Top 10 Superhero Movies That Aren’t Based On Comics

#1 The Incredibles

What else could it be? We’re talking about a superhero film that’s so well-realized, it makes the Fantastic Four seem like a bankable property. But aside from its obvious merits, Pixar’s very own superhero family movie has a stealth functionality that truly sets it apart.

Even by today’s standards (when good superhero movies are more proliferate than ever), Incredibles pushes what a superhero movie can and should be about. In style, it blends unlikely, yet fitting conventions that mirror an alternate 50s and 60s from a comic perspective with the fashion and daring of a James Bond flick from the 60s. All with perfect character types that bring the entire spectacle together.

There’s a reason people walk away from Incredibles with a giddy excitement. They recognize when the movie pokes fun at superhero tropes, to be certain, but there’s an original excitement in the source material, as well. This isn’t just the best non-comic based superhero movie of all time, it’s easily one of the best superhero films period.

Honorable Mentions

• Super – I honestly love this horrific Kick-Ass cousin from Rainn Wilson and director James Gunn.

• The Toxic Avenger – This one’s a bit too B-movie for my tastes, but perhaps the remake will do even more with the nihilism side of superhero flicks.

• The Specials – The lack of action and effects contributes to why this one never gets much love, especially for when it came out, but it’s quite good for its minuscule budget. Also, this is written by James Gunn and directed by Craig Mazin, weirdly enough (both have opposite jobs, now).

• Hancock – The movie they apparently wanted to make is a lot better than how this one actually turned out, but it’s still a fun ride with some neat surprises.

• Push – Psychic people with different categories for their powers? It’s almost criminal to see a movie with this much potential (and Chris Evans) get squandered.