by April May Maple

Created on: February 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 17, 2010

The superhero genre has its roots in the 1940's. They found their home as Saturday morning specials aimed at giving the youth of America something to look forward to on the weekends. These shows have morphed into a genre that is enjoyed by all. This list is comprised of super hero movies that helped shape the genre and left their mark on the world.

It was not until 1978, with the release of Superman, did the genre hit the big screen. Any list of superhero movies has to contain this original version. Superman may not have been the best superhero movie of all time but it deserves its praises. There is not a person alive that does not know who Clark Kent is and the symbolic "S" on his chest. One of the many features unique to Superman is the fact that he is Superman and his costume is Clark Kent. Superman holds no ties to earth, but because he has the ability to protect her, he feels it is his duty. He stands for all that is good and is the perfect being. This movie defines the genre.

In 1983, boys every where went wild for He-Man and in 1987 Masters of the Universe: The Motion Picture hit theaters. While it may not be as popular as other movies of its kind, it was part of an infatuation that still has its claws in people. The movie had amazing special effects for the era and the cosmic key was pretty awesome. He-Man left Eternia and shows up on earth looking for the synthesizer like cosmic key. He saves the universe with the help of two every day American kids.

The next superhero to make way to the big screen is Batman in 1989. Bruce Wayne is an ordinary man, lacking any super powers. Yet he still risks his life to save Gothem City from the maniacal Joker, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Batman is not the good-natured superhero Superman was. He is a dark angry individual driven to maddening suicidal acts by revenge. He didn't defeat his enemies with a superpower, he struck fear into their hearts. Michael Keaton definitely left the audience with a different perception of what a superhero was.

As good as Michael Keaton's Batman was, it was nothing compared to The Joker. Jack Nicholson chilled the audience, even though he had a smile painted on his face. "Ever dance with devil in the pale moonlight?" That phrase sent chills down millions of spines. Nominated for a Golden Globe for best actor, a BAFTA for best actor in a supporting role and The Saturn Award for best actor by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, there is no questioning that he stole

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