Superhero movies captivate audiences around the world, drawing millions to theaters for the spectacle of high-flying action and tales of good versus evil. Blockbusters like “The Avengers,” “Black Panther,” and “Wonder Woman” have become cultural phenomena, but there’s a universe of lesser-known superhero films that deserve their moment in the spotlight. Here are the 10 best superhero movies that you may not have heard of but are definitely worth your attention.

1.”Super” (2010) –Directed by James Gunn, this dark comedy-drama stars Rainn Wilson as an everyday man who transforms himself into the Crimson Bolt after his wife leaves him for a drug dealer.

2.”Defendor” (2009) –Woody Harrelson plays Arthur Poppington, a regular man who believes he has a secret identity as the superhero Defendor, fighting crime and seeking vengeance.

3.”Griff the Invisible” (2010) –An Australian film featuring Ryan Kwanten as Griff, an office worker by day and a superhero by night who meets Melody, a young woman who shares his passion for the impossible.

4.”Special” (2006) –Michael Rapaport stars in this film about Les, a lonely meter-maid who develops what he believes to be superpowers after participating in an experimental drug study.

5.”Chronicle” (2012) –While not entirely obscure, it’s not often grouped with traditional superhero films. This found-footage movie follows three teenagers who gain telekinetic abilities and how they cope with these changes.

6.”Fast Color” (2018) –A unique take on superhuman abilities showing a young woman’s struggle with her supernatural powers while on the run from law enforcers who aim to capture and control her.

7.”Midnight Special” (2016) –Though it leans more towards science fiction, Jeff Nichols’ film includes elements of superhero lore with a story about a father protecting his son with special powers from both government and religious zealots.

8.”They Call Me Jeeg Robot” (2015) –An Italian film that offers a gritty, realistic take on the superhero genre when an unlikely character finds he has super strength after coming into contact with radioactive waste.

9.”Hero at Large” (1980) – Starring John Ritter as an out-of-work actor who takes his promotional role as Captain Avenger into real life crime-fighting stunts, becoming a citywide sensation along the way.

10.”The Specials” (2000) –Long before he helmed “Guardians of the Galaxy,” James Gunn wrote this comedy about a group of second-rate superheroes struggling with their dysfunctional lives and relationships on a day without crime-fighting.

Many of these films explore deeper themes beyond the typical ‘save the world’ scenario and offer rawer, more personal storytelling than their big-budget counterparts. Perhaps they missed their chance at box office glory, but these hidden gems offer unique visions of heroism that deserve to be watched and celebrated by fans of the genre.