Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked (2003)

(7.3) based on 15 votes
Industry insiders like Stan Lee and Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) reflect on the way their colorful creations reflect society at large. They have spread from the pulpy pages of nickel comics to Saturday morning cartoons, the big screen and beyond. They have evolved from simple, All-American heroes to tortured, complicated characters reflecting the dreams, desires and fears of modern society. From Superman to The Sandman, Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked is a fascinating, feature-length look at the evolution of an art form that has proved remarkably adaptable and enduring. Filled with classic images from DC and Marvel Comics as well as extensive interviews with modern masters of the graphic novel like Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns), this documentary, originally aired on the History Channel, goes far beyond the superficial escapist fantasies to probe the forces that shaped the characters who have become legend...
Directors
Release Date
Jul 01, 2003
Runtime
01h 40m
Genre
Available in streaming on

Industry insiders like Stan Lee and Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) reflect on the way their colorful creations reflect society at large. They have spread from the pulpy pages of nickel comics to Saturday morning cartoons, the big screen and beyond. They have evolved from simple, All-American heroes to tortured, complicated characters reflecting the dreams, desires and fears of modern society. From Superman to The Sandman, Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked is a fascinating, feature-length look at the evolution of an art form that has proved remarkably adaptable and enduring. Filled with classic images from DC and Marvel Comics as well as extensive interviews with modern masters of the graphic novel like Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns), this documentary, originally aired on the History Channel, goes far beyond the superficial escapist fantasies to probe the forces that shaped the characters who have become legend...

Movies like Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked

Heavy Metal

The embodiment of ultimate evil, a glowing orb terrorizes a young girl with bizarre stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror.
Search similar movies
6.5
Heavy+Metal
Heavy Metal

1981

Search similar movies
Tristana

As a young woman, Tristana is orphaned and taken under the guardianship of Don Lope, a respected member of the community, who takes advantage of his innocent charge. When Tristana falls in love with artist Horacio, she must learn to be more assertive in order to achieve independence from her nefarious guardian, or her blossoming relationship with Horatio is doomed.
Search similar movies
7.2
Tristana
The Half of It

Shy, straight-A student Ellie is hired by sweet but inarticulate jock Paul, who needs help wooing the most popular girl in school. But their new and unlikely friendship gets tricky when Ellie discovers she has feelings for the same girl.
Search similar movies
7.1
The+Half+of+It
The Half of It

2020

Search similar movies
Enemy

A mild-mannered college professor discovers a look-alike actor and delves into the other man's private affairs.
Search similar movies
6.9
Enemy
Gone Girl

With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.
Search similar movies
7.9
Gone+Girl
GoodFellas

The true story of Henry Hill, a half-Irish, half-Sicilian Brooklyn kid who is adopted by neighbourhood gangsters at an early age and climbs the ranks of a Mafia family under the guidance of Jimmy Conway.
Search similar movies
8.5
GoodFellas
GoodFellas

1990

Search similar movies
Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Los Angeles, 1969. TV star Rick Dalton, a struggling actor specializing in westerns, and stuntman Cliff Booth, his best friend, try to survive in a constantly changing movie industry. Dalton is the neighbor of the young and promising actress and model Sharon Tate, who has just married the prestigious Polish director Roman Polanski…
Search similar movies
7.4
Once+Upon+a+Time...+in+Hollywood
Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

2019

Search similar movies
Spider-Man: No Way Home

Peter Parker is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a super-hero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
Search similar movies
8.0
Spider-Man%3A+No+Way+Home
Spider-Man: No Way Home

2021

Search similar movies
Enola Holmes

While searching for her missing mother, intrepid teen Enola Holmes uses her sleuthing skills to outsmart big brother Sherlock and help a runaway lord.
Search similar movies
7.3
Enola+Holmes
Enola Holmes

2020

Search similar movies
As Above, So Below

When a team of explorers ventures into the uncharted maze of bones that lies beneath the streets of Paris, they embark on a journey into madness and terror.
Search similar movies
6.7
As+Above%2C+So+Below
As Above, So Below

2014

Search similar movies
A Quiet Place

A family is forced to live in silence while hiding from creatures that hunt by sound.
Search similar movies
7.4
A+Quiet+Place
A Quiet Place

