20 Superhero Movies With The Best Action Scenes, Ranked
Superhero films have become a cornerstone of modern cinema, delivering jaw-dropping action that keeps audiences glued to their seats. From epic battles to intricate fight choreography, these movies bring comic book pages to life with heart-pounding intensity.
I’ve ranked 20 superhero films that stand out for their unforgettable action scenes, showcasing everything from street-level brawls to cosmic showdowns. Each entry highlights what makes their action sequences so gripping, so let’s dive into the list.
20. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army’ bursts with creative action. The film follows Hellboy, a demon-turned-hero, battling a mythical army led by a vengeful prince.
The standout sequence is the battle against the Golden Army, where Hellboy and his team face off against an unstoppable horde of mechanical warriors. Del Toro’s knack for blending practical effects with CGI makes every punch and explosion feel vivid and real.
19. Superman II (1980)
‘Superman II’ pits Clark Kent against General Zod and his Kryptonian allies. The film balances romance with high-stakes action, making it a classic in the genre.
The Metropolis battle is a highlight, with Superman dodging energy blasts and trading blows with Zod amidst city skyscrapers. The practical effects, groundbreaking for the time, give the fight a raw, physical edge.
18. The Crow (1994)
‘The Crow’ follows Eric Draven, a resurrected musician seeking vengeance. Its dark, gritty tone sets it apart from typical superhero fare.
The rooftop showdown with the crime lord Top Dollar is intense, blending gunfights and hand-to-hand combat. The rainy, neon-lit setting adds a haunting atmosphere to Eric’s relentless pursuit.
17. Ant-Man (2015)
‘Ant-Man’ brings humor and scale-shifting action to the MCU. Scott Lang, a thief turned hero, uses a suit to shrink and grow, taking on a corporate villain.
The briefcase battle in a child’s bedroom is pure fun, with Ant-Man dodging toy trains and giant ants. The creative use of size-changing makes this small-scale fight feel massive.
16. Shazam! (2014)
‘Shazam!’ follows a teen who transforms into a powerful hero with a magic word. Its lighthearted tone mixes seamlessly with thrilling action.
The carnival fight against Dr. Sivana is a blast, with Shazam testing his powers against magical creatures. The colorful, chaotic energy captures the joy of being a kid with superpowers.
15. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
‘The Dark Knight Rises’ concludes Nolan’s Batman trilogy with Bruce Wayne facing Bane, a brutal mercenary. The stakes feel massive as Gotham hangs in the balance.
The sewer brawl between Batman and Bane is raw and punishing. Bane’s sheer strength and Batman’s desperation make every hit feel heavy and personal.
14. Man of Steel (2013)
‘Man of Steel’ reimagines Superman’s origin as he battles General Zod. The film leans hard into superpowered spectacle.
The Smallville fight is a standout, with Superman clashing against Zod’s forces in a small town. Buildings crumble as the high-speed combat shows the raw power of Kryptonians.
13. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ introduces a ragtag team of cosmic misfits. Its action is as colorful as its characters, blending humor with chaos.
The Knowhere escape sees Star-Lord and crew dodging Ronin’s forces in a space station. The mix of aerial dogfights and close-quarters combat keeps the pace relentless.
12. Doctor Strange (2016)
‘Doctor Strange’ dives into the MCU’s mystical side, with Stephen Strange learning to bend reality. The visuals are as bold as the action.
The mirror dimension chase is mind-bending, with cityscapes folding and twisting around Strange and his enemies. It’s a dazzling display of magic-fueled combat.
11. The Suicide Squad (2021)
‘The Suicide Squad’ follows a team of villains on a deadly mission. James Gunn’s direction brings gore and heart to the action.
The Starro rampage is chaotic, with the squad battling a giant alien starfish. The mix of brutal kills and teamwork makes it a wild, bloody spectacle.
10. Wonder Woman (2017)
‘Wonder Woman’ follows Diana, an Amazon warrior, into World War I. Her strength and compassion shine in every fight.
The No Man’s Land sequence is iconic, with Diana charging through a battlefield, deflecting bullets with her bracelets. It’s a powerful blend of grace and raw power.
9. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
‘Thor: Ragnarok’ reinvents the God of Thunder with vibrant action. Thor battles Hulk and his evil sister Hela on a bizarre planet.
The arena fight with Hulk is a crowd-pleaser, with Thor dodging massive blows in a gladiator-style showdown. The colorful, kinetic energy makes it unforgettable.
8. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ blends time travel with mutant mayhem. The ensemble cast delivers high-stakes action across two eras.
The Quicksilver Pentagon scene is a masterpiece, with the speedster dismantling guards in slow-motion. The playful choreography and perfect pacing make it a fan favorite.
7. Deadpool (2016)
‘Deadpool’ brings R-rated chaos to the superhero genre. Wade Wilson’s mercenary wit fuels relentless action.
The highway massacre kicks off the film, with Deadpool slicing through enemies with katanas and quips. The bloody, acrobatic fight sets the tone for his irreverent style.
6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ is an animated triumph, following Miles Morales across multiverses. Its visuals pop with comic-book flair.
The final multiverse battle is a visual feast, with Spider-People swinging through a collapsing reactor. The bold animation and fast-paced action make it a standout.
5. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ pits two icons against each other. Despite its flaws, the action delivers.
The warehouse fight sees Batman take on a gang with brutal precision. The gritty, almost balletic choreography shows the Dark Knight at his peak.
4. The Avengers (2012)
‘The Avengers’ unites Earth’s mightiest heroes against Loki’s alien army. It’s a landmark for team-up action.
The New York battle is epic, with Iron Man soaring, Hulk smashing, and Cap leading the charge. The seamless teamwork and massive scale make it unforgettable.
3. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
‘Spider-Man 2’ follows Peter Parker battling Doctor Octopus. Sam Raimi’s direction elevates the action to new heights.
The train fight is legendary, with Spider-Man struggling to stop a runaway train. The desperate, high-stakes choreography captures Spidey’s heroism perfectly.
2. X2 (2003)
‘X2: X-Men United’ sees the X-Men facing a mutant-hating colonel. The film’s action showcases each mutant’s unique powers.
The Nightcrawler White House assault is breathtaking, with his teleportation creating a dizzying, acrobatic fight. It’s a perfect blend of speed and strategy.
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ blends spy thriller with superhero grit. Steve Rogers uncovers a conspiracy while facing a deadly assassin.
The elevator fight is a masterclass in tension, with Cap taking on a dozen enemies in a confined space. The raw, hand-to-hand combat and Steve’s superhuman skill make it the best.
Which superhero action scene gets your heart racing, or did I miss a favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comments!