Following the monumental global triumph of “Avengers: Endgame,” anticipation for the future of superhero films soared to unprecedented heights. However, as the new decade dawned, the superhero genre faced a myriad of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted film production and Box Office returns, leading to years of recovery. Additionally, superhero fatigue set in with the numerous releases from Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four. With both Marvel and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) launching multiple projects early in the decade, the initial fervor surrounding superhero movies began to wane.

Despite these hurdles, some superhero movies managed to shine in this challenging landscape. Both Marvel and DC produced noteworthy projects that drew audiences back to theaters and kept the genre vibrant. Out of over twenty high-budget superhero films released since 2020, ten distinguished themselves as exemplary contributions to the superhero genre.

**1. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: A Fresh Origin Story**

Released in 2021 with a budget ranging from $150-200 million, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” garnered $432.2 million at the Box Office and achieved an IMDb rating of 7.4 alongside a Rotten Tomatoes score of 91% Tomatometer and 98% Audience Score. This sixth entry in MCU’s Phase 4 presented a dynamic origin story for a lesser-known superhero, Shang-Chi, played by Simu Liu. The plot revolves around his quest for a mythical village while contending with the Ten Rings organization led by his father, Wenwu (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai). The film’s refreshing take on the MCU formula expanded the universe’s lore in intriguing ways, paving the way for a sequel.

**2. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: Darker MCU Approach**

Released in 2022 with a $414.9 million budget and $955.8 million Box Office return, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” took a darker tone compared to typical MCU films. Directed by Sam Raimi, it reintroduced Wanda Maximoff as a villain post-“WandaVision,” exploiting America Chavez’s universe-hopping abilities. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange navigates this complex narrative, providing closure to Wanda’s arc while exploring the multiverse’s potential. The film received an IMDb rating of 6.9 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 74% Tomatometer and 85% Audience Score.

**3. The Suicide Squad: Standalone Sequel Success**

James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad,” released in 2021 with a $185 million budget, improved significantly on its 2016 predecessor despite lower Box Office returns of $168 million. The film maintained a gritty, dark comedic tone while introducing new characters like Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and John Cena’s Peacemaker. It achieved an IMDb rating of 7.2 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 90% Tomatometer and 82% Audience Score, becoming a cult classic appreciated for its unique storytelling and character development.

**4. The Batman: A Compelling Murder Mystery**

Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” released in 2022 with a budget between $185-200 million and a Box Office return of $772.2 million, received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of a young Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) investigating Gotham’s elite murders. With a nuanced performance by Pattinson and praised portrayals by Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman and Colin Farrell as Penguin, the film earned an IMDb rating of 7.8 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 85% Tomatometer and 87% Audience Score.

**5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: A Satisfying Trilogy Conclusion**

Despite superhero fatigue, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” was a standout success in 2023. With a $250 million budget and $845.6 million Box Office return, James Gunn’s final MCU film provided a bittersweet conclusion to the Guardians’ story arc, focusing on Rocket Racoon’s backstory and Peter Quill’s grief over Gamora. The film achieved an IMDb rating of 7.9 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 82% Tomatometer and 94% Audience Score.

**6. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: Emotional Tribute**

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” released in 2022 with a budget of $200-250 million and Box Office returns of $859.2 million, honored Chadwick Boseman’s legacy while advancing its storyline. Shuri’s journey to becoming Black Panther amidst grieving her brother was emotionally impactful, earning an IMDb rating of 6.7 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 84% Tomatometer and 94% Audience Score.

**7. Zack Snyder’s Justice League: Redeeming Vision**

The long-awaited “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” released in 2021 on Max, significantly improved upon the 2017 theatrical version with its extended four-hour runtime. This director’s cut revitalized characters and plotlines, receiving an IMDb rating of 7.9 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 71% Tomatometer and 93% Audience Score.

**8. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: Animated Masterpiece**

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” released in 2023 with a budget of $100-150 million and Box Office returns of $690.9 million, continued Miles Morales’ multiversal adventures with stunning animation and compelling voice performances from Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld. The film earned an IMDb rating of 8.6 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 95% Tomatometer and 94% Audience Score.

**9. Deadpool & Wolverine: Fox Characters Enter MCU**

“Deadpool & Wolverine,” released in 2024 with a $200 million budget and grossing $1.211 billion, successfully integrated Fox’s characters into the MCU. Featuring Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool teaming up with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, the film delighted fans with multiverse cameos and earned an IMDb rating of 8.0 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 78% Tomatometer and 85% Audience Score.

**10. Spider-Man: No Way Home: An Event Film**

“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” released in 2021 with a $200 million budget, achieved a staggering $1.928 billion Box Office return. It featured iconic characters from previous Spider-Man iterations, including Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, making it an event film that revived excitement within the MCU fanbase. The film received an IMDb rating of 8.2 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 93% Tomatometer and 98% Audience Score.

These films not only overcame significant industry challenges but also reinvigorated audience interest in the superhero genre through innovative storytelling, memorable performances, and expanding cinematic universes.