If you had asked me, at any point before 2004, "What is the greatest superhero film ever made?", I probably would have said "Superman: The Movie".
As Amazing as Spider-Man was when it first came out, the thrill of seeing Spidey on the big screen wore off quickly with the changes that were made to the franchise. I never liked Tobey as Spidey, and don't get me started on their choice for Mary Jane...or the organic web-shooters.
The subsequent sequels failed to even live up to that initial rush of seeing Spider-Man on the big screen.
But alas, Spider-Man has failed to crack the countdown, and at the risk of upsetting the whole thing by revealing what movies did NOT make the countdown...
Neither did Superman.
Which is saying something, because I told you all early on, that Richard Donner is likely my favorite director...ever.
Now, from 2004 to about 2008... had you asked the same question about the greatest superhero film ever made, then that answer would be today's pick: The Incredibles.
Brad Bird hits the countdown again with his second feature as writer & director. His follow-up to The Iron Giant was his first Pixar film, and one that raised the bar for superheroes everywhere.
The plot is simple enough... the federal government has all superheroes go into retirement in a witness relocation program, where they attempt to live everyday lives.
But when you have superpowers... how can you go from extraordinary lives to living dull and meaningless ones?
Centering on the Incredible family, all who have superpowers, and a dad that has the itch to suit up on occasion... it only takes one supervillain to push them over the edge and bring them out of hiding.
Because the only thing more important than saving the world?
Saving your family.
It's a movie with class, heart, and humor to spare.
And if not for the creation of Marvel Studios and what they have been able to crank out since 2008...
It would still likely be the greatest superhero movie ever made.
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