The iconic superheroes of Marvel and DC Comics have always had an unparalleled ability to arouse intense passion and excitement among their devoted fan bases. Their timeless appeal is evident in characters such as Iron Man and Batman, who never fail to captivate and mesmerize their ardent supporters.
These fictional characters have become an integral part of our pop culture, inspiring numerous films and TV shows thanks to their superpowers, gripping storylines, and captivating personalities. As their popularity continues to rise, these superheroes have become legends in their own right, significantly impacting the world of cinema.
With so many highly anticipated superhero movies set to be released soon, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and lose track of them all. However, this article has got you covered! Here, we've curated a list of the top 10 Marvel and DC movies that no fan would like to miss.
The Superhero Showdown: Upcoming Marvel and DC movies you need to watch out for
1) Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Marvel) - June 2, 2023
The highly anticipated sequel to Into the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, is set to take fans on a thrilling ride through the multiverse. Excitement is building as viewers can expect to see a variety of Spider-Man versions from different dimensions making appearances in the movie.
Fans can expect to see a wide range of Spider-Man versions, including fan favorites like Gwen Stacy, Peter B. Parker, and, of course, the main protagonist Miles Morales. The return of Morales is especially exciting, as his character has been one of the most popular and well-received additions to the Spider-Man universe in recent years.
With direction by critically acclaimed animated series director Joaquim Dos Santos, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is in good hands. Santos has a proven track record of creating compelling animated content, and his unique style and vision are sure to bring something fresh and exciting to the Spider-Man franchise.
2) The Flash (DC) - June 16, 2023
The upcoming superhero film, The Flash, is all set to showcase the incredible talent of Ezra Miller as Barry Allen. Fans are eagerly waiting to see the multiverse theory and the universe of the Flash explored. Playing the iconic roles of Bruce Wayne/Batman are Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton, under the direction of Andy Muschietti.
Miller's character was sidelined in previous films like Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017), but viewers are eager to see him take center stage in this film. Taking inspiration from the Flashpoint story arc from the comic books, the movie will delve into an alternate reality where things have unfolded differently than they did in the central DC universe.
Due to its turbulent production history, the challenge of meeting the expectations of fans, and the difficulty of bringing the character to the big screen, The Flash may achieve the same level of popularity as other superhero movies. Despite all this, it holds a special place on the list of highly anticipated superhero films.
3) The Marvels (Marvel) - November 10, 2023
The Marvels is the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Captain Marvel, continuing the epic tale of Brie Larson's Carol Danvers. Excitement is high as Iman Vellani portrays the beloved Ms. Marvel under the expert direction of Nia DaCosta. Teyonah Parris also returns to reprise her role as Monica Rambeau.
In this new adventure, Carol Danvers leads a team of exceptional superheroes, introducing fresh characters and concepts to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There is some uncertainty about how well the public will receive the new generation of superheroes in the MCU.
Despite this, the movie promises to be an exciting addition to the franchise, and fans are eagerly anticipating its release. While it may not be the most highly anticipated film of the year, it certainly has its place among the top ten and is sure to deliver an entertaining and action-packed adventure for audiences to enjoy.
4) Blue Beetle (DC) - August 18, 2023
The upcoming DC Extended Universe movie, Blue Beetle, is the perfect blend of action and adventure that centers on the story of Jaime Reyes. Reyes is a young hero who possesses the Scarab, an alien weapon with immense power.
As the movie progresses, we see how Reyes grows from a regular teenager to a superhero while dealing with the challenges that come with possessing superhuman abilities. The director of the movie, Angel Manuel Soto, and actor Xolo Maridueña, who plays Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle, are relatively unknown in the industry.
Despite this, the movie has the potential to captivate audiences with its unique storyline and thrilling action sequences. Though it might face some challenges in attracting a wider audience due to its lesser-known status, it certainly promises to be an enthralling cinematic experience.
5) Kraven the Hunter (Marvel) - October 6, 2023
Kraven the Hunter will focus on Sergei Kravinoff, also known as Kraven the Hunter. The movie will examine the titular hero's past and how he became one of Spider-Man's most formidable adversaries.
J.C. Chandor helms the upcoming film, featuring the talented Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven and rising star Ariana DeBose as Calypso. Additionally, the movie has cast the legendary actor Russell Crowe in an undisclosed role, adding more excitement to the mix.
