5 best superhero movies not based on comic books, ranked

Not all superhero movies have comic book backgrounds. Which ones are the best?

Movies fans are currently experiencing a golden age of comic book superhero movies. From Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, to DC Comics blockbusters, to even graphic novel turned spy movie, films based on existing comic book characters are all we ever see. If you been experiencing fatigue of the same characters appearing on all of your movies, there is an alternative. Within the past 20 years have been plenty of great superhero movies that are indeed original and although may be inspired by comic book elements, tell their own unique stories. Here are my five recommends.

5. Hancock

A superhero movie that was released in theaters in the summer of 2008. You probably missed it on the big screen that summer because it came out against other superhero smash hits such as The Dark Knight, Ed Norton’s The Incredible Hulk, and the beginning of the MCU with Iron Man. Although it kind of falls apart in the third act, there is still a lot to enjoy with the Will Smith led action movie. It tells the story of a being who is so powerful but not much motivation to do anything heroic. Think of Superman if he was a selfish, cocky, drunk (and wasn’t resurrected).

The effects really hold up, as well as the comedic chemistry between Will Smith and Arrested Development’s Jason Bateman, who plays a character that is trying to fix the image of Hancock and make him more likeable to the public.  Charlize Theron also has an underrated performance in this movie, but has a twist that doesn’t exactly play off as interesting. Now that Will Smith is playing Deadshot in Suicide Squad movies, it doesn’t look like Hancock will return for a sequel anytime soon. But this film will fulfill your appetite for a superhero movie with some edge to it.