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The best 20 movies you didn’t know were based on comics and graphic novels

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - October 16th 2024, 13:30 GMT+2

Cropped About — About this gallery:

To create this list, we decided to focus on movies you might not have known originated from the world of comics and graphic novels. For that reason, we’re skipping the obvious choices, like superhero movies.

On top of that, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a ranked list, and we’re not saying which one is the best (although we all know it’s *Persepolis*). | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen — The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Based on Alan Moore's graphic novel, this one brings together a motley crew of Victorian-era literary heroes. The comic had a clever blend of fantasy and steampunk vibes, but the film... well, it didn't quite capture the magic. Still, there's something fun about seeing Captain Nemo and Allan Quatermain team up, even if it’s a far cry from Moore's original masterpiece. | © 20th Century Fox

Jonah Hex MSN — Jonah Hex (2010)

Straight from the pages of DC Comics, *Jonah Hex* tells the tale of a disfigured, gunslinging bounty hunter with a grim past. The comic was a gritty, violent western, but the movie tried to add a dash of supernatural flair that, frankly, felt more "huh?" than "whoa." Still, the spirit of the scarred anti-hero shines through… kinda. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped The Spirit — The Spirit (2008)

Will Eisner's *The Spirit* is a beloved, stylish detective comic, filled with noir charm and a sense of humor. The movie? Well, it took that noir charm and buried it under layers of overly dramatic, stylized visuals. It’s like Frank Miller thought, “What if *Sin City*, but with less coherence?” Sorry, Spirit fans, the comic still reigns supreme. | © Lionsgate

Cropped Bullet to the Head — Bullet to the Head (2012)

Adapted from the French graphic novel *Du Plomb Dans La Tête*, this gritty action flick follows a hitman out for revenge. The comic had a raw, no-nonsense vibe, and the movie follows suit with lots of bullets, blood, and one-liners. Sylvester Stallone fits the bill, but let’s face it, the comic’s subtle storytelling kinda got lost in all the explosions. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Cowboys Aliens — Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

Jon Favreau’s film adapted the *Cowboys & Aliens* graphic novel, which asked the all-important question: what if cowboys fought aliens? The comic was a genre mash-up full of wild west action and extraterrestrial intrigue, but the movie felt like it couldn’t decide whether to lean into the weird or keep things serious. Still, who doesn’t want to see Daniel Craig fight aliens with a six-shooter? | © Universal Pictures

Cropped RED — RED (2010)

Based on Warren Ellis’s graphic novel, *RED* is all about retired, extremely dangerous agents who get back in action. The comic was dark and gritty, but the movie cranked up the fun and humor with an all-star cast. It’s Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren wielding machine guns—that's the kind of comic-to-screen adaptation we can get behind. | © Summit Entertainment

Cropped 30 Days of Night — 30 Days of Night (2007)

The comic *30 Days of Night* was a terrifying horror story set in an Alaskan town plunged into darkness, with vampires ready to feast. The film did a decent job capturing the eerie isolation and bloodthirsty monsters from the graphic novel. It’s brutal, it’s cold, and it reminds you why vampires and extended winter nights are a terrible mix. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped The Crow — The Crow (1994)

James O’Barr’s *The Crow* was a dark, gothic graphic novel about love, loss, and revenge from beyond the grave. The movie stayed true to the gritty, tragic atmosphere of the comic, and its dark visuals perfectly matched the tone. Both the graphic novel and film became cult classics for their beautiful, haunting storytelling. | © Miramax Films

Cropped 300 — 300 (2006)

Frank Miller’s graphic novel *300* took the Battle of Thermopylae and turned it into an epic, blood-soaked tale of heroism and sacrifice. The movie? It faithfully adapted every slow-motion spear thrust and dramatic yell, bringing Miller’s stylized visuals to life. It’s less history and more comic book mythology, but hey, that’s why it works. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Sin City — Sin City (2005)

Frank Miller’s *Sin City* graphic novels were a mix of noir and ultra-violence, with a visual style that jumped off the page. The movie adaptation is one of the most faithful ever, with the stark black-and-white aesthetic and brutal storytelling intact. Watching *Sin City* feels like flipping through the pages of the comic, frame by frame. | © Dimension Films

Cropped V for Vendetta — V for Vendetta (2005)

