15 Best 80s Superhero Movies, Ranked

The 1980s were a vibrant and transitional period for superhero cinema. While the genre hadn’t yet reached the dominant cultural force it is today, this decade laid crucial groundwork, delivering a mix of iconic portrayals, cult classics, and ambitious attempts to bring comic book heroes and original super-powered characters to the big screen. From dark, gritty interpretations to more lighthearted fare, these films captured the imagination of audiences.

We’re taking a look back at 15 superhero movies from the 1980s that left their mark, for better or worse, on the landscape of super-powered storytelling. Presented in an ascending order of their impact and lasting acclaim, these films showcase the evolution of superhero cinema during a truly memorable decade.

15. ‘Supergirl’ (1984)

Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin from Argo City (a surviving fragment of Krypton), travels to Earth to retrieve the Omegahedron, a powerful Kryptonian artifact essential for her city’s survival, after it falls into the hands of the villainous sorceress Selena. Adopting the identity of Linda Lee, Supergirl must learn to use her powers and stop Selena’s evil plans.

This film attempted to expand the cinematic Superman universe but struggled to find the same success. It featured Helen Slater in the titular role and Faye Dunaway as the campy antagonist, offering a lighter, more fantasy-oriented take on the Kryptonian saga.

14. ‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ (1987)

Concerned about the nuclear arms race, Superman decides to rid the world of all nuclear weapons. However, his noble efforts are complicated when Lex Luthor creates a new supervillain, Nuclear Man, powered by solar energy and a strand of Superman’s hair, to destroy the Man of Steel.

This installment is widely considered the weakest of the original Superman film series. Despite Christopher Reeve’s continued commitment to the role, the film suffered from a reduced budget, questionable special effects, and a convoluted plot.

13. ‘The Toxic Avenger’ (1984)

Melvin Ferd, a nerdy and bullied janitor at a health club in Tromaville, New Jersey, is accidentally doused in toxic waste after being chased by his tormentors. He is transformed into the Toxic Avenger, a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength, who becomes a surprisingly heroic protector of the innocent.

This low-budget Troma Entertainment cult classic is known for its over-the-top gore, slapstick humor, and satirical social commentary. “Toxie” became an unlikely superhero icon and the flagship character for Troma.

12. ‘Swamp Thing’ (1982)

Based on the DC Comics character, this film tells the story of Dr. Alec Holland, a scientist working on a secret bio-restorative formula in the Louisiana swamps. After a laboratory accident caused by the villainous Anton Arcane, Holland is transformed into the Swamp Thing, a monstrous plant-like creature who fights to protect his swamp and the woman he loves.

Directed by Wes Craven, this adaptation had a more B-movie, creature-feature feel. It starred Ray Wise as Holland (before the transformation) and Dick Durock as the Swamp Thing, with Adrienne Barbeau as Alice Cable.

11. ‘Howard the Duck’ (1986)

Howard, a sarcastic, cigar-chomping anthropomorphic duck from a parallel universe, is accidentally zapped to Earth. He lands in Cleveland, Ohio, where he befriends a struggling rock singer, Beverly Switzler, and must help stop an evil alien entity, the Dark Overlord, from another dimension.

Produced by George Lucas, this film was a notorious critical and commercial disappointment upon release. However, over the years, it has gained a cult following for its bizarre premise, quirky humor, and for being one of the earliest Marvel Comics characters to get a feature film.

10. ‘The Punisher’ (1989)

Dolph Lundgren stars as Frank Castle, a former police officer whose family was murdered by the mob. Now known as the Punisher, he wages a one-man war against organized crime. When the Japanese Yakuza tries to take over the local syndicates, the Punisher finds himself caught in the middle, forced to team up with one of his enemies to save innocent children.

This was the first live-action film adaptation of the Marvel Comics vigilante. Shot in Australia, it offered a gritty, action-packed take on the character, though it notably omitted his signature skull emblem.

9. ‘Superman III’ (1983)

A bumbling computer genius, Gus Gorman, is manipulated by a corrupt tycoon, Ross Webster, to help him achieve global domination. Their schemes involve kryptonite, which inadvertently splits Superman into two beings: his good self and an evil, selfish counterpart. The Man of Steel must battle his dark side while foiling Webster’s plans.

This installment took a more comedic turn, with Richard Pryor co-starring as Gus Gorman. While Christopher Reeve continued to shine as Superman, the film’s tonal shift and sillier plot elements were met with mixed reactions.

