10 Superhero Movies That Defined Other Superhero Movies

It's true that the greatest successes of the genre have indeed influenced what came next but, in this ever-changing world of superhero blockbusters, it's equally as important to take note of what doesn't work (as opposed to just paying attention to what does). That was never clearer than in the aftermath of Superman IV: The Quest For Peace.

Christopher Reeve's classic Superman film series was already struggling by the time Warner Bros. started production on a fourth film, but not even that was enough to stop the travesty that was The Quest For Peace hitting the big screen.

Torn apart for its bland script, lack of plot and terrible effects, the film was a woefully lazy attempt at a cash-grab that, ironically, ended up backfiring. It didn't just flop, it went down as one of the worst films of all-time and very nearly destroyed the credibility of superhero movies in the process (until Batman arrived two years later).

There was undoubtedly a lesson to be learned from Superman IV's failure. It was a classic example of how even the most hopeful of superheroes, and superhero movies in general, could hit the point of no return. Needless to say, it influenced Warner Bros. to do better in the future as they decided to give the Man of Steel a rest, working hard to come up with a worthwhile sequel - one that wouldn't come to life for another 19 years (Superman Returns).