2018

Search similar movies
What Women Want

Advertising executive Nick Marshall is as cocky as they come, but what happens to a chauvinistic guy when he can suddenly hear what women are thinking? Nick gets passed over for a promotion, but after an accident enables him to hear women's thoughts, he puts his newfound talent to work against Darcy, his new boss, who seems to be infatuated with him.
Search similar movies
6.4
What+Women+Want
What Women Want

2000

Search similar movies
The Taking of Deborah Logan

What starts as a poignant medical documentary about Deborah Logan's descent into Alzheimer's disease and her daughter's struggles as caregiver degenerates into a maddening portrayal of dementia at its most frightening, as hair-raising events begin to plague the family and crew and an unspeakable malevolence threatens to tear the very fabric of sanity from them all.
Search similar movies
6.5
The+Taking+of+Deborah+Logan
The Taking of Deborah Logan

2014

Search similar movies
Oppenheimer

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
Search similar movies
8.1
Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer

2023

Search similar movies
All the Money in the World

The story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom.
Search similar movies
6.5
All+the+Money+in+the+World
All the Money in the World

2017

Search similar movies
Donnie Darko

After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.
Search similar movies
7.8
Donnie+Darko
Donnie Darko

2001

Search similar movies
Avatar: The Way of Water

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, learn the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.
Search similar movies
7.6
Avatar%3A+The+Way+of+Water
Avatar: The Way of Water

2022

Search similar movies
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Joel Barish, heartbroken that his girlfriend underwent a procedure to erase him from her memory, decides to do the same. However, as he watches his memories of her fade away, he realises that he still loves her, and may be too late to correct his mistake.
Search similar movies
8.1
Eternal+Sunshine+of+the+Spotless+Mind
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

2004

Search similar movies
Zack Snyder's Justice League

Determined to ensure Superman's ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne aligns forces with Diana Prince with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.
Search similar movies
8.1
Zack+Snyder%27s+Justice+League
Zack Snyder's Justice League

2021

Search similar movies
Parasite

All unemployed, Ki-taek's family takes peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks for their livelihood until they get entangled in an unexpected incident.
Search similar movies
8.5
Parasite
Portrait of a Lady on Fire

On an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.
Search similar movies
8.1
Portrait+of+a+Lady+on+Fire
Portrait of a Lady on Fire

2019

Search similar movies
Blade Runner

In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.
Search similar movies
7.9
Blade+Runner
Blade Runner

1982

Search similar movies
Love Actually

Eight London couples try to deal with their relationships in different ways. Their tryst with love makes them discover how complicated relationships can be.
Search similar movies
7.1
Love+Actually
Love Actually

2003

Search similar movies
Midsommar

Several friends travel to Sweden to study as anthropologists a summer festival that is held every ninety years in the remote hometown of one of them. What begins as a dream vacation in a place where the sun never sets, gradually turns into a dark nightmare as the mysterious inhabitants invite them to participate in their disturbing festive activities.
Search similar movies
7.2
Midsommar
Fifty Shades of Grey

When college senior Anastasia Steele steps in for her sick roommate to interview prominent businessman Christian Grey for their campus paper, little does she realize the path her life will take. Christian, as enigmatic as he is rich and powerful, finds himself strangely drawn to Ana, and she to him. Though sexually inexperienced, Ana plunges headlong into an affair -- and learns that Christian's true sexual proclivities push the boundaries of pain and pleasure.
Search similar movies
5.9
Fifty+Shades+of+Grey
Fifty Shades of Grey

2015

Search similar movies
The Revenant

In the 1820s, a frontiersman, Hugh Glass, sets out on a path of vengeance against those who left him for dead after a bear mauling.
Search similar movies
7.5
The+Revenant
The Revenant

2015

Search similar movies
American Psycho

A wealthy New York investment banking executive hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he escalates deeper into his illogical, gratuitous fantasies.
Search similar movies
7.4
American+Psycho
American Psycho

2000

Search similar movies
Interstellar

The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.
Search similar movies
8.4
Interstellar
Interstellar

2014

Search similar movies
Psycho

When larcenous real estate clerk Marion Crane goes on the lam with a wad of cash and hopes of starting a new life, she ends up at the notorious Bates Motel, where manager Norman Bates cares for his housebound mother.
Search similar movies
8.4
Psycho
Beauty and the Beast

