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Twenty-plus years ago, few superheroes made it from the comic book page to the movies. Nowadays, technology and fan demand allow superheroes to come to life that was completely unknown just a few years ago. Streaming provider Netflix has secured a couple of these comic book adaptations. Our list gives you an overview of the 32 best superhero movies on Netflix.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
Bruce Wayne continues to live his double life: By day, he is an arrogant and super-rich snob and night protector of the city. However, when a new villain, the “Joker,” appears on the scene, the fight against injustice becomes tougher. Because the Joker actually has no goal except to plunge the city into anarchy and chaos. Therefore, it forces Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, to completely new means in the war against crime.
The sequel to “Batman Begins” and part two of the trilogy thrills, especially with the late Heath Ledger in his brilliant and Oscar-winning role as “Joker.”
2. Batman Begins (2005)
Bruce Wayne falls into a bat cave as a young boy. Since this experience, he has had a terrible fear of bats. At a theater performance he attends with his parents, Bruce is reminded of the traumatic experience and asks his parents to leave the theater. In an alley, the family is attacked, and Bruce’s parents are shot gruesomely.
When Bruce (Christian Bale) grows up, he wants to do something about the injustice and crime in Gotham. In the secret society League of Shadows, he finds a teacher and mentor (Liam Neeson) who trains him to become a human weapon. Using his knowledge and skills, Bruce becomes Batman, the dark knight of Gotham.
Never has a comic book adaptation been more realistic than Batman Begins. And it’s this realism that makes the film special and extraordinary. The perfect origin story of an icon succeeds with this masterpiece.
3. Iron Man (2008)
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is a multi-billionaire and weapons developer for the US Army. When terrorists kidnap him after a performance in the Middle East, he is completely on his own. He is supposed to build a missile for the terrorist organization in a cave.
Instead, he develops a suit that saves his life. Back home, he rethinks his existence as a weapons designer and builds a new suit instead. As Iron Man, he solves all conflicts and becomes a superhero. But he has not reckoned with the greed of his colleague Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). This one has his own suit built.
Iron Man, a relatively unknown superhero at the time, is the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU for short. Single-handedly, the flick successfully launches arguably the biggest franchise in cinema history.
4. Hancock (2008)
Hancock (Will Smith) is a superhero with a bad image and a drinking problem. He lives in a trailer or sleeps the day away outdoors on a bench. While hunting criminals, he causes immense damage and makes himself extremely unpopular with the population. A PR consultant (Jason Bateman) is hired to remedy the situation and give the superhero a new image. All beginnings are difficult, but soon Hancock makes progress and becomes a good figure in the fight against crime.
Will Smith wows as a drunkard and invulnerable superhero in a comedy that takes a different look at the genre.
5. Suicide Squad (2016)
Amanda Waller has an idea about how to save the world in the future. Super-criminals are to be forced to work together and carry out the orders they are given. They are implanted with an explosive chip to keep the criminals in line. When supernatural beings overrun a city, the Suicide Squad comes into action for the first time. Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc, and Katana are to take on the goddess Enchantress.
Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Will Smith as Deadshot is not only perfectly cast but take viewers on a hellish and entertaining trip. Lots of action and wit combined with sympathetic villains.
6. Deadpool (2016)
Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a mercenary and debt collector. When he meets Vanessa, the most beautiful time of his life begins. But then the shock: Wade has incurable cancer and not much longer to live. The cure comes in the form of a secret organization that is actually only interested in creating super soldiers.
The side effect of his new self-healing powers is his completely scarred body. Wade wants revenge for his disfigurement and searches for those responsible. From now on, he wears a red suit and calls himself Deadpool.
Deadpool is the superhero parody we’ve all been waiting for. Without mincing words, the film skillfully takes the complete superhero genre for a ride. Ryan Reynolds was born to play the mercenary with a big mouth.
7. Man of Steel (2013)
The planet Krypton is on the brink of apocalypse and complete destruction. Jor-El (Russell Crowe) wants to save his son Kal-El and puts the infant in an escape pod that he sends to Earth. Once there, Kal-El is adopted by the Kents and now lives on Earth under the name Clark.
The atmosphere and solar radiation give Clark superpowers and make him almost invulnerable. But his adoptive father (Kevin Kostner) forbids Clark from revealing himself to the world. But when other survivors of Krypton arrive, Clark has no choice and becomes Superman, the last hope of mankind.
Visually bombastic, a modern Superman movie was created here. The world of Krypton has been especially beautifully staged. And the human aspects of a godlike hero were also well portrayed.
