North American comic books adapted to film/TV
by dusky-1 | created - 13 Aug 2012 | updated - 3 months ago | PublicList of films & TV shows which were adapted from a comic book originally published in North America (ie, no comic strips) with no comic books which were themselves adapted from another medium (ie, Green Hornet, the Shadow).
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1. Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941)
Passed | 216 min | Action, Adventure, Family
To protect a magic talisman from being used for evil, a teenage boy named Billy Batson is given the power to become an adult superhero, Captain Marvel, with a single magic word: "Shazam!"
Directors: John English, William Witney | Stars: Tom Tyler, Frank Coghlan Jr., William 'Billy' Benedict, Louise Currie
Votes: 1,523
Derived from C.C. Beck & Bill Parker's Captain Marvel.
2. Superman: The Mad Scientist (1941)
G | 10 min | Animation, Short, Action
The Man of Steel fights a mad scientist who is destroying Metropolis with an energy cannon.
Directors: Dave Fleischer, Steve Muffati | Stars: Bud Collyer, Joan Alexander, Jackson Beck, Jack Mercer
Votes: 3,505
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
3. Spy Smasher (1942)
Passed | 215 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Alan Armstrong, aka Spy Smasher, battles a Nazi villain known as The Mask, who heads a gang of saboteurs determined to spread destruction across America.
Director: William Witney | Stars: Kane Richmond, Marguerite Chapman, Sam Flint, Hans Schumm
Votes: 415
Derived from C.C. Beck & Bill Parker's Spy Smasher.
4. Batman (1943)
Approved | 260 min | Action, Crime, Family
The very first serial to adapt the comic book character of the Batman. In it, the Batman is a secret U.S. government agent, attempting to defeat the schemes of Japanese agent Dr. Daka operating in Los Angeles at the height of World War II.
Director: Lambert Hillyer | Stars: Lewis Wilson, Douglas Croft, J. Carrol Naish, Shirley Patterson
Votes: 2,472
Derived from Bill Finger & Bob Kane's Batman.
5. Captain America (1944)
Passed | 244 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations.
Directors: Elmer Clifton, John English | Stars: Dick Purcell, Lorna Gray, Lionel Atwill, Charles Trowbridge
Votes: 1,105
Derived from Joe Simon & Jack Kirby's Captain America.
6. The Vigilante: Fighting Hero of the West (1947)
Approved | 285 min | Drama, Mystery
The Vigilante, a masked government agent, is assigned to investigate the case of the "100 Tears of Blood", a cursed string of rare blood red pearls sought by a gang led by the unknown X-1 that may have been smuggled into the country.
Director: Wallace Fox | Stars: Ralph Byrd, Ramsay Ames, Lyle Talbot, George Offerman Jr.
Votes: 129
Derived from Mort Weisinger & Mort Meskin's Vigilante.
7. Hop Harrigan America's Ace of the Airways (1946)
Approved | Action, Adventure, Drama
Hop Harrigan (William Bakewell) and his pal "Tank" Tinker (Sumner Getchell) operate a small airport and flying service, and are hired by J. Westly Arnold (Emmett Vogan) to fly an eccentric ... See full summary »
Director: Derwin Abrahams | Stars: William Bakewell, Jennifer Holt, Robert 'Buzz' Henry, Sumner Getchell
Votes: 90
Derived from Jon Blummer's Hop Harrigan.
8. Congo Bill (1948)
Approved | 270 min | Action, Adventure, Mystery
A girl is about to inherit a fortune, but she is missing in Africa. Only then, family charges Congo Bill, an adventurer, to find her, and bring her back to civilization. He follows a legend about some White Queen, but his path is full of difficulties, by an inhospitable jungle, and the man who will lose the fortune if the girl is found alive.
Directors: Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Stars: Don McGuire, Cleo Moore, Jack Ingram, I. Stanford Jolley
Votes: 113
Derived from Whitney Ellsworth & George Papp's Congo Bill.
9. Superman (1948)
Approved | 244 min | Sci-Fi
Superman comes to Earth as a child and grows up to be his home's first superhero with his first major challenge being to oppose The Spider Lady.
Directors: Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Stars: Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill, Tommy Bond, Carol Forman
Votes: 1,217
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
10. Batman and Robin (1949)
Approved | 263 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Second serial featuring the comic book character Batman. In it, Batman, together with his sidekick Robin, face off against the Wizard, a hooded villain with an electronic device that remotely controls vehicles.
