10 Best International Superhero Movies That Rival Hollywood

While Hollywood often leads the way in superhero movies, amazing stories about strength, what’s right and wrong, and who we are have been created globally. Filmmakers outside of the big US studios like Marvel and DC are pushing the genre in exciting new directions, blending local legends, real-world issues, and unique filmmaking techniques. These films prove that heroes and bravery can be found everywhere, and expressed in any language.

Films from around the world – including huge hits from India, darkly funny movies from Korea, independent European dramas, and Japanese remakes – demonstrate that the idea of a hero isn’t unique to America. These movies each offer a fresh take on what it means to be ‘super,’ viewed through the perspective of their own culture. They still often feature characters using their abilities to protect loved ones, fight injustice, or make sense of a difficult world.

Devilman (2004) – Japan

Inspired by the classic manga by Go Nagai, Devilman is a thrilling and heartbreaking blend of superhero action and horror, showcasing Japan’s distinctive storytelling style. The story centers on Akira Fudo, a gentle young man who merges with a demon, but manages to hold onto his human side. He then uses his incredible new powers to defend people from a devastating demonic invasion.

As a big anime fan, I’ve been thinking about Devilman lately. What really struck me is how it explores the idea that good and evil aren’t so clear-cut – it gets into prejudice and how easily someone trying to be a hero can become the very thing they’re fighting against. Now, let’s be real, it’s not a flawless show. The CGI hasn’t aged amazingly, and honestly, the story feels rushed compared to the original manga. But despite its flaws, it’s still a powerful watch.

Look, “Devilman” isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely earned its cult following. What struck me most was how incredibly emotional it is, combined with a really striking visual style. It tackled the idea of a powerful being turning against a fearful world way before brooding antiheroes were commonplace in American films. Honestly, it’s a raw, almost operatic experience, and it’s left me thinking about it long after the credits rolled – truly one of the most haunting and unique superhero stories to come out of Japan.

Krrish (2006) – India

The movie Krrish is India’s most popular original superhero film, blending the excitement of Bollywood with classic science fiction. It’s a follow-up to Koi… Mil Gaya and tells the story of Krishna Mehra, a young man who gains superpowers because of his father’s experience with an alien. Hrithik Roshan delivers a fantastic performance as a superhero struggling to balance his extraordinary abilities with his desire to live a normal life.

Director Rakesh Roshan created a vibrant and exciting adventure film with a sense of epic scale. Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe explored multiple realities, Krrish established its own interconnected superhero world, uniquely combining science fiction, emotional family stories, and lavish musical numbers. The film skillfully blended classic Indian storytelling traditions with the familiar elements of Western superhero movies.

Krrish manages to be both unique to Indian culture and enjoyable for audiences worldwide. However, at its core, the film is a touching story about the love between a mother and her son, and a person facing their fate. This emotional connection is what makes it more memorable than many other superhero action movies.

The Invisible Boy (2014) – Italy

Gabriele Salvatores’ The Invisible Boy offers a unique Italian spin on the superhero genre, blending realistic storytelling with fantastical elements. The film centers on Michele, a timid 13-year-old who gains the power of invisibility through a strange costume. Rather than focusing on action and special effects, the movie delves into the challenges of growing up, feeling alone, and the desire to fit in.

The Invisible Boy explores invisibility as a double-edged sword, and uses it as a powerful symbol for the experience of being a child who feels overlooked. The film focuses on realistic, everyday struggles, creating a personal and relatable story rather than a grand, sweeping one.

The follow-up, The Invisible Boy: Second Generation, expanded the story’s universe, turning what started as a small project into a complete franchise. The Invisible Boy demonstrates that superhero stories don’t need big special effects to be successful; its emotional honesty and realistic approach highlight the vulnerable human side of having powers.

Psychokinesis (2018) – South Korea

From the director of the popular film Train to Busan, Psychokinesis is a funny and touching story about a father trying to make things right with his daughter. When an average man unexpectedly develops the ability to move things with his mind, he uses his new powers to help his daughter protect her shop from greedy developers. Instead of focusing on saving the world like many big-budget action movies, Psychokinesis centers on a local neighborhood and a father-daughter relationship in need of repair.

Ryu Seung-ryong gives a moving and believable performance as a superhero who discovers that real strength comes from kindness, not destruction. The film smartly uses superpowers to comment on society, exploring issues like class differences, corruption, and indifference in contemporary Korea.

Psychokinesis expertly blends comedy, heartfelt moments, and creative action sequences. This unique combination truly sets it apart as a distinctly Korean film. Ultimately, it shows us that anyone, even those with weaknesses, is capable of becoming a hero.

How I Became A Superhero (2021) – France

The French film How I Became a Superhero offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, blending it with the style of film noir. It’s a gripping story that combines the hard-boiled feel of detective fiction with a realistic look at people with superpowers. The film is set in Paris, where those with powers and regular citizens live together with tension, and follows a tired police officer as he investigates a risky new drug that temporarily gives people abilities.

