyes, followed by his own murder, and then having to relive these haunting memories upon his resurrection, adds a terrifying layer to the story.

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1. 'Donnie Darko' (2001)

Directed by Richard Kelly

A normal person receives an extraordinary gift and must use it to protect something important to them. Donnie Darko encapsulates the essential elements found in many superhero movies. The protagonist, Donnie, is a young individual who is warned about the impending end of the world by a mysterious figure wearing a frightening rabbit costume. Furthermore, his life takes a dramatic turn when an airplane engine crashes into his house. As he begins to be influenced by the rabbit suit, Donnie becomes involved in a series of criminal activities.

Donnie Darko differs from traditional horror films, focusing more on psychological horror and presenting deeply thought-provoking existential surrealism. Audiences may not encounter many visually horrifying scenes beyond the unsettling rabbit outfit, but they will leave the movie with a lingering sense of horror. Director Richard Kelly reached his pinnacle with this 2001 cult classic, which initially struggled at the box office but later gained significant critical acclaim and a strong fan following.

Editor's P/S

As a superhero movie fan, I am always excited to see new and innovative takes on the genre. The horror genre is one that I particularly enjoy, so I was thrilled to see that there were so many superhero movies that incorporated elements of horror.

The list of the top 10 most terrifying superhero films, ranked, was a great resource for finding some new movies to watch. I was particularly interested in the movie "The Toxic Avenger," which I had never heard of before. The plot sounded really interesting, and I loved the idea of a superhero who is created by a toxic waste accident.

Overall, I think that the merging of the superhero and horror genres is a great way to create some truly unique and terrifying films. I am excited to see what new superhero horror movies come out in the future.