10. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

Better than the first, Ron Perlman is delicious once again in Hellboy II. I do love good origin stories when it comes to superheroes, but it was refreshing to see Guillermo Del Toro get past all of the establishment and get right to the fun. The movie has some great references to other sci-fi hits (the market scene mimicking Star Wars is great), and is just a blast from start to finish.

USELESS TRIVIA FROM IMDB: Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane makes his motion picture debut in Hellboy II. He does the voice of Johann Krauss.

9. The Dark Knight (2008)

I'm ready for the Wrath of Geekdom here, but The Dark Knight spends too much time telling us everything that's going to happen, then when it happens, it makes sure to tell us what's happening again. Christopher Nolan could use some advice from The Joker, "Why so serious?" And why so complicated? If the film would have stuck to the Joker, and left Two Face for later in the series, it could have topped my list. The Dark Knight is still great enough to rank #9 on the best superheroes films ever. So here....we....go.

USELESS TRIVIA FROM IMDB.COM: If you look closely, one of the featured extra's millitary uniforms bears the name "Philo." This is in honor of Joan Philo, the Illinois-based casting director for extras.

8. Iron Man (2008)

This was unexpected. Walking into Iron Man never having read the comic, I had no idea what to think. Robert Downey Jr. owns this character. Tony Stark has the right combination of confidence and vulnerbility, and the movie never panders to those who think it's necessary to jam a love story down our throat. I'm excited to see where this series is going, but regardless, Iron Man will always remain a classic.

USELESS TRIVIA: Clive Owen and Sam Rockwell were among other actors considered to play Tony Stark in pre-production. Either would have been a fine choice, but Robert Downey Jr. owns this movie!

7. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Doc Oc turned out to be one of the best villains in superhero movie history, but it's the HUGE action sequences from Spider-Man 2 that really make it stick out. Some regard the sequel as superior to the original, I'm not sold on that. But I keep having images of Peter Parker stopping that passenger train with his arms stretched out - great scene. The religious imagery might be a bit over the top, but Spider-Man 2 is a spectacular film.

USELESS TRIVIA: Alfred Molina's gear in the film weighed a whopping 75 pounds. You tell actors they aren't working for their money!

6. Batman (1989)

"This town needs an enema!" It sound like something Mayor Daley might say about Chicago, but it's Jack Nicholson's Jack Napier, a.k.a. the Joker. Tim Burton's original take on Batman redefined the summer blockbuster. It was dark, grimy, funny, and all kinds of weird. Jack Nicholson would have owned the Joker character forever if it wasn't for Heath Ledger, and Burton's version still holds up as an entertaining, comic farce. Plus, the entire soundtrack was produced by Prince. Partyman....Party Ma-annnnn!

USELESS TRIVIA: Michael Jackson was originally asked to put together the movie's soundtrack, but he had to decline because of concert commitments. I love Michael as much as anybody else, but Prince worked out perfect. Some things just happen for a reason.

5. The Crow (1994)

Forgot about this one, didn't you? Brandon Lee's is fantastic as a man who comes back from the dead to avenge his and his fiance's murder. Add to the fact that Lee died while filming the movie, and it becomes a devastating piece of art. The movie was unlike any other in the genre when it debuted, and sports one of the best soundtracks in history. I just dusted this one off again and found it just as appealing as the first viewing. Underrated film.

USELESS TRIVIA COURTESY IMDB.COM: According to a biography of Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee's death was predicted by his father Bruce Lee after he woke from a coma. His death was foreseen before Brandon Lee even considered taking up acting as a career. Whoa.

4. The Incredibles (2004)

It's wholesome family fun, Pixar style. Brad Bird puts together this crafty tale of a family of superheroes, forced to live among us and hide their powers. The animation is top notch, the comedy is just as stellar, and the movie has a wonderful message about never being ashamed of who you truly are. The Incredibles is incredible fun - again, and again, and again.

USELESS TRIVIA COURTESY IMDB.COM: In order to give Dash a realistic out-of-breath voice, Brad Bird made Spencer Fox run laps around the studio. Again, you tell actors they don't work for their money!

3. Batman Begins (2005)

The best superhero restart ever, Christopher Nolan took a campy comic character and made him real. Christian Bale stars as Bruce Wayne, a man horrified after witnessing the death of his parents. He learns the craft of the ninja in Asia, and returns to Gotham to keep the city safe. From start to blazing finish, Batman Begins is a refreshing two hours of drama, proving superhero blockbusters don't have to be all fun and games.

USELESS TRIVIA COURTESY IMDB.COM: Christian Bale lost his voice three times during filming after altering his voice while playing Batman. Considering how corny his fake voice turned out to be, maybe this was some kind of sign?

2. Spider-Man (2002)

This was a close second. Sam Raimi's original "Spider-Man" completely ressurected the modern superhero franchise. Instead of focusing on Spidey, Raimi chose to investigate Peter Parker himself. Tobey Maguire's lead character was dorky, yet extremely charismatic. You root for this guy, and when he ends up with all of that spidey-sense and web-flinging ability, the movie brings all of the wonder and excitement to life. Finally, a movie that told us being a superhero doesn't have to be a burden - it's actually pretty fun.

USELESS TRIVIA COURTESY IMDB.COM: Leonardo DiCaprio was considered for the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Wow, Tobey Maguire was the perfect fit, but imagine how much bigger the box office might have been if Leo was in the lead!

1. Superman (1978)

Maybe Superman doesn't have all of the polish of these modern superhero movies....but there's something so sentimental about regular old Clark Kent running into that phone booth or through that revolving door. Richard Donner's original Superman is still the film that defines the superhero movie. I just took the time to watch the film again (it's been a while), and despite the out-of-date special effects, the movie still holds up. It's a bird...it's a plane...it's the best superhero movie of all time.

USELESS TRIVIA COURTESY IMDB.COM: Marlon Brando reputedly suggested that his cameo role as Jor-El be done by him in voice over only, with the character's image onscreen being a glowing, levitating green bagel. Unsure if Brando was joking or not, the film's producers formally rejected the suggestion. I love bagels as much as the next guy, but I have to love Marlon Brando even more. Was he nuts or what?