Superhero movies are not for kids. Well, not definitively, anyway. While there are endless additions to the genre that do fall into the appeal of younger audiences, there are also those that don’t, and many that have a direct appeal to an older audience, especially those R-rated movies that aren’t your stereotypical superhero adventure; for example, theDeadpooltrilogy or the 2019 horror featureBrightburn.
Since the beginning, even before superhero movies became as popular as they are today, there were always additions to the genre that surprised viewers with their far more mature undertone than original cartoons or comic books.These movies have never just been for kids. They are for anybody who loves the worlds within to enjoy and immerse themselves in a place far different from real life.MarvelandDCmay be high on the list of superhero movie creation. However, they’re not the only ones that dabble in the art, and certainly not the only companies that’ve tried their hands at darker-toned stories targeted towards an older audience. From Brightburn to Joker, these ten features are some of the best of their genre, but they were definitely not made with youngsters in mind.
10’Glass' (2019)
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
TheUnbreakabletrilogy consists of three movies released between 2000 and 2019, which began as individual features and were revealed as part of the same universe with the release of the psychological thrillerSplitin 2016. AlongsideSplitwere the titularUnbreakable2000 feature and the 2019 culmination,Glass.
Regarding this trilogy as a trio of superhero movies may seem bizarre, but it’s a reasonable description, with the focal point on three individuals with superhuman abilities. In Glass, viewers are taken back toM. Night Shyamalan’s thriller trilogy, with all three characters being held in the same psychiatric facility. What could possibly go wrong?These movies aren’t as graphic as the others on this list, but the psychological twists and turns are definitely not for everybody.
9’Brightburn' (2019)
Directed by David Yarovesky
What would happen if Supermanwere evil? What if he killed instead of cared? Maimed rather than saved? It’d be a whole other world of chaos and carnage, wouldn’t it? It might seem hard to imagine, but a film released in 2019 brought a whole new perspective to what happens when someone with all that power takes a less-than-heroic path.
Brightburndepicts the story of a young boy with Superman-like abilities to fly and use super strength and speed to his advantage. He also has a very similar origin story to the iconic DC superhero. However, as opposed to using those powers to help, he used them to harm anyone he deemed wronged him.It was an interesting take on what could have been in a horror version of this classic superhero tale, but with graphic depictions of violence, blood, and gore, it’s not one for the youngster to enjoy.
Brightburn
8’Logan' (2017)
Directed by James Mangold
Loganis the devastating culmination of Wolverine’s story in Fox’sX-MenUniverse, released between 2000 and 2017. TheX-Menmovies became an iconic part of superhero storytelling in the genre’s 2000s infancy, serving as an introduction for many before the MCU was born withIron Manin 2008. It remains a favorite for many and will always be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who grew up with the franchise.
In 2017, not includingDark PhoenixorThe New Mutants, a final installment in Wolverine’s story was released that left those watching reeling long after the credits rolled.Logansaw the beloved character’s final stages of growth and development as he assisted a young girl with similar abilities to himself, which ultimately ended with his heartbreaking death.This movie is a fantastic culmination of one of the superhero genre’s most expansive stories, bidding farewell to the character of Wolverine in a fittingly brutal, bloody, and unforgiving final stand. It will always be one of the best R-rated superhero features.
7’Deadpool and Wolverine' (2024)
Directed by Shawn Levy
Deadpool and Wolverineis the third installment in theDeadpooltrilogy thatofficially welcomed the Merc with a Mouth to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in nothing but style with the humor, blood, and bad mouth he has become so known and loved for. Of course, it didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
The R-rating onDeadpool and Wolverinemeans it is not for kids, despite being part of the MCU, which, up until the release of this movie, had been very family-friendly. However, while the adult humor, graphic fight choreography, and comedic content ofmore than 110 F-bombsare enough to prove its targeted adult audience, its inclusion in the MCU moving forward allows some wiggle room for at-home audiences. That being said, it’s probably best to avert the little one’s eyes and ears at some of the more visceral fight sequences and dialogue.
Deadpool & Wolverine
6’Kick-Ass' (2010)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Normal people cannot go out on the streets at night and fight crime like Daredevil or Batman can. But what if they could? What if someone like you or me could put on a costume and transform into a capable fighter of crime? Wouldn’t that be a thing?
