Despite the saturation of superhero movies from powerhouses like the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) and DCEU (DC Extended Universe), there are still plenty of fantastic superhero films that stand outside these two behemoths. These films often offer unique takes on heroism, independent storylines, and creative freedoms that are not always found in franchise-driven blockbusters. Here’s a look at ten of the best superhero movies that are not part of the MCU or DCEU:

1.”The Incredibles” (2004): This animated superhero film from Pixar follows a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their powers and live a suburban life. The delightful mix of action, humor, and heart makes this movie a favorite for all ages.

2.”Unbreakable” (2000): Before superhero films dominated box offices, M. Night Shyamalan delivered this dark, grounded take on superhumans. The story centers on David Dunn, played by Bruce Willis, who discovers his extraordinary abilities after surviving a train crash.

3.”The Crow” (1994): Starring Brandon Lee in his final film role, “The Crow” is a gothic tale of revenge with supernatural elements that set it apart from other entries in the genre.

4.”Hellboy” (2004): Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this dark fantasy superhero film is an adaptation of the Dark Horse Comics character Hellboy and offers an engaging mix of Lovecraftian horror with comic book action.

5.”Kick-Ass” (2010): A bold and brutally funny commentary on the superhero genre, “Kick-Ass,” based on the comic book of the same name, tells the story of an ordinary teenager who decides to become a real-life superhero.

6.”Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” (2010): Blending together elements of comic books, video games, and rock music, this Edgar Wright film is based on the graphic novel series and has gained a cult following for its unique style.

7.”Big Hero 6″ (2014): Another animated marvel but not from Marvel Studios—this heartwarming tale follows a young tech genius and his inflatable robot Baymax forming a superhero team to combat a masked villain.

8.”Darkman” (1990): Directed by Sam Raimi before he took on Spider-Man, “Darkman” stars Liam Neeson as a scientist who becomes vigilante after being horrifically scarred in an attack.

9.”Super” (2010): This black comedy-drama from James Gunn stars Rainn Wilson as an everyday guy who transforms himself into the Crimson Bolt after his wife leaves him for a smooth-talking drug dealer.

10.”Sky High” (2005): A fun family movie set in a high school for teenage superheroes; it explores themes similar to those found in typical high school dramas but with a super-powered twist.

These films prove that you don’t need to be part of the largest franchises to make an impactful superhero movie. They each bring their own unique flavor to what we generally consider as tales of heroism making them deserving candidates for any list of top superhero films.