Currently, there is a whole new realm of pop cultural understanding and fluidity, especially related to the superhero genre. Whether it be a loving tribute to the source material, an eye-opening deconstruction, or a straight-up parody, the subgenre ‘superhero comedy’ continues to grow as the popularity for comic-book adaptations refuses to diminish. There have been tons of releases in the past few years that continue the tradition of thrilling audiences while throwing hard-hitting punches to the funny bone.
Our list contains some of the films that classify as the best super-powered ensemble comedies and are a treat to watch with the entire family.
1) Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Opening up the multiverse leaves more room to get weird. From producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a triumph in animation and a clever exploration that includes off-limits jokes. The origin story of Miles Morales is sprinkled with amazingly absurd characters like Spider-Man Noir and Spider-Ham.
As a celebration of everything ‘Spider-Man’, the film entertainingly reflects upon the ridiculous and funny aspects of the long-running franchise. The film also earns hearty laughs from the more grounded character moments like when Miles receives pickup advice from his uncle. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse matches bold storytelling with striking animation for a purely enjoyable adventure with heart, humour, and plenty of superhero action.
2) The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video and Vudu
Well, The Lego Batman Movie is definitely one of the best Batman movies that fans of the franchise thoroughly enjoyed. The comedy flick is among the funniest they’ve made so far, which includes imaginative rides full of meta-jokes about the history of Batman films, visual jokes about a world made of Lego bricks, and wordplay jokes about anything and everything.
Family-friendly, dizzyingly funny, and beautifully animated, The Lego Batman Movie is an ideal watch for kids of all ages and the parents would spot themselves laughing-out-loud too. It’s a bit over-the-top and a little too pleased with its own cleverness, but there is a lot of genuine, inoffensive fun. The film is a sheer piece of entertainment that actually deepens as it progresses.
3) The Incredibles 2 (2018)
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Despite its familiar plot, the Pixar animated sequel lands the right punches when it focuses on the role reversal between Bob and Helen Parr as well as the eccentricities of their powerful infant son Jack-Jack.
With most of the original voice cast reprising their roles, the chemistry that bonds this unit of supers remains as strong as ever. Returning as Bob a.k.a. Mr. Incredible, Craig T. Nelson flexes his comedic muscles as the patriarchal father who struggles with his new position as a stay-at-home father while his wife, Elastigirl, becomes the breadwinner, challenging traditional gender norms. Hilarity follows as the once broad-minded father descends into a state of paternal anxiety, all the more increased by his scene-stealing, stress-inducing child.
4) Big Hero 6 (2014)
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Combining the golden-age wonder of Walt Disney Animation Studios with the excellence of Marvel Comics, Big Hero 6 is full of action, heart, and plenty of giggles. The beautifully animated feature centers on the relationship between a teenage engineer, Hiro, and his beloved brother’s healthcare bot, Baymax. Together they form a superteam, along with Hiro’s classmates, to ward off a high-tech threat.
The film interestingly takes on a unique idea in which death can be a powerful motivator to do good. While that deconstruction is played mainly for dramatic effect, it’s Baymax who generates majority of the humour as it adorably stumbles its way through the futuristic city of San Fransokyo. The film deals with grief and teenage anxiety in a subtle and moving manner while serving up all the thrills of a big-budget animated movie with superhero protagonists.
5) Megamind (2010)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video and Vudu
Though he is the most-brilliant supervillain the world has known, Megamind is the least-successful. Thwarted time and again by the heroic Metro Man, Megamind is more surprised than anyone when he actually manages to defeat his longtime enemy. But without Metro Man, Megamind has no purpose in life, so he creates a new opponent, who quickly decides that it’s more fun to be a bad guy than a hero.
The DreamWorks animation film includes a bunch of comedy stars – Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, and Brad Pitt. The sassy comedy flick boasts a sharp and tight plot, which is full of the funniest one-liners around the superhero narrative. The quality of animation is outstanding and there’s not a single boring moment; all thanks to the quirky, funny, relatable and solid voice work. The movie feels fresh and carries humour that consistently elicits smiles.
6) Teen Titans Go! To The Movies (2018)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
DC isn’t exactly known for its light-hearted approach to its properties, but Teen Titans Go! To the Movies is an exception. From pointing out the similarities between DC and Marvel characters, to making fun of the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents, the film is a treasure trove of jokes for anyone who is even remotely familiar with superhero films.
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies is an excellent send-up of superhero movies and an homage to them; a spinoff whose music is infectious and jokes are consistently funny. Superhero parodies are rarely as good or dig as deep as this one. The clever and original plot takes the whole superhero concept to the next level and it is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages.
7) Flora & Ulysses (2021)
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Right from the jump, Flora announces with clinical resignation that she’s a cynic, and she is only 10 years old. It’s an atypically sensitive family film from Disney+, one that explores the depths of cynicism versus hope, and how far a family unit can bend until it breaks. An imaginative and creative 10-year old cynic never could have predicted that her little squirrel would be born anew as a superhero and have the uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life.
The silly yet hilarious superhero comedy about a flying squirrel adds a unique furry twist to the superhero genre. The superhero power of this movie comes from its endearingly offbeat characters, goofy humour, and gentle insights about finding optimism even when things go wrong. Well, we’d ask you to get your tissues handy!
~ How many out of these have you seen already?