Director: Spencer Gordon Bennet | Stars: Robert Lowery, Johnny Duncan, Jane Adams, Lyle Talbot
Votes: 2,108
Derived from Bill Finger & Bob Kane's Batman.
11. Atom Man vs. Superman (1950)
Approved | 252 min | Family, Sci-Fi
Superman battles Lex Luthor who is using a teleportation device and a new identity as Atom Man in his criminal plans.
Director: Spencer Gordon Bennet | Stars: Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill, Lyle Talbot, Tommy Bond
Votes: 833
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
12. Superman and the Mole-Men (1951)
Passed | 58 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
When underground beings explore the surface world from a deep oil well and inadvertently cause a panic, only Superman can prevent a tragedy.
Director: Lee Sholem | Stars: George Reeves, Phyllis Coates, Jeff Corey, Walter Reed
Votes: 2,352
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
13. Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
The Man of Steel fights crime with help from his friends at the "Daily Planet."
Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 4,461
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
14. Blackhawk: Fearless Champion of Freedom (1952)
Approved | 242 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Based on a successful comic book that began in 1941, the Blackhawks were seven flyers who banded together during WW II to fight the Nazis. After the war, they continued to fight evil where ... See full summary »
Directors: Spencer Gordon Bennet, Fred F. Sears | Stars: Kirk Alyn, Carol Forman, John Crawford, Michael Fox
Votes: 214
Derived from Will Eisner's Blackhawk.
15. Stamp Day for Superman (1954)
Not Rated | 18 min | Short, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Superman's commitment to promote US Savings Stamps is temporarily delayed when Lois is kidnapped.
Director: Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 476
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
16. Superman and the Jungle Devil (1954)
77 min | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Compilation of 3 episodes of "The Adventures of Superman" tv series: episodes #39 ("Machine That Could Plot Crimes"), #40 ("Jungle Devil"), and #31 ("Shot in the Dark").
Directors: George Blair, Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 65
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
17. Superman Flies Again (1954)
77 min | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Compilation of 3 episodes of the "Adventures of Superman" TV show: episodes #30 ("Jet Ace"), #35 ("The Dog Who Knew Superman"), and #42 ("The Clown Who Cried").
Directors: George Blair, Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 78
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
18. Superman in Exile (1954)
77 min | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Compilation of 3 episodes of "The Adventures of Superman" tv series: episode #33 ("Superman in Exile"), 36 ("The Face and the Voice"), and #51 ("The Whistling Bird").
Directors: George Blair, Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 66
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
19. Superman and Scotland Yard (1954)
90 min | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Compilation of 3 episodes of "The Adventures of Superman" tv series: episodes #34 ("A Ghost for Scotland Yard"), #49 ("Lady in Black"), and #38 ("Panic in the Sky").
Directors: George Blair, Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 65
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
20. Superman's Peril (1954)
Approved | 77 min | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Compilation of 3 episodes of "The Adventures of Superman" tv series: episode #47 ("The Golden Vulture"), #44 ("The Semi-Private Eye"), and #32 ("The Defeat of Superman").
Directors: George Blair, Thomas Carr | Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 64
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
21. Sheena: Queen of the Jungle (1955–1956)
28 min | Adventure
The adventures of a woman who grew up in the jungle as she protects the beasts and the natives while encountering white hunters, native Africans, wild animals and slave traders.
Stars: Irish McCalla, Christian Drake, Neal the Chimp, Virgil Richardson
Votes: 136
Derived from Will Eisner & Jerry Ingel's Sheena.
22.
I Love Lucy (1951–1957)
Episode:
Lucy and Superman
(1957)
TV-Y | 30 min | Comedy, Family
Lucy competes with her friend Carolyn Appleby over invitations and scheduling for Little Ricky's birthday party. When her husband Ricky mentions that Superman is in town, Lucy tries to get ... See full summary »
Director: James V. Kern | Stars: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley
Votes: 465
Features an appearance by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
23. The Adventures of Superpup (1958 TV Movie)
22 min | Family, Sci-Fi
Super Pup, secretly the intrepid reporter Bark Bent of the Daily Bugle, must save his friend and co-worker Pamela Poodle from the clutches of the evil Professor Sheepdip.
