Ever since Christopher Reeve donned the colors of the world’s first superhero in 1978, Marvel and DC superheroes have been dominating the superhero cinema space, much like in the comic book arena. At least fifteen Marvel and DC superhero movies have grossed over $1 Billion, proving that the two film studios enjoy a nearly unprecedented level of popularity amongst viewers.
Ten Marvel and DC movies are even in IMDb’s top 250 movies, despite the genre often being considered too mainstream to have any artistic merit. The MCU has especially helped prove naysayers wrong with its consistent popularity since the days of Robert Downey Jr.’s first Iron Man movie. It has developed multiple characters and universes in the past 18 years.
Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman have proven to be the most popular characters in the superhero genre. The recent Superman reboot, Robert Pattinson’s Batman, and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day have been the most hyped superhero films in recent years. However, there are many great superhero movies that nobody remembers, and a few of them aren’t even Marvel or DC.
Megamind Truly Understands The Superhero Genre
Tom McGrath’s 2010 film, Megamind, is an unforgettable cult classic for fans who consider it to be one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. It follows the titular Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell), a supervillain, on a wild journey of change. He has a long-standing rivalry with Metro Man, whom he fights all the time but has never defeated.
Megamind explores what happens when the villain actually wins. However, it is not as simple as it sounds, because after successfully killing Metro Man in a bizarre moment that surprises Megamind himself, the character has an existential crisis. through its spoof of the superhero genre, Megamind analyzes the relationship between hero and villain and the traits that characterize a hero.
Megamind was recently trending on Netflix last year, even 15 years after its release, because it is a love-letter to superhero cinema. The protagonist’s arc might sound flippant on paper, but it actually reflects a deep understanding of the genre. It breaks down the typical structure of the superhero film to explore why the best movies use a familiar formula.
Megamind’s Dialogue Is Endlessly Quotable
The cultural footprint of Megamind can be proven through the endless memes that the movie inspired, some of which are still in circulation. The movie’s snappy screenplay fills the runtime with one-liners that are sure to live rent-free in your head. Even the few incoherent, silly lines that make no sense out of context have become iconic pieces of dialogue.
The other Megamind movies and shows have failed to make an impression, and it’s because they haven’t been able to convey the character’s personality well. Just like any good superhero movie, Megamind has its fair share of epic moments, and without the over-the-top flamboyance of its titular protagonist, these moments just don’t work. Even his failures are epic in scale.
Megamind Has An Electrifying Soundtrack
A good needle drop can make a movie experience unforgettable, and Megamind has an entire host of needle drops that have inspired references amongst fans. The soundtrack is filled with the biggest hits by rock band AC/DC, from “Highway To Hell” to “Back in Black.” Megamind’s outfits, his movements, and the moods of the respective scenes elevate the song selection.
Part of the reason Megamind 2‘s Rotten Tomatoes low score made a record for the genre is the lack of attention paid to the movie’s playlist. Every song in the original movie’s soundtrack is something Megamind would groove to. His iconic climactic dance to Michael Jackson’s “Bad” proves that every creative decision in the film was intentional and thought out.
Megamind’s Animation Has Aged Incredibly Well
Megamind is one of those animated movies that was much better than expected, and that is in no small part due to the energetic animation. Even by today’s standards, Megamind is a gorgeous film whose action sequences use the freedom afforded by the medium while also adhering to standards of real-life fashion to make Megamind look slick in every scene.
The character quirks in Megamind are visually expressed through facial expressions, character designs, and fashion choices. The pans and sweeps during the chase and fight sequences will keep you glued to your seats with excitement. The best part, however, is how good Megamind looks while dancing to his groovy soundtrack. Every movement is meticulously designed to mimic real-life dance moves.
Megamind’s Message Is Timeless
The best superhero movies don’t just entertain and thrill, but also inspire. Every good superhero character reflects a real-life truth. While some films are more overt with their messages, the best superhero films can instill self-belief and inspire one to be better without explicit dialogue. Now, Megamind tells viewers that everyone is capable of changing for the better.
Megamind’s journey is one of meaningful change inspired by introspection and the discovery of empathy. The most memorable superheroes inspire people to extend empathy and kindness to others. Megamind is a superhero movie that everyone should watch at least once to watch the protagonist evolve through cool and epic moments that help him discover his true self.
