Superhero movies have become a cinematic juggernaut, dominating box office charts and captivating audiences worldwide. Yet, their recognition at the Academy Awards has been, to put it mildly, underwhelming. While some have received nominations, many deserving films have been completely overlooked, resulting in some of the most egregious Oscar snubs in history.

Here are 16 superhero films that deserved more love from the Academy:

1.The Dark Knight (2008): This masterpiece, a complex and morally grey exploration of the superhero genre, was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, but ultimately only won two for sound editing and supporting actor for Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as the Joker. The lack of a Best Director nomination for Christopher Nolan, who masterfully blended action and drama, remains a head-scratcher.

2.Deadpool (2016): This irreverent and R-rated superhero comedy was a critical and commercial success, breaking box office records and becoming a cultural phenomenon. However, it was completely shut out of Oscar nominations, despite its sharp writing, unique visual style, and Ryan Reynolds’ hilarious performance.

3.Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): This space opera, with its eclectic soundtrack and lovable band of misfits, was a breath of fresh air, proving the superhero genre could be both entertaining and heartfelt. While nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, its absence in other categories, including Best Original Score for its memorable soundtrack, is perplexing.

4.Wonder Woman (2017): This groundbreaking film, featuring Gal Gadot’s empowering performance as the Amazonian warrior, was a critical and commercial triumph, praised for its strong feminist message and impactful action sequences. It received nominations for Best Costume Design and Original Score, but the lack of a Best Actress nomination for Gadot felt like a missed opportunity.

5.Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018): This visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated film broke new ground in its use of animation and storytelling, earning accolades from critics and audiences alike. Though it won Best Animated Feature, its exclusion from other categories, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Original Score, highlights the Academy’s tendency to overlook animated films.

6.Logan (2017): This gritty and emotionally powerful film, featuring Hugh Jackman’s final performance as Wolverine, was a departure from the usual superhero fare, delving into themes of aging, mortality, and the weight of responsibility. It received nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing, but the lack of nominations for Best Actor and Best Director felt like a missed opportunity to recognize Jackman’s career-defining performance and James Mangold’s masterful direction.

7.The Avengers (2012): This landmark film, which brought together Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, was a box office sensation and a cultural phenomenon. However, it only received nominations for Best Visual Effects, despite its ambitious scope, groundbreaking action sequences, and impressive ensemble cast.

8.X-Men: First Class (2011): This prequel, which explored the origins of the X-Men, was praised for its fresh take on the franchise, its compelling performances, and its exploration of themes of prejudice and acceptance. Yet, it was overlooked in all categories, despite its strong performances from James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender.

9.Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014): This politically charged and thrilling superhero thriller was praised for its tight pacing, its action sequences, and its exploration of themes of trust and betrayal. It received a nomination for Best Visual Effects, but its absence from other categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, was baffling.

10.Black Panther (2018): This culturally significant film, featuring a predominantly Black cast and celebrating African heritage, was a global phenomenon and a critical darling. Despite winning three Oscars for Costume Design, Original Score, and Production Design, its absence from Best Picture and Best Director nominations felt like a missed opportunity to acknowledge its cultural impact.

11.Thor: Ragnarok (2017): This vibrant and comedic film, featuring Chris Hemsworth’s charming performance and Taika Waititi’s unique directorial style, brought a much-needed dose of humor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While nominated for Best Costume Design, its absence from other categories, including Best Original Score and Best Production Design, was a surprise.

12.Ant-Man (2015): This fun and quirky superhero film, featuring Paul Rudd’s charming performance and a unique take on the superhero genre, was a critical and commercial success. Yet, it was completely shut out of Oscar nominations, despite its clever writing, impressive visual effects, and entertaining action sequences.

13.The Incredibles (2004): This Pixar masterpiece, which blended superhero tropes with family dynamics, was a critical and commercial success, winning two Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing. However, its exclusion from Best Picture and Best Director nominations was a missed opportunity to recognize its innovative storytelling and visual brilliance.

14.Batman Begins (2005): This dark and gritty reboot of the Batman franchise, featuring Christian Bale’s iconic performance and Christopher Nolan’s masterful direction, was a critical and commercial success. It received nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Sound Mixing, but its absence from other categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, was a missed opportunity to recognize Nolan’s cinematic vision.

15.Iron Man (2008): This film, which launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was a critical and commercial success, introducing Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic portrayal of Tony Stark. It received nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing, but its lack of nominations in other categories, including Best Actor and Best Screenplay, was a missed opportunity.

16.Spider-Man 2 (2004): This widely regarded as the best Spider-Man film, featuring Tobey Maguire’s emotionally resonant performance and Alfred Molina’s iconic portrayal of Doctor Octopus, was a critical and commercial success. While nominated for Best Visual Effects, its absence from other categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, was a missed opportunity to recognize its masterful storytelling and breathtaking action sequences.

These are just a few of the superhero films that have been unjustly overlooked by the Academy. While the Oscars may not be the ultimate measure of a film’s quality, their consistent snubbing of these groundbreaking and entertaining films speaks volumes about the Academy’s perceived limitations in acknowledging the evolving landscape of cinema. Hopefully, in the future, the Academy will recognize the merit and impact of superhero films, allowing them to take their rightful place among the best of the best.