Here are our 10 Best Animated Comic Book Movies Ever List. Keep this list handy to keep track of the best in the business.
Whatever you might think about animated comic book movies, there is no argument that depending on your point of view, they can vary in quality and entertainment value. The restrictions on making films in this genre include plot, budget, and characters, and when you think of movies such as Green Lantern, you can see the limitations at their worst.
So, as a comic book fan, it is a no-brainer that animating these types of stories can open them up in a way that films often cannot. Animated comic book movie adaptations have no budget, no limit on special effects, and are much easier for the voice actors, as they can act without restriction, have no green screen or prosthetics to worry about, and have longer takes allowing a more committed performance.
So if you are new to animated comic book movies, here are what we think are ten of the best comic book movies ever. It’s worth saying that this list contains just my own favorites, so if your top animated comic book feature is not here. don’t worry, leave a comment below, and if the list looks DC biased, it is simply due to the huge animated output that DC had over Marvel animated features. With that out of the way, let’s go.
10 Best Animated Comic Book Movies Ever
10. Planet Hulk (2010)
An early entry from Marvel. who just didn’t push this medium as much as DC did, but this a well loved adaptation of the story from the comic books. A sequel was always hoped for but has never appeared, but this would still be a great live action movie too even though it seemed to be a basis for some of Thor Ragnarock. Crash landing on a tyrant ruled planet, Hulk is forced to fight gladiator style to survive. Some great animation and fight scenes, and Beta Ray Bill too, this is a great entry from Marvel.
IMDB Rating 6.7/10
9. Wonder Woman (2009)
A stunning introduction to the world of Amazons, Ares and Steve Trevor, with a fast paced and engaging storyline, tightly written with little padding or filler, this is a must see for fans of the character. The Wonder Woman presented here is everything that the character should be, and the action sequences are brilliant. With real chemistry between Diana and Steve, there is something here for everyone.
IMDB Rating 7.2/10
8. Constantine City of Demons (2018)
As a fan of this character. and despondent at the cancelling of the TV series, it was great to see John Constantine given the full animated comic book movie treatment. Featuring the voice acting talent of , Matt Ryan, this was a treat for Constantine fans, and the story, involving Chas, seeking help for his daughter, is a wild demonic thrill ride but definitely not one for younger viewers.
IMDB Rating 7.3/10
7. Batman Year One (2011)
Based on the four issue arc from Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli in the comic book Batman, this animated origin of The Dark Knight sticks very closely to the comic book, and as a result we get a hard boiled look at the early days of Bruce Wayne. The story is smaller than other Batman tales, with the focus on Gotham’s corrupt police force and politicians, and giving us an early look at at some of the iconic characters that inhabit it’s world, but this is a great watch, and is one of the more realistic entries on the list.
IMDB Rating 7.3/10
6. The Death of Superman (2018)
Based on the epic comic book arc, that would essentially remove Superman from his own books for a year, this battle against Doomsday would go down in comic book history as one of the highest selling comics of all time, so it is no accident that there would be an animated comic book movie version, as well as the story being used in the live action Justice League movie. The nature of the battle is epic and savage in this comic book movie, and it is easy to the influence this has had in other mediums. As Metropolis watches the terrible battle, it is hard not to feel moved, Superman and Lois have never been closer, and the final stand is heart breaking, but don’t worry, he comes back.
IMDB Rating 7.3/10
5. Batman Beyond Return of the Joker (2000)
The Batman Beyond TV series was a highly rated animated show that presented a future version of Batman in the form of Terry McGinnis and an aged Bruce Wayne that passes his mantle down to him. The show would eventually receive a full length animated film, and boy do they go all out with this one. Two versions of the film would be made, as the first version was considered too shocking , but don’t worry you can see both versions easily. With a disturbing reveal that uses the animated style of Batman The Animated Series to counterpoint the time shift, and the incredible voice talents of Mark Hamill as The Joker and Kevin Conroy as Batman, this is a masterclass in comic book movie making that will haunt Batman fans forever.
IMDB Rating 7.7/10
4, Batman Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Spinning out of the success of BTAS, this movie length episode was theatrically released back in the day. When Gotham mobsters are being murdered, the cops blame Batman, but we know that there is a new vigilante in town. The gothic Phantasm is seeking revenge, leading to a look at an unknown chapter in the life of a young Bruce Wayne, a forbidden love and of course, a final showdown with The Joker. This early animated featured is fondly remembered, and still holds up incredibly well. The epic showdown in Gothams run down Futureworld is a treat for fans of the silver age of Batman. As this was an original comic book movie, there would eventually be a comic book version of this film for fans to also collect.
IMDB Rating 7.8/10
3. Batman The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 (2013)
Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller, once again reinventing Batman, this comic book movie finds Batman coming out of retirement to battle the hordes of The Mutant gang that are terrorising his city. However, his return also reignites The Joker, who decides that since Batman is back, then he is too. With scenes homaged in The Joker movie, and a version of Batman that defines the character even today, this comic book movie thrill ride is dark, violent and disturbing, but also a must watch.
IMDB Rating 7.9/10
2. Batman Under the Red Hood (2010)
I know there are a lot of entries here with Batman, but the character is so well represented in the comics, and the animated movies love to adapt their best sellers, so it’s no surprise that there are so many incredible comic book movies that feature The Dark Knight. This particular story is another dark and disturbing tale featuring The Joker murdering Robin and the twisted aftermath Batman has to deal with afterwards. Celebrated as a classic, and with repercussions that are still relevant, this is another great watch.
IMDB Rating 8.0/10
1. Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
A huge theatrical release cemented Miles Morales into the Marvel Universe, with this stunning vibrant and exciting animated spectacular. Miles would first appear in the comic book called Ultimate Fallout issue 4, and has grown in popularity ever since. With some amazing concepts and visually just genius, this is an incredible comic book movie that is also a love story to Spider-Man and his cast of characters. With a sequel still in progress, this comic book movie deserves multiple viewings and is ideal for everyone to watch.
IMDB Rating 8.4/10
Do you have any other recommendations for the best animated comic book movies like these? Let us know!
