32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

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32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

As a seasoned moviegoer and critic, I have had the pleasure of witnessing some truly remarkable supporting characters throughout the years. These unsung heroes often bring depth, complexity, and unexpected twists to their respective stories. In this list, I’d like to highlight ten such individuals whose lives intertwined with those of iconic superheroes, leaving a lasting impact on both the narrative and the audience.

As a gamer, I’ve often found myself rooting for the underdog character who starts off as a hero but ends up being outshone by another member of the team. Just like Aaron Eckhart’s Harvey Dent in “The Dark Knight” said, “Sometimes, you think you’re the hero, but then you realize it’s someone else who truly made a difference.”

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Avengers: Endgame (The Rat)

An intriguing perspective on “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) is that while Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) valiantly gives up his life to defeat Thanos (Josh Brolin), it’s essential not to overlook the pivotal role Scott Lang a.k.a Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) played in their victory. The Avengers wouldn’t have been able to construct a time machine, retrieve the Infinity Stones, and thwart Thanos’ devastating deeds without Scott’s release from the Quantum Realm, instigated by a rat that fortuitously activated the device. Consequently, this rat can be considered the MCU’s unsung hero.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Batman (Officer Martinez)

In Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” (2022), Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman stands out among live-action Batman films for portraying Batman as a true detective. However, even he couldn’t have unraveled the Riddler’s (Paul Dano) scheme to flood Gotham without assistance from Martinez (Gil Perez-Abraham). The GCPD officer uncovered the murder weapon used by the villain – a carpeting tool. This discovery led Batman to locate the map of explosives hidden beneath the city’s carpets, ultimately revealing Riddler’s destructive plan.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Spider-Man: No Way Home (Ned Leeds)

In the thrilling 2021 film “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” I, as a devoted fan, couldn’t imagine Tom Holland’s Peter Parker successfully thwarting Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin and other formidable villains from the Spider-Man multiverse all by myself. But with the invaluable assistance of my two alternate selves, portrayed by Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire, our epic team-up became a reality. This incredible alliance wouldn’t have materialized without the help of my loyal friend Ned (Jacob Batalon). In an unexpected turn of events, he inadvertently discovered the other Peters using Doctor Strange’s Sling Ring.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Iron Man (Ho Yinsen)

In the 2008 film “Iron Man,” Tony Stark is imprisoned by The Ten Rings organization alongside a scientist named Yinsen (played by Shaun Toub). Grateful for his rescue, Stark credits Yinsen with not only physically saving him – by constructing a makeshift electromagnet to keep shrapnel from his heart – but also inspiring him to reconsider his priorities and eventually assume the role of a hero.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Thor: Ragnarok (Surtur)

In the climax of “Thor: Ragnarok,” Chris Hemsworth’s character, Thor, comes to terms with the fact that he cannot prevent the destruction of Asgard by defeating his sister Hela, played by Cate Blanchett. Instead, he chooses to let the Fire Demon Surtur, voiced by Clancy Brown in one of his two appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, carry out the destruction of his cherished home.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Black Panther (M’Baku)

Fans of “Black Panther” released in 2018 don’t necessarily view Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) as a true antagonist due to his relatable reasons. However, he remains far from being a hero as he isn’t morally good. Instead, our pick for the real hero is M’Baku (Winston Duke), the chief of Wakanda’s Jabari tribe. He rescued T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) when he was injured and kept him alive until his recovery, enabling him to overthrow his unscrupulous cousin.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Guardians Of The Galaxy (Meredith Quill)

In 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” I watched as Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), shared an emotional story with Gamora (Zoe Saldaña). He reminisced about his late mother Meredith (Laura Haddock), who had given him a special gift before her passing. She compiled some of Earth’s best music onto a cassette tape she named “Awesome Mix Vol. 1.”

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Incredibles (Jack-Jack)

In the thrilling finale of the cherished Pixar film “The Incredibles” from 2004, it is none other than the family’s youngest member, Jack-Jack, who plays a pivotal role in putting an end to Syndrome’s (Jason Lee) destructive plans. Surprisingly enough, during this scene, the Parr Family’s infant son showcases an extraordinary set of abilities that leave everyone in awe, making him the most powerful among them.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Batman Returns (Catwoman)

Many people believe that there are two main antagonists in “Batman Returns,” and they are correct to some extent. However, upon closer examination, Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, Selina “Catwoman” Kyle, is not one of them. Instead, she plays a pivotal role in eliminating the true menace to Gotham City in the 1992 film – Max Schreck, portrayed brilliantly by Academy Award winner Christopher Walken. This complex and often overlooked character from the Batman series proves to be instrumental in neutralizing the greatest threat.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Unbreakable (Joseph Dunn)

