Collider has published a ranked list of the ten best superhero movies ever made, arguing that while the genre has dominated Hollywood for over two decades, sheer volume has increasingly come at the expense of quality. Rather than filling the list with obvious picks from the Avengers or Spider-Verse franchises, the writer deliberately sought variety, highlighting standout films from across different eras and studios to make the case for what truly elevates a superhero film beyond spectacle.

Entries include Tim Burton's "Batman Returns" (1992), praised for its gothic tone and Danny Elfman's score; Richard Donner's "Superman" (1978), credited with proving the genre could work as a mainstream blockbuster thanks to Christopher Reeve's earnest performance; and Pixar's "The Incredibles" (2004), noted for blending family drama with superhero spectacle. The full ranking continues beyond these entries to a top pick, with each film assessed on its distinctiveness, character work and lasting influence on the genre.