10 Best Indie Superhero Movies

Marvel and DC’s monopoly on the superhero movie market has existed for a long time, which makes sense because the two brands popularized the genre. Most fans appreciate the constant supply from Marvel Studios and Warner Bros., but seeing Batman, Spider-Man, and their friends over and over again can get tiresome. Thankfully, there are other options. Over the years, a few independent companies have also made movies about people with special abilities.

Because of their limited budgets, these films don’t always have endless high-octane action sequences or magical visuals, but they have gripping plots, witty dialogue, and great performances from talented actors. Most indie superhero movies aren’t based on comic books either, so audiences aren’t required to do reading first to understand what’s going on. So, sit back and enjoy these wonderful indie superhero gems.

10 Defendor (2009)

Defendor’s Arthur Poppington (Woody Harrelson) is delusional yet somehow likable. He believes he is a superhero, so he spends his nights trying to fight crime in the city, despite not having any special abilities. He dreams of taking down Captain Industry, but the task proves harder than expected. Though his intentions are good, his city adventures tend to morph into major fiascos.

Blending Adult Discussions with Child-like Fun

Craving general exhibition vigilante entertainment that still feels clever? The feverishly funny Defendor is the ideal choice. Existing at the junction between kindergarten logic and adult life, the movie has all the campy fun of Shazam, the high-voltage grittiness of Daredevil, and the sparkling stoner playfulness of a 2000s comedy film. However, it isn’t just a cartoon-like affair. The movie gladly touches on topics like mental health and sex work.

According to the Toronto Star, the realism was achieved by consulting with actual sex workers. Every element, from the costumes to the lighting, feels meticulously crafted and original. Much praise also goes to Woody Harrelson for making the hero as human as possible.

9 All Superheroes Must Die (2011)

In All Superheroes Might Die, a group of mutants awakens to discover they’ve lost all their powers. They are also in a strange town. Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for them to get answers. A mysterious figure known as Templar shows up claiming that he is responsible for everything. Having captured their loved ones too, he intends to use them as puppets to do his bidding.

An Intriguing Fight for Survival

Throats get slit and public places get bombed, so only fans of horror superhero movies would be advised to watch this indie flick by Jason Trost. The film could have used an extra financial injection, given the average visuals, but it gets high marks for the thrills and the villain, whose scenes are frequently intercut with gut-wrenching moments of absolute carnage.

Terror diffuses through every scene, and for the most part, the heroes are helpless, echoing the atmosphere of Avengers: Infinity War. There are plenty of strong performances too, notably from Lucas Till (who played Havok in X-Men: First Class) and James Remar (who played Dexter Morgan’s adoptive father in Dexter). Not easily scared? Press play and enjoy.

Stream it on Hoopla or rent it on Apple TV+

8 Super (2010)

James Gunn’s Super is about a short-order cook who believes he is the chosen one. After having a vision, Frank Darbo (Rainn Wilson) convinces himself that God has selected him to save the world. He thus creates a costume with the help of a comic book store owner and starts calling himself The Crimson Bolt. He also sets out to rescue his lover from a drug lord who is taking advantage of her.

Not Your Average Hero

Darbo might not have powers, but he is such a fun character. For starters, his idea of punishing criminals simply involves whopping them. Armed with a pipe wrench, he hands down heavy beatings in the streets. Fans will also appreciate how Gunn avoids the fairytale superhero romance subplots. Despite pushing himself hard to save his lover, Darbo still doesn’t end up with her. The film’s ending is heartbreaking, the kind of ending that makes it stand out from other offerings in the genre.

Stream it on AMC+

7 Special (2006)

Special’s protagonist, Les Franken (Michael Rapaport), is a comic book fan living a quiet life as a parking meter monitor. That’s until he participates in an experimental antidepressant study. After a few days, he develops special abilities, and upon realizing what is happening to his body, his inner steel comes out. Inspired, he quits his job and begins a spirited personal odyssey to change the world.

A Desperate Search for Personal Growth

Equal parts comedy-drama, satire, psychological thriller, and sci-fi, Special provides vivid commentary on both Big Pharma and mental health. Throughout the 82-minute running time, Rapaport remains the movie’s glue, attracting audiences with his facial expressions and frantic actions. Never unnatural, and closing with a glimmer of hope, this moving indie superhero flick nourishes the heart and the brain.

6 Griff the Invisible (2010)

Griff the Invisible’s plot revolves around Griff (Ryan Kwanten), a socially awkward man who often gets bullied by his co-worker, Tony. Unknown to everyone, he is a vigilante who fights criminals at night. Griff is lonely until he meets his brother’s girlfriend, Melody, and falls in love with her. The two are shown to have a lot in common, with Melody being a recluse too, and often having fantasies about superpowers.

More About Feelings Than Powers

Penned and directed by the talented Leon Ford, Griff the Invisible is more of an interior superhero film, going fairly easy on the action sequences, and instead dwelling on the moods and musings ordinary people have while plagued with various challenges.