8. Logan (2017)
We find ourselves in a dystopian future. The 200-plus-year-old mutant Logan (Hugh Jackman) grows weaker by the day. He can no longer rely on his self-healing powers, and life as a superhero has long been a thing of the past for him. Withdrawn, he takes care of the sick Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), who, due to dementia, no longer has his powers under control. A woman unexpectedly asks Logan for help.
The woman is with the eleven-year-old Laura on the run from unscrupulous mercenaries who are hunting for the girl. Because Laura seems to be a clone of Logan, with the same abilities and irrepressible power. Reluctantly, Logan decides to save the girl and flees with her and the professor across the country.
James Mangold’s (Walk the Line) film is more than just a superhero flick. A genre mix of modern western and comic book adaptation makes Logan something unique. Hugh Jackman shines one last time in his parade role as Wolverine.
9. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
After Superman reveals himself to the world, a worldwide debate is triggered. Is Superman a hero or a menace? Bruce Wayne, who experienced the destruction of the alien invasion himself, considers Superman dangerous and does everything he can to eliminate him. But billionaire Lex Luthor seems to pose an even bigger threat.
Batman V Superman offers a contrast to the popular Marvel films. Dark and harsh, the viewer is offered a hopeless world here. The highlight here is certainly Ben Affleck as the embittered Batman who will stop at nothing to get his way.
10. Spider-Man (2002)
Shy schoolboy Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is bitten by a radioactive spider on a school field trip and gains superpowers. He has the proportional strength of a spider, “sticky” hands and spider webs shoot out of his wrists. And although he really wants to live a normal life and win the heart of his childhood sweetheart Mary-Jane, Spider-Man must face the Green Goblin. For with great power comes great responsibility.
The classic by Sam Raimi, who is also responsible for the two sequels, paved the way for the modern superhero film. All the films that came after followed the example of Spider-Man and took their cue from the masterpiece. “With great power comes great responsibility.” We tell you: it’s your responsibility not to miss this classic movie!
11. X-Men (2000)
World War II: In a concentration camp, young Erik Lensherr is separated from his parents. The rage that flares up inside him allows him to control metal and destroy a fence. At present, it is now known that mutants exist, and there is a discussion about making it mandatory to report them. Logan (Hugh Jackman) is also a mutant with the ability to heal himself.
With no memory of his former life, he finds himself moving from one bar to the next. Until he meets the teenager Rogue, who ran away from home because of her powers, both find shelter in the school of Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), who takes in and teaches mutants.
Even before Spider-Man, X-Men hit theaters and managed to prove that mutants also belong on the big screen and aren’t just at home in comic books.
12. Justice League (2017)
The cosmic conqueror Steppenwolf has it in for Earth. For since the death of Superman, the planet seems vulnerable. Batman desperately tries to find superheroes to help him in the fight in the short time available. Just in time, he manages to bring the Justice League together: Wonder Woman, The Flash, Cyborg, Aquaman, and Batman join forces to try to stop Steppenwolf’s army and thus save the world from doom.
Perfectly cast with Gal Gadot, Jason Mamoa, and Ben Affleck, the team manages to stand out from other superhero groupings. Especially charming and funny is Ezra Miller in the role of Flash.
13. Fantastic 4 (2005)
Before becoming superheroes, they were scientists and astronauts. Richard Reeds, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm set out on a mission into space. Doom’s eccentric and egotistical Victor is also in the mix. Together, they set out to investigate a mysterious phenomenon but are hit by a wave of cosmic energy that gives them superpowers.
Back on Earth, the four are initially at odds about how to handle their new powers. Above all, Ben has problems because he has turned into a giant man made of stone. But when Victor, who now calls himself Dr. Doom calls, diabolical plans, the new superheroes have no choice but to oppose him.
Somewhat forgotten, the film nevertheless offers plenty of fun. The cast, led by Chris Evans, is the film’s heart, making it entertaining entertainment.
14. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is on the run from the US army. A self-experiment to create the new Captain America has gone off the rails, and Bruce Banner is now uncontrollably transforming into the unstoppable Hulk. The Hulk is a large green monster that the scientist can no longer tame. To capture Bruce Banner, General Thunderbolt Ross will stop at nothing to administer a similar serum to a soldier. But this creates an even bigger monster.
This film has already been forgotten by many. This is also due to the fact that Mark Ruffalo later replaced Edward Norton. Nevertheless, the film is more than solid and offers good entertainment.
15. V for Vendetta (2005)
London 2030. For years, humans have been living in totalitarian states. The masked V declares war on the authoritarian system and ensures the slow downfall of the dictatorship with targeted attacks. V rescues Eve (Natalie Portman) from cops who tried to rape her and puts her in his lair.
