10 Best Pre-MCU Superhero Films

10. Blade

Long before the resurgence of R-rated superhero films in the form of Logan and Deadpool, Blade fully indulged in all the gore and action of its comic book origin. Add to that the cool central performance from Wesley Snipes and some excellent supporting work from Kris Kristofferson and N'Bushe Wright.

One of the earliest Marvel licences to find big screen success, Blade focused on the titular Daywalker vampire hybrid and his mentor Abraham Whistler. Dr. Karen Jenson finds herself caught up in their underground war against vampires and particularly the ambitious evil plans of young vamp Deacon Frost.

Blade was a commercial success, and played well to audiences, though the critics were a bit more lukewarm. Suffice to say, they got it wrong and subsequently Blade garnered something of a cult following. It is a stylish blend of action and horror. Its sharp writing and direction and well conceived production design means that Blade still stands up over 20 years later. From its opening rave-turned-bloodbath (obviously a '90s film), Blade will sink its teeth into you and you'll be ever so glad it did.