From Willem Dafoe to Angela Bassett: 60+ Best Performances in Superhero Blockbusters
Step into the exciting world of superhero cinema, a realm where iconic characters leap from comic book pages onto the silver screen. Heroes like Batman and Wolverine and villains such as Joker and Thanos – these titans of pop culture, portrayed by talented actors, have captivated audiences and dominated box offices globally. However, their performances often fly under the radar in the glamorous world of award ceremonies. This article celebrates these unsung heroes with a comprehensive ranking of the 62 most impactful superhero performances since 1970. Despite skepticism from industry veterans, the artistic merit of superhero portrayals is beginning to gain recognition. Yet, many memorable performances remain overlooked, a fact we aim to spotlight. The definition of ‘superhero movie’ and ‘awards-worthy’ may vary, but the indelible influence of these characters and the actors behind them is undeniable.
73. David Dastmalchian – The Suicide Squad (2021)
David Dastmalchian’s remarkable performance as Abner Krill, also known as Polka-Dot Man, in “The Suicide Squad” (2021), directed by James Gunn, has set an intriguing precedent in the realm of superhero movies. This film, a ‘sort-of-reboot’ of D.C. Comics’ ragtag team of lesser-known villains, was distributed by Warner Bros and resonates with audiences primarily because of Dastmalchian’s charismatic portrayal.
The scene that proves it: The scene that perfectly embodies his character’s unique charm? “I don’t like to kill people, but I pretend they’re my mom, and it’s easy.” Under Gunn’s directorial guidance, Dastmalchian convincingly transforms a character who throws polka-dots (a premise that shouldn’t work) into a complex, captivating presence on screen.
72. Brie Larson – Captain Marvel (2019)
The movie, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, introduces Larson’s Carol Danvers, a former U.S. Air Force pilot turned intergalactic hero. A crucial scene occurs towards the film’s climax, when Carol, having fully realized her Kree-implanted power and recovered her human past, confronts her Kree mentor, Yon-Rogg (Jude Law).
The scene that proves it: Despite Yon-Rogg’s attempts to provoke her into hand-to-hand combat, Carol, imbued with a new self-assuredness, dismisses his challenge by blasting him away, declaring: “I have nothing to prove to you.” This line encapsulates Carol’s self-realization and independence, marking a significant moment in her journey. Larson’s strong and nuanced performance embodies Captain Marvel’s essence as an emblem of female power and autonomy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
71. Michael Peña – Ant-Man (2015)
In 2015’s “Ant-Man,” directed by Peyton Reed, actor Michael Peña manages to make us laugh despite playing the stereotypical Latino sidekick, Luis. Based on characters created by Marvel Comics’ Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby, the film gets its biggest laughs from Peña’s storytelling antics. The scene that proves it: The scene where this stands out most? “So I’m at this art museum…”
Peña’s performance transcends the clichés often associated with Latino characters in Hollywood, showcasing his immense talent and ability to be the film’s comedic backbone. His on-screen charisma and comic timing are a delight to watch. Known for his performances in films like “Crash,” “End of Watch,” and “Cesar Chavez,” Peña’s turn as Luis in “Ant-Man” adds a brilliant feather to his cap.
70. Hayley Atwell – Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
In the iconic “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011), Hayley Atwell portrayed Peggy Carter, the love interest of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), with such conviction and charm that it etched an unforgettable image in the minds of audiences. Directed by Joe Johnston and distributed by Paramount Pictures, this film presented Atwell with the opportunity to showcase her acting prowess. The scene that proves it: A scene that beautifully summarizes her character’s depth? “The world has changed, and none of us can go back. All we can do is our best, and sometimes, the best that we can do is to start over.”
Atwell’s performance as Peggy Carter resonated so deeply that it continued to influence the Marvel Universe more than a decade later, with her character’s actions paying off in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Her ability to stand out and shine in this genre favorite serves as a testament to her acting abilities and the timeless allure of her character.