3. Iron Man (2008) – by Eddie Michael
There’s no surprise here, there’s a reason why Iron Man is not only the darling of the cinematic universe but the highest grossing franchise within the universe. Iron Man was the film that lifted it all off, at the time no one knew who Iron Man was, even in the comic book universe he was known as a ‘B List’ character. There was also RDJ (Robert Downey Jr.) a washed up failed Hollywood talent due to drugs… and then bam. Marvel Studios reinvented themselves as well as RDJ, they made a plan to rule the world. And it all rested on the shoulders of Iron Man.
To everyone’s surprise, Iron Man was just plain awesome. A completely different type of superhero film, with a fun vibe that contrasted The Dark Knight released in the same year. It was just as realistic but less serious and dark, many people said RDJ was the perfect Tony Stark, but actually the Tony Stark in the comics at the time was very different (A depressed alcoholic). So the Tony Stark we know and love now really is just RDJ being himself. A great blend of action and comedy, with an interesting character study on an already interesting character due to RDJ’s performance. It was a fun, funny, well made film that was released at a time audiences needed it to be. Adored by critics and the general audience alike, it meant that a good comic book film didn’t need to a sadistic gloomy turn like Nolan’s Batman.