Kick-Assis a fifteen-year-old action comedy from directorMatthew Vaughnthat changed what the general image of a superhero movie could be for many. It focuses on a group of everyday individuals who take it upon themselves to become real-life superheroes and get caught up in a brutal world of bullets, blood, and some incredibly well-executed fight choreography.With knives to the throat, guns to the head, and close-up shots of blood splurts in just a single brilliant hallway fight alone, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it remains one of the best adult-targeted superhero movies ever made.
5’Joker' (2019)
Directed by Todd Phillips
Joker, no, not the failure that was its sequel, is a perfect example of a well-acted, well-written, and brilliantly executed superhero crime movie with an incredibly dark vibe. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is far from a hero to the general population, but it’s all relative when the story being told takes place in a city like the notorious Gotham.
Jokertakes viewers along for the ride through the chaos and carnage that comes with living in Gotham City, as well as the downward spiral of Arthur Fleck into the mindfame of DC’s ruthless, infamous titular villain.Todd Phillips' new take on one of the superhero genre’s biggest baddies was a huge success. While it doesn’t have as big a brutality level as some of the other additions on this list, the subtle and visceral depictions it did include were enough to have anybody cringing away from the screen at least once.
4’The Crow' (1994)
Directed by Alex Proyas
There’s just something about an original comic book adaptation that holds a special place in the hearts of those who love the source material. But only if it’s done right. Despite mixed opinions on whether it should have been completed following its lead,Brandon Lee’s accidental death on set,The Crow, has become one of the best superhero movies of the 1990s, and a classic supernatural action horror in general.
We won’t talk about the questionable remakesand reboots following the release of this iconic 90s feature. But the original has continued doing well throughout the years since its release, and rightfully so. It centers on Lee’s character, Eric Draven, a man who bears witness to his fiancée’s murder before being shot and killed himself, only to be resurrected by the crow a year later in order to carry out his vengeance on those who committed the crimes.What follows is a relentless revenge story with great acting, enthralling storytelling, and a fantastic comic book adaptation by the end result. ButThe Crowis most definitely not one for a family movie night.
3’V for Vendetta' (2005)
Directed by James McTeigue
V for Vendettaarguably has one of the most recognizable characters in cinema, thanks to a mask that leaves a lasting impression whether people want it to or not. The movie has become one of the most notable featurespertaining to a vigilante-type superherocharacter who takes matters into his own hands while living in a future with questionable rules and regulations.
James McTeigue’s acclaimed feature was highly praised for its storytelling and ability to leave audiences pondering its message long after the movie ends. The character of V, played byHugo Weaving, and his iconic Guy Fawkes mask created a film that is still talked about twenty years after its initial release in 2005.However, it’s definitely more targeted towards an older audience who will understand its storytelling more than younger generations. On top of that, the violence, albeit somewhat scarce compared to others, may be too much for some to handle.
V For Vendetta
2’Darkman' (1990)
Directed by Sam Raimi
While it may arguably be his most notable work,Sam Raimiisn’t just known for his original 2000sSpider-Mantrilogy. Back in 1990, before your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man was even a thought for a live-action big screen adaptation, he was the director behind another superhero feature that’s become one of thebest R-rated superhero moviesof all time.
Darkmanis a mix of original and modern additions to the genre, but on a very dark level that’s far from suitable for kids. It followsLiam Neeson’s character, Dr. Peyton Westlake, as he seeks vengeance against those who hand in drastically disfiguring his face and ruining everything he had.It’s very reminiscent of 1930s Universal horror films likeThe Invisible Man, but has just enough of its own unique spin that’s kept it alive in the hearts of those who continue to love its wackiness thirty-five years later. Be warned, though, it completely earns its R-rating.
1’Watchmen' (2009)
Directed by Zack Snyder
2009’sWatchmenis an incredibly underrated DC movie that was way ahead of its time. Had it been released nowadays, there probably would have been a significant increase in box office sales, although that’s not to say it performed poorly on release. It may have garnered a cult following in the years since, but it wrongfully remained one of the most underappreciated DC Comics adaptations for a very long time.
Watchmen’s gritty and grimy undertone isn’t for everyone, but for those who love it in all its noir-toned glory, it couldn’t have done a better job of bringing the 1980s comic series to life on the big screen.The movie contains some rather graphic depictions of violence, from exploding bodies to severed limbs, and everything else in between, and it’s enough to make some adults cringe and rapidly look away from the screen. Saying this movie isn’t for kids would be the understatement of the year.
NEXT:Superhero Fans Unite! Can We All Agree These Are the 10 Best Adaptations of the 21st Century?
