Unbelievable Superhero Movies of the 2020s You Can’t Miss!

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Summary

  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings brought a fresh superhero perspective with martial arts and complex relationships.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem revitalized the beloved reptile heroes with a unique art style and flawless chemistry.
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home delighted fans with nostalgic villain cameos and an epic conclusion to MCU Peter Parker’s story.

Starting from around the 2000s, the superhero genre has steadily grown in popularity decade after decade. Although it faced some setbacks along the way, it consistently preserved its positive image throughout the 2010s and 2020s. Over the past five years, numerous top-tier superhero movies have graced our screens, winning over countless viewers and earning a place among modern masterpieces.

2020s have seen an abundance of top-notch superhero movies, whether they originate from Marvel or DC, or if they’re live-action or animated. The appeal lies in their strong narratives, compelling storylines, endearing characters, and pulse-pounding action scenes. While there are many to pick from, the following ones stand out as the outstanding superhero films of the decade thus far.

8. Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings

A Well-Made Martial Arts Film With A Superhero Coat Of Paint

As an ardent cinema enthusiast, I must confess that after the epic conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame,” it seemed Marvel Studios was grappling to create something fresh and thrilling. But, boy, did they manage to surprise us with “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” This film is an exceptional deviation from the norm, introducing a hero who, despite being unfamiliar to many viewers, swiftly became a new favorite among fans.

The tale of Shang-Chi and his profound, yet captivating bond with his father, Xu Wenwu (also known as The Mandarin), is filled with raw emotion and suspense, and the performances by Simu Liu and Tony Leung as this father-son pair were nothing short of remarkable. However, what truly stands out in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings are its stunning action sequences, boasting exceptional camera work and choreography. Essentially, this film is a high-budget martial arts production masquerading as a superhero movie, with fans clamoring for a follow-up since 2021.

7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

A Fun, Refreshing New Take On These Beloved Reptile Heroes

The history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen has been quite convoluted. However, their latest movie, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rampage Across Time,” has given a fresh spin to this franchise. This film boasts an innovative visual style reminiscent of the “Spider-Verse” series, offering an entertaining and thrilling narrative brimming with well-executed action scenes and witty dialogue sequences.

One captivating aspect of this movie lies in the exceptional camaraderie displayed by the four turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. This convincing bond is a result of the spontaneous dialogue delivered exceptionally well by their gifted young voice artists. This particular adaptation of the TMNT series stands out as one of the finest, making it enjoyable for both die-hard fans and newcomers to the franchise alike.

6. Spider-Man: No Way Home

A Love Letter To Marvel’s Biggest Superhero

Following two strong movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Spider-Man concluded his individual trilogy in 2021, with the premiere of “Spider-Man: No Way Home”. In this film, Peter Parker grapples with the aftermath of Mysterio’s disclosure from “Far From Home”, while simultaneously evolving as both a superhero and an everyday person.

The plot of the movie takes a dramatic shift when iconic villains from past Spider-Man films, such as Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus, Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin, and Jamie Foxx’s Electro, make their appearance. This transforms an already entertaining film into a massive, awe-inspiring tribute to the entire Spider-Man series. The climax is particularly impressive as Tom Holland shares the screen with the two previous Spider-Men, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. In essence, Spider-Man: No Way Home serves as a heartfelt and fulfilling conclusion to the MCU’s Peter Parker saga, despite having some minor issues.

5. Thunderbolts* (The New Avengers)

The Movie That Made People Believe In The Future Of The MCU

Following some less than impressive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) releases, fans initially showed little enthusiasm for Thunderbolts. However, they were pleasantly surprised when the film hit theaters in May 2025. The movie featured a group of imperfect and intricate anti-heroes from past projects banding together to address their personal issues and unite against a common foe, which turned out to be quite endearing. Additionally, it presented a self-contained narrative that didn’t overreach in connecting to the broader MCU storyline.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for the captivating spectacle that is “Thunderbolts“. What sets this film apart is its remarkable portrayal of these iconic characters, achieved through a brilliant script and stellar performances by a talented ensemble cast. In this story, Florence Pugh breathes life into Yelena, Wyatt Russell brings John Walker to the screen, and Lewis Pullman, as Bob/Sentry/The Void, steals the show with his charming performance that leaves you rooting for him. The film’s climax, where these Thunderbolts are unwillingly christened “The New Avengers”, feels incredibly earned and adds a satisfying finale to an already exceptional journey.

