Emily Flores
Think you’ve seen all the superhero movies worth watching? Think again! While Marvel and DC have dominated the big screen, a world of lesser-known superhero flicks deserves profound love for their unique twist on the superhero narrative. Here’s a rundown of 15 superhero movies you haven’t heard of but should check out.
The Phantom (1996)
Imagine a world where a masked hero dressed in purple fights against evil in a mythical African jungle. That’s The Phantom for you! Billy Zane stars as the titular hero who battles pirates and corrupt businesspeople to protect his homeland. This movie is a delightful watch with its action, humor, and a dash of romance.
Defendor (2009)
What happens when a regular guy decides to become a superhero? Woody Harrelson plays Arthur, a man who believes he’s a crime-fighter named Defendor. However, Arthur has mental challenges that make his journey touching and hilarious. Armed with little more than a duct-taped logo on his chest and a loyal sidekick, Arthur takes on crime in his neighborhood.
Chronicle (2012)
This found-footage film follows three high school friends who stumble upon a mysterious object that gives them telekinetic powers. As they learn to harness their abilities, their friendship is tested in shocking ways. Expertly blending thrilling action with emotional depth, Chronicle makes you question what you’d do with such power.
Super (2010)
Get ready for an exhilarating ride with Super, where Rainn Wilson plays Frank, an everyday guy who transforms into a vigilante after his wife leaves him for a drug dealer. Lacking superpowers but armed with a wrench and a sidekick, Frank takes on street thugs and drug lords with a gritty determination.
The Specials (2000)
Ever wondered what being part of an amateur superhero team is like? Meet The Specials—a group of superheroes who are anything but special. This dysfunctional team, led by The Strobe (Thomas Haden Church), deals with the trials and tribulations of being second-rate heroes in a world dominated by flashier, more popular teams.
The Toxic Avenger (1984)
This cult classic is a wild mix of horror and comedy that follows Melvin, a nerdy janitor who transforms into a hideously deformed superhero after a toxic waste accident. With its over-the-top violence, campy humor, and surprisingly sweet love story, The Toxic Avenger is a riot from start to finish.
Man-Thing (2005)
If you’re into horror with a dash of superhero mystery, “Man-Thing” is a must-see. This lesser-known Marvel film takes us deep into the swamps of Louisiana, where something sinister is lurking. Sheriff Kyle Williams (Matthew Le Nevez) arrives in town to investigate a series of strange disappearances and finds himself face-to-face with the legendary Man-Thing!
The Shadow (1994)
Step back to the 1930s with The Shadow, a vintage superhero tale, where Alec Baldwin plays Lamont Cranston, a reformed criminal who becomes a vigilante with the superpower to cloud men’s minds. He’s got style, he’s got mystery, and he’s got a wickedly cool nemesis to take down.
Hancock (2008)
Hancock’s movie is a unique twist on the superhero genre; John Hancock (Will Smith) is a grumpy, alcoholic, and reckless vigilante whose heroics often cause more harm than good. After saving PR executive Ray Embrey, Hancock gets a much-needed image makeover, but his troubled past and connection to Ray’s wife bring unexpected challenges.
Fast Color (2018)
Get on an emotionally charged journey with Ruth (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a woman whose uncontrollable extraordinary powers force her to go on the run. Returning to her estranged family, she discovers that her mother and daughter also have unique abilities. They must confront their past while protecting themselves from exploiters.
Blankman (1994)
This comedic gem pokes fun at the superhero genre by portraying Darryl Walker (Damon Wayans), a nerdy inventor who, after the murder of his grandmother, becomes the bumbling superhero, Blankman. Darryl, armed with homemade gadgets and a heart of gold, fights crime in his inner-city neighborhood, often with hilarious and unintended consequences.
Kick-Ass (2010)
Follow Dave, a regular teenager who becomes ”Kick-Ass,” a superhero without powers. However, his antics inspire a wave of masked vigilantes like the seriously badass duo Big Daddy and his young, lethal daughter, Hit-Girl. Together, they take on the city’s biggest crime boss, Frank D’Amico, in blood-pumping action sequences
Mystery Men (1999)
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like if the misfits of the superhero world got their movie, then Mystery Men is right up your alley. This film is about a group of would-be heroes who are determined to save the day despite their bizarre and seemingly useless powers.
The Green Hornet (2011)
This movie is one of those superhero movies that might have slipped under your radar: Britt Reid, a slacker-turned-vigilante, becomes the Green Hornet with help from his sidekick, Kato, a martial arts master and tech genius. They fight crime using the Black Beauty, a car loaded with weaponry while posing as criminals.
Paper Man
Imagine Ryan Reynolds as a quirky superhero in spandex, but not your typical crime-fighter. In Paper Man, he’s Captain Excellent, a figment of a washed-up writer’s imagination. As Jeff Daniels’ character, Richard, grapples with life, this “superhero” becomes more of a nuisance than a savior.