Top 10 Comic Book Movies (Non-Superhero Edition)
So, you want to watch a comic book movie, but don’t really want to see a bunch of guys in tights and spandex running around shooting lasers out of their eyes? Well, then we’ve got a top 10 list for you! This week we’re taking a look at comic book movies that don’t feature mainstream superheroes (or, for that matter, superheroes at all). So look out, indie comic kids: This list is going to give a nod to some of your favorite series out there (which might not make them quite so indie any more). While people might complain about adaptations, these films are truly ones to relish. So, hold on to your masks—it’s time for our list of the top 10 comic book movies (non-superhero edition).
10. 30 Days of Night- Writer Steve Niles is pretty well known as one of the better horror comic writers working today, so it’s no wonder that his vampire epic 30 Days of Night is gracing our list. The film follows a bunch of vampires who figured out that in the arctic there are extended periods of night (hence the title). While this might work out for the shark-eyed blood suckers, it doesn’t bode well for the residents of the town—especially for the sheriff (Josh Hartnett) who doesn’t really have the proper training for this sort of thing.
9. Constantine- So, the first time we saw this movie we were pretty disappointed. However, this last Halloween AMC decided to show it four or five times during their horror movie marathon and it quickly grew on us. Keanu Reeves’ apathetic-yet-intense acting style somehow made John Constantine a compelling character. While it’s loosely based on the series Hellblazer written by Peter Milligan, the movie has become one of those films we’re compelled to stop and watch whenever it’s on television.
8. The Crow- Based on the series by James O’Barr, this movie is a cult classic with a loyal following of geeks. Director Alex Proyas recreated the dark and creepy atmosphere seen in the comic series from the 80s. While the film was met with critical success, it does have the untimely death of potential martial superstar Brandon Lee tied to it. Still, The Crow is one of the most popular comic movies without a hero in tights.
7. Ghost World- As weird as it may sound, Ghost World is, in fact, based on a comic book series by Daniel Clowes. It’s a dark comedy that takes a look at two girls who live outside of the social norm… so, pretty much two typical high school girls. It’s an odd story that stars Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi and Thora Birch as they all try to figure out the meaning of life in order to find comfort in their alienation. The film is a little heavy at times, but cuts that with a witty sense of humor.


In your note you say that those three films “did not exactly do the original source material justice,” but I would argue that V for Vendetta did not, either. I love the movie, don’t get me wrong, but the whole concept of the movie was changed from Facism vs Anarchy to American Conservatism to American Anti-Conservatism. Alan Moore even cut himself off from the production when he saw how much they were changing his original work. Does the movie do justice to the original source material? No. Does it work as a movie inspired by the source material? Yes.