Comic book movies used to be a niche before the 2000s, but they now lead the cinema industry, and audiences might not even know that the best comic book movies that aren't about superheroes are based on comic books. A billion-dollar-grossing sci-fi franchise, a deeply disturbing Korean thriller, and a Palme d'Or-winning LGBTQ+ drama are all adapted from comic books. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe, X-Men, and the DC Extended Universe reign supreme, a surprising number of other comic book movies that are unrelated to those universes have nothing to do with characters with superpowers.
Even though a lot of original movies still get produced, the current cinematic landscape is mostly filled with reboots and adaptations of books that the studios own the rights to. However, there are many brilliant original dramas in comic books too. Between a gangster revenge epic, a former assassin hiding his past from his family, and the tortured relationship of a gay couple, comic books shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to highly acclaimed material. Some of the best comic book movies that aren't about superheroes are even better and more well-received than superhero movies.
15 The Losers (2010)
- Stream on HBO Max
Though The Losers doesn't feature superheroes, it has a typically high concept for a comic book movie. The 2010 release follows an elite Special Forces team that's forced to work together when they're hired by a mysterious woman. Though the movie was critically slammed when it was released, The Losers has become a cult hit, one of the most entertaining films about a ragtag group of quirky mercenaries, and one of the best non-superhero comic book movies. Ironically, the non-superhero comic book movie features a lot of MCU alumni, including Chris Evans, Zoe Saldana, and Idris Elba.
14 Wanted (2008)
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Wanted is as close as a non-superhero comic movie gets to being about superheroes. While the characters in the 2008 movie aren't superheroes, they have an impossible and almost supernaturalistic skill where they can bend bullets. Wanted is about a secret society of expert assassins and follows Wesley, who s the society after learning that it was founded by his father. It's ultimately a revenge flick with a unique spin on the formula. While the movie wasn't overwhelmingly positively received, it's a satisfying enough popcorn flick with enough action and entertainment that'll leave viewers wanting the canceled Wanted sequel.
13 Red (2010)
- Stream on DirecTV
Red has a tried and true premise about a former special agent being forced to come out of retirement due to a bigger threat than ever before, but it works surprisingly well in Red. The movie sees Bruce Willis in one of his best 2010s performances, as he plays the former CIA Black Ops agent Frank Moses. However, what makes Red so great and elevates what could have been another run-of-the-mill action movie with a tired premise is its stellar cast. Along with Willis, the movie has an ensemble cast of Oscar-caliber actors including Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, and Brian Cox.
12 Men In Black (1997)
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It isn't obvious that Men in Black is an adaptation of a comic book, which could be a result of the movie being so unique, as even the morning cartoon was based more on the film than the comic book. The sci-fi movie is director Barry Sonnenfeld’s best film, and though the movie’s USP is the aliens, what makes the film so special is the way the young J s forces with an aging, joyless stoic. Between the hit single, the chemistry between the main characters, and the neuralyzer, the movie was lightning in a bottle, and it's one of the best comic book movies that aren't about superheroes.
11 From Hell (2001)
- Stream on HBO Max
From Hell stands out as one of the best non-superhero comic book movies, for the way it interpolates real-life historical events. The movie is set in Victorian London and is an exploration of the famous serial killer Jack the Ripper, using conspiracy theories and Inspector Abberline to deliver such a unique version of the events. From Hell is way grittier than most other movie adaptations of comic books, not just in the themes and real-life events that it details but tonally too. The gothic look and haunting feel of London, along with the detailed period setting, creates one of the most unique non-superhero comic book movies ever.
10 Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
- Stream on Peacock
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was a huge box office bomb, not even making back its budget back (via if Scott Pilgrim was remade today, but the cast is what made it one of the best comic book movies that aren't about superheroes
9 Dredd (2012)
- Stream on Hulu
Dredd follows a law enforcement officer who doesn’t hold back when bringing down drug dealers and gang bangers, as he’s the judge, jury, and executioner. This wasn’t the first time the comic book was adapted, but it was much better received than the Sylvester Stallone-starring 90s adaptation. Dredd has incredible effects, was the gold standard in of 3D at the time, and doesn't hold back on the brutality, which makes it one of the best comic book movies with no superheroes. Though the underwhelming box office performance meant that a sequel was unlikely, there have been talks of continuing the world of Judge Dredd in a TV show.
8 Ghost World (2001)
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Like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Ghost World is a coming-of-age movie about teenagers and relationships, but the 2001 movie has none of the thrills and action. However, Ghost World perfectly captures the angst of frustration of being a teenager better than almost any other 2000s coming-of-age film, as it follows two very complex best friends, Enid and Rebecca as they try to understand what they want in their future. The movie is intelligent, hilarious, and totally relatable in the way that it throws anxiety-inducing challenges at the main characters, but it also has an emotional and ambiguous ending.
7 Blue Is The Warmest Color (2013)
- Stream on AMC Plus & Tubi
Blue Is the Warmest Color is not only one of the best non-superhero comic book movies, but it won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the most prestigious award in the movies industry. The fact that Blue Is the Warmest Color is based on a comic book comes as a huge surprise. Even non-superhero comic books have high concepts, but the 2013 release is as gruelingly realistic as romantic dramas get. The movie is a very naturalistic but melodramatic depiction of a relationship between two lesbians, and it’s one of the most heartbreaking releases of the past decade or so.
6 300 (2006)
- Stream on Apple TV+
300 is a comic book adaptation that's so faithful to the source material, not just in narrative, but in visuals too. Zack Snyder directed 300, meaning there are loads of beautiful shots in slow motion, and it looks exactly like the s of the comic book. Snyder was so committed to making the movie look as much like the comic book as possible that he even shot it almost entirely with a superimposition chroma key, giving it such a unique look. Along with its visual draw - and even though 300 was criticized for its one-dimensional characters - the action in the movie is epic in every way.
