Marvel Studios kicked off the comic book movie craze in 2008 with the debut of “Iron Man.” Since its inception, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has blossomed into a cross-platform phenomenon with a highly successful string of movies and TV shows, both network syndicated and Netflix originals. Fox’s X-Men series continues with hits such as “X-Men Apocalypse,” while DC’s “Suicide Squad,” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” vie for attention at the box office.
Yet the comic book movie preceded Marvel Studios, and isn’t even relegated to Marvel and DC. Sure, the MCU with its expansiveness and accessibility arguably popularized comic films, but there are loads from other sources. Here are 20 non-Marvel Studios comic book movies you should watch:
“Blade II” (2002)
In 1998, Blade sliced its way into theaters, and while it may not have been the first comic book big screen adaptation, it arguably kickstarted the genre, proving its appeal to the masses. Though the original is an undeniable classic, the 2002 follow up “Blade II” directed by Guillermo del Toro is a superior film. From the action to soundtrack, and the cool hybrid villains, Blade II is one of the most underappreciated comic book films to date.
“Snowpiercer” (2013)
Chris Evans was no stranger to portraying superheroes when he donned Captain America’s star spangled suit. Previously, Evans played Johnny Storm/Human Torch in Fantastic Four and Casey Jones in the 2007 animated feature TMNT. 2013’s Snowpiercer, based on the French graphic novel, showed the veteran actor portraying a decidedly more conflicted character in Curtis Everett. Starring alongside Jamie Bell and veteran actors John Hurt, Ed Harris, and Tilda Swinton. A distinctly polarizing film, Snowpiercer holds a 95% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 72% audience score. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out.
“Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014)
Kingsman: The Secret Service is a wholly enjoyable comic adaptation. The 2014 film benefits from a terrific cast and engaging plot, plus it’s extremely witty. What Scream and Cabin in the Woods did for the horror genre, Kingsman does for the spy film. Lampooning cleverly tropes inherent to the spy thriller, Kingsman may offer Samuel L. Jackson’s best role to date (sorry Jules). Due to incredible popularity, it’s been granted the sequel treatment a la 2017’s Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
“The Punisher” (2004)
Frank Castle remains one of the comic world’s more fascinating characters, and Thomas Jane’s portrayal in the 2004 The Punisher film offered a fresh take. It’s notably gritty when compared to other comic book fare, and delves into Castle’s origin story. The grim take and bleak backstory posit it as a fresh, though dark, adaptation, like the anti-Deadpool.
“30 Days of Night” (2007)
30 Days of Night is unique in its position more as a horror film than a comic. Nevertheless, it is based on a three-issue comic miniseries a la Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith. It’s really haunting, unrelenting, and atmospheric. Along with The Faculty, and Halloween H20, this is definitely one of Josh Hartnett’s better roles. Unlike Blade, 30 Days of Night is a more traditional vampire romp.
“Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” (1993)
There’s no shortage of Batman adaptations, some admittedly more well-received than others. Batman Begins helped usher in the golden age of comic book film adaptations, but 1993’s tour de force Batman: Mask of the Phantasm remains one of the finest caped crusader portrayals. Set in the Batman: The Animated Series universe with superb voice work by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, Mask of the Phantasm is arguably the greatest animated noir mystery film to date. Gorgeous art deco styling makes this an underrated classic.
“Sin City” (2005)
Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez formed like Voltron to bring Miller’s gritty neo-noir graphic novel Sin City to the big screen. The ensemble cast includes Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Benicio Del Toro, Elijah Wood, Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, and Rosario Dawson among others. Highly stylized and brilliantly acted, it’s visually one of the most obviously comic book looking adaptations.
“Watchmen” (2009)
Famously branded “unfilmable,” Zack Snyder proved in 2009 that Alan Moore’s The Watchmen was in fact quite filmable. Translating brilliantly from the page to screen, it’s a neat alternate history. Alongside Captain America: The First Avenger it’s essentially a period piece with superheroes. With an uber-talented cast, phenomenal soundtrack, and neo-noir mystery undercurrent, The Watchmen remains a classic.
“TMNT” (2007)
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first cowabungaed their way to the screen in the beloved 1987 television series. The first feature film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debuted in 1990, followed by two sequels, and since then the Ninja Turtles have enjoyed a slew of depictions. While Michael Bay’s most recent series may be the definition of lackluster to put it kindly, 2007’s animated TMNT is an underappreciated gem. The likes of Laurence Fishburne (who narrates), Patrick Stewart, Chris Evans, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Kevin Smith lend their voice acting talents. Set in its own universe, TMNT features franchise favorites such as April, Casey Jones, and Shredder, while offering a unique plot. Ok, the narrative may not be groundbreaking, but there’s something comforting about its simplicity, and the CGI makes for entertaining action sequences.
“300” (2006)
The 1998 comic series 300 from legendary comic creator Frank Miller presents the Battle of Thermopylae with a fictional twist. Action packed and loaded with style, it’s unusual in (spoiler alert) the depiction of losers. Yep, 300 centers on King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and his 300 Spartans who faced off against Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). Leonidas and his Spartans are wiped out. While most comic books end with the protagonists’ defeating their foes, 300 subverts that trope.
