6 Best Comic Book Movies Released Since 2020, Ranked

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Selina Kyle looking intently in The Batman

Published Oct 15, 2026, 7:21 PM EDT

Marcel is a writer who is passionate about most movies and series. He will watch anything that's good. He is a content manager by day and a videographer when needed. Marcel used to work at a major streaming service based in Asia Pacific as a Content Specialist and was the Distribution Manager for a local movie distribution company.

Comic book movies have dominated the box office for years. In a post-Endgame and post-DCEU world, the films in this genre have been interesting. They either keep holding on to a tried-and-true formula or experiment and end up with unique bangers. However, not all the films that fall under comic book movies are necessarily superhero movies. There have been exciting non-superhero movies based on comic books or graphic novels as well.

Here, we take a look at some of the best comic book movies that have been released since 2020. Of course, Marvel still dominates this list, but DC has been releasing solid movies recently. The movies on this list vary in their achievements. They deliver spectacular action, reinvent characters, or expand their universe to bold new heights.

6 'The Killer' (2023)

The Killer looking out a window in The Killer

The Killer follows a professional assassin with a rigid worldview and routine, played by Michael Fassbender. After his carefully planned assignment in Paris goes wrong and his personal life is disrupted, he seeks to find his employer and exact his revenge. He goes on a globetrotting journey to find people that can lead him all the way to the top.

While this is widely known as a David Fincher film, The Killer is actually based on a long-running French graphic novel by Matz and Luc Jacamon. When you've traced its comic book origins, it becomes so easy to imagine the panels and speech bubbles in every sequence. There are some sequences, such as the Killer's Paris escape or the fight sequences, that feel lifted directly from the pages. It is also a solid thriller film with great production and performances that also includes Tilda Swinton and Top Gun: Maverick's Charles Parnell. The film's many hidden CGI effects are also fascinating to look out for. It is undoubtedly one of the best Netflix releases.

5 'Zack Snyder's Justice League' (2021)

Superman with an ax on his shoulder to save Cyborg in Zack Snyder's Justice League

In Zack Snyder's Justice League, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) puts together a team to protect Earth from otherworldly threats after Superman (Henry Cavill) was killed. With help from Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), he recruits Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher). The team must come together when Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) arrives on Earth to retrieve Mother Boxes that can turn Earth into a wasteland.

The story behind the realization of this four-hour director's cut is well-documented. The film's greatest strength is that it treats the heroes seriously, almost like mythology. New characters such as The Flash and Cyborg are given extra screentime to understand where they are in this world. Cyborg in particular is given a heartbreaking story that is essential to the main plot itself. Visually, this film might be Zack Snyder at his best, as evidenced in the dramatic composition and large-scale action, complete with his usual sensibilities. Love it or hate it, it is a sprawling celebration of superheroes as modern legends, and one of the most distinctive comic-book adaptations in recent memory.

4 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' (2022)

Black Panther in Black Panther Wakanda Forever

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Wakanda is reeling from the death of T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and Shuri (Letitia Wright) steps in as the Black Panther replacing his brother. When the underwater civilization of Talokan is attacked by humans looking for vibranium, its ruler Namor (Tenoch Huerta) blames Wakanda and wages war against the nation for threatening their peaceful existence.

This Black Panther sequel is an underrated film because it is simply too difficult to match its predecessor's achievement. However, it still stands as one of the best superhero movies of the decade. It expands the world introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and also adopts a tone that's usually unseen in superhero films. By paying respects to Boseman, the film is a moving meditation on grief and responsibility. It celebrates Boseman's legacy as well as his character in the film. The introduction of Talokan is also a highlight. With Ludwig Göransson's score, Ruth E. Carter's gorgeous costumes, and a strong ensemble cast, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a rare blockbuster film with genuine thematic weight.

3 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' (2023)

Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Pom Klementieff in Guardians of the Galaxy 3

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the titular team once again sets out on a galactical adventure when Rocket (Bradley Cooper) is injured. Quill (Chris Pratt) and the team desperately try to find a way to save their friend. Their path pits them against the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), who has a pivotal role in Rocket's past.

Often dubbed the best film in MCU's Phase Five, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a satisfying closing chapter to the colorful team's adventures. As usual, James Gunn brings his trademark irreverent humor and lovable characters, but this time he blends it with a devastating story about trauma. Rocket's backstory gives the film its emotional centerpiece, while also highlighting the issue of animal cruelty. The team faces a worthy villain in The High Evolutionary, played brilliantly and menacingly by Chukwudi Iwuji. The action is still as spectacular as the previous films. The film marks Gunn's last MCU film before he moved to lead DC Studios.

2 'The Batman' (2022)

close-up of Robert Pattinson in the batsuit with his mask off, dark circles around his eyes

The Batman follows Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) as he continues fighting crime in his second year as the Caped Crusader in Gotham. When the Riddler (Paul Dano) begins murdering prominent political figures and leaving cryptic messages, Batman teams up with Lieutenant James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) and Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz) to investigate a conspiracy that reaches into Gotham's elite.

Despite being the third iteration of Batman this millennium, Matt Reeves' film brings something new to the character. It treats Batman as both a superhero and a detective. The film builds a gripping neo-noir mystery with a carefully crafted story that takes it time to breathe. Pattinson delivers a modern and new interpretation of Bruce Wayne. This version is a socially isolated, emotionally wounded young man who has become so consumed by vengeance. The film's noir approach is complemented by its cinematography, Michael Giacchino's piano-led score and grounded production and action. The highly anticipated sequel to this film is currently filming.

1 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (2023)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse follows Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he gets involved in a new multiversal adventure. He discovers an organization of Spider-Men from different universes led by Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac). The society's goal is to preserve canon events, including the painful, tragic ones, and Miles cannot just stand to see suffering when he has the ability to stop it.

Across the Spider-Verse is an extraordinary achievement because it pushes the style introduced in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse even further. The visuals in this film is more ambitious and inventive. Every dimension has its own artistic identity, from the expressive watercolor-inspired world of Gwen Stacy, the chaotic, punk-rock aesthetic surrounding Spider-Punk to a cute stopmotion sequence made by a talented young creator. Beneath all the spectacle, the film also has a strong, character-driven story that centers on Miles. It's an achievement in itself to pack hundreds of Spider-Men but still keep it focused. The film is always in conversation among the best superhero movies ever made.