This year I’m engaging in a year-long countdown, looking at my Top 50 Superhero Films. This runs through the end of 2022, meaning there are some selections in here from last year. Over the course of the year, I’ll be sharing the list in this space, counting down 10 at a time. Today’s installment is No. 50 to No. 41.
50. Deadpool 2 (2018)
About: I enjoy Ryan Reynolds in this role and I liked the sequel here. Josh Brolin is fun as Cable and the whole supporting cast works. This is actually like two films in one as you can watch the R-rated version or the PG-13 version featuring Fred Savage. Both are fun.
49. DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
About: Animated films are a big part of the landscape when it comes to superhero movies. I didn’t know what to expect here. In fact, I didn’t see it in theaters, but when I did catch it, I was taken with the story. It ended up being one of my favorite animated films of last year.
48. Eternals (2021)
About: There were many that didn’t like this addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It ranks near the bottom in the Rotten Tomatoes score for critics. I was an outlier, I guess. I liked the style from Chloe Zhao as a director and the story worked for me.
47. Batman Returns (1992)
About: Batman is and always has been my favorite superhero. You’ll find films he’s in featured a number of times on this list. This Tim Burton sequel is fun. I enjoy Michelle Pfieffer and Danny DeVito, while Michael Keaton remains my favorite to don the cape and cowl. This is also a fun Christmas movie.
46. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
About: I am torn about this film. I loved the idea and I was anticipating it greatly. It’s also two thirds of a great film. But the last act bothers me. I am bothered by the lack of stakes and the villainization of Iron Man. Still, it’s good enough to make this list.
45. Superman: Doomsday (2007)
About: Another animated entry to the list, this one a D.C. classic with Superman facing one of his biggest challenges. I have enjoyed this since I first watched it. I like the animation and the story, while Adam Baldwin does a nice job as Superman.
44. Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
About: I know, another MCU film that many found underwhelming. I’ll admit, it’s not incredible. But I did enjoy it for what it was. It didn’t live up to the hype but I like Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role and I liked the time-bending storylines here.
43. Captain Marvel (2019)
About: This is probably the part of the countdown that most reveals the MCU films I prefer over consensus. Higher, Further, Faster—that was the motto for Captain Marvel. I enjoyed the 1990s setting and I like Brie Larson in this role. I enjoyed this film a lot when it came out and I still enjoy it on re-watches.
42. Black Widow (2021)
About: The first big Marvel release after the pandemic was one that seemed to be forever delayed. Scarlett Johansson finally got a solo film, albeit a flashback film after her character had already died. I enjoyed the humor here and her back-and-forth with Florence Pugh. This one is unfairly derided in my opinion.
41. Big Hero 6 (2014)
About: It’s fitting this grouping ends with another animated release. I do enjoy a good, animated superhero film, and this Disney film is actually based on a Marvel comic. I loved Baymax, and Scott Adsit does a wonderful job bringing him to life. This one is fun and has a lot of heart.
Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.
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