Director: Cal Howard | Stars: Billy Curtis, Ruth Delfino, Angelo Rossitto, Frank Delfino
Votes: 232
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
24. The Adventures of Superboy (1961 TV Movie)
26 min | Action, Sci-Fi
Jimmy, Clark Kent and Lana Lang's friend, is ashamed that his father works as a doorman at the Smallville theater. His opinion changes when Superboy is able to thwart a robbery with Jimmy's... See full summary »
Director: George Blair | Stars: John Rockwell, Bunny Henning, Ross Elliott, Monty Margetts
Votes: 166
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
25. Batman (1966–1968)
TV-G | 25 min | Action, Crime, Fantasy
The Caped Crusader and his young ward battle evildoers in Gotham City.
Stars: Adam West, Burt Ward, Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton
Votes: 26,147
Derived from Bill Finger & Bob Kane's Batman.
26. Batman: The Movie (1966)
PG | 105 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
The Dynamic Duo faces four supervillains who plan to hold the world for ransom with the help of a secret invention that instantly dehydrates people.
Director: Leslie H. Martinson | Stars: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero
Votes: 35,799
Derived from Bill Finger & Bob Kane's Batman.
27. Captain America (1966)
TV-G | 18 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The patriotic sole recipient of a revolutionary body enhancement project battles evil as the star spangled defender of America.
Stars: Bernard Cowan, Don Mason, Jack Creley, Claude Rae
Votes: 1,041
Derived from Joe Simon & Jack Kirby's Captain America; adapted from many stories by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby & Don Heck.
28. Hulk (1966)
TV-G | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
The adventures of a nuclear scientist cursed with the tendency to turning into a huge green brute under stress.
Stars: Bernard Cowan, Don Mason, Jack Creley, Claude Rae
Votes: 1,052
Derived from Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Hulk; adapted from many stories by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko & Bill Everett.
29. Iron Man (1966)
Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
An inventive munitions industrialist fights the forces of evil using a revolutionary suit of power armor.
Stars: Bernard Cowan, Don Mason, Jack Creley, Claude Rae
Votes: 1,080
Derived from Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Iron Man; adapted from many stories by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Don Heck & Gene Colan.
30. Mighty Thor (1966)
TV-Y7-FV | Animation, Action, Fantasy
The contemporary adventures of the Norse god of thunder and lightning.
Stars: Bernard Cowan, Don Mason, Claude Rae, Len Carlson
Votes: 787
Derived from Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Thor; adapted from Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Thor.
31. The New Adventures of Superman (1966–1970)
TV-Y7-FV | 30 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
Superman protects Metropolis and the world from a variety of threats while working at the Daily Planet as Clark Kent.
Stars: Bud Collyer, Jackson Beck, Jack Grimes, Joan Alexander
Votes: 992
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
32. The Sub-Mariner (1966– )
TV-Y7-FV | Animation, Action, Fantasy
The prince of the sunken city of Atlantis protects his home from all enemies both above and below the surface of the sea.
Stars: Bernard Cowan, Don Mason, Jack Creley, Claude Rae
Votes: 513
Derived from Bill Everett's Sub-Mariner; adapted from stories by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Bill Everett & Gene Colan.
33. Superboy (1966)
Director: Andy Warhol | Stars: Bob Hastings, International Velvet, Mary Woronov
Votes: 64
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
34. Batgirl (1967 TV Short)
8 min | Short
Promotional short introducing librarian Barbara Gordon as Batgirl for the series "Batman (1966)". Barbara meets Bruce Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson at the Gotham Public Library and is able to help them battling Killer Moth and his gang.
Stars: Yvonne Craig, William Dozier, Neil Hamilton, Tim Herbert
Votes: 422
Derived from Bill Finger & Bob Kane's Batman and Julius Schwartz & Carmine Infantino's Batgirl.
35. Fantastic Four (1967–1968)
TV-Y7-FV | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Four costumed superheroes battle the world's most terrifying villains.
Stars: Paul Frees, Gerald Mohr, Jack DeLeon, Jo Ann Pflug
Votes: 1,632
Adapted from Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four.
36. Spider-Man (1967–1970)
TV-Y7 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Original cartoon series based on the web-slinging Marvel comic book character, Peter Parker, who, after being bit by a radioactive spider, assumes extraordinary powers.
Stars: Paul Soles, Peg Dixon, Paul Kligman, Bernard Cowan
Votes: 4,101
Derived from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Spider-Man; adapted some material by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko.
37. The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure (1967–1968)
60 min | Animation, Action, Family
The animated adventures of several DC Comics superheroes.
Stars: Paul Frees, Vic Perrin, Ray Owens, Ted Knight
Votes: 542
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman and Mort Weisinger & Paul Morris' Aquaman.
