Top 10 Films Inspired by DC Comics Comic Books and Graphic Novels

Christopher Nolan's intelligent take on the Batman origin gives us a more realistic interpretation of the character. In what may be the best comic book hero origin ever done in a film, Nolan brings us deep into the psychology of what would compel an individual to put a costume on to fight crime. After witnessing the death of his parents, wealthy orphan Bruce Wayne decides that he wants to clean up his city and rid it of the criminality that he holds responsible for his parents' death. He also gathers together an amazing cast including Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, and Ken Watanabe.
See the full review, "The Legend of the Batman Begins".

Perhaps the darkest of the mainstream films based on DC characters, this amazing 2008 follow-up to Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" takes the Batman character into a world of escalation and tragedy. As Batman faces his newest and most unpredictable enemy, The Joker, we watch as chaos and insanity proliferate in Gotham City whilst only Batman can stop it. But to do so, he will have to sacrifice everything that he's fought for. Once again Nolan gathers together an excellent cast that includes Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart ,Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman.
See the full review, "The Dark Knight Strikes".

No one ever thought that it could be done. No one expected that Zach Snyder could do it, but Snyder's 2009 anti-hero epic "Watchmen" miraculously surpassed expectations and proved once and for all that Alan Moore's 12-part comic book series "Watchmen" was indeed filmable. Though the theatrical version is a mixed bag, Snyder's extended Director's Cut is an amazing viewing experience with more thematic depth and greater characterization, bringing viewers even closer to the source material. In an alternate 1985, a group of costumed vigilantes begin investigating a murderous conspiracy while reminiscing about their "glory day" gone by and questioning their contributions to the world. The film features a nice cast that includes Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, and Stephen McHattie.
See the full review, ""Who Watches the Watchmen?"".

Another classic graphic novel by Alan Moore brought to life in an effective anti-hero thriller. This 2006 political actioner was directed by James McTeigue and though the film and the graphic novel are very different, much of the mood and the spirit of the book are captured in the film quite well. When England falls under the rule of an uber-conservative totalitarian government, an outcast and rebel named V begins a chain of events that will not only allow him his revenge against the corrupt government but will also free the English people from tyranny. The film stars Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, John Hurt, Stephen Fry, Stephen Rea, Sinead Cusack, and Rupert Graves.

Though the 1978 film feels somewhat dated and even a little cheesy, the unforgettable performance by Christopher Reeve earns it a spot on any list of great superhero films. Directed by Richard Donner, "Superman: The Movie" has all the action, charm, and romance that one might expect from a late 1970 interpretation of the comics. Just before the planet Krypton is destroyed, Jor-El sends his only son, Kal-El, to the planet Earth via a rocket. When Kal-El lands, he is adopted by the Kent family in Smallville, Kansas. Newly named Clark Kent, he grows up to discover he has super powers and soon he becomes Superman, the world's first super hero. The film includes Christopher Reeve, Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp, and Ned Beatty.

One of the major complaints with the original Superman film was that it was too long and that there wasn't enough action. Well, this 1980 sequel takes care of that. Superman must battle a group of villains from Krypton that also have super powers and all the while balancing his life as a super hero with his life as a reporter and protecting Lois Lane. The film stars Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, and Terence Stamp.