“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (2008)
Guillermo del Toro should be designated to direct graphic novel sequel adaptations. With a marvelous Blade sequel, del Toro scored another hit with Hellboy II: The Golden Army. Hellboy stands as a lesser known character, and combined with the darker overtones of the followup, Hellboy II is a must-watch.
“Barb Wire” (1996)
Barb Wire is arguably one of the most fascinating comic book adaptations. That doesn’t necessarily mean best, because let’s be honest, it’s not spectacular. Nevertheless, the 1996 adaptation of Dark Horse’s series stars Pamela Anderson and is very loosely based on Casablanca. The 1942 Casablanca is regarded as a classic, so it’s rather awesome to see a post-apocalyptic iteration. Imagine an alternate history where Casablanca never happened, and Barb Wire is lauded as a classic in the cinema canon. Ok, maybe it would take more than a sans-Casablanca universe to transform Barb Wire into a classic, but it’s still a fun adaptation.
“Danger: Diabolik” (1968)
1968’s Danger: Diabolik centers on the Italian comic book character Diabolik. Played by John Phillip Law, Diabolik is an anti-hero, a rarity in film adaptations. Produced by Dino De Laurentiis, the later Laurentiis production Barbarella used a large portion of the Diabolik cast. It’s a visually appealing film, channeling more than a little James Bond. Mystery Science Theatre 3000 lampooned Danger Diabolik in a 1999 episode, and the fabulous podcast Cult Film in Review provides an excellent overview.
“Men in Black 3” (2012)
Fun fact: 1997 sci-fi comedy Men in Black is loosely based on a comic book series of the same name. Debuting to critical acclaim, the 2002 sequel is something we’d rather use the neuralyzer to forget. However, the 2012 third leg of the trilogy is delightful, with all of the pizazz of the first film and a dash of sentimentality. Offering character origin stories, Men in Black 3 is severely underrated. Granted, any follow up to Men in Black II would be a breath of fresh air, but MIB 3 is truly well done.
“Constantine” (2005)
Play a word association game, and Keanu Reeves will likely connote The Matrix, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, or John Wick. Those with refined cinema taste may mention A Scanner Darkly or Much Ado About Nothing. However, his 2005 flick Constantine is an oft-overlooked gem. The occult detective film stars Reeves in the titular role, with guest stars including the amazing Tilda Swinton, Rachel Weisz, and Shia LaBeouf. It’s got action, noir, and religious themes. But hey, any excuse to watch Keanu open several cans of whoop ass is worth it.
“Batman: The Movie” (1996)
Before Bruce Wayne evolved into a brooding vigilante, he was Gotham’s playboy by day, and masked crimefighter by night. The 1960’s Batman television show was accompanied by a 1966 feature film. Batman: The Movie is decidedly more lighthearted, oozing true comic vibes. Full of vibrant color and with huge “Bam!” and “Pow!” graphics during fight sequences, it’s simply a fine, enjoyable film. Plus, there’s this side-splittingly hilarious scene of Batman (Adam West) trying to get rid of a bomb.
“Josie and the Pussycats” (2001)
Archie comics are loaded with surprises. The beloved, wholesome character has a varied universe that includes Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the brilliant Afterlife with Archie, and Josie and the Pussycats. A 2001 film brought the all-female band to the big screen. Josie and the Pussycats eschews overt comic book elements, and though it may not be groundbreaking, it’s a fun movie that carries thought-provoking commentary on the entertainment industry (Cult Film in Review has a great take on this as well).
“Dick Tracy” (1990)
Oh, Dick Tracy, you poor ill-fated film. Based on the 1930s comic strip of the same name, Dick Tracy simply didn’t receive credit for its style and inventiveness. The lavish, technical masterpiece admittedly has its faults, but the campy, cartoonish, noir fantasy is pretty just to watch. Warren Beatty stars as the titular Tracy, along with directing and producing, a commendable feat. Renowned composer Danny Elfman scores the film, and the plentiful guest stars include Dick Van Dyke, Al Pacino, Madonna, and Dustin Hoffman.
“Persepolis” (2007)
The critically acclaimed Persepolis is a French film based on the graphic novel of the same name. What sets this apart is that Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel is autobiographical. It trades the outfits and superpowers for an Iranian Revolution setting. Persepolis was a co-winner of the Jury Prize at 2007’s Cannes Film Festival, as well as an Academy Award nominee. There’s a reason that Persepolis garnered acclaim from critics, and it’s a fresh comic book-based flick.
“Spawn” (1997)
Graphic novel source material often gets noticeably watered down in the evolution from the page to screen, but not so with Spawn. Todd McFarlane’s horror-tinged superhero Spawn burst onto the big screen in 1997. It’s historic in that Spawn marks the first film to headline an African American playing a major comic hero. The dark tones and gothic vibe set it apart along with films like Constantine, Sin City, and The Punisher.