75 Best Superhero Movies of All Time

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s time to get your eyes checked because this is Rotten Tomatoes’ countdown of the best-reviewed superhero movies ever!

It’s been a decades-long battle towards the top in pop culture for superhero movies, and we’re featuring here all the goods, the greats, and the masterpieces made along the way. Everything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Iron Man, Avengers) to DCEU (Aquaman, Wonder Woman), animated fare (The Incredibles, Megamind) to live-action spoofs (The Toxic Avenger, Mystery Men), comedies (Deadpool) and the super serious (The Dark Knight), and then throwing in some originals made just for the big screen (The Rocketeer, Darkman, Unbreakable). What was required for these superheroes to be considered for inclusion, besides a sense of justice and skin-tight costumes? Simply, their movies needed a Fresh rating in possession from at least 20 reviews, before we ranked them all by Adjusted Tomatometer.

Great leaping buggaboos! This introduction is now over! Throw up the cape, slip on that cowl (but leave the whip at home, unless you’re looking for the erotic films list …), and hop into the Tomatomobile: We ride for to the 75 best superhero movies of all time!

#75 Defendor (2009) 74% #75 Adjusted Score: 62.557% Critics Consensus: Defendor's reach occasionally exceeds its grasp, but this unique take on the superhero genre is held together by Woody Harrelson's solid performance. Synopsis: Woody Harrelson is construction worker by day, self-made superhero by night in Defendor, a comedy that takes aim at society's... Woody Harrelson is construction worker by day, self-made superhero by night in Defendor, a comedy that takes aim at society's... [More] Starring: Woody Harrelson, Elias Koteas, Kat Dennings, Michael Kelly Directed By: Peter Stebbings

#72 Hulk (2003) 62% #72 Adjusted Score: 68.881% Critics Consensus: While Ang Lee's ambitious film earns marks for style and an attempt at dramatic depth, there's ultimately too much talking and not enough smashing. Synopsis: Ang Lee directs the live-action feature film The Hulk, based on the Marvel comic book created by Stan Lee and... Ang Lee directs the live-action feature film The Hulk, based on the Marvel comic book created by Stan Lee and... [More] Starring: Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott, Nick Nolte Directed By: Ang Lee

#71 The Rocketeer (1991) 65% #71 Adjusted Score: 69.522% Critics Consensus: An action-packed, if anachronistic, look back at pulp matinee serials, The Rocketeer may ring hollow with viewers expecting more than simple fun and gee-whiz special effects. Synopsis: After getting his start as a visual effects artist on the original Star Wars trilogy, Spielberg protege Joe Johnston found... After getting his start as a visual effects artist on the original Star Wars trilogy, Spielberg protege Joe Johnston found... [More] Starring: Billy Campbell, William Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin Directed By: Joe Johnston

#70 Swamp Thing (1982) 65% #70 Adjusted Score: 67.896% Critics Consensus: Unabashedly campy -- often to its detriment -- Swamp Thing is not without its charms, among them Adrienne Barbeau as the damsel in distress. Synopsis: Historia de suspenso escrita y dirigida por Wes Craven sobre el resultado monstruoso de un experimento fracasado. Louis Jourdan, Adrienne... Historia de suspenso escrita y dirigida por Wes Craven sobre el resultado monstruoso de un experimento fracasado. Louis Jourdan, Adrienne... [More] Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise, Louis Jourdan, David Hess Directed By: Wes Craven

#67 Watchmen (2009) 65% #67 Adjusted Score: 75.321% Critics Consensus: Gritty and visually striking, Watchmen is a faithful adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel, but its complex narrative structure may make it difficult for it to appeal to viewers not already familiar with the source material. Synopsis: 300's Zack Snyder brings Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' critically acclaimed comic book Watchmen to the big screen, courtesy of... 300's Zack Snyder brings Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' critically acclaimed comic book Watchmen to the big screen, courtesy of... [More] Starring: Billy Crudup, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman, Matthew Goode Directed By: Zack Snyder

#66 The Incredible Hulk (2008) 67% #66 Adjusted Score: 75.89% Critics Consensus: The Incredible Hulk may not be quite the smashing success that fans of Marvel's raging behemoth might hope for, but it offers more than enough big green action to make up for its occasionally puny narrative. Synopsis: Mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner has been traveling the globe in search of the antidote that will allow him to break... Mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner has been traveling the globe in search of the antidote that will allow him to break... [More] Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt Directed By: Louis Leterrier

#62 Megamind (2010) 72% #62 Adjusted Score: 77.252% Critics Consensus: It regurgitates plot points from earlier animated efforts, and isn't quite as funny as it should be, but a top-shelf voice cast and strong visuals help make Megamind a pleasant, if unspectacular, diversion. Synopsis: Notorious Metro City villian Megamind (voice of Will Ferrell) becomes an unlikely savior to the troubled metropolis after defeating beloved... Notorious Metro City villian Megamind (voice of Will Ferrell) becomes an unlikely savior to the troubled metropolis after defeating beloved... [More] Starring: David Cross, Tom McGrath, Emily Nordwind, Quinlin Dempsey Stiller Directed By: Tom McGrath

