Table of Contents
In 2014, the world witnessed a surge in comic book movie adaptations, with a record number released in a single year. Various publishers, including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Image, contributed properties for the silver screen. While some early releases may not have been noteworthy, the top selections stand out as some of the most significant and respected in the subgenre’s history.
Even if a film is based on a less well-known comic than Batman, many on this list boast high-quality elements worth noting. Here is a ranking of every comic book movie adaptation from 2014, ensuring that even unfamiliar titles offer something worthwhile for audiences.
Sponsered English Shortfilm Playlist
2014 Had More Comic Book Movies Than Any Other Year on Record
I, Frankenstein (2014)
Unfortunately, Kevin Grevioux’s graphic novel adaptation, “I, Frankenstein” (2014), disappoints enthusiasts as it falls short of expectations in various aspects. Despite attempting a unique take on Mary Shelley’s classic tale, the film lacks compelling characters and falters in storytelling, with uninspiring cinematography and production design. Upon its initial release, the movie failed to leave a lasting impression, and there’s little incentive for audiences to revisit it today. In a year filled with numerous comic book movies, including this one, “I, Frankenstein” failed to make a significant impact due to its shortcomings in filmmaking.
Shockwave, Darkside (2014)
Shockwave, Darkside (2014), a film written and directed by Jay Weisman, is a relatively obscure entry on the list. The movie is based on Weisman’s original web comic and is best experienced in 3D, despite receiving mixed reviews for its visual presentation. While the source material is more highly regarded than the adaptation, the film itself has garnered polarizing opinions.
The movie failed to meet expectations for several reasons. Audiences generally found the visuals to be jarring, and the plot was deemed passable at best. Set against the backdrop of a war on the darker side of the moon, the story revolves around a squadron of soldiers who are shot down behind enemy lines. While the premise holds exciting potential, the overall execution of Shockwave, Darkside left much to be desired, making it an undeniable disappointment. The film is available for streaming on Tubi.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) adaptation stands out as one of the most disappointing comic book adaptations of the year, despite its impressive box office earnings of nearly $500 million against a $150 million budget. Despite its potential for being an enjoyable experience for younger audiences, the film received widespread criticism from critics. The issues stem from lackluster one-liners and weak plot points, preventing the movie from reaching its full potential. Even the well-known and beloved characters failed to shine, with the cast appearing uninspired. In the end, the film fell short of expectations, and it’s evident why. You can catch it on MGM+.
The Clockwork Girl (2014)
Despite boasting a star-studded voice cast with renowned actors such as Carrie-Anne Moss, Alexa Vega, and Jesse McCartney, The Clockwork Girl (2014) surprisingly lacks widespread recognition. Adapted from the comic book series by Sean O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna and directed by Hanna himself, this Canadian animated feature remains faithful to its source material. The story revolves around the titular robot who comes to life and embarks on a journey of discovery alongside a mutant boy she befriends. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the individual performances of the cast, including Moss, Vega, and McCartney, were commendable. The film’s overall execution may have been divisive, but there is an argument for giving The Clockwork Girl more appreciation, as it successfully brings an underrated plot to life. Those interested can find the movie available for streaming on Tubi.
The Scribbler (2014)
Adapted from the Image Comics series and helmed by director John Suits, “The Scribbler” (2014) is a film written by Daniel Schaffer. Although the names of these creators may not be widely known, the movie boasts a star-studded cast, featuring Katie Cassidy in the lead role of Suki.
The storyline revolves around Suki, who grapples with dissociative identity disorder and undergoes a unique experimental treatment to confront her various personalities. Katie Cassidy’s standout performance anchors the offbeat plot. The ensemble cast, including Garrett Dillahunt, Eliza Dushku, Kunal Nayyar, and Gina Gershon, delivers strong performances in this underrated comic book adaptation. The film deserves more recognition for its intriguing narrative and the compelling portrayal by the talented cast. It is available for rental on AppleTV.
Hercules (2014)
When it comes to overused blockbuster formulas, Hercules (2014) manages to deliver decent entertainment. Featuring Dwayne Johnson in the lead role, many viewers might not be aware that this cinematic take on the Greek demigod draws inspiration from the graphic novel The Thracian Wars by Steve Moore.
Reasons for Appreciation While some may have written off the movie as just another clichéd moneymaker, there’s more to Hercules than meets the eye. Surprisingly humorous and well-paced, the film boasts captivating visuals and engaging action sequences. Admittedly, the performances may not be stellar, and the storyline isn’t particularly thought-provoking. Nevertheless, Hercules deserves a bit more appreciation overall. Catch it on Prime Video.
300: Rise of an Empire (2014)
Despite not achieving the same level of acclaim as its predecessor, “300: Rise of an Empire” (2014) garnered more criticism than it deserved upon release. Adapted from Frank Miller’s Dark Horse series, the film features a noteworthy performance by Eva Green and stands out for its visceral depiction of violence and gore, particularly in the impactful finale. While the plot may not be as compelling as the original, the movie compensates with well-executed cinematography, offering visually appealing scenes. Despite its shortcomings, it remains an entertaining adaptation of a popular comic book, worthy of more appreciation. Consider watching it on Prime Video.
