Top Superhero Films of the 2020s Thus Far

The Evolution of the Superhero Genre in the 2020s

Despite some skepticism about the superhero genre, it continues to thrive with impressive box office numbers and critical acclaim. James Gunn's Superman has received some of the best reviews for a Superman film, while The Fantastic Four: First Steps has surpassed all previous Fantastic Four movies on Rotten Tomatoes. Although Marvel and DC have had mixed results in recent years, the development of the DC Universe and Marvel’s reduced output suggest a stronger lineup of films in the future.

From grounded crime thrillers to space epics, the 2020s have produced some of the most iconic superhero movies ever made. While not all have been financial successes, they have left a lasting cultural impact that will be remembered for generations.

Here are some of the best superhero movies of the 2020s so far.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Although its storytelling may not be perfect, Deadpool & Wolverine delivers everything fans expect from a Deadpool movie. It offers sharp satire on modern superhero films, an array of cameos, and a nostalgic return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. His performance is emotionally powerful and full of comedic chemistry with Deadpool. While the plot may lack coherence, the film’s focus on entertainment makes it one of the standout entries in Phase Five of the MCU.

Should Deadpool Join the Avengers?
With Deadpool now part of the MCU, there are questions about whether he will join the Avengers in their upcoming films. While it would be exciting to see him interact with the team, keeping him in his own universe might be the better choice. The Deadpool films stand out due to their unique tone and style, which could clash with the more serious tone of the Avengers films. Unless the filmmakers intend to shift the tone significantly, it might be best to keep Deadpool separate.

Superman (2025)

James Gunn faced high expectations for Superman, and he delivered. His love for the character and faithful adaptation of comic book elements create a richly developed universe. David Corenswet shines as Superman, bringing hope and action to every scene. While the film feels a bit overstuffed at times, its light-hearted tone and passion for comic book filmmaking make it a standout entry in the DCU.

Supergirl

Following the success of Superman, Supergirl has the potential to be even better. Its introduction in the final moments of Superman sets up a darker take on the Superman character, exploring what happens if he were raised by a bad family. With less pressure to build a universe, Supergirl could offer a fresh and unique superhero experience. A female-led superhero film being taken seriously is a rare and exciting opportunity.

Thunderbolts (2025)

Thunderbolts is one of the most surprising MCU films in recent years. Focusing on B-tier characters, it delivers a strong message about mental health and redemption. Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena is particularly moving, driving the film’s narrative forward. Despite its smaller scale, the film leaves a deep emotional impact on viewers.

Marvel Should Take Note of How Thunderbolts Performed
With projects like Captain America: Brave New World and The Marvels, the MCU has struggled to tell individual stories that shape its future. Thunderbolts stands out as the best example of this in Phase Five, bringing together minor characters into a team similar to the Guardians of the Galaxy. Its clear focus and meaningful arcs show that the MCU could learn from Jake Schreier’s approach.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

No other film has come close to capturing the nostalgia of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The return of Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire was emotionally satisfying, and the story around Peter Parker’s poor decisions added depth to the film. Willem Dafoe’s performance as the Green Goblin was another highlight. The film successfully blends nostalgia with a nuanced story, making it one of the best live-action Spider-Man films.

Spider-Man Should Stay a Street-Level Character
With Jon Bernthal set to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the franchise is returning to its roots. This move aligns with the ending of No Way Home, allowing for more intimate storytelling and introducing classic villains. While it would be exciting to see Spider-Man in Avengers-level conflicts, staying in his home city allows for more character growth and storytelling opportunities.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

After the failure of the original Suicide Squad, James Gunn proved that these characters can be faithfully adapted. The Suicide Squad embraces its absurdity, offering a unique experience compared to other superhero films. Its self-aware humor and focus on adapting the source material make it a standout in the genre.

James Gunn Could Be the Best Comic Book Director
With the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and Superman, Gunn has demonstrated his talent as a director. His ability to adapt characters and deliver diverse storytelling sets him apart from others in the industry.

The Batman (2022)

Despite production challenges, The Batman turned out to be one of the best Batman films. Robert Pattinson’s performance as Batman is engaging and emotionally powerful. The world-building of Gotham City is also a major highlight, with its aesthetic and atmosphere brought to life beautifully.

The Best Part of The Batman Is the World Building
While the character work is strong, the real standout is the depiction of Gotham City. The film brings the city to life in a way that feels authentic and immersive. The sequel promises to explore more of this world, which would be a shame to lose after the upcoming film.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Building on the success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the sequel enhances the animation style and pushes the boundaries of what animated films can achieve. Miles Morales’ story of legacy and self-worth is emotionally powerful, and the film’s cliffhanger ending adds to its appeal.

The 'Spider-Verse' Films Could End Up as the Best Spider-Man Trilogy
Despite delays, the wait for Beyond the Spider-Verse is expected to be worth it. The two films already showcase the best Spider-Man adaptations, with their unique animation and faithful storytelling. They capture the essence of Spider-Man’s struggle with heroism, making them must-watch films for any fan.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2024)

James Gunn’s third Guardians of the Galaxy film delivers emotional payoff and character development. Whether it’s Rocket’s backstory or a memorable dance number, the film manages to evoke strong emotions while telling a compelling story. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it is a strong entry in the superhero landscape.

The 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Might Be the Best Superhero Trilogy
With the Dark Knight and Spider-Man trilogies as benchmarks, the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy stands out for its consistent quality and character growth. Each film in the series is strong, making it one of the best three-film runs in the superhero genre.