The Funniest Superhero Movies of the 21st Century

As a lifelong Marvel fan, I’ve seen my fair share of superhero films, but none have made me laugh as hard as the reinvention of Thor under the brilliant direction of Taika Waititi. The unique blend of humor and action in Thor: Ragnarok truly transformed the God of Thunder into Marvel’s most hilarious hero. The chemistry between Thor and Hulk was electrifying, and while Chris Hemsworth might have stumbled a bit with Thor Love and Thunder, his performance in Ragnarok was nothing short of divine. If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly recommend streaming Thor on Disney+!

While the exact origins of the idea of superheroes are widely debated, it’s known that, in the USA, they became particularly popular from the 1930s onward with the advent of comic books. Superheroes were a prime feature of these comic books, with people using the medium to escape reality, indulging in their wildest fantasies. To varying degrees, comedy played a big part in those early comic books. The early adaptations of these superhero comics for TV and film continued this comedic theme (look at the early Adam West Batman series as an example).

In the ’90s, there was a stretch where superhero films took on a more somber tone, and iconic characters like Batman and lesser-known heroes such as Blade and Darkman gained traction with their grittier portrayals. However, Marvel brought some much-needed levity to the genre with Iron Man, showcasing Tony Stark’s (played by Robert Downey Jr.) witty sarcasm and dry humor. Despite the enduring appeal of darker superhero movies like Logan and Joker, there’s a strong connection between humor and heroes, with many of the highest-grossing films being some of the funniest. Here, we present a list counting down the funniest superhero movies of the 21st Century from my perspective as a fan.

11 Incredibles 2 (2018)

The Parr family encounters difficulty when they clash with the nefarious Underminer, leading to destruction in their town. This incident stirs up negative sentiment towards superheroes, resulting in a withdrawal of their financial support. A ray of hope appears as two affluent siblings recruit Helen (Elastigirl) to revamp the superhero image. At first, this is merely a public relations effort, but it eventually leads Helen to confront a new adversary, The Screenslaver, who aims to manipulate individuals through their smart devices.

Perfect Superhero Comedy for the Whole Family

The Incredibles 2″ stands out as one of the scarce movies, whether animated or not, that might surpass its predecessor. It’s clear that Pixar decided to delve into the superhero genre with a film that serves equally well as a witty critique of suburban life akin to sitcoms and a tribute to the iconic comic book heroes. For those who appreciate the humorous aspects of Marvel and DC, “The Incredibles 2” is a heartfelt tribute. However, its charm extends beyond that particular fanbase thanks to the emotionally resonant and comical style that Pixar Studios is known for. You can watch “Incredibles 2” on Disney+.

10 Ant-Man (2015)

After serving time in prison, Scott Lang (played by Paul Rudd) is having trouble finding employment and supporting his daughter. He receives an unusual job offer from scientist Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), who offers him a device that enables him to shrink while retaining the strength of an adult. Initially hesitant, Scott eventually takes on this role and starts investigating the criminal group called Hyrda, which is working on a weapon comparable to Pym’s invention.

A Hero of Miniscule Proportions

The film titled Ant-Man, unlike many others in the list, may not be a full-blown comedy, but it does have its share of humorous scenes. A significant portion of this humor stems from Paul Rudd’s portrayal as the main character, Ant-Man. Rudd is naturally funny and infuses his signature charm and lighthearted comedy into the role. Additionally, the idea of a superhero who can shrink to the size of an ant provides ample opportunities for visual gags. The original Ant-Man remains the best in the series, but it has spawned two sequels: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023). You can watch Ant-Man on Disney+ or Starz.

9 Shazam! (2019)

With a mix of determination and hopefulness, teenager Billy Batson receives an extraordinary ability after discovering the crypt of the sorcerer Shazam. Now, upon invoking the wizard’s name, he is bestowed with the might of ancient deities. With his newfound powers, Billy uses them to assist those in distress while indulging in playful antics alongside his foster family. However, when Dr. Sivana observes Billy’s metamorphosis, he manages to penetrate the crypt and unleashes the seven vile sins that were previously contained there. In turn, he absorbs their powers to confront Billy in a fierce battle.

