7 Underrated Superhero Movies You Probably Haven’t Seen (But Should)

When examining the current state of pop culture, it becomes clear that we’re living in a golden age of superhero movies and TV shows–a phenomenon that has defined the entertainment industry since the mid 2000s. With dozens of superhero movies and TV series having come out in recent years, it’s safe to say there’s something out there for everyone in terms of worthwhile superhero-themed content.

For every new addition in the MCU or DCEU, however, there remain numerous entertaining superhero movies that fail to garner the same critical success as their fellow genre entries. From nightmarish dystopian films to gut-wrenching psychological thrillers, here are some of the most underrated superhero films most people have probably failed to see.

Dredd (2012)

Before he was slashing up superheroes in Prime Video’s The Boys, Karl Urban was hard at work at another comic book adaptation with 2012’s Dredd. A loose presentation of 2000 AD’s Judge Dredd comic series, Dredd delivered a far more cynical portrayal of masked vigilantes than any other film of its era, likening itself to a post-apocalyptic Dirty Harry than Superman or Batman. Tense, dark, and nauseatingly violent, Dredd almost assuredly ranks among the finest non-MCU-related superhero movies of the past two decades. Watch Dredd on Peacock.

Unbreakable (2000)

A brilliant psychological thriller first and foremost, Unbreakable also acts as an intelligent foray into the superhero genre in and of itself. Years before critics complimented Christopher Nolan for his realistic rendition of Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy, M. Night Shyamalan offered a realistic deconstruction of the traditional superhero archetype with his 2000 masterpiece, Unbreakable. Quite possibly the best movie Shyamalan has ever produced, Unbreakable’s unique take on the superhero genre proved well ahead of its day and age, predating Nolan’s Batman trilogy or the earlier efforts of the MCU. Watch Unbreakable on Max.

Darkman (1990)

Having failed to gain the rights to either Batman or The Shadow, director Sam Raimi set out to create his own darker superhero film with 1990’s Darkman. Constructing his own comic book mythos from the ground up, Raimi added his own distinct flair to the burgeoning superhero genre, presenting his titular character as more of an anti-hero than a clear-cut hero or villain. Honing his skills ahead of his critically acclaimed Spider-Man trilogy, Raimi set the standard for more mature superhero films in the years ahead with his cult favorite Darkman. Watch Darkman on AMC+.

Sky High (2005)

What’s not to love about Sky High, a humorous superhero movie that also manages to double as a first-rate teen comedy? An homage of sorts to the ‘80s films of John Hughes, Sky High uses the superhero vehicle as the basis for its thematic arguments, from its relatable portrayal of high school cliques to the constant feeling of isolation one feels among their fellow classmates. Propelled by its family-friendly humor and massive ensemble cast, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable movie ideal for audiences of every age. Watch Sky High on Disney+.

Watchmen (2009)

Before he laid the foundation to the DC Extended Universe, Zack Snyder set out to adapt the most famous comic book ever created with his 2009 epic, Watchmen. A more-or-less faithful recreation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ immortal classic, Watchmen proved the perfect response to pop culture’s increasing obsession with superhero-related media. Transposing the conventional comic book narrative to the morally ambiguous 1980s, Watchmen posed some hard-edged questions about truth, justice, and morality, making for a headier superhero movie than most other films of its era. Watch Watchmen on Max.

Swamp Thing (1982)

A forgotten addition to horror legend Wes Craven’s filmography, Swamp Thing brings DC’s shambling fan-favorite superhero to life on the big screen. Fully embracing its roots as a horror-based project, Swamp Thing made for a mostly satisfying adaptation of Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson’s comic, delivering a lighter, pulpier portrayal of the eponymous vegetable-based creature. Watch Swamp Thing on Prime Video and Tubi.

The Rocketeer (1991)

As with the original comic book it’s based upon, The Rocketeer serves as an effective love letter to the pulp comic books and adventure serials of the ‘30s and ‘40s. An underrated sci-fi masterpiece that cleverly cobbles together its source material with real-world history (such as the presence of Howard Hughes), The Rocketeer’s sweeping sense of adventure makes for a swashbuckling narrative as light-hearted and fun as Buckaroo Banzai, The Iron Giant, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Indiana Jones. Watch The Rocketeer on Disney+.