5 best animated superhero movies you should watch

Superhero movies have taken over! The exhilarating fight scenes, the cool abilities and a character who we can relate to and fantasize of getting superpowers. Whilst the silver screen is dominated by heroes, the animated universe has been neglected by many. Those who have witnessed animated superhero movies, especially in recent years, have experienced some of the best storytelling ever done in animation. Here are 5 amazing animated superhero movies you should watch:

)      Batman: Under the Red Hood

Batman is easily one of the most popular characters in comic books due to his attitude, fighting skills and sharp mind, which makes his movies a must watch for any fan. After the Joker kills him, Jason Todd, the previous Robin, is resurrected and returns back to Gotham as the anti-hero named Red Hood. Batman must face his past as Jason attempts to kill every criminal in Gotham and eventually the Joker as well, in a desperate attempt to prove Batman’s methods wrong. Exploring themes of family, death and insanity this movie has some of the best voice acting performed in animation which gives immense depth to the characters. This movie will have you emotionally invested throughout its plot. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to get into the superhero genre.

      Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

One of Flash’s most iconic storyline’s, this movie is hands down the best superhero team up in an animated feature. The Flash goes back in time to save his mother from being killed. As he changes the past, the entire world around him changes as well and Barry Allen finds himself at the brink of apocalypse where the forces of Aquaman and Wonder Woman are waging World War Three. Barry teams up with Batman of this reality to save the world and eventually go back in time to make things right, but he is stopped by his arch-nemesis, The Reverse Flash! Viewers have fun with this alternative timeline where their favorite heroes are presented in a fresh new light.

   Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Whilst most of the movies on this list are fairly recent, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was released back in 1993 and is considered by fans and critics alike as one of the greatest movies ever made. When a mysterious cloaked figure is murdering gangsters in Gotham, Batman must figure out and put a stop to it. In an emotionally exhausting state of affairs, Bruce must deal with the demons of his past and fight his arch-nemesis, The Joker, who is also being targeted by the cloaked figure. This movies is told in a typical gangster thriller manner which makes it a true piece of art. Need birthday gift ideas for your superhero obsessed friend? Consider a copy of one of the best superhero movies ever created.

 

4     The Incredibles

This entry is a little different from the rest of the moves on this list because it is neither from DC or Marvel comics. The Incredibles was released by Pixar in 2004 and is to this date, one of the highest rated animated movies ever made. The film features a superhero family where the parents are retired heroes and the kids are growing up and experimenting with their powers. They face a villain from the past who attempts to break their bonds and challenge the notion of being a superhero. This film is hilarious, action packed, emotional and has its charm hidden in how a hero doesn’t necessarily need to be one person. With unique powers and personalities, you will be cheering for every character, especially the hilarious baby! Since its release, The Incredibles have garnered a loyal fan following and thousands of merchandise such as T-shirts, personalized gifts and action figures to name a few.

5      Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 & 2

Yes we know, technically these are two separate movies and were released on separate DVD covers as well, but they are part of the same storyline and we just couldn’t leave out any one of these masterpieces. The Dark Knight Returns is one of the greatest graphic novels ever written, which was why this movie was a sure-fire success. With amazing voice acting and a smoothly directed narrative, this animated feature quickly become one of Batman’s best movies. Bruce Wayne has retired from his crime fighting days but when Superman becomes a government tool for war and Gotham rots under crime from the Mutants, Batman reappears one last time. His resurrection leads to the return of his enemies Two-Face and The Joker, who he must defeat to restore order. Batman fights against Superman in one the greatest fight scenes in cinema history.