You Don't Know These Weird Superhero Movies: No Marvel or DC

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - July 9th 2025, 19:00 GMT+2

Cropped upgrade 2018 — Upgrade (2018)

In a near-future world where technology pushes the limits of human capability, *Upgrade* offers a gripping twist on the classic revenge story. After being left paralyzed following a brutal attack, Gray Trace (Logan Marshall-Green) is given a cutting-edge AI implant, STEM, that restores his mobility – and gives him enhanced abilities. What follows is a thrilling ride filled with intense fight sequences and psychological tension, as Gray hunts down those responsible for his condition. Directed by Leigh Whannell, *Upgrade* blends elements of cyberpunk, body horror, and high-octane action, making it a standout in the genre. Marshall-Green delivers a compelling performance as a man whose quest for vengeance spirals into something far more complex. The movie's gritty and futuristic aesthetic, coupled with its philosophical exploration of technology's role in society, offers a unique take on superheroism. | © Blumhouse Productions

Cropped brightburn 2019 — Brightburn (2019)

What if the story of Superman had a terrifying twist? That’s exactly the premise of *Brightburn*, which reimagines the superhero origin story from a sinister perspective. Brandon Breyer (Jackson A. Dunn), an extraterrestrial child with unimaginable powers, starts his life in a rural town – but instead of becoming a force for good, he grows darker and more violent. The horror elements in this film are impossible to ignore, as Brandon’s powers spiral out of control, leading to catastrophic consequences. Directed by David Yarovesky, *Brightburn* is a chilling blend of superhero lore and psychological horror, with Elizabeth Banks and David Denman portraying his concerned, yet helpless, adoptive parents. The film pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a hero – or a villain – delivering a horrifying twist on the familiar Superman mythos. | © Sony Pictures

Cropped kick ass 2010 — Kick-Ass (2010)

In a world where superheroes are typically defined by flashy powers and extraordinary abilities, *Kick-Ass* proves that anyone can be a hero, even if they have no special talents or training. Dave Lizewski (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a regular teenager, decides to become a vigilante and ends up finding himself in over his head. This quirky, bloody, and wildly entertaining film is a subversion of traditional superhero tropes, featuring unforgettable characters like the foul-mouthed Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and her eccentric father, Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage). Directed by Matthew Vaughn, *Kick-Ass* embraces a mix of dark humor and hard-hitting action that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It's a refreshing take on the genre, one that embraces the chaos and reality of being a "hero" without any superpowers. | © Lionsgate

Cropped super 2010 — Super (2010)

Not your typical superhero film, *Super* explores the dark side of vigilante justice with a mix of absurdity and grit. Frank Darbo (Rainn Wilson) is an ordinary man who, after his wife (Liv Tyler) is lured away by a drug dealer (Kevin Bacon), decides to take justice into his own hands. Donning the ridiculous costume of "The Crimson Bolt," Frank begins his quest to clean up his city, despite having no actual powers or skills. Directed by James Gunn, *Super* is both a dark comedy and a brutal commentary on the obsession with heroism. The film blends offbeat humor with shocking violence, making it a raw and unusual addition to the superhero genre. Wilson’s performance is both hilarious and heartbreaking, making *Super* a truly unconventional and thought-provoking take on the idea of justice. | © IFC Films

Cropped defendor 2009 — Defendor (2009)

*Defendor* is a heartfelt, yet offbeat, exploration of a man’s delusion that he is a superhero, despite having no superpowers to speak of. Arthur Poppington (Woody Harrelson) spends his days in a makeshift costume, trying to protect his neighborhood from the evil forces he believes are out to destroy it. The film’s unique approach offers a poignant look at mental illness, as Arthur’s sense of reality becomes increasingly distorted. Directed by Peter Stebbings, *Defendor* blends dark humor with raw emotion, delivering a story that is as touching as it is eccentric. With a strong supporting performance by Kat Dennings, who plays an unlikely ally, the film is a refreshing and complex take on the superhero trope. *Defendor* shows that sometimes, the real heroism is in the heart, even when the world doesn’t see it that way. | © Alliance Films

