You might think that the widely mocked 1990s movie was Captain America's big screen debut, but the patriotic superhero actually appeared in a 15-part black and white serial back in 1944. This very loose adaptation (Steve Rogers was transformed into a District Attorney named Grant Gardner, and WWII played no role in his adventures) was technically the first comic book movie ever, and a Marvel character would not appear in another until 40 years later. The actor who played Captain America - Dick Purcell - died weeks after filming concluded, and it's believed that was a result of the strain that taking on the role put on him.