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.

Kick-Ass 2

1. Kick-Ass 2

Action Adventure Crime Superhero Action Organized Crime
6.5
20131h 43min

Overview

After Kick-Ass’ insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, he joins a patrol led by the Colonel Stars and Stripes. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist — reborn as The Mother Fucker — only the blade-wielding Hit-Girl can prevent their annihilation.

Themes

Revenge and consequences, Secret identity, Organized crime and justice, Teen vigilante, Dual lives, Mentorship and leadership

Available on

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

Overview

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.

Superman: Unbound

3. Superman: Unbound

Animation Action Adventure Superhero Action Adventure Epic
6.6
20131h 15min

Overview

Superman and Supergirl take on the cybernetic being known as Brainiac, who boasts that he possesses "the knowledge and strength of 10,000 worlds."

Themes

Alliance under pressure, Burden of knowledge, Power without accountability, Public exposure vs safety, Techno tyranny and autonomy, Control of data

Available on

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

Overview

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.

Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods

5. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods

Animation Action Science Fiction Anime Superhero Action
7.1
20131h 25min

Overview

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.

The Dark Knight Rises

6. The Dark Knight Rises

Action Crime Drama Thriller Superhero Action
8.4
20122h 45min

Overview

Following the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman assumes responsibility for Dent's crimes to protect the late attorney's reputation and is subsequently hunted by the Gotham City Police Department. Eight years later, Batman encounters the mysterious Selina Kyle and the villainous Bane, a new terrorist leader who overwhelms Gotham's finest. The Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

Themes

Deception within institutions, Vigilantism vs justice, Trust in leadership eroded, Security overreach, Loyalty betrayed, Legitimacy questioned

Available on

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

The Amazing Spider-Man

7. The Amazing Spider-Man

Action Adventure Science Fiction Superhero Action Coming-of-Age Adventure
6.9
20122h 16min

Overview

Peter Parker is an outcast high schooler abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

Themes

Vigilante justice, Loss of loved one, Social outcast tension, Genetic engineering ethics, Briefcase mystery, Teenage angst

Available on

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

Superman vs. The Elite

8. Superman vs. The Elite

Science Fiction Animation Action Superhero Action Epic Sci-Fi
7.1
20121h 16min

Overview

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.

The Avengers

9. The Avengers

Science Fiction Action Adventure Superhero Action Adventure Epic
8.0
20122h 23min

Overview

When an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins!

Themes

Teamwork under threat, Leadership under pressure, Interagency collaboration under threat, Resource manipulation under control, Power as leverage, External manipulation under siege

Available on

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

Justice League: Doom

10. Justice League: Doom

Action Animation Science Fiction Fantasy Superhero Action
7.5
20121h 17min

Overview

An adaptation of Mark Waid's "Tower of Babel" story from the JLA comic. Vandal Savage steals confidential files Batman has compiled on the members of the Justice League, and learns all their weaknesses.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Preemption vs autonomy, Leadership under duress, Manipulation of contingency plans, External threat internal solidarity, Responsibility of power

Available on

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