Elijah “Mr. Glass” Price, played by Samuel L. Jackson in M. Night Shyamalan’s 2000 thriller “Unbreakable,” was instrumental in helping David Dunn, portrayed by Bruce Willis, uncover his superhuman abilities. However, due to Elijah’s involvement in numerous murders, including the introductory train wreck, he is not the true hero of the story. Instead, it is David’s son, Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark), who encourages and supports David to utilize his unique gifts for good purposes.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Superman: The Movie (Eve Teschmacher)

In “Superman: The Movie” released in 1978, Lex Luthor (portrayed by Gene Hackman) captures Superman (Christopher Reeve) by chaining him with a Kryptonite-infused chain around his neck and forcing him into a pool. However, fortunately, Luthor’s girlfriend, Eve (Valerie Perrine), disobeys him and removes the chain, freeing Superman to continue saving the day.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Batman (Vicki Vale)

In Tim Burton’s iconic 1989 film “Batman,” I found myself playing the role of Vicki Vale, a tenacious photojournalist portrayed by Kim Basinger. My actions drew not only Bruce Wayne, played by Michael Keaton, but also his arch-nemesis, The Joker, brilliantly brought to life by Jack Nicholson. Towards the end, I manipulated The Joker’s infatuation with me, keeping him preoccupied while Batman quietly closed in for a climactic showdown against the clown.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Meteor Man (The Bloods And The Crips)

Towards the end of “The Meteor Man” (1993), a comedy about superheroes, Jefferson Reed, portrayed and helmed by Robert Townsend, has been stripped of his powers. Danger looms as Anthony Byers, a formidable criminal mastermind played by Frank Gorshin, and his henchmen appear with sinister intentions. However, the unexpected arrival of members from notoriously rival gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, unites to protect Reed. Their sudden appearance scares off the criminals, leading to their swift apprehension by the authorities.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Mystery Men (Carmine The Bowler)

In the 1999 film “Mystery Men,” the titular group of vigilantes, including The Bowler (Janeane Garofalo), prevent Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush) from causing further damage by destroying his Psycho-frakulator with the help of The Bowler’s father’s bowling ball. In the movie’s closing moments, The Bowler acknowledges to Carmine that they have thwarted disaster and will be celebrated for their heroism.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Dark Knight (The Ferry Passengers)

In the 2008 film “The Dark Knight,” the villainous Joker, played by Heath Ledger, sets up a chilling plan. He threatens to blow up two ferries – one for regular passengers and one for prisoners – at midnight, stating that whichever boat doesn’t detonate its explosives first will be destroyed. Yet, neither group gives in to the Joker’s twisted game, proving his pessimistic view of humanity wrong in a moving scene of selflessness and unity during this dark comic book adaptation.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

X-Men: Days Of Future Past (Quicksilver)

In X-Men: Days of Future Past, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Professor X (James McAvoy) enlist the aid of Peter Maximoff, also known as Quicksilver (Evan Peters), to spring Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) from a Pentagon prison. Quicksilver’s extraordinary speed is put on full display during this pivotal scene, making him an indispensable hero in our eyes.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Toxic Avenger (Sara)

Following her rescue by the massive, monstrously deformed titular character, portrayed by Mitch Cohen in “The Toxic Avenger” (1984), blind Sara (Andree Maranda) transformed into the one who tamed the beast. She inspired “Toxie,” as he came to be known, to keep being the brave hero that Tromaville needed. Despite his own fears and doubts about his capabilities, she motivated him to stand up for the town when it was in peril.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (Andrea Beaumont)

Any devoted fan of the supposedly best animated Batman film, “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” from 1993, would likely concur. In this production, it is Andrea Beaumont (portrayed by Dana Delany), who mercilessly goes after the wicked criminals and corrupt power brokers in Gotham City as her enigmatic persona. While her tactics may clash with Batman’s (Kevin Conroy) moral code, it cannot be disputed that she effectively brings them to justice.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Ant-Man (Officer Jim Paxton)

Due to his past criminal history, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is disdained by Jim Paxton (Bobby Cannavale) – a police officer who is engaged to Maggie (Judy Greer), Scott’s ex-wife, and acts as a caring stepfather to their daughter Cassie. However, when Scott, as Ant-Man, bravely put himself in harm’s way to protect Cassie from the dangerous Darren “Yellowjacket” Cross (Corey Stoll), Paxton chose to conceal evidence that could have led to Scott’s re-imprisonment. As a result, an unexpected and heartwarming bond formed between them.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Avengers (Agent Phil Coulson)

In the 2012 film “The Avengers,” Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg), who was trying to stop Loki (Tom Hiddleston) from escaping the S.H.I.E.L.D. helipad, met a sad fate. His death served as the catalyst for the disparate heroes to put aside their conflicts and unite, ultimately saving the world from the Chitauri invasion.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Batman & Robin (Mr. Freeze)

To begin with, despite the fact that some of Dr. Victor “Mr. Freeze” Fries’ (Arnold Schwarzenegger) puns are truly awful and criminal, his reasons for turning to villainy are understandable – he’s trying to save his terminally ill wife. This sets him apart from his partner Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) in terms of deserving the label of “villain.” Furthermore, by the end of the 1997 film “Batman & Robin,” Fries makes amends and even helps Bruce Wayne (George Clooney) find a cure for McGregor syndrome. This important discovery saves the life of Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough).