#61 Batman (1989) 71% #61 Adjusted Score: 76.978% Critics Consensus: An eerie, haunting spectacle, Batman succeeds as dark entertainment, even if Jack Nicholson's Joker too often overshadows the title character. Synopsis: Jack Nicholson is the Joker, who emerged from a horrible accident as a maniacal criminal. Michael Keaton is the Caped... Jack Nicholson is the Joker, who emerged from a horrible accident as a maniacal criminal. Michael Keaton is the Caped... [More] Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl Directed By: Tim Burton

#60 The Mask (1994) 77% #60 Adjusted Score: 80.041% Critics Consensus: It misses perhaps as often as it hits, but Jim Carrey's manic bombast, Cameron Diaz' blowsy appeal, and the film's overall cartoony bombast keep The Mask afloat. Synopsis: Hyperactive mayhem results when a mild-manned banker discovers an ancient mask that transforms him into a zany prankster with superhuman... Hyperactive mayhem results when a mild-manned banker discovers an ancient mask that transforms him into a zany prankster with superhuman... [More] Starring: Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck Directed By: Chuck Russell

#59 The Wolverine (2013) 71% #59 Adjusted Score: 81.04% Critics Consensus: Although its final act succumbs to the usual cartoonish antics, The Wolverine is one superhero movie that manages to stay true to the comics while keeping casual viewers entertained. Synopsis: Hugh Jackman returns as Wolverine in this sequel to the member of the X-Men's first solo outing. Mark Bomback and... Hugh Jackman returns as Wolverine in this sequel to the member of the X-Men's first solo outing. Mark Bomback and... [More] Starring: Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada Directed By: James Mangold

#56 Iron Man 2 (2010) 72% #56 Adjusted Score: 81.362% Critics Consensus: It isn't quite the breath of fresh air that Iron Man was, but this sequel comes close with solid performances and an action-packed plot. Synopsis: In "Iron Man 2," the world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark is the armored Super Hero Iron Man.... In "Iron Man 2," the world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark is the armored Super Hero Iron Man.... [More] Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke Directed By:

#55 Aquaman (2018) 65% #55 Adjusted Score: 82.577% Critics Consensus: Aquaman swims with its entertainingly ludicrous tide, offering up CGI superhero spectacle that delivers energetic action with an emphasis on good old-fashioned fun. Synopsis: From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world... From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world... [More] Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe Directed By: James Wan

#52 Batman Returns (1992) 80% #52 Adjusted Score: 86.252% Critics Consensus: Director Tim Burton's dark, brooding atmosphere, Michael Keaton's work as the tormented hero, and the flawless casting of Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Christopher Walken as, well, Christopher Walken make the sequel better than the first. Synopsis: In the second of the blockbuster Batman films, the legendary hero does battle against the mysterious Cat Woman and the... In the second of the blockbuster Batman films, the legendary hero does battle against the mysterious Cat Woman and the... [More] Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken Directed By: Tim Burton

#48 Thor (2011) 77% #48 Adjusted Score: 86.187% Critics Consensus: A dazzling blockbuster that tempers its sweeping scope with wit, humor, and human drama, Thor is mighty Marvel entertainment. Synopsis: The epic adventure Thor spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the mystical realm of Asgard. At the... The epic adventure Thor spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the mystical realm of Asgard. At the... [More] Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston Directed By: Kenneth Branagh

#47 Hellboy (2004) 81% #47 Adjusted Score: 86.663% Critics Consensus: With wit, humor and Guillermo del Toro's fantastic visuals, the entertaining Hellboy transcends the derivative nature of the genre. Synopsis: Mike Mignola's acclaimed comic book series about a creature from Hades who joins the battle against evil arrives on the... Mike Mignola's acclaimed comic book series about a creature from Hades who joins the battle against evil arrives on the... [More] Starring: Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans Directed By: Guillermo del Toro

#46 X-Men (2000) 81% #46 Adjusted Score: 87.191% Critics Consensus: Faithful to the comics and filled with action, X-Men brings a crowded slate of classic Marvel characters to the screen with a talented ensemble cast and surprisingly sharp narrative focus. Synopsis: One of the most popular superhero teams in comic book history finally comes to the screen in this big-budget adaptation... One of the most popular superhero teams in comic book history finally comes to the screen in this big-budget adaptation... [More] Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen Directed By: Bryan Singer

#45 Darkman (1990) 84% #45 Adjusted Score: 88.103% Critics Consensus: Gruesome and deliciously broad, Sam Raimi's Darkman bears the haunted soulfulness of gothic tragedy while packing the stylistic verve of onomatopoeia springing off a comic strip page. Synopsis: In this sci-fi crime melodrama, a scientist is busily doing research into using a computer to clone body parts when... In this sci-fi crime melodrama, a scientist is busily doing research into using a computer to clone body parts when... [More] Starring: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake Directed By: Sam Raimi

