The Top 10 Superhero Movie Performances of 2023

Introduction

2023 delivered a mixed bag of superhero movies from Marvel and DC, but despite a divided response to superhero cinema, 2023 also featured some powerful performances from actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, DC Extended Universe and Sony's Spider-Man franchises. Marvel and DC production studios collectively released eight feature films in 2023, spanning across the universes of the MCU and DCEU, while Sony expanded its Spider-Verse franchise. Unfortunately, most of 2023's superhero projects performed disappointingly at the global box office, but that doesn't detract from some of the strong performances by notable actors in these projects.

Michael Keaton's Batman with the Ezra Miller's past and current Barry Allens in The Flash

While 2023 saw Marvel Studios receive mixed responses to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marked a huge win for the ever-growing MCU. Conversely, the DCEU's Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom were all poorly-received, marking a dull ending to the DCEU ahead of the franchise's reboot. Sony, however, released the successful follow-up to 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse with Across the Spider-Verse in 2023, but even some of 2023's most disappointing superhero projects featured some of the strongest performances from the franchises' dedicated and committed actors.

Paul Rudd's Scott Lang in Ant-Man 3

2023 has been a year of ups and downs for superhero movies, with both Marvel and DC facing varying degrees of success and disappointment. Despite the box office performance, the standout performances from the actors have left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. Let's take a closer look at the top 10 superhero movie performances of 2023.

A lot of Scott Langs in Ant-Man 3

Michael Keaton's Return as Batman in The Flash

After last appearing as Bruce Wayne's Batman in Tim Burton's Batman in 1989 and Batman Returns in 1992, Michael Keaton returned as the Caped Crusader in 2023's The Flash. Even though The Flash became a huge disappointment for Warner Bros., marking a loss of roughly $200 million at the box office, the Ezra Miller-led project did provide a strong continuation of Keaton's storyline as Batman. Bringing more of a serious tone to the goofy character from Burton's duology, Michael Keaton stood out as the strongest component of The Flash, delivering gravitas and energy in the older and wiser version of Bruce Wayne. With his performance in The Flash, Michael Keaton became the longest-serving superhero actor in history, having portrayed Bruce Wayne's Batman for over 34 years.

Scott Lang in the Quantum Realm in Ant-Man 3

Michael Keaton's return as Batman was a significant moment in superhero movie history, showcasing the enduring legacy of the character and Keaton's remarkable portrayal. The Flash may not have achieved box office success, but Keaton's performance as Batman was a standout in 2023's superhero movies, cementing his place as an iconic figure in the genre.

Scott and Cassie Lang in Ant-Man 3

Paul Rudd's Emotional Range in Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania

Although Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania fared poorly as Marvel Studios' first theatrical release of 2023, the Quantum Realm-set adventure gave Paul Rudd the opportunity to show off more of his range as Scott Lang, a.k.a. Ant-Man. Trapped in the Quantum Realm with his family, Scott Lang had the chance to develop some of his familial relationships, particularly that with his now-grown daughter Cassie. Ant-Man's dynamic with major villain Kang the Conqueror was also powerful, and Rudd was able to showcase Scott Lang's love for his family, fright in the face of Kang and doubt in the film's final moments to perfection.

Hope van Dyne and Scott Lang trapped in Ant-Man 3

Paul Rudd's portrayal of Scott Lang in Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania delved into the emotional depths of the character, offering a compelling performance that resonated with audiences. Despite the film's disappointing box office performance, Rudd's portrayal of Ant-Man showcased his versatility as an actor and added depth to the superhero genre in 2023.

Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Chris Pratt's Growth as Star-Lord in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

Considered to be Marvel Studios' most successful movie of 2023, James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 provided beautiful and emotional moments for Chris Pratt's Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord. Throughout the film, Quill deals with his grief over losing Gamora in Avengers: Infinity War, while also battling hard to save the life of his friend, Rocket. Chris Pratt demonstrates real growth as Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, culminating in him returning to Earth at the end of the film and setting up a new future for the cosmic superhero. Currently, Pratt is the only Vol. 3 cast member confirmed to be returning to the MCU. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 confirmed that Chris Pratt will be returning as Peter Quill in the MCU's future, though would now be known as the Legendary Star-Lord.

Carol Danvers in The Marvels 2023

Chris Pratt's portrayal of Star-Lord in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 showcased his ability to bring depth and emotion to the character, solidifying his place as a fan-favorite superhero in the MCU. The film's success and Pratt's captivating performance elevated the superhero genre in 2023, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and setting the stage for future cosmic adventures in the MCU.

Orm and Arthur fighting Manta in Aquaman 2