38. Wonder Woman: Who's Afraid of Diana Prince? (1967 TV Short)
4 min | Comedy, Short, Fantasy
Unaired TV pilot in which Diana Prince lives with her mother Hippolyta. When she is needed, she transforms into Wonder Woman and flies off to save the world.
Director: Leslie H. Martinson | Stars: Ellie Wood Walker, William Dozier, Linda Harrison, Maudie Prickett
Votes: 429
Derived from William Moulton Marston's Wonder Woman.
39. Aquaman (1967–1969)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The adventures of the aquatic superhero and his friends.
Stars: Diana Maddox, Pat Harrington Jr., Ted Knight, Gerald Mohr
Votes: 812
Derived from Mort Weisinger & Paul Morris' Aquaman.
40. The Archie Show (1968–1969)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The comedic misadventures and music of Archie Andrews and his friends.
Stars: Howard Morris, Dal McKennon, John Erwin, Jane Webb
Votes: 369
Derived from Bob Montana's Archie.
41. The Adventures of Batman (1968–1969)
60 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The animated debut of Batman & Robin brings the Dynamic Duo to animated life in Filmation's cult classic take on The Dark Knight and The Boy Wonder, defending Gotham City from The Caped Crusader's Rogues Gallery, one crook at a time.
Stars: Bud Collyer, Bob Hastings, Jackson Beck, Jack Grimes
Votes: 1,602
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman and Bill Finger & Bob Kane's Batman.
42. Archie and His New Pals (1969 TV Movie)
30 min | Animation, Comedy, Music
Reggie nominates Moose to run against him for class president, thinking it will be no contest. Meanwhile, Sabrina can't seem to make any friends when she begins school at Riverdale.
Director: Hal Sutherland | Stars: Dal McKennon, Howard Morris, Jane Webb, John Erwin
Votes: 45
Derived from Bob Montana's Archie.
43. The Archie Comedy Hour (1969–1970)
TV-G | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Riverdale students' second show - featuring Sabrina, the Teenage Witch shorts and "Archie's Fun House," a feature comprised of music and skits.
Stars: Dal McKennon, Howard Morris, Jane Webb, John Erwin
Votes: 174
Derived from Bob Montana's Archie.
44. Archie's Funhouse (1970–1971)
60 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Archie's Fun House is packed with crazy blackout gags, outrageous puns, wacky jokes and three jukebox songs per episode.
Stars: Dal McKennon, Howard Morris, John Erwin, Jane Webb
Votes: 200
Derived from Bob Montana's Archie.
45. Josie and the Pussycats (1970–1972)
TV-G | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
An up-and-coming pop-music group and its entourage get involved with strange mysteries while touring the world.
Stars: Sherry Alberoni, Jerry Dexter, Cathy Douglas, Patrice Holloway
Votes: 2,332
Derived from Dan DeCarlo's Josie and the Pussycats.
46. Groovie Goolies (1970–1971)
TV-G | 60 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Sabrina's involved with a band of monsters, The Groovy Ghoulies; a rock band with Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein; who scare people for their own amusement.
Stars: Jane Webb, John Erwin, Dal McKennon, Larry D. Mann
Votes: 384
Derived from George Gladir & Dan DeCarlo's Sabrina.
47. Archie's TV Funnies (1971–1973)
30 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Archie and the gang present animated adaptations of popular comic strips like Smokey Stover and Dick Tracy.
Stars: John Erwin, Howard Morris, Dal McKennon, Jane Webb
Votes: 111
Derived from Bob Montana's Archie.
48. The Electric Company (1971–1977)
TV-G | 28 min | Family, Comedy
A comedy variety show that teaches basic phonetic and grammar concepts using live-action sketches, cartoons, songs, and Spider-Man episodes.
Stars: Jim Boyd, Morgan Freeman, Judy Graubart, Skip Hinnant
Votes: 2,289
Includes segments featuring Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Spider-Man.
49. Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1971–1974)
Animation, Comedy, Drama
Toon version of the Archie Comics witch who uses her powers to aide the uncertainty of adolescence.
Stars: Jane Webb, Dal McKennon, Howard Morris, John Erwin
Votes: 334
Derived from George Gladir & Dan DeCarlo's Sabrina.
50. Fritz the Cat (1972)
X | 78 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Fritz drops out of college, starts a riot in Harlem and hits the road with an ex-girlfriend before getting mixed up with domestic terrorists.