4. The Suicide Squad

James Gunn’s Take On This Team Of Anti-Heroes Reinvigorated The DCEU

In 2016, the movie “Suicide Squad” was labeled as one of the biggest letdowns in the history of superhero films. However, luckily for us, James Gunn rectified this issue in 2021 with an outstanding sequel/reboot titled “The Suicide Squad”. This demonstrates that the DC Extended Universe can be a blast when it’s directed by someone who knows their stuff.

In the same vein as he did with his “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, Gunn took lesser-known comic book characters from the C-list and transformed them into widely recognized icons by means of top-notch writing and exceptional acting performances. The Suicide Squad exudes its own distinctive flair and numerous thrilling, action-packed sequences. However, it’s essentially a heartwarming movie that endeared these characters to audiences. This film was a significant turning point for DC and Warner Bros, leading to Gunn ultimately assuming the role of chairman in the new DC Universe.

3. The Batman

One Of The Caped Crusader’s Best Film Adaptations

Although Warner Bros faced challenges in establishing the DCEU, standalone DC projects were thriving. For instance, 2019’s Joker and more recently, The Batman in 2022. Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy set a formidable standard for live-action Batman adaptations, yet director Matt Reeves managed to craft one of the finest films in Batman’s cinematic legacy.

Experiencing Bruce Wayne in his initial years as Batman, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, was both rejuvenating and thrilling. His performance significantly boosted his reputation as one of the top contenders to embody this iconic hero. Paul Dano’s innovative portrayal of the Riddler is another notable aspect of the movie. Despite its gritty and realistic environment, The Batman manages to exude a sense of hopefulness that many comic book enthusiasts believe accurately captures the essence of this character for the first time in a film.

2. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

An Ambitious, Inventive Animated Sequel

In 2018, Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse earned its place as a contemporary masterpiece. With lofty anticipation for its follow-up, released in 2023, fans were not left wanting. Titled Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Realms, this sequel embodies everything a fantastic sequel should aspire to – it’s grander, improved, more daring, and builds upon all the excellent concepts of the initial movie.

In “Into the Spider-Verse,” we saw multiple Spider-characters from various universes joining Miles Morales’ reality. Conversely, “Across the Spider-Verse” sends Miles on a journey to different Spider-universes instead. This creates an engaging animated experience with varying art and animation styles reflecting each universe. Not only is it humorous and enjoyable, but it also thoughtfully delves into the essence of being Spider-Man, fostering unexpected growth in Miles’ character. Despite its open-ended finale, fans eagerly anticipate how Miles’ story will resolve in the future installment, “Beyond the Spider-Verse.

1. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

The Guardians’ Final Adventure Is As Emotional As It Is Heartwarming

Following his dismissal and subsequent reinstatement by Disney and Marvel Studios, as well as some of his characters being mismanaged by other directors, James Gunn ultimately completed his trilogy with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Initially, this film appears surprisingly somber, with Star-Lord struggling to cope with Gamora’s demise and Rocket Raccoon facing a near-death encounter at the hands of Adam Warlock. This melancholic tone pervades throughout the movie, particularly when delving into Rocket’s emotional past.

Regardless of other factors, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 preserves the playful spirit that defines the franchise without ever appearing forced or grating. Stunning visuals, side-splitting humor, pulse-pounding action, and nuanced character development make this film a must-watch. By the finale, each Guardian receives a heartfelt and fulfilling conclusion to their individual narratives. The exceptional caliber of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has solidified this trilogy as one of the top-tier offerings in the superhero movie genre’s history.

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2025-05-27 18:35