8. ‘RoboCop 2’ (1990) – Released in 1990, but development and pre-production largely in the late 80s, so often grouped with 80s sensibilities

RoboCop continues to fight crime in a dystopian Detroit besieged by a new, highly addictive designer drug called “Nuke.” Omni Consumer Products (OCP) is still trying to create a more “effective” law enforcement cyborg, leading to the creation of the dangerously unstable RoboCop 2, using the brain of a drug kingpin.

While released at the very start of the 90s, its style and themes are very much a continuation of the late 80s action/sci-fi boom. It upped the violence and satire but struggled to match the critical acclaim of the original. Peter Weller reprised his role as RoboCop.

7. ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (1990) – Similar to RoboCop 2, a 1990 release with strong 80s roots

Four pet turtles are accidentally exposed to radioactive ooze, transforming them into intelligent, human-sized, pizza-loving ninjas. Trained by their rat sensei, Splinter, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael emerge from the sewers of New York City to battle the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan.

Again, released in March 1990, the development and popularity surge of TMNT was a quintessential late-80s phenomenon. This live-action film, utilizing impressive animatronic suits from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, captured the spirit of the original darker comics while incorporating the fun of the animated series.

6. ‘Highlander’ (1986)

Connor MacLeod is an immortal Scottish swordsman born in the 16th century. After centuries of duels with other immortals, he must face his final, most powerful enemy, the Kurgan, in modern-day New York City. There can be only one.

While not a traditional superhero in the comic book sense, Connor MacLeod’s immortality, special abilities, and battle against an ancient evil align with many superhero tropes. The film is celebrated for its unique mythology, memorable Queen soundtrack, and Christopher Lambert’s iconic portrayal.

5. ‘Flash Gordon’ (1980)

American football hero Flash Gordon and his beautiful companion Dale Arden are whisked away to the planet Mongo by the eccentric Dr. Hans Zarkov to stop the tyrannical Emperor Ming the Merciless from destroying Earth. Flash must unite the warring factions of Mongo to overthrow Ming.

This adaptation of the classic comic strip is a beloved cult classic, famous for its campy style, vibrant visuals, over-the-top performances (especially Max von Sydow as Ming), and an unforgettable rock soundtrack by Queen. It’s a visually spectacular and highly entertaining space opera.

4. ‘The Terminator’ (1984)

A cyborg assassin from a war-torn future is sent back in time to 1984 Los Angeles to kill Sarah Connor, a young woman whose unborn son will one day lead humanity’s resistance against sentient machines. A lone human soldier is also sent back to protect her.

While primarily sci-fi action, the Terminator itself, an unstoppable killing machine, functions as a terrifying supervillain, and Kyle Reese, the protector, operates with near-superhuman determination. James Cameron’s film is a dark, relentless, and groundbreaking piece of cinema.

3. ‘RoboCop’ (1987)

In a crime-ridden, dystopian Detroit, police officer Alex Murphy is brutally murdered by a violent gang. He is then resurrected by the powerful Omni Consumer Products (OCP) as RoboCop, a heavily armed and armored cyborg law enforcement machine, essentially a man turned into a super-powered enforcer of justice.

Paul Verhoeven’s film is a brilliant blend of violent action, dark satire, and social commentary. RoboCop, with his enhanced strength, targeting systems, and unwavering (programmed) dedication to the law, is a unique take on the superhero archetype.

2. ‘Superman II’ (1980)

Just as Superman and Lois Lane’s relationship deepens, three Kryptonian supervillains, General Zod and his cohorts, are accidentally freed from the Phantom Zone. They arrive on Earth with powers matching Superman’s and a desire to conquer the planet, forcing the Man of Steel to make a difficult choice between his love and his duty.

This sequel successfully built upon the original, offering more action, higher stakes, and a formidable set of villains. Christopher Reeve continued to embody the ideal Superman, and the film explored themes of sacrifice and responsibility, making it a beloved and enduring superhero classic.

1. ‘Batman’ (1989)

Billionaire Bruce Wayne, who witnessed his parents’ murder as a child, wages a one-man war on crime in Gotham City as the masked vigilante Batman. He must protect the city from the psychopathic Joker, a disfigured criminal mastermind with a penchant for chaos and theatricality.

Tim Burton’s dark and atmospheric take on the Caped Crusader revitalized the character and set a new standard for superhero films. Michael Keaton’s brooding Batman and Jack Nicholson’s iconic Joker made this a massive cultural event and a critical success.