Director: Ralph Bakshi | Stars: Skip Hinnant, Rosetta LeNoire, John McCurry, Judy Engles
Votes: 14,342 | Gross: $25.00M
Derived from Robert Crumb's Fritz the Cat.
51. Josie and the Pussy Cats in Outer Space (1972–1974)
30 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The Pussycats and a pet-sized fluffy alien called Bleep, encounter strange new worlds, where they are often kidnapped by various alien races before escaping and attempting to return home.
Stars: Jackie Joseph, Casey Kasem, Janet Waldo, Don Messick
Votes: 332
Derived from Dan DeCarlo's Josie and the Pussycats.
52. Tales from the Crypt (1972)
PG | 92 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Five strangers get lost in a crypt and, after meeting the mysterious Crypt Keeper, receive visions of how they will die.
Director: Freddie Francis | Stars: Joan Collins, Peter Cushing, Ralph Richardson, Geoffrey Bayldon
Votes: 13,019 | Gross: $1.70M
Adapted from stories by Johnny Craig, Al Feldstein, Graham Ingels & George Evans.
53. Super Friends (1973–1985)
TV-G | 60 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The greatest of the DC Comics superheroes work together to uphold the good with the help of some young proteges.
Stars: Danny Dark, Casey Kasem, Olan Soule, Shannon Farnon
Votes: 4,572
Derived from various DC Comics super heroes.
Derived from various DC Comics super heroes.
Derived from various DC Comics super heroes.
Derived from various DC Comics super heroes.
Derived from various DC Comics super heroes.
54. Superman (1973)
104 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A compilation of four episodes of "The Adventures of Superman" tv series: episode #95 ("The Mysterious Cube"), #100 ("Superman's Wife"), #80 ("Tin Hero"), and #82 ("The Town That Wasn't").
Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 214
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
55. The Vault of Horror (1973)
R | 87 min | Horror, Thriller
An anthology of five horror stories shared by five men trapped in the basement of an office building.
Director: Roy Ward Baker | Stars: Curd Jürgens, Terry-Thomas, Tom Baker, Dawn Addams
Votes: 6,257
Adapted from stories by Al Feldstein, Joe Orlando, George Evans, Jack Davis & Jack Kamen.
56. The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat (1974)
R | 77 min | Animation, Comedy
Fritz the Cat may have lost one of his lives in the comics, but in his new movie, he has eight more lives left to go! While his wife screams at him, Fritz lights up a joint and reminiscences about what could have been.
Director: Robert Taylor | Stars: Skip Hinnant, Reva Rose, Bob Holt, Robert Ridgely
Votes: 3,004 | Gross: $1.09M
Derived from Robert Crumb's Fritz the Cat.
57. Shazam! (1974–1977)
TV-Y7-FV | 30 min | Action, Family, Fantasy
A young boy, able to transform into the superhero Captain Marvel, travels the country fighting evil and helping people.
Stars: Michael Gray, Les Tremayne, Jackson Bostwick, John Davey
Votes: 1,666
Derived from C.C. Beck & Bill Parker's Captain Marvel.
58. U.S. Of Archie (1974–1976)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, History
Archie and the Riverdale gang explore and reenact important moments of American history.
Stars: Jane Webb, John Erwin, Howard Morris, Dal McKennon
Votes: 57
Derived from Bob Montana's Archie.
59. Wonder Woman (1974 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 73 min | Fantasy
A super-hero uses her powers to thwart an international spy ring.
Director: Vincent McEveety | Stars: Cathy Lee Crosby, Kaz Garas, Andrew Prine, Ricardo Montalban
Votes: 1,471
Derived from William Moulton Marston's Wonder Woman.
60. It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman! (1975 TV Movie)
89 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Musical
TV adaptation of the campy 1960s Broadway musical concerning a mad scientist who enlists a rival reporter and a group of gangsters to push the Man of Steel into a mental breakdown.
Director: Jack Regas | Stars: Kenneth Mars, Loretta Swit, Lesley Ann Warren, David Wayne
Votes: 445
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
61. Wonder Woman (1975–1979)
TV-G | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
The adventures of the greatest of the female superheroes.
Stars: Lynda Carter, Lyle Waggoner, Tom Kratochvil, Richard Eastham
Votes: 10,086
Derived from William Moulton Marston's Wonder Woman.
62. The Amazing Spider-Man (1977–1979)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
With the powers given by the bite of a radioactive spider, a young man fights crime as a wall-crawling superhero.
Stars: Nicholas Hammond, Robert F. Simon, Chip Fields, Ellen Bry
Votes: 2,670
Derived from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Spider-Man.
