Beyond the Universes: 15 Marvel and DC Gems Outside the MCU and DCEU

1. Joker 2019，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1514740, ID: 7286456
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Joker 2019 totally subverts comic book movie conventions, giving us a gritty character study and thematic origin story for the Joker. In the film, aspiring comedian Arthur Fleck is shunted by society and descends into madness, transforming into Batman’s famous nemesis. Joaquin Phoenix’s disturbing and deranged performance is one of the greats.
2. Spider-Man 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 889014, ID: 0145487
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Spider-Man 2002, directed by Sam Raimi, is a blockbuster that many argue to be the best portrayal of the character. Tobey Maguire’s performance as the socially awkward Peter Parker is praised, but the film’s action sequences are criticized for lacking a sense of realism. Despite these criticisms, the film laid the foundation for many superhero origin stories that followed.
3. X-Men 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 652960, ID: 0120903
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X-Men 2000 marked the cinematic debut of the famous comic book mutants. The film introduced audiences to the superhero group who fight to protect a society that fears them and their differences. It was the first major superhero ensemble film, with an all-star cast to match and plenty of spectacle that was groundbreaking for the early 2000s.
4. Deadpool 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 1143839, ID: 1431045
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Deadpool 2016 is the foul-mouthed and fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero film that Ryan Reynolds was born to play. The film follows wisecracking Wade Wilson, who exacts revenge after an experiment leaves him immortal but disfigured. With its R rating, there’s plenty of room for over-the-top violence, sex, cursing, drugs, and other elements you wouldn’t usually find in a superhero movie.
5. The Batman 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 802059, ID: 1877830
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The Batman 2022 delivered something completely fresh and intriguing, bringing to life Gotham City in grunge fashion. Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is dark and moody, and the film offers the most sinister portrayal of The Riddler to date.
6. Spider-Man 2 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 716978, ID: 0316654
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Spider-Man 2 is a superhero film that stands out with its high visual style and the vulnerability of its protagonist, Peter Parker. The film’s exploration of Peter’s human problems, coupled with spectacular scenes and symbolism, makes it a compelling watch. The film’s portrayal of Peter Parker as a superhero burdened with human problems is praised, making it a unique and engaging experience.
7. X-Men: Days of Future Past 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 751182, ID: 1877832
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X-Men: Days of Future Past is a film that marks the cinematic debut of the famous comic book mutants. With its all-star cast and groundbreaking spectacle for the early 2000s, it introduced audiences to the superhero group who fight to protect a society that fears them and their differences. The film’s complex narrative structure may make it difficult for it to appeal to viewers not already familiar with the source material.
8. Blade 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 302314, ID: 0120611
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Blade is a film that relishes high visual style. It uses extreme camera angles, bizarre costumes and sets, exaggerated shadows, and confident cutting between long shots and extreme closeups. The film’s protagonist, Blade, a half-human, half-vampire superhero, is portrayed with a mix of charm and awkwardness by Wesley Snipes.
9. Watchmen 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 586141, ID: 0409459
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Watchmen is a bold exercise in the liberation of the superhero movie. It’s a compelling visceral film that combines sound, images, and characters into a decidedly odd visual experience that evokes the feel of a graphic novel. The film’s exploration of the paradox and dilemma of superheroes in a parallel universe makes it a thought-provoking watch.
10. V for Vendetta 2005，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 1186826, ID: 0434409
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V for Vendetta is a film that totally subverts comic book movie conventions, giving us a gritty character study and thematic origin story for the character V. The film’s exploration of societal themes and its impressive set pieces make it a must-watch. The film’s political pronouncements may rile some, but its story and impressive set pieces will nevertheless entertain.
11. The Crow 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 207273, ID: 0109506
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The Crow is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a rock star who returns from the dead to avenge his and his fiancée’s murder. The film is praised for its unique comic book universe and Brandon Lee’s performance, which showed his potential as an action star. Despite its tragic backstory, the film is considered a classic in the superhero genre.
12. Constantine 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 378084, ID: 0360486
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Constantine is a film that stands out for its unique premise and Keanu Reeves’ performance as the chain-smoking, depressed demon-hunter. Despite its mixed reviews, the film is appreciated for its intriguing premise, dark tone, and the performances of its cast. It offers a different take on the superhero genre, with its protagonist being a supernatural detective rather than a traditional hero.
13. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 57502, ID: 0106364
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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is a critically acclaimed animated film that offers a deep and character-driven story of Batman and the Joker. It’s praised for its rich narrative, deep characters, and stunning visuals. The film stands out for its emotional depth and is considered one of the greatest Batman films of all time.
14. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 2003，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 184914, ID: 0311429
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The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is a film that brings together famous characters from adventure literature. Despite its mixed reviews, the film is noted for its unique premise and engaging characters. It offers a different take on the superhero genre, focusing on a team of literary heroes rather than traditional comic book characters.
15. RED 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 325833, ID: 1245526
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RED is an action-packed film that stands out for its wit and style. The film, which follows a team of retired CIA agents, is praised for its engaging characters and humorous tone. Despite its violent scenes, the film manages to be entertaining and fun, offering a refreshing take on the action genre.