The unique thing about this film is that, as a viewer, you never get to see the protagonist’s face. Nevertheless, the movie manages to make character V sympathetic. V for Vendetta definitely doesn’t follow the standard of the superhero movie, and that’s exactly why it belongs on the list of must-see movies.
16. Constantine (2005)
Constantine (Keanu Reeves) possesses an ability that is both a blessing and a curse. Since childhood, he has been able to sense supernatural activity on Earth. He has made it his mission to fight demons for this reason. During an exorcism, he meets the twin sister of the possessed Isabel (Rachel Weisz). The policewoman can not believe what is happening at first. Together they want to find out who has taken possession of Isabell and come across the son of the devil named Mammon.
The gloomy film immediately draws you under its spell. Outstanding imagery and a seemingly hopeless and lost world await us. Based on the DC comics, Constantine is something out of the ordinary. The character and his world visibly stand out from a universe in which Batman and Superman are actually also set.
17. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Outsider in high school and orphan, Peter Parker lives with his uncle and aunt. The mysterious disappearance of his parents keeps him busy every day. He accidentally finds clues to his father’s scientific projects. These lead him to Dr. Conner’s. Peter is bitten by a genetically modified spider in his laboratory and becomes Spider-Man. Dr. Conners meanwhile becomes a giant lizard in a failed self-experiment. Spider-Man must now stop the uncontrollable beast from saving his loved ones.
The reboot impresses above all with its look and modern effects. A bit darker than the trilogy that preceded it, but the film stands on its own two feet.
18. The Mask (1994)
Edge City is a city full of scum and criminals. The shy bank consultant Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) ekes out an existence and is just so dogged by bad luck. He finds a strange mask when he wants to go home after an evening of misadventures. Loki, the Norse god of chaos, resides in that mask. When Stanley puts them on, he turns into an unstoppable, invulnerable blabbermouth, making Edge City unsafe.
The role of mask is made for Jim Carrey. He is completely absorbed in the weird character but can also convince as a shy bank consultant.
19. Ghost Rider (2007)
Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) has made a pact with the devil to save his sick father. The stuntman and motorcyclist become Ghost Riders at night. As Ghost Rider, Johnny hunts criminals and sinners. But the son of the devil is making plans for world domination. With some demons in tow, he begins to implement this plan. Outnumbered, Ghost Riders must face the demons and their leader. It is about the soul of mankind!
Perhaps a bit trashy by today’s standards, but Nicolas Cage single-handedly saves the film. Because his manic nature and over-the-top acting are a perfect fit for Ghost Rider.
20. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Apocalypse is the oldest and strongest mutant. Already 5000 years ago, he was worshipped like a god. Now he’s back to wipe out all the weak in the world and rule over an Earth he created. He turns the most capable mutants into his apocalyptic horsemen: Magneto (Michael Fassbender, Angel, Psylocke, and Storm. But the X-Men around Professor X (James McAvoy) and Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) face the powerful mutant and his followers.
The reboot of the popular X-Men series is especially convincing with its new actors and also stands out stylistically from previous films. The bombastic action and the superheroes, well portrayed in human terms, round out the film.
21. Dredd (2012)
While much of the US is radioactively contaminated, they keep law and order in the super metropolis Megacity One: the Judges, who protect the law as cops and executioners. Young Judge Anderson has yet to prove herself under her mentor Judge Dredd and is tasked with stopping a gang that is distributing a dangerous drug.
Leading the entire drug cartel is former prostitute Ma-Ma, who is hiding out in a huge complex of buildings in the slums. When a cartel member is arrested while storming the building, an unparalleled war ignites between Ma-Ma and the Judges.
Dredd comes off as a true bloodlust in a bizarre future city and is just right for fans of gritty action fests.
22. Green Lantern (2011)
Pilot Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) finds a crashed spaceship with a dying alien in the cockpit. The dying man’s magical green ring passes to Hal as its new owner. With the ring, he has the ability to create anything he can imagine. But his willpower must be strong enough to do so. Hal must now learn to deal with his abilities. For a cosmic and malevolent entity is on its way to Earth. It seems to be unstoppable and invincible.
A cool concept and a charismatic lead actor! Green Lantern knows how to entertain and offers creative sequences.
23. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
24. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
25. Kick-Ass (2010)
26. Iron Man 3 (2013)
27. X-Men 2 (2003)
28. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
29. Iron Man 2 (2010)
30. Megamind (2010)
31. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
32. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
These were our picks for the best superhero movies currently available on Netflix. So it’s worth looking at the streaming provider’s box of films. In addition to our recommendations, you’ll find many more superhero movies and other movies and series worth watching for every taste, every mood, and every cuddly evening on the sofa.
