Superhero films have been dominating the box office, giving comic book fans the ability to see their favorite characters come to life — and, in some cases, even share the same screen. While we can't wait for the upcoming Batman v Superman film, or Captain America: Civil War (where Spider-Man is expected to make a cameo), the spotlight is currently shining bright on Deadpool.
Deadpool is an attempt to move away from the more mainstream family-friendly superhero films. It stars Ryan Reynolds as the sarcastic "Merc with a Mouth," who is known for his juvenile humor and profanity, and often breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience. Loaded with adult humor, audiences can also expect the film to be more violent than the Marvel movies that preceded it.
While we all will be lining up to see Deadpool in action, after leaving the theater we already know that we'll want to open our eyes to other lesser-known antiheroes who have starred in their own films and TV series.
Of course, Netflix is saving the day, giving us a pretty impressive collection of titles that are worth binge-watching.
Here are the comic book movies and TV series to stream after seeing Deadpool.
The Punisher (2004)
Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Stars: Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Rebecca Romijn
Based on the Marvel Comics' antihero created by writer Gerry Conway (with Stan Lee giving his name), The Punisher follows the story of FBI agent Frank Castle, who turns into a vigilante after watching the murder of his wife and children. Taking on his new role, the Punisher will stop at nothing to judge those who have wronged him and get his revenge.
Hellboy (2004)
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Ron Perlman, Doug Jones, Selma Blair
While there are countless superheroes who are masked and wear a cape, Hellboy is as far from these traditional characters as we can get. Created by writer and artist Mike Mignola, Hellboy is a demon who was sent to Earth by the Nazis to spread terror. However, the demon (played by Ron Perlman in the big screen adaptation), becomes a defender against the dark forces of evil. This film is perfect for those who enjoy the quirkiness and humor of Deadpool.
Constantine (2005)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf
Arguably one of the best devilish antiheroes in comics (sorry, Lucifer), Constantine is the movie adaption based on the popular DC Comics/Vertigo titled Hellblazer. Starring Keanu Reeves, this film follows the story of John Constantine, a man who can communicate with both angels and demons. He must save Earth, as Hell tries to suck him in and heaven won't accept him even though he tries to buy his way in by banishing evil after his suicide attempt.
Sin City (2005)
Directors: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba
Based on the Dark Horse's comics by Frank Miller, Sin City is the perfect title for those who enjoy neo-noir films. With its gritty black-and-white feel with an artistic pop of color, viewers actually will feel like they have entered the comic when watching this film. Set in the fictional Basin City, the movie follows intertwined tales of characters who are caught up in the violence and corruption of the city.
The Crow (1994)
Director: Alex Proyas
Stars: Brandon Lee, Michael Wincott, Kirsten Dunst
Published by Caliber Comics in 1989, the comic book series The Crow was created by James O'Barr as a way to deal with the death of his girlfriend after she was killed by a drunk driver. The series inspired this 1994 movie, as well as sequels and TV series and more comics, starring the dark vigilante Eric Draven, who returns from the dead to solve the mystery of his fiancée's death.
Darkman (1990)
Director: Sam Raimi
Stars: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels
Who knew Liam Neeson played a superhero?! Technically, Darkman didn't start as a comic book character, but rather starred in this movie first before Marvel Comics and then Dynamite Entertainment penned him. The movie is about a scientist who suffers from severe burns in a hit attempt by a crime lord. Dr. Peyton Westlake survives, and no longer can feel physical pain, making him one of the toughest antiheroes we know.
Marvel's Daredevil / Jessica Jones
Creator: Drew Goddard | Melissa Rosenberg
Stars: Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio | Kyrsten Ritter, Mike Colter
If you're a Netflix subscriber, streaming Daredevil and Jessica Jones is a must. Both series are based on the Marvel comics, featuring Charlie Cox as the blind superhero and Krysten Ritter as the hard-drinking and hard-punching heroine.
Both set in Hell's Kitchen in New York City, Matt Murdock fights injustice by day as a lawyer and baddies by night. Jessica Jones is a private investigator who must face her past to save the innocent, using her smarts and strength to defeat her nemesis. Season 2 of both original series airs this year.