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Rocketeer (Peevy Peabody)

Director Joe Johnston’s less recognized yet captivating 1991 adventure film, “The Rocketeer,” features Billy Campbell as the character Cliff – a pilot from the 1930s who stumbles upon a jetpack prototype that transforms him into a flying hero. Nonetheless, it can be debated that Peevy, the veteran mechanic played by Alan Arkin, is the mastermind behind Cliff’s superhero acts.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Batman Begins (Lucius Fox)

In Christopher Nolan’s 2005 film “Batman Begins,” Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) doesn’t create all his crime-fighting gadgets single-handedly. Instead, Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), the head of research at Wayne Enterprises, plays a crucial role. Without Lucius’ assistance, Bruce would have no Bat suit, no Batmobile, and fewer essential tools.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Ant-Man And The Wasp (Janet Van Dyne)

In the 2018 film “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” Hannah John-Kamen’s character, Ava “Ghost” Starr, is a fascinating example of a superhero movie antagonist who isn’t entirely evil. Her unique ability to become intangible gives her this nickname. Fortunately, Janet Van Dyne, played by Michelle Pfeiffer and who is Hank Pym’s (Michael Douglas) missing wife, cures Ava’s condition after rescuing her from the Quantum Realm.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (George And Harold)

In “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie,” ten-year-old pals George Beard (Kevin Hart) and Harold Hutchins (Thomas Middleditch) instigated much of the chaos by hypnotizing their grumpy principal, Mr. Krupp (Ed Helms), turning him into Captain Underpants. Yet, this unwitting superhero wouldn’t have been able to vanquish the wicked Professor Poopypants (Nick Kroll) without George and Harold’s assistance.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Iron Man 3 (Pepper Potts)

In the “Iron Man” film series, there are compelling arguments for why Pepper Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow and CEO of Stark Industries, could be considered the real hero. However, it is particularly in the third installment from 2013 where she takes a more active role, effectively neutralizing Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) by utilizing her newly acquired Extremis-infused abilities and igniting them against him.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The LEGO Batman Movie (Phyllis)

In “The LEGO Batman Movie” released in 2017, Bruce Wayne (voiced by Will Arnett) is sent to the Phantom Zone against his will. There, he’s guided by its guardian, Phyllis (Ellie Kemper), who makes him see that his self-centered and fearful behavior needs changing. Afterward, she grants him a brief leave to go back to Gotham. Upon returning, Bruce starts cooperating with Robin and Barbara Gordon for the first time, ultimately saving the city from the Joker and other villains’ joint threat.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Crow (Darryl Albrecht)

Ernie Hudson portrays one of the most memorable supporting characters in “The Crow” from the 1990s, depicting Detroit cop Sgt. Darryl Albrecht. Witnessing Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) and Shelly Webster’s tragic deaths at the scene, Sgt. Albrecht later joins forces with the avenging Draven.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Mask (Milo)

In 1994’s “The Mask,” a memorable film featuring Jim Carrey’s exceptional acting, Stanley Ipkiss (Carrey), finds himself in a tight spot when he’s imprisoned in the police station’s holding cell. Luckily, his Jack Russell Terrier companion, Milo, comes to the rescue, enabling Ipkiss to make a quick escape. Furthermore, once the mystical Mask transforms Stanley into a fierce, green creature, Milo assists him in taking down Dorian Tyrell (Peter Greene) and his henchmen at the bank.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Nuala)

In the 2008 follow-up to Guillermo del Toro’s “Hellboy,” Prince Nuada, played by Luke Goss, aims to rally mystical creatures for an uprising against humans. His weapon of choice is the formidable Golden Army. Nevertheless, his plan faces a significant setback when he and his sister, Nuala (Anna Walton), are inextricably connected, resulting in their mutual suffering from injuries. Eventually, it’s her self-sacrificing act that puts a halt to his rebellion.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

The Dark Knight Rises (Officer John Blake)

In early 2012, The Dark Knight Rises found me, Bruce Wayne, in self-imposed isolation. Years had passed since the tragic demise of Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal). I’d withdrawn from Gotham City, unable to face another day as Batman. That was until I encountered John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who unraveled my secret identity. He sparked a flame within me, inspiring me to once again wear the cape and cowl. It wasn’t long before I saw his potential and chose him as my successor. His real name might be “Robin,” but his spirit was that of a true Dark Knight.

32 Superhero Movies Where A Supporting Character Was The Real Hero

Black Adam (Amon Tomaz)

After being brought back to life, the formidable Teth-Adam, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, repeatedly insists that he is “no hero.” Nevertheless, young superhero enthusiast Amon Tomaz, played by Bodhi Sabongui, encourages him to see the possibility of becoming one despite his initial objections.

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2024-07-23 00:38