#38 Joker (2019) 68% #38 Adjusted Score: 94.065% Critics Consensus: Joker gives its infamous central character a chillingly plausible origin story that serves as a brilliant showcase for its star -- and a dark evolution for comics-inspired cinema. Synopsis: "Joker" centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone fictional story not seen before on the big... "Joker" centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone fictional story not seen before on the big... [More] Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp Directed By: Todd Phillips

#37 Batman Begins (2005) 84% #37 Adjusted Score: 94.003% Critics Consensus: Brooding and dark, but also exciting and smart, Batman Begins is a film that understands the essence of one of the definitive superheroes. Synopsis: The origins of the Caped Crusader of Gotham City are finally brought to the big screen in this new adaptation... The origins of the Caped Crusader of Gotham City are finally brought to the big screen in this new adaptation... [More] Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes Directed By: Christopher Nolan

#34 Ant-Man (2015) 83% #34 Adjusted Score: 95.916% Critics Consensus: Led by a charming performance from Paul Rudd, Ant-Man offers Marvel thrills on an appropriately smaller scale -- albeit not as smoothly as its most successful predecessors. Synopsis: The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for... The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for... [More] Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll Directed By: Peyton Reed

#32 Spider-Man (2002) 90% #32 Adjusted Score: 97.159% Critics Consensus: Not only does Spider-Man provide a good dose of web-swinging fun, it also has a heart, thanks to the combined charms of director Sam Raimi and star Tobey Maguire. Synopsis: After incorporating elements of comic book style and design into many of his films, director Sam Raimi helms this straight-ahead,... After incorporating elements of comic book style and design into many of his films, director Sam Raimi helms this straight-ahead,... [More] Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco Directed By: Sam Raimi

#29 Deadpool (2016) 85% #29 Adjusted Score: 98.676% Critics Consensus: Fast, funny, and gleefully profane, the fourth-wall-busting Deadpool subverts superhero film formula with wildly entertaining -- and decidedly non-family-friendly -- results. Synopsis: Based upon Marvel Comics' most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade... Based upon Marvel Comics' most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade... [More] Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller Directed By: Tim Miller

#26 Superman (1978) 94% #26 Adjusted Score: 101.244% Critics Consensus: Superman deftly blends humor and gravitas, taking advantage of the perfectly cast Christopher Reeve to craft a loving, nostalgic tribute to an American pop culture icon. Synopsis: Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel in a big-budget epic with Oscar-winning effects. Marlon Brando, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman,... Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel in a big-budget epic with Oscar-winning effects. Marlon Brando, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman,... [More] Starring: Marlon Brando, Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty Directed By: Richard Donner

#23 Deadpool 2 (2018) 83% #23 Adjusted Score: 101.135% Critics Consensus: Though it threatens to buckle under the weight of its meta gags, Deadpool 2 is a gory, gleeful lampoon of the superhero genre buoyed by Ryan Reynolds' undeniable charm. Synopsis: After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming... After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming... [More] Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison Directed By: David Leitch

#19 Doctor Strange (2016) 89% #19 Adjusted Score: 104.006% Critics Consensus: Doctor Strange artfully balances its outré source material against the blockbuster constraints of the MCU, delivering a thoroughly entertaining superhero origin story in the bargain. Synopsis: A disgraced former surgeon named Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known... A disgraced former surgeon named Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known... [More] Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong Directed By: Scott Derrickson

#16 Iron Man (2008) 94% #16 Adjusted Score: 104.843% Critics Consensus: Powered by Robert Downey Jr.'s vibrant charm, Iron Man turbo-charges the superhero genre with a deft intelligence and infectious sense of fun. Synopsis: Billionaire industrialist and genius inventor Tony Stark is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence... Billionaire industrialist and genius inventor Tony Stark is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence... [More] Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow Directed By:

#15 Marvel's The Avengers (2012) 92% #15 Adjusted Score: 105.919% Critics Consensus: Thanks to a script that emphasizes its heroes' humanity and a wealth of superpowered set pieces, The Avengers lives up to its hype and raises the bar for Marvel at the movies. Synopsis: Marvel Studios presents Marvel's The Avengers-the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man,... Marvel Studios presents Marvel's The Avengers-the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man,... [More] Starring: Directed By:

#6 Logan (2017) 93% #6 Adjusted Score: 111.034% Critics Consensus: Hugh Jackman makes the most of his final outing as Wolverine with a gritty, nuanced performance in a violent but surprisingly thoughtful superhero action film that defies genre conventions. Synopsis: It's 2029. Mutants are gone--or very nearly so. An isolated, despondent Logan is drinking his days away in a hideout... It's 2029. Mutants are gone--or very nearly so. An isolated, despondent Logan is drinking his days away in a hideout... [More] Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant Directed By: James Mangold