The Amazing Teenage Superhero

Wow, Shazam! truly outdid itself, impressing both at the box office and among critics. The concept offers plenty of opportunities for laughs as it delves into the idea of a teenager suddenly gaining superhero abilities whenever they choose. In other words, imagine if a teen could morph into a superhero with amazing powers on command! The film certainly caters to that fantasy, adding a comedic spin. There’s some fantastic banter between adult Billy Batson and his foster family in the movie. Although Shazam! Fury of the Gods didn’t fare as well, it retains many of the same endearing qualities. You can catch Shazam! on Max.

8 The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

2014’s “The Lego Movie” left everyone amazed as a laugh-out-loud and enjoyable film that captivated children and adults alike. The brilliance lay in the collaboration with DC, using their iconic characters, and transforming them into Lego figures. It was no wonder then, given Will Arnett’s outstanding portrayal of Batman in “The Lego Movie,” that a spin-off featuring him seemed like a natural progression. In this new adventure, the caped crusader encounters one of his toughest challenges: navigating relationships.

Creativity and Humor from the Lego-verse

As a movie critic, I found myself drawn to the familiar, stunning animation style and humorously self-deprecating tone that echoed its predecessor in “The LEGO Batman Movie.” With an exceptional ensemble cast featuring talents like Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, and Mariah Carey, this spin-off delivers comedic beats that will leave you in stitches. “The LEGO Batman Movie” undeniably stands as one of the funniest and best-executed superhero films out there. If you’re looking for a laugh, head over to Amazon Video, YouTube, or Apple TV to rent “The LEGO Batman Movie.

7 Super (2010)

A less popular independent film titled “Super” may not be as familiar to some, despite featuring a talented cast consisting of Elliot Page, Kevin Bacon, and Rainn Wilson from “The Office”. Interestingly, this movie was one of the initial projects by director James Gunn, who is now widely recognized for his work in comic book adaptations such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad“, and his recent appointment as co-CEO at DC Studios.

James Gunn’s First Superhero Movie

Super certainly pushes the boundaries of what might be considered common decency. While not based on an existing comic book, it is about a man who turns to comic books for inspiration to become his superpower-less vigilante hero. The movie is about underdogs and the desire to be something greater than ourselves. While the superhero comedy has heart, James Gunn’s absurdist humor is on display here and is a must-watch for those who enjoyed his later work. You can stream Super on AMC+ or Kanopy.

6 The Suicide Squad (2021)

In 2016, Warner Bros. and DC embarked on one of their most daring ventures with the much-anticipated “Suicide Squad” film, featuring fan favorites like Harley Quinn, The Joker, and Deadshot. They gathered a stellar cast for the movie, including Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, and Cara Delevingne. Regrettably, the first Suicide Squad failed to live up to expectations and was generally considered an unbalanced, underwhelming production.

A Second Suicide Mission Turned into a Success

In 2021, the studio tried again to bring the infamous “Suicide Squad” to theaters with a new take called “The Suicide Squad.” This time, they enlisted James Gunn, who was successful with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series. The movie leaned heavily into Gunn’s quirky, adult-oriented humor and drew inspiration from the anarchic, high-stakes action found in the comics that have kept Suicide Squad popular among fans. You can now stream “The Suicide Squad” on Max.

5 Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

As a fan, it feels like director James Gunn’s unique blend of humor and superhero action is nothing short of magical. In this instance, we’re witnessing his third foray into this enchanting fusion, demonstrating how his unconventional wit has shaped the trajectory of many comic book comedies. This was evident even in films that didn’t boast major star power, such as Guardians of the Galaxy, which defied expectations by becoming a blockbuster hit and ultimately emerging as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s finest offerings.

Intergalactic Superhero Silliness

The sci-fi superhero comedy has become one of the MCU’s most popular franchises, with the sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, making more than the original at the box office. Still, the original Guardians of the Galaxy remains our favorite; it is a laugh-out-loud intergalactic superhero comedy with stellar performances from an ensemble cast featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper. You can stream Guardians of the Galaxy on Disney+.

