Superhero Action backdrop

Superhero Action movies

Action powered by super abilities, secret identities, and larger-than-life threats, with civilians and cities on the line.

Batman: Bad Blood

71. Batman: Bad Blood

Science Fiction Action Animation Adventure Superhero Action
6.8

20161h 14min

United States

Director: Jay Oliva

When Batman goes missing, it takes the entire Bat "family" - including Batwoman and Batwing - to keep the peace in Gotham and unravel the mystery behind the Dark Knight's disappearance.

Themes

Deception and disguise, Legacy and lineage, Alliance under threat, Team based protection, Mind-control risk, Missing hero duty

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Watchmen

72. Watchmen

Mystery Action Science Fiction Superhero Action Investigation Mystery
7.6

20092h 43min

United States

Director: Zack Snyder

In a gritty and alternate 1985, the glory days of costumed vigilantes have been brought to a close by a government crackdown. But after one of the masked veterans is brutally murdered, an investigation into the killer is initiated. The reunited heroes set out to prevent their own destruction, but in doing so they uncover a sinister plot that puts all of humanity in grave danger.

Themes

Secret identity tension, Mistrust of authority, Conspiracy and manipulation, Doomsday clock anxiety, Military political brinkmanship, Cynical vigilante culture, Retirement and disillusionment

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Iron Man 3

73. Iron Man 3

Action Adventure Science Fiction Superhero Action Globetrotting Adventure
7.1

20132h 10min

United States

Director: Shane Black

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

Themes

Trauma and resilience, Power and responsibility, Public threat and manipulation, Deception and cover operations, Regenerative technology risks, Identity and image control

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Man of Steel

74. Man of Steel

Action Adventure Science Fiction Superhero Action Coming-of-Age Adventure
7.1

20132h 23min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Zack Snyder

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

Themes

Resilience under attack, Duty to protect others, Power under constraint, Origin and belonging, Ethics of technology, Independence vs accountability

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The events of Battle of Gods take place some years after the battle with Majin Buu, which determined the fate of the entire universe. After awakening from a long slumber, Beerus, the God of Destruction is visited by Whis, his attendant and learns that the galactic overlord Frieza has been defeated by a Super Saiyan from the North Quadrant of the universe named Goku, who is also a former student of the North Kai. Ecstatic over the new challenge, Goku ignores King Kai's advice and battles Beerus, but he is easily overwhelmed and defeated. Beerus leaves, but his eerie remark of "Is there nobody on Earth more worthy to destroy?" lingers on. Now it is up to the heroes to stop the God of Destruction before all is lost.

Themes

Rivalries among powerful beings, Cosmic duty vs personal glory, Power escalation and restraint, Energy channeling for form, Protection of a home world, Disruption of peace

Available on

Netflix
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Superman vs. The Elite

76. Superman vs. The Elite

Science Fiction Animation Action Superhero Action Epic Sci-Fi
7.1

20121h 16min

United States

Director: Michael Chang

The Man of Steel finds himself outshone by a new team of ruthless superheroes who hold his idealism in contempt.

Themes

Betrayal and deception, Power and restraint, Violence and justice, Ideological conflict, Public accountability, Leader legitimacy

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

After the events of Justice League: War, Ocean Master and Black Manta have declared a war against the surface in retaliation of the aftermath of Apokoliptian-tyrant Darkseid's planetary invasion. Queen Atlanna seeks out her other son, Ocean Master’s half-brother Arthur Curry, a half-human with aquatic powers with no knowledge of his Atlantean heritage, to restore balance. Living with powers he doesn’t understand and seeing the danger around him, Curry takes steps to embrace his destiny, joining the Justice League, and with his new teammates he battles to save Earth from total destruction.

Themes

Alliance under pressure, Interrealm conflict, Legacy vs legitimacy, Power and sovereignty, Duty vs destiny, Heritage and belonging

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

A heroic version of Lex Luthor from an alternate universe appears to recruit the Justice League to help save his Earth from the Crime Syndicate, an evil version of the League. What ensues is the ultimate battle of good versus evil in a war that threatens both planets and, through a devious plan launched by Batman's counterpart Owlman, puts the balance of all existence in peril.

Themes

Deception as strategy, Leadership under crisis, Power and responsibility, Collective action under threat, Nihilism and meaning, Alternate world governance

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Incredibles

79. The Incredibles

Action Adventure Animation Family Superhero Action
8.0

20041h 55min

United States

Director: Brad Bird

Bob Parr has given up his superhero days to log in time as an insurance adjuster and raise his three children with his formerly heroic wife in suburbia. But when he receives a mysterious assignment, it's time to get back into costume.

Themes

Loyalty under duress, Public distrust of power, Family versus career, Ambition and manipulation, Tech weaponization and control, Accountability and scapegoating

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Son of Batman

80. Son of Batman

Animation Action Adventure Superhero Action Adult Animation
6.7

20141h 14min

United States

Director: Ethan Spaulding

Batman learns he has a violent, unruly pre-teen son, secretly raised by the terrorist group known as The League of Assassins.

Themes

Loyalty under threat, Robin dynamics and duty, Terrorist group pressure, Father son reunion tensions, Based on comic expectations, Super power limits

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.