With the highly anticipated release of Deadpool & Wolverine this week, superhero movie fans are buzzing with excitement to see the wisecracking mercenary and the gruff mutant finally team up on the big screen. If you can’t get enough of these iconic Marvel characters, we’ve put together a list of the 20 best movies to watch that deliver a similar mix of irreverent humor, intense action, and compelling anti-hero leads.
Whether you’re looking for some essential viewing to prepare for Deadpool & Wolverine or just want to dive deeper into the world of unconventional superheroes, this list has you covered. From the obvious choices to a few surprises, these films are sure to satisfy any Deadpool or Wolverine fan. Let’s dive in!
1. Deadpool (2016)
Well, duh. If you haven’t seen the original Deadpool movie that made the Merc with a Mouth a household name, now’s the perfect time. This hilariously meta superhero flick follows wisecracking mercenary Wade Wilson (played by Ryan Reynolds) as he hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life. Packed with fourth-wall breaking, self-referential jokes, over-the-top violence, and a surprising amount of heart, Deadpool is essential viewing for any fan.
2. Deadpool 2 (2018)
The sequel takes everything great about the first Deadpool and cranks it up a notch. Wade Wilson assembles the X-Force to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling soldier Cable. Josh Brolin is fantastic as the grizzled Cable, but the real scene-stealer is Zazie Beetz as the lucky mercenary Domino. With even more meta-humor and some great surprises, Deadpool 2 is just as much fun as the original. And make sure you stick around for the genius mid-credits scenes!
3. Logan (2017)
For a more serious take on Wolverine, look no further than Logan. Set in a bleak future where mutants are nearly extinct, an aging Logan must protect a young girl with powers shockingly similar to his own. With its gritty tone, brutal violence, and stellar performances from Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart, Logan is a gripping and emotional send-off for Jackman’s Wolverine. It’s a must-watch for any X-Men fan.
4. X-Men (2000) & X2 (2003)
To fully appreciate Wolverine’s history before his team-up with Deadpool, it’s worth going back to the beginning with the original X-Men movies. Both films hold up remarkably well, with great casts, exciting action, and surprisingly thoughtful themes. And Jackman is fantastic as the brooding Wolverine, struggling to find his place in a world that fears and hates mutants. These are still two of the best superhero movies ever made.
5. Loki (TV Series, 2021)
Okay, this is a bit of a cheat since it’s a TV show, but trust me, Loki is essential viewing for Deadpool & Wolverine. The series follows the God of Mischief as he’s forced to work with the mysterious Time Variance Authority to fix the timeline. It’s a mind-bending adventure that dives deep into the Marvel multiverse and features some of the best character development in the MCU. Plus, it sets up some key elements that come into play in Deadpool & Wolverine.
6. The Suicide Squad (2021)
From director James Gunn, The Suicide Squad follows a new team of expendable supervillains sent on a dangerous mission. With its irreverent humor, gory violence, and colorful characters, the movie feels like DC’s answer to Deadpool. Highlights include Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Idris Elba as Bloodsport, and an instantly iconic turn by Sylvester Stallone as King Shark. This is a wildly entertaining movie that never takes itself too seriously.
7. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) & Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Speaking of James Gunn, his Guardians of the Galaxy movies share a lot of DNA with Deadpool. They’re action-packed space adventures with plenty of irreverent humor and a lovable bunch of misfit heroes. Chris Pratt leads the way as Peter Quill, a wise-cracking space outlaw who teams up with a talking raccoon, a walking tree, and other oddball characters to save the galaxy. These movies are a blast from start to finish.
8. Kick-Ass (2010)
Based on the comic by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr., Kick-Ass follows an ordinary teenager who sets out to become a real-life superhero. Things get crazy when he meets the father-daughter vigilante team of Big Daddy and Hit-Girl. With its mix of dark comedy, over-the-top violence, and subversive take on superhero tropes, Kick-Ass feels like a clear precursor to Deadpool. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a wild ride for those who can handle it.
9. The Boys (TV Series, 2019-present)
Another entry that’s not a movie, but The Boys is too good to leave off this list. This dark and gritty series imagines a world where superheroes are corrupt celebrities owned by a powerful corporation. When a group of vigilantes sets out to expose the “heroes” for who they really are, things get bloody and brutal. Like Deadpool, the show gleefully subverts superhero clichés with biting satire, graphic violence, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
10. Watchmen (2009)
Zack Snyder’s adaptation of the groundbreaking graphic novel is a stunning achievement. Set in an alternate 1980s where costumed heroes are part of everyday life, Watchmen deconstructs the superhero mythos with mature themes, complex characters, and a twisty mystery. The ultimate cut, which weaves in the “Tales of the Black Freighter” comic within the comic, is the definitive version. It’s a dark and thought-provoking film that challenges the very idea of superheroes.
11. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) & Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
These movies reimagine the spy genre in the same way Deadpool does for superheroes. Taron Egerton stars as Eggsy, a street kid recruited into a secret organization of gentlemanly spies. With their stylish action, cheeky humor, and over-the-top gadgets, the Kingsman movies are a blast. And like Deadpool, they’re gleefully R-rated, with some shockingly violent scenes played for laughs. They’re the perfect movies for fans who like their action with a side of British wit.
12. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
This Marvel movie may seem like an odd choice for this list, but hear me out. Shang-Chi has some of the best action sequences in the MCU, with a mix of martial arts and superpowers that feels fresh and exciting. And like Deadpool, it balances its action with plenty of humor and heart. Simu Liu is instantly charming as the titular hero, and Awkwafina steals every scene she’s in. It’s a fun and fast-paced adventure that expands the MCU in exciting ways.
13. Dredd (2012)
Based on the long-running British comic character Judge Dredd, this gritty action movie is a cult favorite. Karl Urban stars as the helmeted judge, tasked with bringing law to the dystopian streets of Mega-City One. When he and his rookie partner (Olivia Thirlby) are trapped in a high-rise controlled by a vicious drug lord (Lena Headey), they must fight their way to the top. With its brutal violence, dark humor, and stylish slow-mo action, Dredd is a lean and mean thrill ride.
14. Super (2010)
Before he made Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn wrote and directed this twisted take on the superhero genre. Rainn Wilson stars as a sad-sack short-order cook who becomes a costumed vigilante after his wife (Liv Tyler) leaves him for a sleazy drug dealer (Kevin Bacon). With the help of a comic book store clerk (Ellen Page), he sets out to take down crime with a pipe wrench. Super is a dark and deranged movie that’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s a must-see for fans of Gunn’s unique brand of humor.
15. The Wolverine (2013)
Often overlooked in the X-Men movie franchise, The Wolverine is a solid standalone adventure for everyone’s favorite mutant. Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, the movie finds Logan traveling to Japan to confront his past. With its samurai-inspired action and themes of immortality, the movie gives Wolverine a compelling arc. And the extended cut, which restores some key scenes, is the best way to watch it.
16. Blade (1998)
Before the MCU, Blade was the movie that proved Marvel characters could work on the big screen. Wesley Snipes is perfect as the half-human, half-vampire hero who hunts bloodsuckers with his trusty sword and arsenal of gadgets. With its stylish action, horror elements, and techno soundtrack, Blade still holds up as a cool and edgy superhero movie. It’s a landmark film that paved the way for everything that followed.
17. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
The upcoming sequel to 2018’s Aquaman promises to be a wild and epic adventure. Jason Momoa returns as Arthur Curry, the half-human, half-Atlantean hero who must protect his underwater kingdom from new threats. With director James Wan back at the helm and a cast that includes Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the villainous Black Manta, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom looks like it will be a blast. It hits theaters in December 2023.
18. Black Adam (2022)
Dwayne Johnson stars as the titular antihero in this DC movie that’s equal parts superhero epic and disaster film. Johnson brings his signature charisma to the role of Teth-Adam, an ancient Egyptian warrior with god-like powers. When he’s awakened in the present day, he must decide whether to be a hero or a villain. With its massive action set pieces and a scene-stealing turn by Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate, Black Adam is a fun and bombastic movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
19. The Marvels (2023)
This upcoming MCU movie will bring together three of Marvel’s most powerful heroes: Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), and Spectrum (Teyonah Parris). Plot details are scarce, but the movie promises to be a cosmic adventure that spans multiple timelines and dimensions. With director Nia DaCosta (Candyman) at the helm and a stacked cast that also includes Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, The Marvels is shaping up to be one of the most exciting superhero movies of 2023.
20. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Okay, this might seem like an obvious choice, but Spider-Man: No Way Home deserves a spot on this list for its sheer ambition and fan service. The movie brings together three generations of Spider-Man movies for a multiversal adventure that’s packed with surprises. Tom Holland is great as always as Peter Parker, but the real joy is seeing him interact with previous Spider-Men Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Spider-Man great, and it’s sure to put a smile on any superhero fan’s face.
So there you have it, folks! 20 movies (and a couple of TV shows) to satisfy your craving for more Deadpool and Wolverine. Whether you’re into irreverent humor, gritty action, or just good old-fashioned superhero fun, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Of course, there are plenty of other great movies out there that could have made the cut. From The Incredibles to Unbreakable to Chronicle, there’s no shortage of unique and compelling takes on the superhero genre. But the movies on this list represent the best of the best when it comes to capturing the spirit of Deadpool and Wolverine.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for some seriously entertaining superhero action. And don’t forget to catch Deadpool & Wolverine in theaters this weekend! It’s sure to be a wild ride.