4 Kick Ass (2010)

In simpler terms, the 2010 action film “Kick-Ass,” directed by Matthew Vaughn and inspired by the comic book of the same name by Mark Millar and John Romita, narrates the tale of a high school student (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who endeavors to become a genuine superhero, adopting the alias “Kick-Ass.” The film also features Nicolas Cage portraying a classic Adam West type as a fellow vigilante known as Big Daddy, and Chloe Moretz as his profane, extremely violent 11-year-old daughter called Hit Girl.

The Youth and Their Ultra-Violence

The action-packed film, “Kick-Ass,” quickly became a fan favorite due to its abundance of violence and heavy doses of dark humor. This adult-oriented superhero comedy may not be suitable for children, but it will surely delight those who prefer their comic books gritty, exaggerated, and filled with sarcastic wit. The movie has retained its charm over the years, owing to its exceptional practical effects and sharp dialogue. Although a sequel exists, many recommend sticking with the initial release. You can rent “Kick-Ass” on Amazon Video, YouTube, or Apple TV.

3 Thor: Ragnarök (2017)

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Thor is one character who initially had a tough time shining independently. The 2011 movie was successful, but it didn’t quite match the prominence of other MCU heroes from 2010. Unfortunately, the sequels did not improve this trend, leading to speculation that Thor might become a secondary character in other films. Fortunately, the MCU persevered and ultimately found an ideal director, Taika Waititi, to breathe new life into the hero.

From Zero to Hero

In my opinion as a movie reviewer, prior to directing the electrifying “Thor: Ragnarök,” Taika Waititi was renowned for his quirky indie comedies such as “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople.” The New Zealand director’s distinctive humor proved to be a harmonious fit within the superhero realm, effectively transforming Thor into Marvel’s most comical superhero. His hilarious exchanges with Hulk and other eccentric characters significantly amplified the comedic elements of the film. Although “Thor Love and Thunder” didn’t quite reach the same level of acclaim, Chris Hemsworth delivered an outstanding performance in this movie. If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend giving “Thor: Ragnarök” a watch on Disney+!

2 The Specials (2000)

In a distinctive and low-key style, The Specials humorously criticized the absurdity and commercialization of comic book heroes, paving the way for shows like The Boys. Despite being an obscure indie film flop, it boasts an impressive ensemble cast – Haden Church, Rob Lowe, Paget Brewster, James Gunn and his brother Sean Gunn, Jamie Kennedy, Judy Greer, Jordan Ladd, Jenna Fischer, Melissa Joan Hart, among others. They portray various superheroes, many of whom belong to the underdog team called The Specials, who are often disregarded in the superhero world and lack the corporate sponsorship and merchandising deals that other teams enjoy.

An Anti-Superhero Hang-Out Film

In contrast to typical superhero movies filled with extraordinary abilities, “The Specials” stands out by portraying these characters as ordinary individuals with grand aspirations and significant flaws. Instead of focusing on high-octane action sequences, the film delves into themes like dysfunction, infidelity, jealousy, and other complex storylines. Despite its smaller scale, it’s a remarkably human and humorous film in its own subtle way. It’s quite different from the later works of director Craig Mazin, who is known for creating “Chernobyl” and “The Last of Us,” but shares his cynical perspective. Currently, “The Specials” isn’t available on any streaming platforms, but you can watch it for free on YouTube.

1 Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Read Our Review

It’s hard to dispute that Deadpool & Wolverine isn’t the finest superhero comedy of the 20th century (thus far), given it became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, earning $1.3 billion at the box office. The appeal of pairing two iconic Marvel characters undoubtedly played a role in attracting audiences to cinemas. However, the witty humor that breaks the fourth wall and the exceptional chemistry between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds make it an unbeatable combination.

The Perfect Pairing

Although the original “Deadpool” (2016) is equally worthy of being on the list, the combination of these two iconic characters – Deadpool – makes it challenging to choose any other film featuring the “Merc with a Mouth.” With its abundance of cameos, pop-culture references, and extreme violence, this superhero comedy will hold a top spot for some time. Movies such as Deadpool and Wolverine demonstrate that the superhero comedy genre from the 20th century is still rich in offerings. As of now, “Deadpool & Wolverine” can be rented or purchased, and eventually, it will become available on Disney+.

2024-11-04 04:08