30 Superhero Movies based on Comic Books

Comic books have become the basis of many movies. There are a number of different superhero movies that are based on comics, many of which you may not even know about.

1. Batman

There have been a number of Batman movies released.

While you may have a favorite one, they are all based on the same comic book character.

One thing many people do not realize though is that they are often based on different comic book series based on Batman.

2. 300

Though this is not your typical superhero movie, it is the good versus evil fight that people crave.

This was originally a Frank Miller comic from the late 90’s that was turned into a film in 2007.

Despite the tragic ending, this is one of the most beloved movies of all time.

3. The Spirit

Also the work of Frank Miller, the style of this movie is very much the same as 300 and Sin City.

The interesting thing about this superhero is the level of devotion he has to the city he protects.

He sleeps with many women and can never commit because his one true love is the city.

4. Blade

Blade made his first appearance in comics in 1973.

He is a superhero who is part vampire, as a vampire killed his mother as he was being born.

Over the years Blade has been in many comics, 3 movies and even a television series.

5. Constantine

This is a great movie that many do not realize was based on a comic.

The movie plot line comes from a few different comics that are all related in the Hellblazer series.

It is about an exorcist who is stuck in the middle of the race between God and Satan to see who can get the most souls.

6. Hellboy

This is another Dark Horse Comic series that came out in the early 90’s.

Hellboy is a demon who was summoned to earth by Nazis as a baby.

He turns out to be a paranormal investigator and fights the evils and horrors he faces during his time.

7. Green Lantern

This is a DC comic that dates all the way back to 1940 and was made into a movie in 2011.

A common misconception with this series is that there is only one Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.

In reality though there are many.

They are essentially the police force for the universe and have rings that allow them to construct anything they can imagine to help keep balance in the universe.

8. Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World

This is a tale as old as time. Boy meets girl.

Boy falls in love with girl.

Boy must fight the girl’s seven evil exes so he can be with her.

Ok so maybe the last part is what makes this story unique, but it is a fun ride.

The comic was simply titled Scott Pilgrim but was about the same character and his epic journey to be with the woman he loves.

The other interesting this about this movie is that it is one of the few comic book movies based on an independently published comic.

9. Superman

There have been many Superman movies made over the years.

He was first put in a DC comic in 1938.

He is one of the most recognizable comic book characters of all time.

10. Kick-Ass

This is a fun story about a boy who wants to be a superhero himself.

While this does not work out good in the beginning, he eventually finds his knack for it.

The sequel to this movie finds him with an entire group that have joined his cause.

11. Ghost Rider

This was originally a Marvel comic that started in the 70’s.

It was made into a movie in 2007 with Nick Cage as the protagonist.

12. Thor

While the God of Thunder has been around in mythology for centuries, the comic about him and his Asgardian home was created by Marvel in 1962.

Recently Thor has made it into several movies and is being played by Chris Hemsworth who fits the part exactly.

13. Men in Black

This was a comic series in the 90’s called The Men in Black before being turned into the movies that we have come to love and respect.

It had the same feel and relatable characters as the movies as well.

14. Daredevil

Even though the movie which starred Ben Affleck was not well received, the comic series is beloved among many avid comic readers of all ages.

It first ran in 1964 with Marvel.

15. Wolverine

As part of Marvel’s X-Men, Wolverine could easily just be mashed with the other members of this group.

He stands apart due to the movies made about him as well as the several comic series based on him.

16. Elektra

While she never had her own comic series, Elektra was part of the Daredevil series.

The movie based on her was released in 2005 and starred Jennifer Garner.

17. Iron Man

Tony Stark, A.K.A. Ironman has been gracing Marvel comics since 1963.

There have been three movies specifically about him and he has starred in The Avengers.

18. Judge Dredd

The movie was first made in 1995 and then remade in 2012.

The movies are based on the British comic series 2000 AD which was released in the 70’s.

The ability for police to be judge, jury and executioner is a terrifying and philosophical idea which may be what has spurred the love of this series.

19. Red

This comic and movies series is based around Frank Moses.

He is a retired CIA operative who is one of the most lethal men in the world.

He comes out of retirement in order to save himself and others.

There are two movies in this series and there are talks about a third movie.

20. Fantastic Four

This story of four scientists turned superheroes has been around since 1961.

There have even been a couple live action movies based on this Marvel Comics series.

21. Hulk

With his giant demeanor and impressive strength, Hulk is a household name today.

The comic series was released through Marvel starting in 1962.

In this time there has been a TV show made about the character as well as many movies.

22. Spiderman

This is another iconic comic book character that is beloved.

He was created by the great Stan Lee in 1962 and has been in a number of movies and animated shows since his birth.

This is also where the term “With great power comes great responsibility” comes from.

23. Timecop

This story was originally written for Dark Horse Comics.

The movie version was released in 1994.

It is based on a world where time travel is possible so time cops are put on duty to preserve the time stream.

The main character finds that his wife is pregnant and has been murdered.

He has been framed for the murder and must go through time not only to clear his name but to save his wife.

24. Watchmen

The graphic novel series was released by DC in the 80’s and the movie was made on the film in 2009.

After the success of the movie, DC started a prequel comic series called Before Watchmen.

25. Captain America

This character was first created in 1941 during World War II and had great success.

The success died after the war, though it grew again when Marvel picked up the series in 1964 and gave him the back story we know today.

There have been a few movies made based on this superhero.

26. Avengers

The Avengers are a part of S.H.I.E.L.D. and include a number of different superheroes.

The most famous of them are Thor, Ironman, Hulk and Captain America.

The team was first introduced to comics in 1963 though the movie was not released until 2012.

27. Sin City

This Frank Miller masterpiece was first released in the early 90’s.

It has the same black and white style with creative uses of red throughout.

The movie, released in 2005 kept the comic book theme.

28. X-Men

This team of mutants was first introduced in 1963 by Marvel.

It has spun a number animated movies and shows as well as live action movies and children’s books

29. Jonah Hex

This is a DC comic that was set during the civil war. It has a western feel to it that brings something different than your typical superhero character.

He is a bounty hunter who has the ability to bring back corpses from the dead as long as he is touching them.

Unfortunately though this film tanked in the box office.

30. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

This movie is based on the first volume of the comic series of the same name.

This takes place in the Victorian era and has become a favorite of many people who are into steampunk.

While this movie did alright in theaters, it did receive enough negative feedback to keep from making a sequel.