A live-action adaptation of Disney's version of the classic tale of a cursed prince and a beautiful young woman who helps him break the spell.
Search similar movies
7.0
Beauty+and+the+Beast
Beauty and the Beast

2017

Search similar movies
Avatar

In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization.
Search similar movies
7.6
Avatar
Casablanca

In Casablanca, Morocco in December 1941, a cynical American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications.
Search similar movies
8.2
Casablanca
Casablanca

1943

Search similar movies
Don't Worry Darling

Alice and Jack are lucky to be living in the idealized community of Victory, the experimental company town housing the men who work for the top-secret Victory Project and their families. But when cracks in their idyllic life begin to appear, exposing flashes of something much more sinister lurking beneath the attractive façade, Alice can’t help questioning exactly what they’re doing in Victory, and why.
Search similar movies
6.8
Don%27t+Worry+Darling
Don't Worry Darling

2022

Search similar movies
Finch

On a post-apocalyptic Earth, a robot, built to protect the life of his dying creator's beloved dog, learns about life, love, friendship, and what it means to be human.
Search similar movies
7.9
Finch
The Purge

Given the country's overcrowded prisons, the U.S. government begins to allow 12-hour periods of time in which all illegal activity is legal. During one of these free-for-alls, a family must protect themselves from a home invasion.
Search similar movies
6.3
The+Purge
The Invisible Man

When Cecilia's abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia works to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.
Search similar movies
7.1
The+Invisible+Man
The Invisible Man

2020

Search similar movies
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom

Four corrupted fascist libertines round up 9 teenage boys and girls and subject them to 120 days of sadistic physical, mental and sexual torture.
Search similar movies
6.4
Sal%C3%B2%2C+or+the+120+Days+of+Sodom
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom

1976

Search similar movies
Joker

During the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.
Search similar movies
8.1
Joker
Generation Sputnik

From 1957 —the year in which the Soviets put the Sputnik 1 satellite into orbit— to 1969 —when American astronaut Neil Armstrong walked on the surface of the moon—, the beginnings of the space conquest were depicted in popular culture: cinema, television, comics and literature of the time contain numerous references to an imagined future.
Search similar movies
6.5
Generation+Sputnik
Generation Sputnik

2016

Search similar movies
Life Itself

The surprising and entertaining life of renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert (1942-2013): his early days as a freewheeling bachelor and Pulitzer Prize winner, his famously contentious partnership with Gene Siskel, his life-altering marriage, and his brave and transcendent battle with cancer.
Search similar movies
7.5
Life+Itself
Life Itself

2014

Search similar movies
Viva la Vulva

With a sense of humour, this documentary questions the condition of women from the angle of the image and perception of their body, and covers the new taboos and aesthetic diktats concerning their genitals in the era of the sexual revolution and contemporary feminism.
Search similar movies
8.2
Viva+la+Vulva
Viva la Vulva

2019

Search similar movies
Getting LOST

A documentary revisiting the global television phenomenon LOST. Featuring interviews with the cast and crew, as well as members of the loyal fan base who still celebrate the show twenty years after it originally aired.
Search similar movies
6.8
Getting+LOST
Getting LOST

2024

Search similar movies
Emmanuelle: A Hard Look

Documentary about the Emmanuelle movies, looking at their making as well as their social and cultural impact.
Search similar movies
5.2
Emmanuelle%3A+A+Hard+Look
Emmanuelle: A Hard Look

2001

Search similar movies
Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe

A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Search similar movies
6.9
Marvel+Studios%3A+Assembling+a+Universe
Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe

2014

Search similar movies
Lost Heroes

Lost Heroes is the story of Canada's forgotten comic book superheroes and their legendary creators. A ninety-minute journey to recover a forgotten part of Canada's pop culture and a national treasure few have ever heard about. This is the tale of a small country striving to create its own heroes, but finding itself constantly out muscled by better-funded and better-marketed superheroes from the media empire next door.
Search similar movies
8.0
Lost+Heroes
Lost Heroes

2014

Search similar movies
Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider

A special retrospective of the two franchises, with segments making comparisons between the different characters, their weapons, powers and so forth. The final segment of the special is the short film "Super Battle: Ultraman vs Kamen Rider" The main characters, Ultraman and Kamen Rider 1 appear on the scene separately, each fighting an original kaijin and kaiju. When the two monsters are nearly defeated, they merge into a more powerful kaiju. Ultraman experiences trouble and calls for Kamen Rider 1's help. Kamen Rider 1 is then able to grow to enormous size to fight alongside Ultraman.
Search similar movies
8.5
Ultraman+vs.+Kamen+Rider
Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider

