Top 5 CBM’s That Changed The Game

I have amassed a list to be what I consider the top 5 most important comic book movies (CBM’s), of all time. These movies are not only considered classics, but paved the way for what is now one of the most successful genres of our time. Let’s jump right in; but first, my honorable mentions.

Honorable mentions: The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012) Director: Christopher Nolan

            While not the jumping off point of the “real world” aspect, it was the rebirth of the most popular comic book hero of all time. And Heath Ledger’s Joker will go down of one of, if not, the greatest CBM portrayal of all time. Nolan gave us an incredible trilogy, and though his time in the DC universe may be fading, we can stand and solute him for his great, memorable, and beloved work… Now on to the real list.

5. Batman (1989) Director: Tim Burton

            Though no the first CBM, this film is considered by many to be the quintessential Batman. At the time, it was dark and real. Which was a new element people hadn’t seen before. This movie showed that people wanted to see more CBM’s. And for the next decade, this franchise single handedly ruled the genre. And even though the casting of Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman was very controversial before hand, many fans see him as the best depiction of the tormented/billionaire playboy to date. Until Batfleck that is.

4. X-Men (2000) Director: Bryan Singer

            This movie was the first CBM after a hesitant period for CBM’s. The first at bat, but the first jumping off point of “real world” application. Grounding it in enough reality to convince viewers of this newly visualized take on CBM’s. Many argue that the 2002 Spiderman was responsible, but it is clear that the original X-Men got there first. Setting the pace for all of the future CBM’s to follow. And keep in mind that this franchise is still ongoing. This movie has not only set the tone, but has been producing sequels, prequels, and even in-betweenquels for over fifteen years (Age of Apocalypse in 2016). Say what you will pre X-Men, but compared to now, the previous movies don’t hold up in comparison.

3. Kevin Feige (2008- ) President of Production: Marvel Studios (Disney); Producer

            OK, this is my cheat. So it all started back in 2008, when Iron Man came out. And continued on until the 2012 hit, The Avengers. And is still dominant in this genre. But Who is Kevin Feige? If you don’t already know, Feige is the mastermind behind the entire Marvel cinematic universe. He is the one responsible for creating the blueprint for the shared universe. He is also a producer on every Marvel movie. Assuring we are continually graced with fun, action packed, and quality movies (for the most part); which is very hard to do. Though the birth of a “shared cinematic universe” is still relatively new in the CBM world, it is easy to see that this has become a staple in every major CBM.

2. Superman (1978) Director: Richard Donner

            The original, first big budget, classic, that is Superman. This is the godfather of all CBM’s. Before this movie, there was nothing on the big screen like it. It not only was a HUGE risk to put that much money behind something, that at the time, was a silly program for kids, but turned an even bigger reword. When people mention this movie, they don’t say “Superman”, or “Superman: The Movie”, no they call it “The original Superman”. And think about it, there is no other “Superman”. There are its sequels (with different titles), Superman Returns, and Man of Steel. You could easily just say “Superman”, but we add “The original” because it is in all accounts, THE CBM… However I do have one more spot on my list.

1. Batman & Robin (1997) Director: Joel Schumacher

            WHAT!? BAT-NIPPLES!? Yes, Bat-nipples. This movie, while essentially breaking even at the Box Office, was/is one of the most critically hated movies of all time. After Tim Burton’s two successful films, Schumacher stepped in to fill the slot. First releasing Batman Forever (1995), a more colorful approach of the caped crusader. And while the Batman Forever made money, it wasn’t as loved as the Burton films. But WB gave Joel another shot at it… What could go wrong?

            That’s right a second paragraph. Well I won’t go into everything that’s wrong with this move, we all know. The funny thing is, I grew up with Schumacher’s films, so I didn’t really understand how bad they were; but let’s just say the rain is gone. However, the reason this is my #1 is because it showed Hollywood, that people cared about CBM’s. People not only wanted to see an entertaining movie, but a good movie. After this disappointment (being nice), everyone realized that we couldn’t take this route anymore. So in a way we have to thank Joel. It’s like when someone sleeps with you, and then tells you that they are gay… Schumacher set us free.

Now obviously these are all my opinions, but what do you think? Leave comments below on your top CBM’s that changed the game. Thanks for reading.