Here, the characters know they are special, but they still wrestle with precisely why things are happening the way they do and what they need to do to fix everything. Appealing in its slow, poetic, and romantic meditation, this is a superhero movie like no other.

Stream it on Prime Video or Peacock

5 The Specials (2000)

The Specials examines the lives of the titular superheroes on their off day. Don’t let the group name fool you; The Specials are nothing special. Low on ranking, they are only the seventh most popular superhero group in the world. The members mostly have themselves to blame as they aren’t corporate-friendly, hence blocking merchandising deals. Consequently, they only fight against less-powered villains.

A Simple Film Boosted by Dumb Fun

James Gunn confessed that he isn’t particularly proud of the movie. This is understandable, considering that he has written better scripts since. Nonetheless, The Specials is still a distinctive film worth watching. The fabulous sitcom-style film is fueled by all-round exceptional performances and an intoxicating atmosphere of goofiness.

Anyone watching will find themselves impressed by most of the characters, including Minute Man (Gunn), who hates his costume and is often irked by people mistaking him for an actual ‘minute man.’ It’s also worth it for the final act, where the heroes get to really show off their powers.

4 The Toxic Avenger (1984)

The Toxic Avenger was recently remade, but the original film remains the better version. Events center around Melvin Ferd Junko III (Mitch Cohen), a 98-pound health club janitor constantly bullied by customers. After being chased around the building one day, he falls into a vat of toxic waste. After heading home, he morphs into a dreadfully deformed mutant with superhuman strength.

A Strong ‘80s Flick That Has Aged Well

Strong in all areas, The Toxic Avenger is an intense, insightful, and emotionally distressing portrait of a man trying to find himself while fighting injustices. Thanks to a great job by the makeup team, it’s impossible to take the eyes off the protagonist, who is entrancing whether he is quietly surveilling or in complete meltdown.

From a progressive perspective, the film tackles fat-shaming, environmental decay, and mental health among other major topics. Above all, it deserves credit for popularizing the binding of the superhero and horror genres.

Stream it on Peacock

3 Surge of Power: The Stuff of Heroes (2004)

Surge of Power: The Stuff of Heroes is the story of gay corporate attorney Gavin Lucas. After being caught in a lab explosion, he realizes he can project powerful energy blasts. Thrilled, he pushes everything else down his priority list and becomes the superhero known as Sarge. Equipped with gauntlets and a bulletproof costume, he sets out to save the residents from those looking to pillage and destroy the city.

Fun Cameos and Hilarious Quotes

“I’m so scared,” Gavin once tells a victim he is trying to save. He might have the powers, but he lacks the confidence. Still, he tries his best. Through Gavin, the challenges of LGBTQ-related courtships are also highlighted. He often tries to hit on people, but things never go so well. Despite that, he remains optimistic.

Beyond that, there are surprise appearances by celebrities such as Noel Neill, Forrest J. Ackerman, Bernard Fox, Marty Krofft, Rose Marie, Lisa Loring, Bobby Trendy and Butch Patrick, making this a fun pop-culture fest.

2 Star Kid (1997)

What are the perks of befriending an alien? Well, they might give you a cool exoskeletal suit, complete with special powers. That’s what happens to seventh-grader Spencer Griffith (Joseph Mazello) in Star Kid. Armed with the near gear, he faces school bullies and his mean big sister. In addition to that, he gets the upper hand against other boys trying to woo his crush, Michelle.

A Star Performance by Mazello

Iron Man and Star Girl might have something to say about Spencer’s costume and name respectively, but this particular story stands on its own in many ways. Stylishly filmed and written, the film was cool enough to warrant the production of a paper prequel by Dark Horse Comics.

There are plenty of twists and confrontations, with a heartwarming climatic interaction between Spencer and Michelle providing the closing flourish. More than a superhero flick, Star Kid packs in an immaculate touch of romantic frisson as well as a smooth undercurrent of personal progress involving Spencer, who represents the real-world underrated school kid. All the cast members produce sparks, but it’s Mazello who dominates the proceedings.

Stream it on Starz or Apple TV+

1 Sidekick (2005)

In Sidekick, computer technician and comic book lover Norman (Perry Mucci) offers to train his co-worker, Victor (David Ingram), to become a superhero after discovering he possesses telekinetic powers. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he has forged a monster. Instead of Victor using his powers to do good, he decides to steal money, leaving Norman with no other option but to try and stop him.

A Refreshing Spin on Superhero Dynamics

Blake Van de Graaf is a little-known director, yet he delivers as strongly as the Hollywood heavyweights here. His detailed, neatly crafted story of greed and betrayal in corporate America wrings hilarity and urgency from its well-developed characters. Watching the hero turn into the villain, and the sidekick into the hero is pure fun. This is also one of those films with no happy ending.

Stream it on Prime Video