63. The New Adventures of Batman (1977–1978)
30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Batman, Robin and Batgirl fight crime in Gotham City with the "help" of Batmite.
Stars: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lennie Weinrib, Melendy Britt
Votes: 1,278
Derived from Bill Finger & Bob Kane's Batman.
64. The New Archie/Sabrina Hour (1977– )
60 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Stars: Jane Webb, Howard Morris, Dal McKennon, John Erwin
Votes: 89
Derived from Bob Montana's Archie and George Gladir & Dan DeCarlo's Sabrina.
65. Dr. Strange (1978 TV Movie)
TV-PG | 93 min | Action, Fantasy
A psychiatrist becomes the new Sorcerer Supreme of the Earth in order to battle an evil Sorceress from the past.
Director: Philip DeGuere Jr. | Stars: Peter Hooten, Clyde Kusatsu, Jessica Walter, Anne-Marie Martin
Votes: 2,139
Derived from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Doctor Strange.
66. The Fantastic Four (1978)
TV-Y7-FV | Animation, Action, Adventure
The super-elastic Mr. Fantastic, the force field-wielding Invisible Girl, the orange rock-covered Thing and the data-crammed robot H.E.R.B.I.E. make up a team of superheroes dedicated to thwarting would-be world-dominating villains.
Stars: Mike Road, Ginny Tyler, Ted Cassidy, Frank Welker
Votes: 988
Derived from Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four; adapted some material by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby.
67. The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A fugitive scientist has the curse of becoming a powerful green monster under extreme emotional stress.
Stars: Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Jack Colvin, Charles Napier
Votes: 16,116
Derived from Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Hulk.
68. Spider-Man (1978–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Motorcross racer Takuya Yamashiro battles the evil forces of Professor Monster and his Iron Cross Army as the superhero Spider-Man, aided by the transforming mecha Leopardon.
Stars: Shinji Tôdô, Mitsuo Andô, Yukie Kagawa, Tôru Ôhira
Votes: 672
Derived from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Spider-Man.
69. Superman (1978)
PG | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero.
Director: Richard Donner | Stars: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando
Votes: 187,555 | Gross: $134.22M
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
70. Tarzan and the Super 7 (1978–1980)
90 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
An anthology series featuring various fantasy action heroes.
Stars: Michael Bell, Bob Holt, Bob Denison, Howard Morris
Votes: 121
Includes segments with Bill Finger & Bob Kane's Batman.
71. Captain America (1979 TV Movie)
TV-PG | 97 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A recipient of an experimental body enhancement chemical retaliates against his would be killers as a star spangled superhero.
Director: Rod Holcomb | Stars: Reb Brown, Len Birman, Heather Menzies-Urich, Robin Mattson
Votes: 2,412
Derived from Joe Simon & Jack Kirby's Captain America.
72. Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979 TV Movie)
TV-PG | 83 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
The star spangled hero must battle a villain's plan to poison America with a chemical that horrifically accelerates the aging process.
Director: Ivan Nagy | Stars: Reb Brown, Connie Sellecca, Len Birman, Christopher Lee
Votes: 1,768
Derived from Joe Simon & Jack Kirby's Captain America.
73. Fred and Barney Meet the Thing (1979)
60 min | Animation, Adventure, Family
A show featuring two different cartoon segments,The New Fred and Barney Show (a revival of The Flintstones) and The Thing (based on the Marvel Comics superhero).
Stars: John Stephenson, Art Metrano, John Erwin, Noelle North
Votes: 251
Includes segments featuring Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Thing.
74. Legends of the Superheroes (1979)
100 min | Action, Comedy, Adventure
A teamup of some of DC Comics' greatest superheroes together, for 2 specials: a race to stop the united supervillains' plot to destroy the earth, then later a roast in tribute to all of the heroes hosted by Ed McMahon.
Stars: Jeff Altman, Charlie Callas, Gabriel Dell, Howard Morris
Votes: 629
Derived from various DC Comics super heroes.
75. Plastic Man (1979– )
TV-G | 120 min | Animation, Adventure, Family
The adventures of the original stretchable superhero and various other characters.
Stars: Joe Baker, Michael Bell, Melendy Britt, John Stephenson
Votes: 592
Derived from Jack Cole's Plastic Man.
76. Spider-Man Strikes Back (1978 TV Movie)
Unrated | 90 min | Action, Family, Fantasy
Spider-Man swings to the rescue when a nuclear bomb created by three college students falls into criminal hands.