However, despite the potential risks, fans are undeniably hyped up for the upcoming villain-centric film. They are eagerly anticipating the release, eager to see their favorite characters come to life on the big screen.
6) Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (DC) - December 20, 2023
DC's highly anticipated superhero movie, Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom, is set to hit theaters on December 25, 2023, and directed is by the talented James Wan. After the massive success of the first Aquaman film, which grossed over $1.14 billion worldwide, fans couldn't wait for the superhero sequel.
The movie stars Jason Momoa, who will be joined by returning cast members including Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Orm, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta. Speculations are swirling that the title refers to the mysterious underwater city of Necrus.
Even though fans were initially disappointed that the film's release was delayed from March 2023, it was done to ensure that the post-production process was top-notch. Rumors suggest that the delay was also to avoid comparisons with Avatar: The Way of Water, which was scheduled to release around the same time.
7) Captain America: New World Order (Marvel) - May 3, 2024
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is getting ready to introduce a new Captain America, and fans are eagerly waiting to see this superhero on the big screen. In Avengers: Endgame, Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans) passed his legendary shield to Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie) in an emotional scene.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series was all about Sam finally accepting his destiny and becoming the new Captain America. He has a brand new Vibranium suit, which he'll be wearing in the upcoming Marvel superhero movie, Captain America: New World Order. The movie is written by Malcolm Spellman, who was the head writer for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and has just been given the green light.
The production will be helmed by Julius Onah, and the cast includes some impressive names like Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Shira Haas, and Harrison Ford.
8) Thunderbolts (Marvel) - July 26, 2024
For more than a decade, Marvel movies have been fixated on showcasing superheroes as the main characters. But now, the franchise seems eager to switch things up by introducing the Thunderbolts to the big screen. This exciting project was announced in June 2022, with an impressive team on board, including Eric Pearson writing the script and Robot & Frank's Jake Schreier as the director.
During the D23 Expo 2022, the cast was revealed, which includes an impressive line-up featuring Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent, and Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster.
To add to the excitement, Julia Louis-Dreyfus will be reprising her role as Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, while Harrison Ford is set to play Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross again after Captain America: New World Order. We can expect a thrilling new superheroic chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the introduction of these new and dynamic characters.
9) Joker: Folie à Deux (DC) - October 4, 2024
The release of Joker: Folie à Deux has not been affected by the recent changes in the DC movie lineup, which is great news for fans eagerly anticipating the film's arrival. The title of the movie refers to a condition where two people share a delusion, providing a hint about the film's storyline.
This standalone movie has broken the mold of previous DC films by receiving critical acclaim and satisfying fans of the Joker character. Joker: Folie à Deux is scheduled to hit theaters on October 4, 2024, and unlike other DC movies, it's less likely to face any delays since it's not part of the DCEU. Joaquin Phoenix is set to reprise his role as Arthur Fleck, thanks to the success of the first Joker film.
Todd Phillips, the original director, is returning for the sequel, and Lady Gaga has been confirmed to co-star in a fresh take on the Harley Quinn character. The film is also expected to have musical elements, making it a unique and exciting addition to the DC movie universe.
10) Superman: Legacy (DC) - July 11, 2025
The highly anticipated superhero movie Superman: Legacy is set to be released on July 11, 2025, and it promises to be an exciting addition to the DC Universe. Unlike other Superman movies, this won't be an origin story. Instead, the film will focus on the struggles Clark Kent faces as he tries to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.
James Gunn, the mastermind behind this revitalized DCU, will take a fresh approach by featuring a much younger Superman. This movie will serve as the starting point for a new era in the DC Universe, and it's sure to be a hit with fans.
Although Henry Cavill won't be reprising his role as Superman, the young Clark Kent will still be old enough to work at the Daily Planet. There's no word yet on who will direct the film, but there's a strong possibility that James Gunn might step in since he's also the writer of this superhero movie.
Final Thoughts
Looking forward to the future of the Marvel and DC Cinematic Universes, there is no shortage of highly anticipated superhero films that promise to breathe new life into beloved characters and explore innovative storylines and concepts.
These 10 superhero films are at the forefront of the excitement, offering fresh takes and the potential for groundbreaking narratives. With so much to look forward to, the horizon of these cinematic universes is brighter than ever before.