These bold films confront viewers and dare to offend
Imagine a superhero who's got all the power but none of the polish. Hancock is like that friend who means well but always ends up hitting the party a bit too hard. His journey from zero to hero, with a few bumps along the way, is all about finding his place in the world and maybe, just maybe, cleaning up his act along the way.
Space travel? Check. Fighting evil? Check. Doing it all with unparalleled style and a sense of adventure? Double-check. Barbarella is the space-age heroine who's not just about the glam. Jane Fonda showed us way back when that you could kick behinds and still have fun doing it, all while breaking the mold of what a female superhero could be.
Ah, the Hulk. Big, green, and impossible to miss. Behind all that muscle, there's a brilliant scientist just trying to keep his cool. It's like that feeling when you're trying not to overreact but accidentally go full Hulk-smash. Mark Ruffalo's Hulk gives us the ultimate lesson in balancing the beast within while still being a part of a team.
Talk about a warrior! Okoye isn't just fierce; she's loyal, dedicated, and the kind of friend you want by your side in a fight. Her commitment to Wakanda and her skills with a spear makes her stand out as a hero who's all about honor and duty. Plus, she's got some of the best one-liners in the business.
The Crow is the emo superhero we didn't know we needed. He came back from the dead for revenge while serving up an unparalleled goth aesthetic. His story is a dark, gritty tale of love and vengeance, showing that sometimes the line between hero and anti-hero is thinner than we think.
In a future where the law is everything, Judge Dredd is the judge, jury, and executioner all rolled into one. He's the tough-as-nails hero who makes sure justice is served, no matter what. With a no-nonsense attitude and a voice that means business, Dredd shows us that sometimes, the world needs a hero who's willing to make the hard calls.
The chosen one, the messiah of the Matrix, Neo is every bit the reluctant hero who grows into his power. His journey from Mr. Anderson to "The One" is a wild ride through reality, choice, and a whole lot of bullet-dodging. Neo's story is a reminder that believing in yourself can literally change the world.
Blade is the vampire hunter who's part vampire himself, walking the line between two worlds. He's got all the cool vampire perks without any of the downsides, and he uses them to keep the human race safe. Blade's the ultimate nightcrawler, showing that sometimes being stuck in the middle isn't so bad if you've got a purpose.
The God of Thunder himself, Thor is all about bringing the hammer down. From royal prince to Earth's mightiest hero, his journey is a crash course in humility, bravery, and the power of good hair. Thor's adventures teach us that even gods have to learn a thing or two about being human.
Groot might only have three words in his vocabulary, but he says them with such feeling! The big-hearted tree from 'Guardians of the Galaxy' is all about sacrifice, growth, and the occasional dance-off. Whether he's a towering giant or a tiny twig, Groot teaches us that actions truly speak louder than words.
Valkyrie is the hard-drinking, hard-fighting Asgardian who steals every scene she's in. She's got a tragic past but doesn't let it define her, choosing instead to fight bullies. Valkyrie shows that everyone deserves a second chance and that redemption can come with a side of sass.
Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, is the spy who came in from the cold to become one of the Avengers' most dependable heroes. She's proof that you don't need superpowers to be super, just some killer moves and a lot of heart. Her journey from assassin to Avenger is all about finding redemption and a family in the unlikeliest of places.
Scott Pilgrim is the hero for anyone who's ever been in love, played in a band, or dreamed of defeating their significant other's evil exes in combat. His story is a quirky blend of video games, rock music, and young love, proving that sometimes, being a hero is just about fighting for what's right (and who you like).
Deadpool is the merc with a mouth, the anti-hero who's as likely to crack a joke as crack a skull. He's irreverent, indestructible, and totally self-aware, slicing through the fourth wall like it's butter. Deadpool's adventures remind us not to take life (or superhero movies) too seriously.
Hellboy is the demon who's more interested in saving the world than destroying it. Raised by humans, he's a paranormal investigator with a big gun and an even bigger heart. Hellboy's story is about finding your place in the world, even if you were born in the depths of hell.
The Rocketeer takes us back to a time when heroes were dashing, villains were clear-cut, and jetpacks were the ultimate accessory. He's a throwback to the golden age of comics and pulp novels, proving that you don't need to be from another planet to soar high and fight for justice.
Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is a high school kid juggling homework and saving New York before curfew. He’s got the awkward charm, the geeky enthusiasm, and a heart of gold that makes you wanna root for him, whether he's swinging between buildings or just trying to survive prom.
Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, is the cool uncle with the flashy cars and even flashier suits. He’s a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and a walking lesson on why we should probably think twice before building AI in our basements. But at the end of the day, his journey from self-centered genius to selfless hero is what makes him so relatable and loved.
David Dunn is the quiet hero from 'Unbreakable,' the guy next door who discovers he’s anything but ordinary. His story is a slow burn, a deep dive into what makes a hero in the real world. Spoiler: It’s not always about the superhero landing.
Superman is the blueprint, the guy who set the standard for every hero after him. He’s got the charm, the morals, and the ability to make you believe a man can fly. Superman is a reminder of the goodness we all aspire to, wrapped in a cape and with a perfect curl.
Batman is the OG brooder, the dark knight who made it cool to hang out with bats. He’s got the gadgets, the car, and the voice that launched a thousand impersonations.
Wolverine is the X-Men’s resident bad boy with a heart of somewhat tarnished gold. He’s got the claws, the attitude, and a past that’s as tangled as his relationships. But beneath the gruff exterior, he’s a hero through and through, proving that sometimes, the best way to heal is to fight for others.
Sources: (Rolling Stone)
See also: Actors who auditioned to play heroes but were cast as villains
The galaxy's fiercest woman, Gamora, is green, mean, and a fighting machine. Turning her back on her villainous upbringing, she's the moral compass and backbone of the Guardians. Her sword skills are only matched by her ability to keep Peter Quill in line. Gamora proves that true strength comes from choosing your own path.
Star-Lord, the self-proclaimed legendary outlaw, is all about charm, wit, and a killer mixtape. Leading the Guardians with a plan always up his sleeve (though it's half-baked), he's proof that heroes come with flaws and all. Peter's heart and his boombox save the day more often than not, showing that sometimes, all you need to save the galaxy is a little bit of courage and a lot of tunes.
Captain America, is the man with the plan and the unshakeable moral compass. From a skinny kid in Brooklyn to the ultimate super soldier, Cap reminds us that the truest strength lies in standing up for what's right, even when it's hard. Armed with his trusty shield, he embodies the spirit of a hero who's all about action, integrity, and, occasionally, punching out bad guys for freedom.
Wonder Woman, aka Diana Prince, is the warrior princess who can win a battle and then talk about peace right after. She’s all about strength, grace, and the power of love, teaching us that you can fight for justice and still have a heart.
The brainy backbone of the X-Men, Professor X is all about bringing mutants and humans together. He's the wise mentor with a dream, rolling around in his high-tech wheelchair and using his mind to fight for peace. His school for mutants? Basically the coolest, most inclusive place to learn how to be a superhero.
King T’Challa, the Black Panther, is royalty with a cause. He’s not just fighting baddies but also challenging what it means to be a leader. Wakanda forever? More like, coolness forever. He’s the hero we all aspire to be: noble, brave, and with the coolest tech at his fingertips.
Don't let the fur fool you; Rocket's more than just a cute face. He's the genius, gun-toting raccoon of the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' with a knack for big explosions and even bigger schemes. Rocket's the ultimate underdog (or under-raccoon?), proving size really doesn't matter when you're saving the galaxy.
Darkman is the ultimate underdog, a scientist turned vigilante who’s literally wrapped in mystery. His story is a dark, twisted ride through revenge and redemption, showing that sometimes, heroes don’t wear capes; they wear bandages.
Dive into the cosmic and captivating universe of superheroes with our spotlight on some of the most iconic characters who've leapt from comic book pages to the silver screen. Click to know who's the best.
Who is the best superhero of them all?
Ranking the best of the best
MOVIES Characters
From the charming, mixtape-loving leader of the Guardians, Star-Lord, to the timeless symbol of bravery and integrity, Captain America, these heroes capture our imaginations and inspire us. Each brings its unique flavor, battling villains and personal demons alike with strength, wit, and the occasional dance-off.
Click through as we explore what makes these characters not just powerful beings but enduring symbols of courage, redemption, and the fight for justice in their quests to save the galaxy—or at least make it a better place.