Director: Ron Satlof | Stars: Nicholas Hammond, Robert F. Simon, Chip Fields, Robert Alda
Votes: 1,068
Derived from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Spider-Man.
77. Spider-Woman (1979–1980)
TV-Y7 | 21 min | Animation, Action, Family
The adventures of a female superhero with spider-like abilities.
Stars: Joan Van Ark, Bryan Scott, Larry Carroll, Vic Perrin
Votes: 979
Derived from Archie Goodwin & Sal Buscema's Spider-Woman.
78. Yami no teiô kyuketsuki dorakyura (1980 TV Movie)
94 min | Animation, Action, Horror
In this animated adaptation of the Tomb of Dracula comic book series, Dracula assumes control of a satanic cult and fathers a child through one of his followers, but the forces of both good and evil align themselves against him.
Directors: Akinori Nagaoka, Minoru Okazaki, Robert V. Barron | Stars: Kenji Utsumi, Hiroko Suzuki, Kazuyuki Sogabe, Yasuo Hisamatsu
Votes: 434
Adapted from Marv Wolfman & Gene Colan's Tomb of Dracula.
79. The Ri¢hie Ri¢h/Scooby-Doo Show (1980–1982)
60 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A one-hour featuring episodes of both the Scooby-Doo and Richie Rich cartoon series. Scooby and the Mystery Machine gang travel from town to town investigating reports of ghosts, monsters ... See full summary »
Stars: Frank Welker, Nancy Cartwright, Casey Kasem, Don Messick
Votes: 705
Derived from Alfred Harvey & Warren Kremer's Richie Rich.
80. Superman II (1980)
PG | 127 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Superman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth.
Director: Richard Lester | Stars: Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Ned Beatty
Votes: 114,649 | Gross: $108.19M
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
81. Heavy Metal (1981)
R | 86 min | Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
A glowing green orb that embodies ultimate evil terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories.
Directors: Gerald Potterton, John Bruno, John Halas, Julian Harris, Jimmy T. Murakami, Barrie Nelson, Paul Sabella, Jack Stokes, Pino Van Lamsweerde, Harold Whitaker | Stars: Richard Romanus, John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Don Francks
Votes: 38,167
Adapted from stories by Richard Corben, Bernie Wrightson & Angus McKie.
82. The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam! (1981–1982)
25 min | Animation, Fantasy
The adventures of a high school for superheroes while the Marvel Family fights evil with the power given to them by the wizard, Shazam.
Stars: Maylo McCaslin, Barry Gordon, Dawn Jeffory, Burr Middleton
Votes: 190
Derived from C.C. Beck & Bill Parker's Captain Marvel.
83. Monster of Frankenstein (1981 TV Movie)
98 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Japanese animated adaptation of Marvel's "The Monster of Frankenstein" comic book series.
Director: Yûgo Serikawa | Stars: Masao Komatsu, Banjô Ginga, Hôsei Komatsu, Mami Koyama
Votes: 232
Adapted from Gary Friedrich & Mike Ploog's Monster of Frankenstein.
84. Spider-Man (1981–1982)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The web slinging superhero battles crime in New York City.
Stars: Jack Angel, Lynn Johnson, Lewis Bailey, Morgan Lofting
Votes: 1,881
Derived from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Spider-Man.
85. Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981–1986)
TV-Y7 | 22 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
Spider-Man battles crime in New York City with the help of Iceman and Firestar.
Stars: Hans Conried, Sally Julian, Jerry Dexter, Anne Lockhart
Votes: 4,042
Derived from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Spider-Man.
86. Spider-Man: The Dragon's Challenge (1979 TV Movie)
TV-PG | 92 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
The amazing Spider-Man goes to China to help a World War II official accused of treachery.
Director: Don McDougall | Stars: Nicholas Hammond, Robert F. Simon, Chip Fields, Ellen Bry
Votes: 1,343
Derived from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's Spider-Man.
87. The Incredible Hulk (1982–1983)
TV-Y7 | 24 min | Action, Animation, Adventure
A research scientist is cursed with the tendency to turn into a giant green brute under stress.
Stars: Michael Bell, Susan Blu, William Callaway, Hamilton Camp
Votes: 1,674
Derived from Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's Hulk.
88. Ri¢hie Ri¢h (1982–1984)
TV-G | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Family
The adventures of the richest boy in the world and his friends and servants.
