There are movies both in and adjacent to the franchises of theMCUand theDCUthat have earned themselves a spot on IMDB’s prestigious top 250 movies list. Even before themovies of the MCUcame to redefine perspectives on financial success in modern cinema, the superhero genre had excellent potential. Broad narrative strokes of good versus evil, combined with fantastical and often breathtaking action, often impresses critics and audiences alike.
Before theMCU’s movie timeline, there were still comic book movies earning the respect of critics. In fact, many Marvel and DC movies have made their way onto IMDB’s prestigious list of the top 250 movies of all time, a place which is an undeniable mark of quality. As the website compiles both critical and audience opinions, ranking in the 250 greatest movies ever made is a true honor, and it’s one that both Marvel and DC have become familiar with.
10Logan (2017)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 211
2017’sLoganadapted the belovedOld Man Logancomic book storyline to the big screen, giving Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine an iconic - if ultimately short-lived - send off. Directed by James Mangold, the movie borrowed as much from the Western genre as it did from its superhero contemporaries, earning it a unique status in the long history of Marvel movies. As the highest-rated movie inFox’s X-Men movie franchise,Loganearned itself a spot at 211 on IMDB’s top 250.
Critical praise was leveled at the film for its emotional narrative, powerful performances from key cast members, and its exploration of deep and complex themes of humanity and legacy.Loganearned itself a reputation as one of the finest examples of how a superhero story can work perfectly on the big screenwithout overindulging in visual effects and CGI. As such, its place on IMDB’s top 250 movies is well-earned.
9Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 176
Even before the film was released, it was clear thatSpider-Man: No Way Homewould feature returning charactersfrom other Marvel continuities, but the movie’s most triumphant multiverse returns were kept under wraps. The film’s narrative opened up the infinite possibilities of the MCU’s Multiverse, while also focusing on one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes. Ultimately,No Way Homeproved to be one of the MCU’s most successful movies, and places at 176 on IMDB’s top 250.
Critics heaped praise on many aspects of the film, particularly where it pertained to the wider aspects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its use of themes of redemption and sacrifice. The performances of its main cast were also praised, as they gaveNo Way Home’s dramatic beats far more credence.No Way Homeimproved upon its MCU predecessors in many ways, earning it popularity among critics and audiences alike.
8Batman Begins (2005)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 129
Christopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogyis often credited as hugely influential within the superhero genre, and the film that started Christian Bale’s three-film arc as the Caped Crusader ranks at number 129 on IMDB’s top 250. Nolan’s reimagining of Batman’s origins sees a more grounded take on the iconic hero take on two villains – Ra’s al Ghul and Scarecrow – while shaping himself as Gotham City’s vigilante protector.Batman Beginsnot only redefined Batman, but it redefined superhero cinema in a major way.
Though critics did not seeBatman Beginsas a perfect movie, it did earn moderate acclaim upon release. The film’s writing was praised, particularly in regard to the depth of its characters and story, andit was considered a more carefully considered and cerebral approach to Batman’s story. The years since have been even kinder, with the film’s influential nature securing it a place as one of the best comic book movies of all time.
7Joker (2019)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 83
Todd Phillip’s 2019 movieJokerbroke new ground for comic book movies in many ways. Joaquin Phoenix won the Oscar for Best Actor for his turn as Arthur Fleck as he transforms into Batman’s most iconic nemesis, and the film earned considerable plaudits for its depiction of the titular character. It places at 83 on IMDB’s top 250 movies of all time, clearly denoting its quality and excellent reputation.
Though it earned somewhat mixed reviews, those that sawJoker’s value heaped praise upon it.Phoenix’s performance is considered a hypnotically twisted yet plausible take on the character, while the themes of societal neglect and mental illness proved somewhat divisive but ultimately well-realized.Joker’s status as an important and iconic piece of cinematic history is undeniable, and is a clear indicator of exactly why it ranks so highly on IMDB’s top 250.
6Avengers: Endgame (2019)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 78
Widely considered one of the biggest and most spectacular cinematic events in history,Avengers: Endgamewas the culmination of 11 years of big-screen storytelling. The ending of the MCU’s Infinity Saga was a landmark in modern superhero cinema, as it marked one of the biggest and most ambitious narratives ever committed to film.Avengers: Endgameranks at 78 on IMDB’s top 250.
