While live-action superhero films may mostly reign supreme at the box office, numerous animated films from across the years are some of the best superhero efforts there are. Arguably, it’s the perfect medium to adapt a comic book property, sharing many of its unrestrained possibilities. Indeed, whether they’re major theatrical releases or straight-to-DVD adventures, animation holds some of the greatest superhero stories ever told.
There are even animated superhero films that are pretty much perfect. Unfortunately,they might’ve flown under the radar of the general audience (and some continue to). Some films are original, some take creative liberties, and others adapt a comic story to the tee. However they play out,these animated superhero films are flawless from start to finish, always finding a way to bring some of the best storytelling on film.
10’Planet Hulk' (2010)
Directed by Sam Liu and Frank Paur
Pretty much everyone can agree that Marvel Animation has never had much luck when it comes to producing animated films. They’re not always losing but have never really put out anything exceptional, except forPlanet Hulk. While critics gave it above-average reviews, fans hold it in high regard, and it has aged beautifully. “Planet Hulk” isone of the best Hulk storiesfrom the comics, so it makes sense that it produced such a brilliant film.
The adaption of this iconic Hulk story, originally written byGrek Pakand drawn byCarlo PagulayanandAaron Lopresti, is packed to the brim with the same heart and soul the comic has. The Avengers excommunicating the Hulk (Rick D. Wasserman) and sending him off into space is heartbreaking, and watching Hulk’s journey is astoundingly compelling.The Hulk is among the most tragic and complicated figures in Marvel, and stories likePlanet Hulkshow exactly why.
Planet Hulk
9’Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1' (2012)
Directed by Jay Oliva
“The Dark Knight Returns” is one ofthe most popular Batman comic book storiesof all time, with some of the most iconic visuals in Batman’s long-running history. So, when it was adapted into the film medium, people were pretty darn excited. While the first part of the story isn’t as exciting as the second, it is still great.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1is an incredibly accurate adaption thatpays homage to the original storypenned and drawn byFrank Miller. The performances, especiallyPeter Welleras the titular hero, are phenomenal. The Oscar nominee comes out ofThe Dark Knight Returns: Part 1as one of the best actors to ever portray the Caped Crusader, delivering a broken yet engaging portrayal of the biggest hero in entertainment.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
8’Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2' (2013)
The content adapted inBatman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2is most of what makes the original “The Dark Knight Returns” storyline so iconic and great. The standout scene, obviously, wasthe extremely popular fight between Batman and Superman(Mark Valley). It’s one ofthe most famous Batman fight scenesof all time, and the film lives up to its incredibly daunting legacy.
The second half of the legend of the retired Caped Crusader adapts the original story bar-for-bar while also taking the chance to expand on elements of the book that couldn’t be delved into in the original four-issue series.Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2hits all the beats it needs to and then some, not to mention, due to this second part being more action-packed,the animation quality is fluid and spectacular.
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7’Batman: Under the Red Hood' (2010)
Directed by Brandon Vietti
The story and themes encapsulated inBatman: Under the Red Hoodare thebest examples of what makes Batman such a special characterand why so many people have come to love him. The story of Batman’s greatest failure is unlike any other and is thought-provoking and wildly moving.
Under the Red Hoodis the perfect example ofwhy Batman can never break his one rule: no killing. It truly tests not only the hero’s ideals but his heart, as well, making itone of Batman’s most philosophical stories. The tale of Jason Tood’s (Jensen Ackles) resurrection and transformation into the Red Hood has everything that makes Batman good. Plus, the performances ofBruce Greenwoodand Jensen Ackles make the relationship and conflict between the once-father and son incredibly compelling.
Batman: Under the Red Hood
6’Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox' (2013)
The film that really kicked off the previous DC Animated Movie Universe,Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, managed to adapt a large comic book story to a feature-length film and did it with grace. While it may have “Justice League” in the title, this film is really a Flash (Justin Chambers) story at its heart.