Director Douglas Attal has created a superhero world that feels surprisingly grounded and real. In this world, superpowers aren’t just about saving the day – they’re a source of social power and influence. Pio Marmaï delivers a compelling performance as the troubled main character, bringing a relatable human side to the story. The strong supporting cast helps paint a vivid picture of a city caught between wonder and disorder.

This film is chic, immersive, and distinctly French. Rather than focusing on spectacle, How I Became a Superhero explores what it truly means to be a hero, emphasizing moral choices over personal glory. It offers a thoughtful, European take on the superhero genre, prioritizing complex characters and ethical dilemmas over typical action-movie tropes.

Griff The Invisible (2010) – Australia

Griff the Invisible is a charming, low-budget Australian film that explores themes of imagination, loneliness, and believing in yourself. Ryan Kwanten stars as Griff, a shy office worker who secretly fights crime dressed as a superhero. The movie deliberately keeps the audience guessing whether Griff’s nighttime adventures are actually happening or are simply a product of his imagination.

Instead of focusing on flashy effects, the film Griff the Invisible looks at heroism as a matter of inner strength and emotional recovery. Director Leon Ford portrays Griff’s unusual beliefs not as a sign of mental illness, but as a source of optimism – a way for him to deal with loneliness and seek meaningful relationships.

Imagine a heartwarming, indie love story with the spirit of Kick-Ass. That’s Griff the Invisible, a film that champions those who still dare to dream. It’s not a story about grand heroism or saving the world, but about personal rescue – and that makes it powerfully moving.

SuperBob (2015) – UK

The British film SuperBob offers a funny and relatable take on the superhero genre. Starring Brett Goldstein (known from Ted Lasso), it’s about an ordinary postman who gets superpowers from a meteor. However, even with these new abilities, he still struggles with everyday problems like bureaucratic hassles, unwanted media attention, and the challenges of dating.

Director Jon Drever employs a documentary-style approach to balance the film’s outlandishness, portraying superhuman life as surprisingly bogged down in red tape. The outcome is a delightful and witty commentary on both superhero conventions and the quirks of British organizations.

Okay, so SuperBob is way more than just a funny movie. Underneath all the laughs, it really gets into feeling lonely and being vulnerable. It’s a cool reminder that even if you have superpowers, you’re still just a person, and sometimes that makes things even messier – but in a really hilarious way. It’s a small, charming film, very self-aware, and honestly, it has a lot of heart. It feels like a uniquely British take on the whole superhero thing.

iBoy (2017) – UK

Netflix’s iBoy offers a dark and futuristic take on the classic superhero story. After a London teen (Bill Milner) is shot, pieces of his smartphone become lodged in his brain, unexpectedly giving him the power to control technology.

Teenager Tom gains superpowers and uses them to help his friend (Maisie Williams) after she’s violently attacked. Unlike typical superhero stories, iBoy is about getting revenge on a personal level and explores the gray areas of right and wrong. It’s a realistic take on a superhero’s beginnings, combining the suspense of a techno-thriller with powerful emotions.

Director Adam Randall cleverly uses technology as both a strength and a weakness in iBoy. The film examines how having power can actually lead to loneliness, even as it gives you abilities. While it doesn’t completely change the superhero genre, it offers a fresh take on what a hero looks like in today’s screen-obsessed world.

Supervized (2019) – UK/Ireland

Supervized is a darkly comedic film that explores what happens to aging superheroes as they lose their powers and independence. Starring Tom Berenger and Beau Bridges, the movie is set in a retirement home for former heroes who are now stripped of their abilities. When they begin to suspect something isn’t right at the facility, these elderly heroes decide to team up for one final adventure.

The movie blends witty, understated humor with a touch of sadness, focusing on life after the big conflict is finished. It’s both a playful satire and a heartfelt remembrance, offering a welcome change of pace from the typical, youth-focused superhero film.

As a movie lover, I was really struck by Supervized. It cleverly flips the script on aging, presenting it not as a weakness, but as a source of strength. What’s truly beautiful beneath all the laughs is its message: being a hero doesn’t stop when you get older. It just evolves – it becomes less about grand gestures and more about quiet wisdom and a deeper sense of purpose. It’s a genuinely touching idea.

Sri Asih (2022) – Indonesia

Indonesia’s Sri Asih features a strong female lead inspired by local legends. As the second installment in the new Bumilangit Cinematic Universe, the film tells the story of Alana, who learns she is the reincarnation of a goddess dedicated to justice. It creatively blends classic Javanese stories with exciting, contemporary action sequences.

Sri Asih is a film that successfully blends rich cultural elements with exciting superhero action. Director Upi Avianto skillfully combines mysticism, martial arts, and heartfelt emotion, creating a hero for Southeast Asia that feels authentic and original. Pevita Pearce gives a fantastic performance in the lead role, portraying a character who is both powerful and caring.

Visually stunning and epic in scale, Sri Asih rivals any big-budget Western film. However, it remains deeply rooted in Indonesian culture and identity. It demonstrates that superhero stories can succeed worldwide when they’re based on genuine cultural foundations.

2025-10-22 15:02