Top Films Inspired by Comic Books or Graphic Novels

When you think about movies that are based from comic books your mind may go as mine did straight to super hero movies. While Batman, Superman and more recently Iron Man are good examples of comic books that have been adapted into popular movies, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Here is my list of top three movies inspired by comic books or graphic novels (another name for comic book). Read on the list may surprise you.

Dick Tracy - Comic Book Detective Extraordinaire

The 1990 film adaptation of the long running Dick Tracy comic strip had a star studded cast. The film was directed by famous womanizer, Warren Beatty. Beatty also starred as Dick Tracy. The film also featured performances by Madonna as Breathless Mahoney, Dustin Hoffman as Mumbles and Al Pacino as Big Boy Caprice. Pacino was nominated for an Oscar for his role. Dick Tracy did win several Oscars including "Best Art Direction" and "Best Music Score" for the Sondheim song, "Sooner or Later". Dick Tracy is a kitsch film that is fun to watch. It remains one of my favorite comic book adaptations.

Road to Perdition - Critically Acclaimed Film based on a Graphic Novel

I sometimes forget that graphic novels and comic books go together. This thriller which was released in 2003 is based on the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins. The graphic novel is considered very good by those who enjoy the genre. The film which was directed by Sam Mendes and starred Tom Hanks was excellent. Road to Perdition is the story of an Irish hit man and his young son. The film is dark and full of suspense. Paul Newman and Jude Law both give noteworthy performances in supporting roles. Newman was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role.

Superman - My Favorite Comic Book Hero

The original Superman movie which was released in 1978 tops my list of movies made about comic book heroes. Superman was directed by Richard Donner and starred a young Christopher Reeve. The movie also featured performances by Marlon Brando, Margot Kidder and Ned Beatty. Christopher Reeve won a BAFTA for "Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Role in Films". is a comic book classic and this adaption holds a special place in my heart, especially after the tragic and untimely death of the heroic Christopher Reeve, who in my opinion was a real life Superman.

There you have my list of the three best movies adapted from a comic book or graphic novel. I would love to hear your favorites.