10 Best Pre-MCU Superhero Films

Guillermo del Toro's take on Hellboy remains, for good reason, cherished by fans. Based on Mike Mignola's Hellboy: Seed of Destruction, this is the first Dark Horse Comics property on this list, though there's a great number of pre-MCU film adaptions of their back catalogue out there.

Beginning in 1944, when Rasputin (Karel Rodin) assists the Nazis in a failed attempt to open a demonic portal, the demon thereafter called 'Hellboy' manages to come to our world. 60 years later, Rasputin is back to finish what he started and Ron Perlman's now-grown-up Hellboy must battle his past as well as snarling Hell beasts.

The film is drenched in that del Toro style fans know well: gothic ostentation and satisfyingly well-crafted cinema. The style blends with the story and the many excellent performances (especially Doug Jones' Abe) to create a truly memorable and distinct comic book adventure.

Perlman is the jewel in the crown of Hellboy. Arguably, this is one of the most harmonious casting decisions in comic book cinema, insofar as he looks like he's walked straight off the page and onto the screen.