14 Forgotten Superhero Movies That Came Out Before Iron Man (2008)

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe became so successful, superhero movies looked a lot different. Studios often tried out one-off films based on lesser-known comic book characters. These movies usually relied on practical effects and had a distinct style from today’s CGI-heavy blockbusters. While many have been forgotten, despite featuring famous actors and big ideas, revisiting them offers a great look at how superhero films have changed over time.

‘The Shadow’ (1994)

I recently watched ‘The Shadow,’ and it was really cool! Alec Baldwin plays Lamont Cranston, who seems like just a rich playboy, but he’s secretly a vigilante with the power to control people’s minds. The movie looks amazing – it’s got this awesome 1930s art deco style. He has to fight this villain, Shiwan Khan, to prevent a nuclear disaster in New York City. It was supposed to be the first in a series of films, but it didn’t become a huge hit. Instead, it’s become a bit of a cult favorite, and I can see why! I really enjoyed it.

‘The Phantom’ (1996)

Billy Zane stars as Kit Walker in this vibrant movie adaptation of the classic Lee Falk comic strip. The film follows the latest in a long line of crime fighters known as The Ghost Who Walks, as he journeys to New York City. His mission? To stop a brilliant and dangerous criminal from collecting three ancient skulls with incredible power. The filmmakers intentionally created a fun, adventurous atmosphere, setting it apart from the more serious superhero movies of the time. Though it wasn’t a big hit in theaters, the film is still considered a loving homage to the classic comic strips of the Golden Age.

‘The Rocketeer’ (1991)

Cliff Secord, a daring stunt pilot, discovers a powerful jetpack, giving him the ability to fly. This quickly puts him in the crosshairs of both the FBI and German spies. As he tries to be a hero, he also has to manage his romance with Jenny Blake, an actress hoping to make it big. The film features Timothy Dalton as a Hollywood actor who is secretly a villain working for the enemy in Los Angeles before World War II. Director Joe Johnston, known for his work on period superhero films, later directed the first Captain America movie for Marvel. The film is celebrated for its sincere story and exciting aerial stunts.

‘Darkman’ (1990)

Director Sam Raimi developed the character of Peyton Westlake after being unable to obtain the rights to make movies about The Shadow or Batman. In the film, Liam Neeson plays Westlake, a scientist presumed dead following a devastating lab explosion orchestrated by gangsters. While the explosion makes him unable to feel pain, it also causes emotional instability and fits of rage. Westlake uses advanced technology to create artificial skin, allowing him to disguise himself as his enemies and take down the criminals responsible for ruining his life. The movie is a distinctive blend of horror and superhero themes, telling a tragic story of revenge.

‘Mystery Men’ (1999)

As a huge movie fan, I always loved this hilarious comedy! It’s about a team of really…unconventional superheroes – guys with powers that aren’t exactly world-saving – who have to step up when the city’s real hero gets taken out of the picture. Ben Stiller is fantastic as Mr. Furious, and the whole cast, including characters like The Shoveler and The Blue Raja, is just brilliantly weird. What I really appreciate about it is that it kind of poked fun at superhero movies before everyone else started doing it. It’s got a really unique look and feel, with a strange, almost dreamlike city setting. It didn’t get a ton of attention when it first came out, but it’s really found its audience over the years, and people are finally recognizing how funny and creative it is.

‘Spawn’ (1997)

Michael Jai White stars as Al Simmons, a former government assassin who is killed and then brought back to life as an unwilling servant of the devil. He returns to Earth with a scarred face and a special suit that gives him some magical powers. The story follows his fight to reclaim his humanity while being tormented by a demonic trickster named Violator. The film was groundbreaking for featuring an African American actor as the main superhero and used a lot of computer effects to capture the dark, intense look of the original comic book.

‘Steel’ (1997)

Shaquille O’Neal plays John Henry Irons, a brilliant inventor who wants to prevent his weapons designs from falling into the wrong hands. He leaves his job and creates a powerful suit of armor and a huge hammer to become a crime-fighting hero in Los Angeles. This movie tells an original story, separate from the character’s comic book origins. However, critics didn’t like the film, pointing out its cheap look and O’Neal’s acting. It’s a curious example of a trend where movie studios cast athletes as action heroes without relying on well-known series.

‘The Meteor Man’ (1993)

Robert Townsend’s comedy follows a quiet schoolteacher who gets superpowers after a glowing green meteorite hits him. Instead of becoming a typical superhero, he uses his abilities to improve his neighborhood in Washington D.C. and take on a local gang, the Golden Lords. The film boasts a talented cast of African American actors and musicians, including James Earl Jones and Cypress Hill, and cleverly combines superhero elements with real-world social issues. Ultimately, the story highlights how working together as a community is more powerful than just having superpowers.

‘Blankman’ (1994)

Damon Wayans stars as a playful inventor who fights crime with gadgets he builds from everyday household items. He reluctantly joins forces with his brother to take down a crooked mob boss controlling the city’s politics. The movie is a humorous take on the 1960s ‘Batman’ TV show, with a colorful and over-the-top style. The comedy comes from how silly and cheap the hero’s equipment is, despite his genuine desire to do good. It’s a particularly memorable and different kind of superhero comedy.

‘The Punisher’ (1989)

Dolph Lundgren plays Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, in this first movie adaptation of the Marvel character. After his family is killed by the mafia, he lives underground and dedicates himself to a solo war against them. When the Yakuza try to muscle in on the criminal activity, he’s unexpectedly forced to team up with some of the very mobsters he’s fighting. A surprising choice was made to leave out the famous skull symbol from his costume. This intense action film feels more like a classic 1980s revenge story than a typical superhero movie.

‘Captain America’ (1990)

This low-budget take on the Captain America story features Matt Salinger as Steve Rogers, who awakens after being frozen in ice to find himself in the present day. He journeys to Italy to stop the Red Skull, now a highly skilled and dangerous criminal. The film had a difficult production and was ultimately released on video and cable. It significantly changes the villain’s backstory from the original comics and is often remembered for its cheesy tone and unimpressive special effects.

‘Swamp Thing’ (1982)

This horror film, directed by Wes Craven, is based on the DC Comics character Swamp Thing. It tells the story of scientist Alec Holland (played by Ray Wise) who turns into a plant-based creature, brought to life with a practical suit by Dick Durock. The story follows a government agent tasked with protecting a woman from the villainous Dr. Arcane, who is desperate to find the secret to eternal life. Combining romance and science fiction, the film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere. Despite being made on a small budget, it proved popular enough to launch a sequel and a television show.

‘Supergirl’ (1984)

Helen Slater plays Kara Zor-El, a Kryptonian who comes to Earth searching for a valuable artifact called the Omegahedron. She clashes with Selena, an evil witch who wants to use the Omegahedron to become more powerful. The movie was meant to build on the world created by the Christopher Reeve Superman films, blending fantasy with classic superhero action. While the film wasn’t well-received initially, Slater’s sincere portrayal of the ‘Girl of Steel’ is often highlighted as a strong point.

‘Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ (1998)

David Hasselhoff stars as the iconic spy in this TV movie, scripted by David S. Goyer. When a retired colonel is called out of retirement, he must prevent Baron von Strucker’s children from unleashing a dangerous virus. The film has a classic, over-the-top spy feel, staying truer to the original comic books than some more recent adaptations. Despite the movie’s limited budget, Hasselhoff played the role with dedication. It’s become a memorable, though unusual, part of Marvel’s history with live-action projects.

Tell us which of these forgotten superhero flicks you remember watching in the comments.

2025-11-25 20:16