14 Forgotten Superhero Movies That Came Out Before Iron Man (2008)

The cinematic landscape was vastly different before the Marvel Cinematic Universe established its dominance over the global box office. Studios frequently experimented with standalone adaptations of pulp heroes and obscure comic book characters during the decades leading up to the modern era. These productions often featured practical effects and unique directorial visions that distinguish them from contemporary CGI spectacles. Many of these films have faded from the public consciousness despite featuring major stars and ambitious storylines. Exploring these earlier entries provides a fascinating look at the evolution of the superhero genre.

‘The Shadow’ (1994)

Alec Baldwin stars as Lamont Cranston in this visually striking adaptation of the classic radio serial and pulp novel character. The wealthy playboy moonlights as a mysterious vigilante who possesses the psychic ability to cloud men’s minds. He faces off against Shiwan Khan in a battle to save New York City from a nuclear threat. Director Russell Mulcahy infused the film with a distinct art deco aesthetic that captures the atmosphere of the 1930s. The movie attempted to launch a franchise but ultimately became a cult classic rather than a blockbuster hit.

‘The Phantom’ (1996)

Billy Zane dons the purple suit to play Kit Walker in this colorful adventure film based on the strip by Lee Falk. The story follows the twenty-first successor of a lineage of crime fighters known as The Ghost Who Walks. He travels to New York to prevent a wealthy criminal genius from acquiring three mystical skulls that grant immense power. The production aimed for a lighthearted and swashbuckling tone that contrasted with the darker superhero films of the era. It remains a faithful tribute to the Golden Age of comic strips despite its struggle at the box office.

‘The Rocketeer’ (1991)

Cliff Secord stumbles upon a top-secret jet pack that allows him to fly and inevitably attracts the attention of the FBI and Nazi spies. The stunt pilot must balance his new heroics with his relationship with aspiring actress Jenny Blake. Timothy Dalton plays a villainous Hollywood actor who is secretly working for the enemy in pre-World War II Los Angeles. Director Joe Johnston later brought his expertise in period superhero films to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his work on the first Captain America movie. This film is often praised for its earnest storytelling and spectacular flying sequences.

‘Darkman’ (1990)

Director Sam Raimi created this original superhero character after failing to secure the rights to The Shadow or Batman. Liam Neeson plays Peyton Westlake who is a scientist left for dead by mobsters after a brutal lab explosion. The experiment renders him impervious to pain but leaves him emotionally unstable and prone to violent outbursts. Westlake uses his synthetic skin technology to impersonate his enemies and dismantle the criminal organization that destroyed his life. The film combines elements of classic horror with comic book tropes in a unique revenge tragedy.

‘Mystery Men’ (1999)

This satirical comedy focuses on a group of amateur superheroes with unimpressive powers who must save the day when the city’s actual hero is captured. Ben Stiller leads the ensemble cast as Mr. Furious alongside characters like The Shoveler and The Blue Raja. The film deconstructs the tropes of the genre long before subversive takes on superheroes became popular in mainstream media. It features a distinct visual style and a bizarre production design that creates a surreal urban environment. Audiences initially overlooked the film but it has since gained appreciation for its quirky humor and creative cast.

‘Spawn’ (1997)

Michael Jai White portrays Al Simmons who is a murdered government assassin resurrected as a reluctant soldier for the devil. He returns to Earth with a disfigured face and a symbiotic suit that grants him limited magical abilities. The protagonist struggles to regain his humanity while being manipulated by a demonic clown named Violator. The movie was one of the first major films to feature an African American superhero in the lead role. It relied heavily on digital effects to bring the dark and gritty comic book aesthetic to the big screen.

‘Steel’ (1997)

Shaquille O’Neal stars as John Henry Irons who is a weapons designer determined to stop his technology from being used by street gangs. He quits his job and builds a suit of armor and a massive hammer to fight crime in Los Angeles. The film strips away the Superman connection found in the source material to function as a standalone story. Critics panned the movie for its low production values and the basketball star’s acting performance. It serves as an interesting artifact from a time when studios cast athletes in lead action roles without established franchises.

‘The Meteor Man’ (1993)

Robert Townsend wrote and directed this comedy about a mild-mannered teacher who gains powers after being struck by a glowing green meteorite. He decides to use his new abilities to clean up his Washington D.C. neighborhood and fight a local gang called the Golden Lords. The film features an impressive ensemble of African American actors and musicians including James Earl Jones and Cypress Hill. It blends social commentary with superhero tropes to address community issues through a fantasy lens. The story emphasizes the importance of community activism over sheer physical power.

‘Blankman’ (1994)

Damon Wayans plays a childlike inventor who becomes a crime fighter using gadgets made from household junk. He teams up with his skeptical brother to stop a corrupt mobster who is manipulating the city’s political system. The film operates as a parody of the 1960s Batman television series and features a bright and campy aesthetic. Much of the humor derives from the absurdity of the protagonist’s low-budget equipment and his earnest dedication to justice. It stands out as a unique entry in the subgenre of superhero comedies.

‘The Punisher’ (1989)

Dolph Lundgren stars as Frank Castle in this early attempt to bring the Marvel vigilante to theaters. The character lives in the sewers and wages a one-man war against the mafia after the murder of his family. He is forced to work with his mob enemies when the Yakuza attempts to take over the criminal underworld. The filmmakers made the controversial decision to remove the iconic skull logo from the protagonist’s costume. This gritty action movie feels more like a standard 1980s revenge thriller than a comic book adaptation.

‘Captain America’ (1990)

Matt Salinger wields the shield in this low-budget adaptation that sees Steve Rogers frozen in ice and waking up in modern times. He must travel to Italy to stop the Red Skull who has become a powerful and sophisticated criminal mastermind. The film suffered from a troubled production history and was eventually released directly to video and cable television. It takes significant liberties with the source material regarding the origin of the villain. The movie is often remembered for its questionable special effects and campy tone.

‘Swamp Thing’ (1982)

Horror legend Wes Craven directed this adaptation of the DC Comics character about a scientist transformed into a plant monster. Ray Wise plays Alec Holland before the accident while Dick Durock portrays the creature in the rubber suit. The plot involves a government agent protecting a woman from the evil Dr. Arcane who seeks the formula for immortality. It combines elements of romance and science fiction with the director’s signature tension. The film spawned a sequel and a television series despite its modest budget.

‘Supergirl’ (1984)

Helen Slater stars as Kara Zor-El who travels to Earth to recover a powerful Kryptonian orb known as the Omegahedron. She encounters a wicked witch named Selena who uses the artifact to boost her magical powers. The film was intended to expand the universe established by the Christopher Reeve Superman movies. It features a mix of fantasy elements and traditional superhero action sequences. The production was criticized upon release but Slater often receives praise for her earnest performance as the Girl of Steel.

‘Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ (1998)

David Hasselhoff dons the eyepatch to play the legendary spy in this television movie written by David S. Goyer. The retired colonel is called back into action to stop the children of Baron von Strucker from launching a deadly virus. The film embraces a pulp spy aesthetic that mirrors the comics more closely than the grounded tone of later adaptations. Hasselhoff approached the role with a seriousness that contrasts with the low budget of the production. It remains a curious footnote in the history of Marvel’s live-action endeavors.

Tell us which of these forgotten superhero flicks you remember watching in the comments.