Unsung Heroes: The Best Superhero Movies That Deserved Better
Many superhero films have gone unnoticed and underappreciated despite their exceptional storytelling and unique takes on the genre. Here are the top 11 superhero movies that deserved more love from audiences.
Mystery Men: A Parody Before Its Time
Mystery Men, a unique superhero comedy film, starred hilarious actors like Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, William H. Macy, Paul Reubens, Janeane Garofalo, and Geoffrey Rush. Despite its excellent cast, the premise and plot were too bizarre for many viewers, leading to mixed reviews and a box office flop. However, the film has gained a cult following for its zany and distinct take on the superhero genre.
The Mystery Men team in Mystery Men
One of the film's strengths is its refreshing approach to a genre that often plays it safe. Its humor and originality have made it a beloved classic among superhero movie enthusiasts.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army - A Creative Sequel
The Hellboy series starring Ron Perlman was helmed by Guillermo Del Toro, who delivered two phenomenal fantasy epics that gave comic book readers the Hellboy they had always wanted to see. While Hellboy: The Golden Army performed well on its opening weekend, it was overshadowed by The Dark Knight, which debuted the following week.
Hellboy chokes Nuada in Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Despite receiving praise from critics and audiences, The Golden Army didn't fully deliver for the studio, and a third film was never made. It's unfortunate that Del Toro never got to conclude the trilogy to follow up this creative sequel.
Hellboy and his teammates stand together in an ornate temple room in Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Birds of Prey: A Victim of Poor Timing
Birds of Prey, starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, fell victim to poor timing and poor marketing. The confusion over whether it was a Harley Quinn or a Birds of Prey movie led to a lackluster opening, which was further impacted by the onset of COVID-19, shutting down theaters a month after its release.
Harley Quinn in frilly outfit in Birds of Prey
Despite these challenges, Birds of Prey is an entertaining film with some of the DCEU's best action sequences and a darkly comedic performance by Ewan McGregor as Black Mask. It's a movie worth checking out, especially for viewers who love Robbie's portrayal of Quinn.
Harley Quinn with Black Mask in Birds of Prey
Darkman: Sam Raimi's Original Superhero
Darkman, a creation by director and writer Sam Raimi, stars Liam Neeson as Dr. Peyton Westlake, a man who develops superhuman abilities after a treatment gone wrong leaves him disfigured and subject to violent tendencies. While it was financially successful, it wasn't a massive hit, and many are still discovering it today.
Liam Neeson as Dr. Peyton Westlake in Darkman
The film's intriguing take on superheroes, with Darkman's morally questionable methods driven by his obsession with vengeance, sets it apart as a thought-provoking and unconventional addition to the superhero genre.
The Rocketeer: Disney's Hidden Gem
Based on the comic book of the same name, The Rocketeer was released by Disney in 1991. Despite disappointing results at the box office and mixed reviews from critics, the film has garnered a cult following over the years for its charming, energetic atmosphere and great performances from Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, and Alan Arkin.
Billy Campbell as The Rocketeer in The Rocketeer
The film's phenomenal James Horner score and its ability to evoke a sense of cheesy yet endearing charm have made it a hidden gem that deserves to be rediscovered by audiences.
