After several years in development hell and numerous unexpected delays, the latest film in the X-Men franchise, The New Mutants, has finally hit theatres. The film appeared to be a fresh twist on the franchise and the superhero genre as a whole, as it was strongly influenced by independent horror films. However, the consensus seems to be overwhelmingly negative, as many people agree that it definitely wasn’t worth the wait. Here are five similar films that are worth watching after (or in this case instead of) The New Mutants.
Blade (1998)
As one of the darkest and most mature stories in Marvel cannon, Blade is often overlooked as it is so widely different from the films the studio had spawned since. Blade stars Wesley Snipes as the titular anti-hero, a half-vampire, half-mortal who protects the human race from evil vampires. While the film received mixed reviews, it has gained a large cult following over the years and its financial success helped to legitimize the superhero genre, paving the way for the Spider-Man Trilogy and X-Men. Blade may not have the same effect that it once did, but it is still a unique, dark and stylish take on the Superhero genre.
Chronicle (2012)
While Josh Trank’s track record has been inconsistent to say the least, he showed great promise with his directorial debut Chronicle. The film follows three high school students who gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery. However, this life changing event soon takes a turn for the worst, as the friends begin to find themselves consumed with power. With its found-footage style of cinematography, horror elements and its cast of then-unknown’s who have now become established actors, Chronicle is a staple of the 2010’s that has since become a major influence on genre filmmaking as a whole.
The Crow (1994)
The New Mutants trailer initially gained attention for seemingly mixing the superhero genre with horror. However, it isn’t the first film to blend the two genres together. Alex Proyas’ 90’s adaptation of the acclaimed comic book series of the same name is much darker and more violent than your typical comic book movie. The film stars Brandon Lee as a man who was brutally murdered, who is reborn with extraordinary powers and makes it his goal to avenge his and his finance’s death. The Crow may not be widely known, but its gained a relatively large cult-following, with many praising the film’s dark aesthetic and Brandon Lee’s transformative performance.
Midnight Special (2016)
Jeff Nichols is normally known for his small-scale, dialogue driven independent drama’s, but in 2016 he tried his hand at genre filmmaking. Midnight Special stars Michael Shannon as a father who goes on the run with his son, as he is being pursued by the government and a cult who are drawn to the child’s special abilities. The film is essentially a slow burn, but it rewards viewers who stick with it, by offering a gritty, down to earth and thought provoking take on the science-fiction genre with some superhero elements.
X2: X-Men United (2003)
While the X-Men franchise has had its fair share of failures in recent years, it’s spawned quite a few great superhero films over the years and X2: X-Men United is easily one of Marvel’s most widely beloved franchises, capturing what makes the franchise so special. The film follows the X-Men as they team up with their mortal enemy Magneto to fight an enemy that is threatening the lives of all Mutants. It’s an action-packed, heartwarming and thoroughly entertaining film, with very strong socially conscious themes, that is often viewed as a landmark of the genre.
still courtesy of 20th Century Studios
Follow my blog on Instagram @moviereviews100!
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook. Also subscribe to our YouTube channel.