Stars: Frank Welker, Nancy Cartwright, Robert Ridgely, Sparky Marcus
Votes: 1,348
Derived from Alfred Harvey & Warren Kremer's Richie Rich.
89. Shazam! (1982–1985)
Music
Shazam! rode the 1980s music video boom created by the advent of MTV and the renaissance in NZ music. Aimed at a younger audience than Radio with Pictures, it played in a late afternoon, ... See full summary »
Stars: Robert Smith, Siouxsie Sioux, Budgie, Steven Severin
Votes: 29
Derived from C.C. Beck & Bill Parker's Captain Marvel.
90. Swamp Thing (1982)
PG | 91 min | Horror, Sci-Fi
After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster.
Director: Wes Craven | Stars: Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise, David Hess
Votes: 16,342
Derived from Len Wein & Bernie Wrightson's Swamp Thing.
91. Superman III (1983)
PG | 125 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Synthetic kryptonite laced with tar splits Superman in two: good Clark Kent and bad Man of Steel.
Director: Richard Lester | Stars: Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper
Votes: 74,785 | Gross: $59.95M
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman.
92. Sheena (1984)
PG | 117 min | Adventure, Fantasy
Sheena grew up in the African wild, raised by a mystical witch woman. When her foster mother is framed for a murder Sheena is forced to flee, helped by her ability to talk to animals and her knowledge of the jungle.
Director: John Guillermin | Stars: Tanya Roberts, Ted Wass, Donovan Scott, Elizabeth of Toro
Votes: 5,564 | Gross: $5.78M
Derived from Will Eisner & Jerry Iger's Sheena.
93. Supergirl (1984)
PG | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
After losing a powerful orb, Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, comes to Earth to retrieve it and instead finds herself up against a wicked witch.
Director: Jeannot Szwarc | Stars: Helen Slater, Faye Dunaway, Peter O'Toole, Mia Farrow
Votes: 24,029 | Gross: $13.60M
Derived from Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster's Superman and Otto Binder & Curt Swan's Supergirl.
94. Red Sonja (1985)
PG-13 | 89 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
The fearless warrior Red Sonja sets out to avenge her family's murder and rid her kingdom from the tyrannical rule of evil Queen Gedren.
Director: Richard Fleischer | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brigitte Nielsen, Sandahl Bergman, Paul L. Smith
Votes: 44,890 | Gross: $6.95M
Derived from Roy Thomas & Barry Windsor-Smith's Red Sonja.
95. Howard the Duck (1986)
PG | 110 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
A sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop an alien invasion with the help of a nerdy scientist and a struggling female rock singer.
Director: Willard Huyck | Stars: Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, Tim Robbins, Ed Gale
Votes: 50,753 | Gross: $16.30M
Derived from Steve Gerber & Frank Brunner's Howard the Duck.
96. DuckTales (1987–1990)
TV-G | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Huey, Dewey, and Louie are in for an epic surprise when they meet their wealthy but reclusive uncle, Scrooge McDuck. The family embark on globe-trotting adventures and treasure hunts, uncover family secrets, and face dangerous enemies.
Stars: Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Terence McGovern, Chuck McCann
Votes: 35,019
Various characters derived from Carl Barks' Uncle Scrooge.
97.
DuckTales (1987–1990)
Episode:
The Treasure of the Golden Suns
(1987)
TV-G | 96 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
When Donald Duck's nephews are sent to live with their Uncle Scrooge, they discover a model ship that contains a map to a treasure.
Directors: Steve Clark, Terence Harrison, Alan Zaslove | Stars: Tony Anselmo, Peter Cullen, Jim Cummings, Joan Gerber
Votes: 690
Various characters derived from Carl Barks' Uncle Scrooge.
98. The New Archies (1987– )
TV-Y | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Updated prequel to "The Archies" of the 1960's follows the gang in Jr. High.
Stars: Karen Burthwright, Lisa Coristine, Alyson Court, Victor Erdos
Votes: 127
Derived from Bob Montana's Archie.
99. Sable (1987–1988)
60 min | Adventure
A children's book writer serves as a mysterious vigilante at night.
Stars: Lewis Van Bergen, Rene Russo, Ken Page, Holly Fulger
Votes: 71
Derived from Mike Grell's Jon Sable.
100. The Spirit (1987 TV Movie)
74 min | Action
A legally dead police detective decides to battle crime as a masked superhero.
Director: Michael Schultz | Stars: Sam J. Jones, Nana Visitor, Bumper Robinson, Garry Walberg
Votes: 297
Derived from Will Eisner's the Spirit.
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