Cropped hancock 2008 — Hancock (2008)

*Hancock* takes a more cynical look at the life of a superhero, exploring the consequences of power without responsibility. Will Smith plays the titular character, an unconventional and flawed hero with the ability to fly and super strength – but with a serious attitude problem. Hancock’s reckless behavior causes more harm than good, leading to a tarnished reputation. However, when he meets Ray (Jason Bateman), a public relations expert who attempts to reinvent his image, Hancock begins to see the value of heroism in a new light. Directed by Peter Berg, *Hancock* blends action, comedy, and drama, creating a superhero film with a unique, relatable twist. Smith’s charismatic performance and the film’s unexpected turns provide an entertaining take on what happens when a hero isn’t exactly “heroic.” | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped sky high 2005 — Sky High (2005)

*Sky High* takes the concept of superhero high school to a whole new level. The film centers on Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), the son of two iconic superheroes, who is struggling to find his place in a school where students are sorted into heroes or sidekicks. As Will navigates the challenges of high school, he learns that the true meaning of heroism lies not in powers or status, but in heart. Directed by Mike Mitchell, *Sky High* is a fun and family-friendly film that appeals to both younger audiences and nostalgic adults. With a cast that includes Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, and Bruce Campbell, the film offers plenty of humor, heart, and superhero antics. *Sky High* is a charming, lighthearted take on the classic superhero story, wrapped in a high school setting. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped the league of extraordinary gentlemen 2003 — The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, *The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen* brings together a motley crew of 19th-century literary characters, each possessing unique abilities, to fight a world-threatening villain. This action-packed adventure stars Sean Connery as Allan Quatermain, leading the group that includes characters like Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, and the Invisible Man. Directed by Stephen Norrington, the film is a blend of steampunk, fantasy, and superhero elements, filled with explosive action and a quirky ensemble cast. Despite its mixed reviews, *The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen* offers a fascinating look at how classic literary figures could be transformed into a team of superheroes. With its historical and fantastical blend, the movie remains an intriguing take on the genre. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped chronicle 2012 — Chronicle (2012)

*Chronicle* is a fresh and unique take on the found-footage genre, combined with the superhero storyline. The film follows three high school friends – Andrew (Dane DeHaan), Matt (Alex Russell), and Steve (Michael B. Jordan) – who gain telekinetic powers after discovering a mysterious object. As they begin to experiment with their new abilities, the line between good and evil blurs, and their personal lives spiral out of control. Directed by Josh Trank, *Chronicle* offers a grounded, emotional, and often intense exploration of power and its effects on human behavior. The film's raw, gritty approach, paired with its strong performances, makes it stand out as a character-driven superhero story. *Chronicle* is a powerful reminder that even with extraordinary abilities, the human side of the story is what truly matters. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped mystery men 1999 — Mystery Men (1999)

*Mystery Men* is an offbeat, cult classic that delivers a hilarious and unconventional take on superheroes. The film follows a group of misfit vigilantes with laughable powers, including a man who can turn invisible – but only when nobody is looking. Led by the likes of Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear) and the Blue Raja (Hank Azaria), these unqualified, underwhelming heroes are tasked with saving the city from a nefarious villain, Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush). Directed by Kinka Usher, *Mystery Men* is a quirky, satirical look at the superhero genre, poking fun at the idea of heroism while embracing the absurdity of its characters. With an ensemble cast including Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, and William H. Macy, the film’s off-kilter humor and quirky charm have turned it into a beloved oddball entry in the superhero genre. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped the crow — The Crow (1994)

*The Crow* is a hauntingly dark and emotional take on the superhero genre, blending gothic romance with intense action. The film follows Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), a rock musician who is tragically murdered along with his fiancée. A year later, Eric is resurrected by a mystical crow and embarks on a mission of vengeance against the criminals who took his life. Directed by Alex Proyas, *The Crow* stands out for its atmospheric tone, dark visuals, and its exploration of love, loss, and justice. Lee's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, and his tragic death during the production of the film only adds to the film's emotional weight. The movie has since become a cult classic, revered for its blend of gothic aesthetics, heavy themes, and its unforgettable portrayal of grief and retribution. | © Miramax Films