Alan Moore’s *V for Vendetta* is a dystopian tale of rebellion, freedom, and masks. The comic had a political edge that cut deep, while the movie took a more Hollywood approach but still kept the core themes intact. While Moore famously disowned the film, it’s hard to deny its impact, especially when those iconic masks started popping up at protests. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped A History of Violence — A History of Violence (2005)

The graphic novel *A History of Violence* was a brutal, psychological thriller about a man with a violent past trying to escape his demons. The film adaptation captured the essence of the story but added more layers of complexity. It’s a rare case where the movie expands on the graphic novel’s themes, delivering an even more intense experience. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped Ghost World — Ghost World (2001)

Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel *Ghost World* is a sardonic, poignant look at the awkward transition between adolescence and adulthood. The film beautifully captures that same offbeat, quirky tone, following two teens navigating their way through life’s existential weirdness. It’s one of the most faithful comic adaptations, with a charm that’s hard to resist. | © MGM

Cropped Watchmen — Watchmen (2009)

Alan Moore’s *Watchmen* is one of the most celebrated graphic novels of all time, turning the superhero genre on its head. Zack Snyder’s movie did a commendable job of adapting the complex, multi-layered story, even if purists might grumble about some changes. Regardless, it’s a visually striking take on a comic book that redefined the genre. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Snowpiercer — Snowpiercer (2013)

Based on the French graphic novel *Le Transperceneige*, *Snowpiercer* is a dystopian tale set on a train hurtling through a frozen wasteland. The movie captured the claustrophobic, high-stakes atmosphere of the comic, with its brutal class warfare and desperate fight for survival. Plus, it’s a Bong Joon-ho film, so you know it’s going to be a wild ride. | © CJ Entertainment

Cropped Scott Pilgrim vs the World — Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

Bryan Lee O’Malley’s *Scott Pilgrim* series was a hilarious, video game-inspired romp about love, life, and battling evil exes. Edgar Wright’s film adaptation is a perfect translation of the comic’s hyperactive style, quirky humor, and over-the-top battles. It’s a comic book movie that feels like a video game—what more could you ask for? | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Oldboy — Oldboy (2003)

The original *Oldboy* graphic novel is a dark, twisted tale of revenge that delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist. The film adaptation by Park Chan-wook cranked the intensity to eleven, turning this already unsettling story into an absolute gut punch. The comic may be disturbing, but the film? It’s downright unforgettable. | © Show East

Cropped Road to Perdition — Road to Perdition (2002)

The graphic novel *Road to Perdition* by Max Allan Collins is a crime noir story set during the Great Depression, following a hitman and his son. The movie captures the brooding, melancholy tone of the comic, and Tom Hanks as a cold-blooded killer is just the cherry on top. Both the graphic novel and film offer a poignant mix of action and emotion. | © DreamWorks Pictures

Cropped Persepolis — Persepolis (2007)

Marjane Satrapi’s *Persepolis* is an autobiographical graphic novel about growing up during the Iranian Revolution. The movie adaptation, directed by Satrapi herself, stays true to the simple, striking visuals and deeply personal storytelling of the comic. Both the graphic novel and film are powerful, moving works of art that explore identity, politics, and culture. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped Blue Is the Warmest Colour — Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

Julie Maroh’s *Blue Is the Warmest Color* is a graphic novel about love, identity, and self-discovery. The film adaptation took the core emotional elements of the comic and turned them into a raw, intimate cinematic experience. While the film stirred up controversy, it remains a deeply affecting love story, much like the graphic novel. | © IFC Films

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You might think of superheroes and spandex when you hear "comics and graphic novels," but the truth is, there’s a whole world of film adaptations that fly under the radar. From noir thrillers to dystopian futures, some of the most compelling movies out there were inspired by graphic novels and comics you wouldn’t expect.

Whether you’re a comic book aficionado or just a movie buff, this list is bound to surprise you with films you had no idea came straight from the pages of illustrated stories. Get ready to see some of your favorite films in a whole new light!

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You might think of superheroes and spandex when you hear "comics and graphic novels," but the truth is, there’s a whole world of film adaptations that fly under the radar. From noir thrillers to dystopian futures, some of the most compelling movies out there were inspired by graphic novels and comics you wouldn’t expect.

Whether you’re a comic book aficionado or just a movie buff, this list is bound to surprise you with films you had no idea came straight from the pages of illustrated stories. Get ready to see some of your favorite films in a whole new light!