10 Best Movies Based on Dark Horse Comics

While Marvel and DC’s cinematic universes are making waves at the box office, films based on Dark Horse Comics publications are still resonating with hardcore fans decades later. Many have also been highly acclaimed by critics, and some of the top entries were even nominated for Academy Awards.

You’ll undoubtedly recognize most of the films on this list, while others may seem unfamiliar. But they all have impressive name value among their respective casts and crews, and each entry still holds up today. That said, these are the ten best films based on Dark Horse Comics publications, ranked.

10 300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

Although it pales in comparison to its predecessor, 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) is still a remarkable piece of storytelling primarily because of the premise established by Frank Miller. One of the greatest comic book writers of all time, Miller wrote the original graphic novel on which the film is based Xerxes: the fall of the house of Darius and the rise of Alexander, The adaptation serves as a prequel to the most famous 300 (2007), which appears later in the list.

Why is it in the top 10?

With attractive battle scenes, rise of an Empire The action element alone should satisfy fans of the original film. It also features a powerful performance from lead actress Eva Green and spectacular visuals. By no means in the top tier of Dark Horse adaptations, 300: Rise of an Empire Its flowers deserve a place in the list.

Rent it on YouTube and Prime Video

9 Tank Girl (1995)

Although this is unknown in the grand scheme of comic book adaptations, tank girl (1995) has achieved remarkable popularity since its release. With Lori Petty in the lead role, her supporting cast includes famous names such as Ice-T, Naomi Watts and Malcolm McDowell. It’s an absurd plot about a corporation attempting to control the world’s water supply. But it is also worth mentioning that it is based on 2033.

Why is it in the top 10?

For a film of this nature, the above cast performs bravely. And while there isn’t much going on behind the scenes in this entry – critics aren’t happy with its quality by any means – it’s worth noting once again that fans believe tank girl In relatively high regard. it’s only fair. It’s a fun ride that will undoubtedly resonate simply because of its originality, not to mention the charismatic efforts of its cast.

Stream it on YouTube, Tubi, and PlutoTV

8 Mystery Men (1999)

A spoof of superhero movies, mystery man (1998) was based on the Flaming Carrot comics by writer Bob Burden. The series was published by several companies, including Image Comics. but when mystery man After release, Flaming Carrot Adventures was being controlled by Dark Horse. The title’s best-known publisher, Dark Horse, was in charge of the series from 1988 to 2002, with a specific publisher named Mike Richardson plotting it. mystery man,

Why is it in the top 10?

With well-written dialogue, an absurd premise about a team wanting to become superheroes comes to ridiculous fruition. The characters are portrayed by a star-studded cast – Ben Stiller, William H. Names like Macy, Janeane Garofalo, and Hank Azaria — and they all share a solid rapport as a nominated group. Although it bombed at the box office upon its release, mystery man Today claims a cult following. And this is right.

Stream it on Peacock

7 Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)

This is one of the lowest rated movies ever made Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014), directed by two creatives: Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez. Former creatives wrote the comic book series on which the film is based, with both names also standing at the helm of the original film from a decade earlier. But as far as the matter is concerned a dame to Kill For: There’s no need to explain why it came up so low in comparison.

Why is it in the top 10?

Don’t let this entry’s success figures fool you: with charming visuals, charming dialogue, and powerful performances, a dame to Kill For In many ways it is equal to its predecessor. Both are anthology films, and sure, some sections of the available entry may pale in comparison to others. But Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s part — called “The Long Bad Night,” for example — offers a thrilling plot with charming performances. And considering that the entire film boasts a unique visual style of neo-noir inspirations, it deserves far more love today.

Stream it on YouTube and PlutoTV

6 300 (2007)

after his debut morning of the dead (2004), film fans had their eyes on director Zack Snyder, who followed it up in spectacular fashion 300 (2007). Based on the comic series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, the story gives a fictional account of the Battle of Thermopylae. And along the way, celebrities are portrayed by a star-studded cast.

Why is it in the top 10?

Gerard Butler as King Leonidas, Rodrigo Santoro as Xerxes, and Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo – everyone gives stellar performances in one of the most fan-favorite action films of the twenty-first century. Much of that appeal can be traced to the stylized violence used as the primary aesthetic of the film, with truly engaging action sequences that feature some of the most memorable one-liners for a film of its kind. And what’s more is this 300 In good shape today and easily securing a spot on the list.