Cropped the rocketeer 1991 — The Rocketeer (1991)

Set in the 1930s, *The Rocketeer* is a nostalgic, high-flying adventure that brings the golden age of comics to life. The film centers around Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell), a down-on-his-luck pilot who stumbles upon a jetpack developed by a Nazi scientist. With this newfound technology, he becomes the daring and heroic "Rocketeer," taking on spies, criminals, and villains in a battle for justice. Directed by Joe Johnston, the film is a love letter to old-school pulp serials and comic book heroes. With a cast that includes Jennifer Connelly as the leading lady and Timothy Dalton as the villainous Neville Sinclair, *The Rocketeer* delivers a blend of action, romance, and a touch of retro charm. The film's upbeat tone, coupled with its period-appropriate aesthetic, makes it a fun and family-friendly superhero film that has garnered a loyal fanbase over the years. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped darkman 1990 — Darkman (1990)

*Darkman* is a unique and twisted take on the superhero genre, combining horror, action, and drama in a way that only Sam Raimi can. The film follows Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson), a scientist who is horrifically disfigured after a violent attack. Using his skills, he creates synthetic skin and adopts a new identity as the mysterious "Darkman." Unable to feel emotion or experience his own face, Peyton becomes a vengeful figure, targeting those who wronged him. Directed by Sam Raimi, *Darkman* is a darkly stylized film that blends elements of gothic horror with traditional superhero themes. Neeson’s performance, coupled with Raimi’s trademark visual flair, creates an unforgettable antihero whose quest for justice and vengeance takes him down a dangerous, emotional path. The film’s innovative approach to the superhero genre has earned it a cult following. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped unbreakable 2000 — Unbreakable (2000)

*Unbreakable* offers a grounded, realistic approach to the superhero origin story, making it a standout film in the genre. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film follows David Dunn (Bruce Willis), a man who survives a horrific train crash without a scratch. As he begins to question his strange invulnerability, he meets Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), a man who believes that David may be the hero in a world that desperately needs one. *Unbreakable* takes a slow, deliberate approach to its story, focusing on the psychological impact of discovering one's extraordinary abilities. Shyamalan’s direction, coupled with strong performances from Willis and Jackson, creates a tense, thought-provoking film that explores themes of destiny, weakness, and strength. It’s a unique, introspective superhero film that’s as much about character development as it is about action and spectacle. | © Touchstone Pictures

Cropped the toxic avenger 1984 — The Toxic Avenger (1984)

One of the most irreverent and bizarre superhero films ever made, *The Toxic Avenger* is a campy, gory, and darkly comedic take on the genre. The film tells the story of Melvin, a nerdy janitor who is transformed into a grotesque mutant after falling into a vat of toxic waste. As the "Toxic Avenger," he embarks on a violent, humorous mission to rid his town of criminals and wrongdoers. Directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman, *The Toxic Avenger* is a cornerstone of the Troma Entertainment brand, known for its low-budget, over-the-top approach to filmmaking. With its absurd sense of humor, excessive violence, and satirical social commentary, the film became a cult classic, spawning sequels and a long-lasting legacy in the world of exploitation cinema. The Toxic Avenger’s outrageous, often absurd antics ensure it remains one of the most unforgettable and unconventional superhero films in history. | © Troma Entertainment

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Superhero movies have dominated the box office for over a decade, with Marvel and DC leading the charge. However, not all iconic superhero stories come from these two colossal comic book universes. In this article, we’re diving into 15 unconventional superhero movies that stray from the mainstream and offer something fresh, unique, and thrilling. Whether you're tired of the typical superhero tropes or looking for a hidden gem, these films offer exciting alternatives to the usual Marvel and DC fare. From gritty narratives to unconventional heroes, these movies are sure to redefine what it means to be a "superhero." Ready to explore new dimensions of the genre? Let’s jump into the world of these lesser-known yet unforgettable superhero films!