11 Superhero Movies You Need to See Twice to Really Get

Superhero movies Gets a bad rap for being spectacle over substance, but there are many superhero films with depth that require a rewatch to fully understand and appreciate the film. Yes, superhero movies can be flashy. They often require a lot of special effects, and they provide fantasy stories that usually require suspension of belief in some capacity. However, that doesn’t make them any less worthy compared to a highbrow fantasy or sci-fi film.

Although most comic book and superhero movies can be boiled down to a good versus evil narrativeIt is rare that they are ever so simple in their approach. Whether the film is full of ideas and concepts that require a deep dive, has a thick storyline that needs time to digest, or the psychological aspects are just as vast and well-defined, there are many examples of deep, thought-provoking superheroes. Films that need to be watched more than once. These films stand out as some of the best superhero movies ever made, and for good reason.

11

Deadpool & Wolverine

The movie is released in 2024

Starting with the simple-minded comic book movie that features a wealth of Easter eggs, cameos, and stories that pay tribute to the source material, Deadpool & Wolverine is a great example of what comic book movies can do. The movie weaves an intricate story that pays homage to the Marvel movies that came before, from multiple universes, and brings them all into the MCU in a satisfying and smooth way. To make something so ambitious was a wild and risky move, but the writing, direction and performance paid off and made something truly spectacular.

However, with so much involved in the film, it requires a rewatch just to try to get a grip on all the references that are included. Whether a viewer has pre-existing knowledge of the Marvel films, the MCU, the Fox Universe or just the comics, there is something for everyone. And that means there’s a lot to glean from a rewatch that was likely missed the first time around.

10

The Batman

The movie is released in 2022

The Batman is another ambitious superhero film, but for very different reasons. Since 1989, Batman is a character that has been adapted into live-action a lot. In fact, the character was portrayed by five different actors, among various entries, and they already appeared in a potentially concurrent universe with the DCEU. Despite this, Matt Reeves and the team set out to deliver a new take on Gotham’s Dark Knight.

Somehow, against all the odds, this film starring a former twinkly vampire of Twilight managed to create the darkest and most intense version of Gotham to date. As Robert Pattinson’s young novice Batman begins his vigilante journey, he is faced with villains like the Riddler, and an intricate criminal underworld that is eroding the city. The story of the film develops in a natural way, but watching it back and seeing all the moments that mark the development makes it even better.

9

V for Vendetta

The movie was released in 2006

Moving away from Marvel and DC for a moment, V for Vendetta delivered a very different kind of comic book movie back in 2005. The movie is based on the Vertigo comics by the legendary comic book writer Alan Moore, and although Moore disregards the adaptation, the movie does a great job in showcasing a dystopian world that has fallen into disrepair. The film follows the faceless protagonist, V, as he sets out on a quest to avenge his former life, and the lives of fellow prisoners in the new society.

Due to the dense political themes, the broad dystopian world, and the twists that develop in the course of the film, it is necessary to look back in order to understand what is happening in the fullest sense.. And while the movie is entertaining and inspiring after a first viewing, it brings the audience further down the rabbit hole with V on repeat viewings. Regardless of this, it is worth it, and never boring, and despite the time that runs since its release, it only becomes more relevant in its story.

8

Avengers: Infinity War

The movie was released in 2018

Back to the spectacle of the MCU, and potentially one of the most spectacular movies in the entire franchise, Avengers: Infinity War. The film is the culmination of 18 films, and the first part of the epic final chapter for the Infinity Saga. The movie is filled with heroes from previous movies, and sees them rise to fight against their biggest threat yet, Thanos. And while many superhero movies see good beating evil, this film completely shakes up the narrative in a way that’s incredibly difficult.

For this reason, the movie may leave the audience in shock after a single viewing, and may require further viewings to fully appreciate the story.. On a rewatch, viewers can better appreciate and understand the events leading up to the fateful snap. moreover, Infinity War is a powerful hero story that acts as a send-off for some of these incredible heroes before they embark on their final outing in Avengers: Endgame.

7

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

The movie was released in 2016

While the DCEU’s epic crossover event was met with significantly more criticism and controversy, it is one of the most poignant storylines in the DCEU.. An initial watch may cause viewers some degree of disorientation, as the story races by, or frustration in how the story is resolved, but when rewatching with an open mind, there are parts of the movie worth admiring.

In addition, some of the movie’s biggest criticisms can be improved with a little background reading about comic book events referenced in the movie, which provides additional useful context that didn’t make it into the movie. It may not be enough to redeem everything, but it certainly helps to have some distance from the initial frustration and sting that comes with watching the movie and seeing things that don’t make sense play out.

