Plot: A mysterious sorcerer protects Earth and its dimension from an unspeakable evil.

Based on: Doctor Strange (unofficially)

KBZ’s Take: The parallels to Doctor Strange are obvious when viewing this film, but it does have some original ideas for a somewhat entertaining film. More of a film to watch out of curiosity, grand ideas and plot are hampered by a low budget (which is a hallmark of Charles Band and Full Moon Entertainment Films). With that said, it has B-movie greats Jeffrey Combs and Brian Thompson which help it rise above mediocrity. Only recommended for fans and completists of the subgenre.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HnxO4G

Plot: Street magician has to rely on his mind and skills to save his kidnapped sister.

Based on: Original screenplay

KBZ’s Take: This is a great film with an intriguing premise that is held back by its lack of budget. Though it starts somewhat slow, the third act is where the film fits into this subgenre. All we can say about it is that if you like Iron Man, you’ll likely appreciate where the film ends up. It’s not a film with extravagant action or special effects, but it excels with an original premise and great acting by Jacob Latimore as Bo. Recommended for fans of the subgenre.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3RfQdoR

Plot: A new high school student tries to make friends with the school outcast Barbara who “kills giants” to protect their hometown.

Based on: I Kill Giants Graphic Novel

KBZ’s Take: Though a somewhat predictable film, it’s carried by the amazing performance of Madison Wolfe as the outcast Barbara. With some surprising and effective special effects, the film delves into the mindset of the troubled teenager and the ‘giants’ that keep invading the town. Though fantasy elements are prevalent throughout the film, its core is anchored around the struggle to accept and deal with a loss in a family. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3WQUbFE

Plot: Son of a superhero struggles in ‘superhero’ school as he waits to see if he has any superpowers.

Based on: Original screenplay

KBZ’s Take: This was a popular film in the early 2000’s, but we wanted to include it here as it’s becoming a ‘forgotten film’. This is one of the funnier, family friendly films based on the Superhero subgenre and has both an excellent script and A-list cast. The original script parodies quite a few Superhero film tropes in very funny scenes. And the cast includes Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Bruce Campbell, Michael Angarano and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Highly recommended family film of the subgenre.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/40e3ORy

Plot: Raised by the Zambouli tribe, Sheena learns how to telepathically communicate with animals.

Based on: Sheena, Queen of the Jungle Comic Book

KBZ’s Take: This was a box office bomb in 1984 though developed a cult following soon afterwards. It’s a forgotten film of the 80’s that is worth a second look. It’s a light-hearted adventure film set in Africa with some funny slapstick comedy with animals. Though it was rated PG at the time, the film is definitely in the PG-13 area as Sheena wears little to no clothes at various points in the film. With that said, kids will enjoy the adventure and fun animal moments and dad will likely not mind watching the film either.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3JolSm7

Plot: Max Fist claims he’s a hero from another dimension but only a teenager and his sister believe him…as they ask him to help take out a local drug gang.

Based on: Original screenplay

KBZ’s Take: Though this film flew under the radar in 2020, it’s worth a second look and one of the better films of the subgenre. Filmed on a micro-budget, Archenemy throws a few curves at you during the film. The initial setup uses animation to show Max’s ‘home world’ and the battle he had with his archenemy. But Max is also homeless, an alcoholic and drug user. While the reveal slowly shows whether Max is delusional or not, another curveball will be thrown at you. It’s a great little ‘mystery’ film of the subgenre with some excellent psychedelic animation, 80’s synth soundtrack and great performances by Joe Manganiello, Skylan Brooks and Zolee Griggs. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/40gqlxi

Plot: In an alternate world, humans and vampires have been at war for centuries. After a Warrior Priest’s niece is kidnapped by Vampires, he breaks his vows to hunt them down.

Based on: Korean comic

KBZ’s Take: Though savaged by critics upon its release, Priest is still a great subgenre film with an original story, amazing visuals and exciting action sequences. Also supporting the film is a great cast with Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Maggie Q, Lily Collins and Christopher Plummer. This film isn’t typically listed on any subgenre lists but we’re listing it here in case you might have missed it. Recommended film for fans of the subgenre.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3WUBQYa

Plot: Don Diego de la Vegas becomes the heroic Zorro when tyranny threatens his people in 19^th century California.

Based on: Various novels, TV series and comic books

KBZ’s Take: There have been numerous filmed versions of Zorro from the classic The Mark of Zorro (1940) to the more recent The Mask of Zorro (1998). Both of those films are classics of the subgenre, but the best “lesser known” Zorro film is still Frank Langella as Don Diego and Ricardo Montalban as Captain Esteban in The Mark of Zorro (1974). While this film is a remake of the 1940 film, it’s been lost to time and overshadowed by the more recent and action-orientated Mask of Zorro. However, the 1974 film highlights the conflict between Don Diego/Zorro and Esteban that leads to their classic swordfight duel in a much better way. It’s a film worth seeking out if you’re a fan of the subgenre or films about Zorro.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://youtu.be/mWRBY9gxmSc

Plot: A child from another world crash-lands on Earth…but is he a hero to mankind or something more sinister.

Based on: Original screenplay

KBZ’s Take: Another recent film we wanted to highlight in case it was missed by fans of the subgenre. Brightburn basically takes the entire Superman theme and flips it on its head. With shades of The Omen (1976), the film explores what a family would do if they slowly realized their child was evil. It’s an original concept and the script craftily avoids many superhero film tropes. If you’re a fan of The Omen film series or fan of the subgenre, it’s a film you shouldn’t miss.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HG1ewy

Plot: Struggling actor stops a robbery dressed as Captain Avenger – a superhero character of the film he is hired to promote.

Based on: Original screenplay

KBZ’s Take:  We’ll start by saying this is a very subjective pick on our part as its one of our favorite films from the early 80’s. Released in February 1980, Hero at Large was one of the only new films that came out that month that kids could see at the movie theater. Other releases that month were mostly R-rated  – The Fog (1980), American Gigolo (1980), Fatso (1980), Caligula (1980), Cruising (1980) and Saturn 3 (1980). As a kid, you were excited to see a “Superhero” movie as it was literally the only thing you could see anyway. However, Hero at Large isn’t a “Superhero” film in the sense of Batman or Superman and has more in common with a film like Kick-Ass (2010). Hero at Large is about believing in certain ideals and the commitment to uphold them. While the hero of the story, Steve Nichols, follows a typical rise / fall / redemption Superhero arc, the film is ultimately a romantic comedy with Anne Archer as his neighbor and love interest. This is a feel-good film that is good for the entire family. While the film is a bit dated with its New York City setting in 1980, it’s message and themes are universal and eternal.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3RgGmz8