Esquire Picks the Best Superhero Movies of All Time: From Wolverine to Hellboy (Part 2)

Contents:
I continue telling you about the best superhero films of all time according to the popular Esquire.

In part one, we already revisited "The Dark Knight" and "Iron Man," and now we're moving on to the second ten from the magazine. Here we've got brooding Batman with Pattinson, revolutionary animated Spider-Man, and even Japanese Kamen Rider. So let's dive into what else made the list.
Cartoon character in red and blue superhero costume, actor Hugh Jackman in black jacket standing in profile in the rain
Frames from the films "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and "Logan"
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"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse trailer
Miles Morales changes the game completely: in this animated take on the legendary superhero, he's jumping between universes and meeting dozens of Spider-Man variants. The style, visuals, music — everything in this film became the gold standard. No wonder it's considered the best comic book adaptation of the last decade.

"The Batman" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano
The Batman (2022) trailer
No postmodernism, no multiverse hints — just gritty, honest Gotham. Matt Reeves' film reimagined Batman, making him simultaneously vulnerable and terrifying. It's atmospheric noir with Gothic vibes, where every shadow holds potential danger.

"Logan" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Dafne Keen, Patrick Stewart
Logan trailer
A film where superhero strength gives way to age, pain, and inevitability. "Logan" isn't a blockbuster — it's a neo-western about a man who wants to fade into the shadows but has to save the last thing he has left: his "daughter." This movie became the end of an era and Jackman's strongest moment as Wolverine.

"The Crow" (1994)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

Starring: Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson
The Crow trailer
Tragic, Gothic, and absolutely unique. The story of a musician who returns from the dead for revenge has achieved cult status. The film will forever be remembered for its visual style and the tragic fate of actor Brandon Lee.

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan
Captain America: The Winter Soldier Trailer
Marvel unexpectedly shifted into political thriller territory, and damn — it worked. Captain America faces off against HYDRA, corruption, and his best friend turned assassin. One of the MCU's most mature entries that still packs a punch.

"Hellboy" (2004)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%

Starring: Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair
Hellboy (2024) Trailer
Guillermo del Toro doing what he does best: monsters, mythology, gothic atmosphere — and a demon who just wants to be a good guy. The film holds up remarkably well years later, thanks to practical effects and Perlman's undeniable charisma.

"Shin Kamen Rider" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

Starring: Sosuke Ikematsu, Minami Hamabe
Shin Kamen Rider Trailer
Visual insanity from the creator of Evangelion. Motorcycles, biomechanics, and anti-capitalism — everything you'd want. Perfect introduction to Japanese superhero cinema for anyone tired of Marvel's formula.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Kurt Russell
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer
The sequel proved deeper and more touching than the original. Family drama, '80s aesthetics, and one of the MCU's most heartbreaking endings. Plus baby Groot, obviously.

"Avengers: Endgame" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
Avengers: Endgame Trailer
The film that capped off a decade-long Marvel marathon. It's got everything: tears, laughs, quotable moments, and farewells. Can't watch it without the backstory, but if you've been with the MCU from day one — this finale was made for you.

"Superman II" (1980)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Terence Stamp
Superman II (1980) Trailer
One of those rare sequels that's just as good as (and in my opinion, better than) the original. The conflict with General Zod, the hero's moral choices, and Superman's still-inspiring presence make this work. Sure, the effects are pretty basic by today's standards, but the spirit? That's still there.

Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered the first ten best superhero movies according to Esquire.