This somewhat underappreciated movie sees Flash going back in time to save his mother, which, in turn, disrupts the timeline and creates a whole new universe far worse than the one he came from. The story of Flash learning to not only let go of the past butmove past the grief regarding his mother’s death is incredibly moving. Skip the otherThe Flash, which does a truly terrible job adapting “Flashpoint,” andcheck out this loyal and compelling one instead.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
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5’Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker' (2000)
Directed by Curt Geda
Batman Beyondis up there with some of the best Batman series of all time. So, when it got a feature-length film featuring the Joker (Mark Hamill)of all Batman villains, people were very enthusiastic. Not only was the iconic and legendary Mark Hamill returning to voice the Clown Prince of Crime, but this time, fans got to see the new Batman, Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle), face off with the most iconic Batman villain.
The story ofBatman Beyond: Return of the Jokeris phenomenal, resulting in a widely beloved film among the entire DC fan base.It’s comedic, action-packed, and lighthearted while also being really moving, especially going into the third-act finale. Performances are incredible all-around, as well. It’s fascinating to see this new Batman, who’s so unlike Bruce (Kevin Conroy), take on the Joker in a whole new way that has never been seen in the dynamic the villain has with Bruce.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
4’Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (2023)
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson
One of the biggest films and success stories to come out of 2023 isSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The sequel to the hit 2018 movie broke the box office, received critical acclaim, and became the talk of the year. This long-awaited sequel took what worked in movie #1 and improved upon it tenfold.
The first film is a classic that can’t be beaten, butSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Versecame so close to surpassing it that it could be considered on the same level. Some have gone as far as tocall it Marvel’sThe Dark Knightin levels of critical and monetary successfor a sequel. The world had already fallen in love with Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), but the second film took that love and expanded on it even more.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
3’The Incredibles' (2004)
Everybody loves Pixar. Their absolutely astounding catalog of films is borderline unbeatable, so, of course, their dip into the superhero genre is one of the best there is. The iconicBrad Bird, who’s known for making some of the best and most memorable animated films of all time, includingThe Iron Giant&Ratatouille, came in and helmed the director’s hat. Safe to say, he brought more than just his best.
The Incrediblesis not only one of the best superhero films of all time but one of the greatest animated films of all time overall.The Incrediblesperfectlycaptures both the good and hard parts of being in a familybut is extensively complex in its character relationships. It’s so adult without needing raunchy jokes while still entertaining the entire family.The Incrediblesprovidesdeep and meaningful commentary and themes in subtle fashionsthat don’t shove it in one’s face, meaning kids will see a fun animated film while adults will pick up on the great messages at play.
The Incredibles
2’Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (2018)
Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman
The first installment in the iconic, genre-definingSpider-Versefranchise changed both superhero cinema and animation from the get-go.Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseis heartwarming, filled to the brim with masterfully performed and well-directed action, redefining the modern animation medium.
Aside from the expertly written script, the animation team brought visuals to the big screen that hadn’t been seen in big blockbuster efforts before.It was truly one of a kind and like a comic book come to life.Ever since, the animation medium has changed, with studios becoming more expressive and creative with their animation styles.Spider-Verseis outright stunning, with a powerful story andsome of the best Spider-Man voice actorsin the character’s long history,cementing itself as a modern masterpiece.
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1’Batman: Mask of the Phantasm' (1993)
Directed by Kevin Altieri, Boyd Kirkland and Frank Paur
If one were to ask anyone who even remotely knows about superhero media, they’d be able to tell you thatBatman: The Animated Seriesis, by far, the best and most favored iteration of Batman there is.The iconic Kevin Conroyis consistently hailed as the best actor to ever portray the Caped Crusader, and the show is credited with solidifying much of the hero’s instantly recognizable visual language. So, of course, the film spin-off of the animated series would be considered just as great.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasmis not only the best Batman movie butone of the best superhero films of all time. If there is such a thing as a fully perfect film,Batman: Mask of the Phantasmis it. Everything, fromthe animation, voice acting, screenplay and directing, still holds up to this day and can go toe-to-toe with even the biggest superhero blockbusters of the modern age.Mask of the Phantasmoffers a compelling, complex, and emotionally challenging take on Bruce Wayne and Batman, representingthe ultimate adaptation of the Dark Knightin any medium outside the comics.