6

Chronicle

The movie was released in 2012

Once again, stray away from DC and Marvel, Chronicle is a spectacular superhero movie with a completely original concept. The film was directed by Josh Trank, who would go on to direct the critically panned Fantastic Four movie in 2015, but this 2012 gem is a spectacular film that stands out from the genre. Using the found footage format in a superhero story, finding ways to make a natural element in the story is only the tip of the iceberg in this deeply contemplative and intriguing story of three young men who gain powers overnight.

however, As they each hone their new gifts, and attempt to use them in meaningful ways, the group begins to fracture. The film’s central figure, Andrew, has a talent for enhancing his powers, and it’s worth watching again just to see the path he takes as he develops his talent.

5

Hulk

The movie was released in 2003

Before The Incredible Hulk introduced the green giant to the MCU, and before Mark Ruffalo took on the role, Eric Bana was cast as the mild-mannered Bruce Banner in 2003 Hulk. With the direction of Ang Lee, this film featured incredible storytelling, impressive visuals and a more raw emotional superhero story than many other modern hits, despite the main hero being a computer-generated monster.

The film also features potentially the most powerful and terrifying version of the Hulk to date, with the creature growing in size as they become more and more evil. However, it’s worth watching the film to see the developments that take place between Banner and his alter ego, how people like Ross respond, and the way those actions impact the further chaos and destruction that plays out in the story. Rather than Hulk fighting other monsters, the movie focuses on the inner struggle, which is a pivotal part of the comic book characters’ journey.

4

X-Men: Days of Future Past

The movie was released in 2014

When the X-Men Movies were rebooted in 2011, it seemed as if the previous generations of actors would be retired from the roles. However, in 2014, Fox chose to merge both sets of heroes together in the epic crossover that was X-Men: Days of Future Past. In the film, the young Professor Xavier, played by James McAvoy, connects with his future self through a psychic connection with Logan, played by Hugh Jackman, which allows Patrick Stewart’s version of the character to warn him of impending Doom. This develops into a complex time travel story as the heroes present and future work to stop their enemies.

With most movies that explore time travel, it’s worth rewatching just to try to make sense of the timeline in the film. however, Days of Future Past Has much more to offer because it resolves the discrepancies between the original X-Men Movies and the modern reboot. It’s an incredible adventure, and one worth watching again to get a better grasp of the story.

3

Joker: Folie à Deux

The movie is released in 2024

so, Joker: Folie à Deux has not received glowing praise from critics, and the film seems to have undone much of what the original 2019 film managed to achieve so spectacularly, But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching again. Many fans did not expect the musical element, and others were not happy with the intended dismantling of the movie from the previous entry, but all things considered, the movie created something that was more true to the character of the Joker.

Joker is designed to give a backstory to a character whose past is shrouded in mystery, however Joker 2 Put the cloud of confusion and intrigue back in place. Although it may not win awards, or reach the same level of discussion and celebration as the original, it does a lot with the characters and explores themes of identity. It also makes it very clear that the Joker has always been a villain, and never a hero.

2

The Dark Knight

The movie was released in 2008

Another film where the Joker’s performance was widely praised was Christopher Nolan’s 2008 hit, The Dark Knight. The film stars Christian Bale as the masked vigilante hero, but Heath Ledger steals the show as the Joker. Over, Batman is put through his paces, as the new rival is to wreak havoc with complete disregard for his own life, for wealth, or for any material or rational reasoning. However, the Joker has a clear motive for his actions.

Watching the film back provides viewers with a deeper insight into the mind of the Joker, and the mind of Bale’s Batman, as the pair fight to win the heart of Gotham and the safety of its citizens. It also introduces the character of Harvey Dent, who initially seems to be Gotham’s savior and White Knight, but throughout the story, he evolves into something much more disturbing. Just watching how Dent transforms is reason enough, but everything about this Nolan masterpiece is worth watching.

1

Guard

The movie was released in 2009

Finally, another Alan Moore original, Guard is a DC standalone story that sees a group of heroes with a dark streak. Similar to modern superhero stories like The boysThe heroes wield their power and influence in ways that are less than noble, but everyone involved thinks their goals are right and worthy. The movie follows a noir mystery style, with an overarching plot that sees several heroes plotting nefarious means.

The movie is deeply psychological, darker than most other superhero films, and features some incredible twists and turns. In order to fully understand and appreciate the film, it requires a rewatch to explore all the different motivations, and the competing goals of each hero as they step out of retirement and into the freedom of the fight to once again save the world. In order to really appreciate how deep a superhero movie can go in its dark exploration, it’s worth watching Guard More than once.

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