Release and distribute your short films, web series and album songs through Shortfundly and earn monthly. Click here to learn more.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) faced criticism, much like other comic book movies, for featuring too many supervillains, leading to insufficient character development. With Electro, Green Goblin, and Rhino in the mix, there was limited screen time to fully explore each character. Despite these drawbacks, the film has notable strengths that make it a commendable comic book adaptation. Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Electro provided a compelling backstory and visually captivating moments with his unique powers. Additionally, the performances of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacey stood out. While the film has some flaws, it remains a high-quality comic book adaptation, and its appeal endures, making it worth watching on Disney+.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Certainly, Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014), a well-known film, might surprise some fans as it originated from a comic book. The subtitle is lifted directly from the first graphic novel by Mark Millar and David Gibbons, making it a faithful adaptation. Matthew Vaughn, who directed and co-wrote the script with Jane Goldman, played a crucial role in this.
The film’s greatness lies in its stellar cast, including Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, and Samuel L. Jackson, supported by impressive performances from Mark Strong and Michael Caine. This star-studded lineup delivers a compelling action flick with humor and excellent chemistry among the titular spies as they thwart a global terrorist plot. Kingsman: The Secret Service received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, leading to the creation of two sequels in less than a decade. It’s available for streaming on Max.
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Regarded as one of the top animated films of the year, Big Hero 6 (2014) achieved remarkable success upon its release and has stood the test of time over the past decade. Loosely inspired by the Marvel superhero team of the same name, the movie revolves around Hiro Hamada, a young robotics prodigy who assembles a superhero team to avenge his brother’s death at the hands of a masked villain.
The film’s excellence is evident in its stunning animation style and impeccable pacing of the storyline. Big Hero 6 received acclaim for its craftsmanship and storytelling, earning the prestigious Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards. As the highest-grossing animated film of 2014, it unquestionably holds a prominent position among the best in its category. Available for streaming on Disney+, the movie continues to captivate audiences with its enduring appeal.
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)
Co-created and directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014) stands out as one of the finest films within the Dark Horse comic book universe. Despite being recognized for its quality by a niche group of film enthusiasts, its success metrics suggest that it remains underrated in the realm of comic book movies.
The film’s greatness can be attributed to several factors, including a well-crafted script, a thoughtfully chosen color palette, and standout performances from actors such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jessica Alba. Every aspect of filmmaking contributes to making it a captivating experience that builds up to a spectacular finale. Those who may have dismissed A Dame to Kill For as just another uninspired Hollywood sequel should reconsider and give it a chance. The film is available for streaming on Tubi.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
After Matthew Vaughn revitalized interest in the franchise with X-Men: First Class (2011), Bryan Singer returned to his comic book roots to direct X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014). Widely considered one of his best films, it boasts a compelling story, well-thought-out action sequences, and witty one-liners.
What Makes It Outstanding X-Men: Days of Future Past is hailed as one of the best comic book movies, balancing action with poignant moments. The film successfully blends humor and emotion, creating memorable scenes throughout the narrative. The incorporation of time travel adds a unique dimension, making it stand out among other comic book adaptations. Available for streaming on Disney+.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) pleasantly surprised audiences worldwide with its exceptional quality. Despite the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s established popularity prior to its release, many fans were unfamiliar with the comic book source material for Guardians. The film’s success can be attributed to the outstanding direction by James Gunn and the collaborative script he crafted with Nicole Perlman, making it a standout hit in 2014.
Here’s why the movie is so fantastic: The cast, featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel, is a star-studded ensemble. The film stands out within the franchise for its humor, showcasing memorable one-liners and charismatic performances that elevate Guardians from beginning to end. You can catch it on Disney+.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) is often hailed as the zenith of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by many fans. This second installment in the Captain America trilogy goes beyond the typical superhero genre, seamlessly incorporating spy film elements. The movie is lauded for its palpable suspense and unforgettable action sequences.
What sets it apart are the iconic scenes, such as the elevator fight and the climactic destruction of the Helicarriers. The film boasts dazzling visuals and impeccably choreographed action that elevate it to the pinnacle of comic book movies. The well-paced plot, coupled with standout performances from Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, and Anthony Mackie, solidify its position as one of the standout films of 2014. For those who appreciate quality storytelling and dynamic performances, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a must-watch, conveniently available for streaming on Disney+.
Note:
*Shortfundly is hiring for multiple roles in Chennai. Start referring your known connections to these openings*. Check it out – https://lnkd.in/erZm6rzh
About Shortfundly
Shortfundly is an OTT marketplace platform available to share the best short films and web series through global multi-platform network. Their editorial platform enables global audience to easily discover, watch, and share unique contents anywhere on their desktop, connected TV and mobile devices.
If you are planning to release and earn on an OTT platform, learn how to distribute your short film via Shortfundly.
For publishing an advertorial article about your digital news/product launch/ short film/web series/album song on our website, drop an email at [email protected]
Hey Cinephiles! We welcome guest blogging on our platform. Do share your article with us.
Check out our Shortfundly YouTube channel for other interesting podcasts & interviews with filmmakers.
To watch unlimited premium short films & web series, Download the Shortfundly mobile application now available on Google Play Store and Apple App store.
