Finding a superhero movie with a solid plot and good storytelling can be tricky. Of course, I can just skip to the mind-blowing showdown between the hero and the villain – thanks to the streaming services I got with my TV Plans. The climax usually caps with the good guy standing tall over the bad guy. But the audience of today wants more than just glorified fighting sequences. They want drama, complex relations, emotions, and action.
We have compiled a list of the best superhero movies to watch on the Internet with that in mind. These movies aren't just your good guy wins at the end of the day. They go into great detail about what it takes to be a superhero. And it is not just the powers that differentiate a superhero from a supervillain. Continue reading to view the complete list.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Where to Watch It: Hulu
Spider-Man 2 is considered one of the best superhero movies of all time. It is the second installment in the Sam Raimi-led Spider-Man franchise. Actors include Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, and Alfred Molina, and the movie continues the story of Spider-Man (Maguire) from the first installment. It perfectly captures the struggles of being a superhero and the pains that come with self-discovery.
Speaking of Spider-Man 2, Maguire and Molina are set to reprise their roles in Spider-Man: No Way Home. The third installment in the Spider-Man reboot will hit theatres on December 16. So, if you suddenly find Maguire's version of Spider-Man in No Way Home, don't get confused. Stream Spider-Man 2 on Hulu. It's a great movie with tons of great action.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Where to Watch It: Netflix
Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight is arguably the greatest sequel to a superhero trilogy. It is also one of the best superhero movies of all time. I won't say comic book movie because it feels so close to the real world. Christian Bale plays the titular superhero in the second installment of The Dark Knight trilogy. Cast members include Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, and Michael Caine.
Speaking of Heath Ledger, his portrayal of The Joker (Batman's archnemesis) earned him an Oscar. Sadly, he passed away while the film was still in post-production. You can watch the movie on Netflix and HBO Max.
Watchmen (2009)
Where to Watch It: Hulu
Alan Moore's graphic novel received great criticism following its release in 1986. This and Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns did the unthinkable. They presented superheroes as powerful yet flawed characters with their sense of morality. Watchmen received a cinematic adaption in 2009. Zack Snyder (300, Man of Steel, Justice League) directed the movie.
Watchmen is an interesting take on the world of superheroes created by Moore. It is a visually stunning masterpiece. Yes, it does come with flaws, but it is a great way to introduce viewers to the nihilistic mind of Alan Moore. You can stream the movie on Hulu.
Man of Steel (2013)
Where to Watch It: HBO Max
I am setting the record straight with this: DC really messed up Cavill big time. They failed to give the guy the treatment he deserved. And he deserved good. That said, Man of Steel is a beautiful take on the world's greatest superhero: Superman. Cavill does great justice to the character and plays it to almost perfection. Christopher Reeve would be proud if he were still alive.
Man of Steel follows a young boy's emotional and physical struggles (Clark Kent) as he discovers his alien origins. If you thought Superman was the perfect hero, wait until you see Man of Steel. The visuals are great. The soundtrack is just beautiful. After all, Hans Zimmer has provided the soundtrack for the movie. You can watch Man of Steel on HBO Max.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Where to Watch It: Disney+
The Winter Soldier takes the struggles of World War veteran Captain Steve Rogers to a whole new level. It is a fantastic movie, perhaps one of the best from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chris Evans reprises his role as Captain America/Steve Rogers. Other cast members include Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, and Anthony Mackie.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is probably, if not one of the best sequels of a superhero trilogy. It boasts excellent action sequences, a great story, and fine acting. Marvel knows how to pick the best actors for the roles. Both Stan and Mackie would later get their miniseries in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. You can stream both the movie and the miniseries on Disney+.