Rent it on YouTube and Prime Video

5 The Mask (1994)

With Jim Carrey in the lead role, Mask (1994) is one of the funniest films of the 1990s. This is primarily due to the performances of the aforementioned actors as well as Peter Riegert, Peter Green, and Amy Yasbeck. But this entry is also notable for featuring the on-screen debut of famed actor Cameron Diaz, who starred in dozens of Hollywood productions one after the other.

Why is it in the top 5?

everyone performed brilliantly Mask, which follows Carrey’s character Stanley Ipkiss. He gets a green, wooden mask that transforms him into the troublemaker of the same name who can revive himself and his surroundings at will. It’s an absurd plot that turns out to be hilarious thanks to well-written dialogue and heartfelt performances, and overall, the film holds up well today. This is easily the funniest movie ever based on a Dark Horse comic, and it’s also one of the best.

Stream it on Max

4 Hellboy (2004)

Ahead of its time in many ways, bad boy (2004) was directed by Guillermo del Toro from his own adapted script. The comic book character Hellboy was originally created by Mike Mignola, his magnum opus was perhaps the main franchise in the history of Dark Horse Comics. As far as the adaptation goes, del Toro proved to be the right man for the job thanks to his signature efforts behind the scenes with regard to special effects and costume design.RELATED: The 20 Best Films of the Three Companions of Cinema

Why is it in the top 5?

To bring the project to life, the acclaimed Mexican filmmaker enlisted some of his all-time great collaborators, like Ron Perlman as Hellboy. There is also Doug Jones as Abe Sapien, with music composed by Marco Beltrami, marking his third del Toro film overall. It also marks the second of cinematographer Guillermo Navarro’s six collaborations with the acclaimed director. And overall, every name involved appears to render bad boy One of the greatest dark horse films of the period.

Stream it on Netflix

3 Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

With Guillermo del Toro once again in the director’s chair, all he had to do was Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) was a success with the same caliber of team that worked on the original. And although Danny Elfman replaced Marco Beltrami as composer, all of del Toro’s other collaborators returned to work on the sequel. Perlman as Hellboy, Jones as Sapien, and Navarro as the cinematographer who is capturing all the action.

Why is it in the top 5?

The plot takes place one year after the events of the first film, with actors Selma Blair and Jeffrey Tambor also reprising their roles as Liz Sherman and Tom Manning, respectively. And it doesn’t matter which entry bad boy Franchise fans may like, golden army It was a huge success not only among critics but also at the box office around the world. And, this is right. This is one of the finest movie sequels of all comic book adaptations, and it deserves its flower with a spot on the list.

Rent it on YouTube and Prime Video

2 American Splendor (2003)

Although american glory (2003) is less popular than most of its Dark Horse counterparts, it is the most critically acclaimed of the group. It narrates the story of Harvey Pekar (wonderfully portrayed by Paul Giamatti), author of the comic book series on which the film is based. But there’s more to it than the average autobiography american glory Applies elements of documentaries along with animation.

RELATED: The Best Paul Giamatti Movies, Ranked

Why is it in the top 5?

The comics were widely influential, moving away from the typical fantasy-adventure tendencies of previous superheroes, as they instead tell the story of Harvey’s life in an autobiographical manner. The film adaptation reflected the same essence of originality in its unconventional structure. And overall, critics found great light in its quality. american glory It holds a 94% approval rating on the critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes, and was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 76th Academy Awards. All with good reason.

Stream it on Max

1 Sin City (2005)

From its daring monochromatic cinematography to the unconventional nature of its anthropological structure, sin city (2005) may be the most ambitious comic book film ever made. It is also a reliable optimization. Co-directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, it was adapted from the later comic book series of the same name. And to be honest, sin city It has to be counted among the greatest comic book movies of all time, let alone the most original.

Why does it take the top spot

With a star-studded roster of famous Hollywood names like Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Elijah Wood and Rosario Dawson, each thrilling segment is featured sin city Due to the high-quality strategy of screenwriting, it is seen coming to amazing fruition. The dialogue, the distinct plot points, the well-developed dynamics of the characters’ unique roles – most critics praised these elements across the board, while others saw fault in the film’s violent aesthetics. But either way, its quality can’t be denied sin city,

Stream it on Max