Top 10 Best Superhero Movies of the 1990s
Before Marvel and DC cornered the superhero film market there was the 90's – a decade filled with risk taking flicks built upon a slew of wacky premises. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Superhero Movies of the 1990's.
Special thanks to our users Norris Vaughn and governmentfree for suggesting this idea, check out the voting page at Top Ten Superhero Movies of the 1990s.
#10: “Black Mask” (1996)
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An invincible Jet Li on a mission to rid the city of a group of ex-commandos on a killing spree? Yes please! Such was the plot of this '90s action adventure flick. After special surgery renders him unable to feel pain, Tsui Chik, or Simon in the US version, dons a black mask and sets out to cleanse his town of evildoers. Filled with exactly the kind of intense action and brilliant fight sequences that Li has made a career out of, this is a superhero movie with a martial arts twist… or is that a martial arts movie with a superhero twist?
#9: “Mystery Men” (1999)
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This superhero spoof was in no short supply of quirky one-liners and outlandish set pieces. When Captain Amazing - the A-list protector of the fictitious Champion City - is kidnapped, three under-appreciated superheroes with mediocre powers put together a team of misfits in an attempt to rescue him. Lampooning many of the tropes made famous by other comic book adaptations, this film pushes humor to the forefront; never trying to be anything more than a hilarious look at a group of “Average-Joe” heroes. With superpowers such as “getting angry” and “throwing cutlery” on display, this film had a little trouble attracting a wide audience.
#8: “The Rocketeer” (1991)
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Owning the skies in a badass leather jacket has never looked so good. When stunt pilot Cliff Secord stumbles upon a jet pack that enables him to fly he must deal with gangsters, Nazi agents and the indomitable Howard Hughes – all of whom desperately want it back. This period piece has a true comic book feel; mixing in moments of intense action with just the right amount of sly charm. While the film didn’t wow audiences during its initial release, it remains an exciting adventure film that never takes itself too seriously.
#7: “The Mask” (1994)
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Was there ever any doubt as to who could properly bring this character to life? After discovering a mask that transforms him into a maniacal trickster with the ability to manipulate both himself and his surroundings, timid bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss wreaks havoc on a local gangster while righting a few wrongs along the way. Perfectly embodied by the unique talent of Jim Carrey, The Mask is one “Sssssmokin” superhero. Noted for its excellent use of animation, this summer blockbuster made it clear that even lesser known comic book heroes could be bankable properties. Shot for a mere $23 million, this flick would become the fourth highest grossing film of the year.
#6: “Batman: Mask of Phantasm” (1993)
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Based on the phenomenal Batman: The Animate Series television show, this film took all the best aspects of the Dark Knight’s Animated Adventures and threw them up on the big screen. When Gotham’s crime bosses begin to turn up dead the city points its fingers at the Dark Knight. Working to clear his name, Batman must deal with the shadowy killer while juggling an old flame who has recently re-entered his life. A neo-noir mystery straight out of a Raymond Chandler novel, this flick earned praise from critics, with many calling it the best animated film of the year. Noted for its excellent voice work and fantastic action sequences, this superhero film did not disappoint.
#5: “The Crow” (1994)
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After a gang of thugs murders Eric Draven and his fiancée, a man rises from the grave with supernatural powers and a singular goal: revenge. A dark and twisted tale of bloody vengeance, this film was praised for its visual style and strong acting performances - especially from the late lead actor. While the movie has since garnered a resilient cult following, it will forever be remember for the one death that wasn’t in the script. When a prop gun accidentally shot and killed lead actor Brandon Lee, “The Crow” went from a gritty action flick to one of the most infamous films of all time.
#4: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie” (1990)
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Who would have thought that the secret formula for grossing $200 million dollars was pizza, crime fighting reptiles and a talking rat? Yet, in the spring of 1990 it was the Ninja Turtles who ruled the box office. Together with their rat sensei Splinter, the Turtles must team up with a young reporter in order to stop the evil Foot Clan and their leader, The Shredder, from taking over New York City. Armed with an abundance of youthful flair, wicked fighting moves and a love of all things pizza, these unconventional heroes took the world by storm. While the film isn’t exactly winning any Oscars, it has since become a lovely piece of nostalgia for those looking to be transported to a simpler time before Iron Man and Batman ruled the silver screen.
#3: “Blade” (1998)
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All those people rushing to get tickets to the next “Avengers” movie have another Marvel character to thank: Blade. Being only the second Marvel property to receive a wide release in the United States, “Blade” was the first to achieve both critical and financial success. In the film, Blade is a half man half vampire who must defend the world from a group of evil vampires who wage war on humanity. Featuring Wesley Snipes in the role that would make him a household name, this film has no shortage of badass action sequences. A stylistic treat from start to finish, “Blade” was solid enough to spawn two sequels as well as a TV series.
#2: “The Mask of Zorro” (1998)
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A swashbuckling vigilante with charm to spare, characters like Zorro are why people go to the movies, including the Wayne family. This franchise reboot set in 19th century California, sees an aging Zorro played by Anthony Hopkins pass the torch to a young thief played by Antonio Banderas. Filled with exactly the kind of action and intrigue made famous by the character in previous incarnations, this film ups the ante by combining impressive stunt work with an array of beautiful set pieces. Staying in popcorn flick territory served the film well, as the market would soon be saturated with an influx of gritty origin stories. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “Darkman” (1990) “Dick Tracy” (1990)
#1: “Batman Returns” (1992)
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After the success of 1989’s “Batman”, it was only a matter of time before the Dark Knight returned to protect Gotham once more. This time around, Batman must do battle with all-manner of criminals as The Penguin teams up with corrupt businessman Max Shreck in a plot to take over the city as usul. With the addition of Danny Devito, Christopher Walken and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman, this superhero flick was overflowing with A-list talent. Heralded for its visual style and poignant musical score, “Batman Returns” $45 million opening weekend gross was the highest in history up to that point. While praise for the film dipped in comparison to its predecessor, one cannot argue its place in the pantheon of superhero films. Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite superhero film of the 1990s? For more entertaining Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
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