The critical consensus was thatEndgamemarked a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the first chapter of the MCU, delivering a heartfelt payoff to an epic and populous narrative. However,the film’s impact goes beyond simple critical acclaim: its importance to the superhero genre and to modern cinema as a whole cannot be denied, as it redefined the possibilities for big-screen adaptations. As one of the most noteworthy and financially successful movies ever made, it’s thoroughly deserving of a spot on IMDB’s list.
5The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 71
The culmination of Christopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy rounds off the three-film arc, tying up loose ends and closing the book on Bruce Wayne’s time as Batman.The Dark Knight Rises’ endingmight have offered a more definitive conclusion than its source material, but it also explored the logical progression of its predecessors. Nolan’s final grounded take on the DC hero earned a spot at number 71 on IMDB’s top 250.
The critical reception toThe Dark Knight Risesis largely positive, with many believing it to be a thought-provoking and thrilling action drama. The balancing of its comic book elements against deeper themes lent it a well-considered air that perfectly capped Nolan’s trilogy, andcritics and audiences alike appreciated its conclusive end to the narrative arc.The film’s place on IMDB’s top 250 denotes just how beloved Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy is among critics as well as audiences.
4Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 65
2018 saw the release ofSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, an animated feature film exploring the origins of Miles Morales as the eponymous hero. As multiple live-action films had already explored the Peter Parker iteration of Spider-Man,Into the Spider-Verse’s fresh approach to one of the most iconic heroes of all time was distinctly refreshing. It earned widespread critical acclaim, and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also places at number 65 on IMDB’s top 250.
Into the Spider-Verse’s distinct eye-catching style of animation was one of the movie’s biggest selling points, as it brought its comic book world to life in a way that had never been achieved before.Its deceptively deep and emotional narrative and distinct characters helped to secure it a place as one of the most popular animated films of all time, proving influential in both animation and the superhero genre.Into the Spider-Verse’s groundbreaking presentation and powerful story make it a piece of cinema truly worthy of IMDB’s top 250.
3Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 63
Though it’s often overshadowed by the success of its sequel,Avengers: Infinity Waris considered one of the MCU’s best ever movies. The film’s sprawling narrative connected practically every previous narrative in the franchise in the biggest and most ambitious cinematic crossover ever attempted at the time of its release.Infinity War’s huge scale and its place within the MCU make it an especially noteworthy film, and it places at 63 on IMDB’s top 250 movies of all time.
Infinity Warwas praised by critics in almost every aspect, with the performances of its cast, visual effects, direction, and score all noted as particularly strong.The movie’s careful balancing of a massive cast of characters with powerful plot points and emotional beats remains truly masterful, and it serves as an excellent example of how comic books can be brought to life in live-action. Due to the success of the movie with critics and audiences – not to mention the box office –Infinity Waris one of the most noteworthy movies of modern times.
2Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 37
After the resounding success ofInto the Spider-Verse, its sequel,Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, thoroughly lived up to the hype. Once again following Miles Morales as he continues to explore the many Spider-Men and Spider-Women and their respective places in the Multiverse,Across the Spider-Versewas able to naturally surpass its predecessor in numerous ways. At number 27 on IMDB’s top 250, it also ranks among some of the greatest movies ever made.
The consensus onAcross the Spider-Verseis that it built upon the impressive foundations of its predecessor to do everything a little bigger and more spectacularly.Stunning visuals, a deeply resonant emotional story, and exploration of truly powerful narrative themes all helpedAcross the Spider-Verseto achieve universal acclaimand worldwide popularity. As a result, its placement on IMDB’s top 250 is not at all surprising.
1The Dark Knight (2008)
IMDB Top 250 Position: 3
Widely regarded as not just one of the best comic book movies ever made, but one of the greatest movies of all time,The Dark Knight’s place on IMDB’s top 250 indicates its unparalleled quality within the genre. The second film in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy built massively uponBatman Begins, better exploring Gotham City and introducing a handful of other key players to its continuity. At number 3, IMDB also considers it the third best film all of time.
Critics raved about Nolan’s execution of his remarkable vision, and heaped praise on almost every aspect ofThe Dark Knight. In particular, Heath Ledger’s turn as the Joker has become the stuff of cinematic legend, with the actor proving to be every bit as mesmerizing as he is terrifying in the role. When it comes to the movies of theMCU, theDCU, and other Marvel and DC properties,The Dark Knightstands far above the rest on IMDB’s top 250.
