By: Jacob Elyachar
Before you find out who made the Top 10, click here to read part one if you have not done it already: https://jakes-take.com/2012/08/02/jacobs-20-best-superhero-movie-performances-of-all-time-part-one/
This is it! Here are my 10 best performances in a superhero movie:
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman was sexy, edgy and dangerous in “Batman Returns.” (Photo property of Warner Bros. & PolyGram Filmed Entertainment)
10. Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer, Batman Returns)
The best female performance in a superhero film has to be Michelle Pfeiffer’s psychotic take on Catwoman (Selina Kyle) in the 1992 Tim Burton film Batman Returns. She was edgy and held her own against Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito’s character.
To watch Pfeiffer’s take on Catwoman, click here: http://youtu.be/HpO1rdhi9y0
9. Alfred (Michael Gough, Batman/Batman Returns/Batman Forever)
At the heart of each of the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher films is Alfred Pennyworth, one of the best father figures in not only comics but also cinema as well. For nine years, the late British actor brought the character to life and has captured the hearts of not only comic book fans but moviegoers as well.
To watch what Gough and several comic creators have to say about the character, click here: http://youtu.be/RM-xSc7jp5s
8. Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey, Superman Returns)
While a majority of Superman Returns did not live up to moviegoers’ taste, Kevin Spacey steals the film as the villainous criminal mastermind. He was one of the best superhero villains of the 2000s until a certain Australian came along and changed the game of playing a villain in a comic book movie.
Click here to watch Spacey in action: http://youtu.be/GnP8nfRB4g4
7. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson, Marvel Cinematic Universe)
When Marvel Comics launched its Ultimate line back in 2000, the creators modeled Nick Fury off of Samuel L. Jackson. Fans were thrilled when the action hero made his first of multiple appearances at the end of Iron Man. Recently, Jackson portrayed the hero in the Avengers and he will be in future Marvel films.
To watch Samuel L. Jackson’s take on Nick Fury, click here: http://youtu.be/1B2A-GeYci0
6. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, X-Men films)
Hugh Jackman’s film career was launched when the native Australian portrayed the feral X-Man in the first of many X-Men films. From fighting with foes including Sabretooth, Lady Deathstrike and Deadpool to defending his friends and innocent civilians, Jackman’s Wolverine is one of the best Marvel cinematic heroes.
To watch Wolverine’s battle with Lady Deathstrike, click here: http://youtu.be/3Mxxvhulr6Q
J.K. Simmons’s memorable portrayal of the Daily Bugle Editor-in-Chief was one of the best things that came out of the Sam Raimi “Spider-Man” films. (Photo property of Marvel Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions and Columbia Pictures)
5. J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons, Sam Raimi Spider-Man films)
J.K. Simmons stole almost every scene he was in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man franchise. He really dug deep into his role as the Daily Bugle’s editor-in-chief. Who can remember some of his zingy one-liners that made moviegoers laugh every time.
To watch a segment of the best J. Jonah Jameson moments, click here: http://youtu.be/OpAx0qyPRMw
4. Jor-El (Marlon Brando, Superman/Superman II/Superman Returns)
While the Christopher Reeve Superman franchise was full of cheese and campy moments, one of the greatest actors of all-time perfectly portrayed Superman’s father. Marlon Brando’s Jor-El was determined and assisted his son from the great beyond to save the world.
Click here to watch a clip of Marlon Brando in action: http://youtu.be/HbOR1NJdJfE
3. Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen, X-Men films)
Legendary Shakespearian actor Sir Ian McKellen brought his dramatic training to play the Master of Magnetism. McKellen’s Magneto is one of the best take on a Marvel Comics villain because he could not only make moviegoers hate him but also he could make them sympathize with him as well.
One of the best scenes in the X-Men film franchise is Xavier and Magneto’s chess game at the end of the first film. Click here to watch it: http://youtu.be/RWDDVuxFboI
2. Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr., the Avengers & the Iron Man films)
Robert Downey, Jr.’s cocky and arrogant take on Tony Stark lands him deep into the countdown. Downey, Jr.’s Tony Stark made lots of male moviegoers want to be him because of his collection of cool toys, lots of money and public affection. He also had great chemistry between all of the actors that he encountered in the Marvel Cinematic Universe too.
Click here to watch Iron Man and War Machine, take down several of Whiplash’s drones: http://youtu.be/MZWzf3h50LU
Heath Ledger’s over-the-top take on the Joker landed him on at the top of both my countdown and Newsarama.com’s countdown of the best performance in a superhero movie of all-time. (Photo property of Syncopy Films, Legendary Pictures, DC Comics and Warner Bros)
1. Joker (Heath Ledger, the Dark Knight)
The best performance in a superhero film belongs to the late Heath Ledger for his Academy Award-winning take on the Clown Prince of Crime. Ledger disappeared into the role and took both Batman and moviegoers for a ride. Until someone tops him, Ledger will always be number one to a lot of fans.
To watch one of Ledger’s best scenes in “The Dark Knight,” click here: http://youtu.be/u8PxG5zvgOM
I do not own any of these clips that are featured in this article.