1993

Search similar movies
Boiled Angels: The Trial of Mike Diana

Florida, 1994. Artist Mike Diana is convicted on an obscenity charge in the wake of an undercover police officer purchasing his limited edition zine Boiled Angel. Here is the very unusual story of what led to this First Amendment debacle happening for the first time in the United States.
Search similar movies
7.8
Boiled+Angels%3A+The+Trial+of+Mike+Diana
Boiled Angels: The Trial of Mike Diana

2018

Search similar movies
The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy

This feature-length documentary delves into the trilogy, opening with the inspiration and vision for the new Batman films and inching its way toward the Rises finale and the culmination of nearly a decade of creative blood, sweat and tears. Candid, thoughtful and extensive, and comprised of revealing behind-the-scenes footage, countless interviews, audition tapes (with Christian Bale and Cillian Murphy doning the cape and cowl), and a narrative grip and momentum all its own, it leaves no stone unturned.
Search similar movies
6.9
The+Fire+Rises%3A+The+Creation+and+Impact+of+The+Dark+Knight+Trilogy
The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy

2013

Search similar movies
Terror Studios

How the Islamic State has created a powerful propaganda factory that manipulates and twists at its convenience the subjects and icons of the Western popular culture in order to lure into darkness certain young people and recruit them to achieve a dreadful purpose, an industry of fear that overcomes the infamous Nazi machinery and the methods used by both sides during the Cold War.
Search similar movies
8.0
Terror+Studios
Terror Studios

2016

Search similar movies
Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys

Plastic Galaxy explores the ground breaking and breathtaking world of 'Star Wars' toys. Through interviews with former Kenner employees, experts, authors, and collectors, the documentary looks at the toys' history, influence, and the passions they elicit today.
Search similar movies
6.8
Plastic+Galaxy%3A+The+Story+of+Star+Wars+Toys
Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys

2014

Search similar movies
The Image Revolution

Twenty years ago, seven superstar artists left Marvel Comics to create their own company, Image Comics, a company that continues to influence mainstream comics and pop culture to this day. Image began as more than just a publisher - it was a response to years of creator mistreatment, and changed comics forever. The Image Revolution tells the story of Image Comics, from its founders' work at Marvel, through Image's early success, company difficulties during the comics market implosion, and ultimately the publisher's new generation of properties like The Walking Dead. Filled with colorful characters, the film is a clarion call to artists to take control of their destiny.
Search similar movies
6.9
The+Image+Revolution
The Image Revolution

2013

Search similar movies
AURORA: Nothing Is Eternal

Following the artist from the bustling streets of New York to her rain-soaked hometown of Bergen, the film includes interviews with AURORA's closest friends, as well as uniquely stripped-back performances of tracks including “Warrior” and “Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1).” Whether she’s reminiscing on her childhood with her sisters, dancing through the city streets in her headphones, or discussing the secret life of apples, there’s a spellbinding quality to everything the artist does.
Search similar movies
10.0
AURORA%3A+Nothing+Is+Eternal
AURORA: Nothing Is Eternal

2016

Search similar movies
A LEGO Brickumentary

A look at the global culture and appeal of the LEGO building-block toys.
Search similar movies
5.9
A+LEGO+Brickumentary
A LEGO Brickumentary

2014

Search similar movies
Trekkies

Denise Crosby takes a first look at the huge fans of "Star Trek" from around America and how the series has affected and shaped their lives.
Search similar movies
6.3
Trekkies
Comic Book Confidential

A survey of the artistic history of the comic book medium and some of the major talents associated with it.
Search similar movies
6.6
Comic+Book+Confidential
Comic Book Confidential

1989

Search similar movies
Chris Claremont's X-Men

Chris Claremont’s X-Men takes an in-depth look at Claremont’s monumental run. Using high-profile interviews, the film explores the behind-the-scenes development of notable characters like Wolverine, Storm, and Phoenix, as well as the challenges of creating art within a corporate system.
Search similar movies
6.6
Chris+Claremont%27s+X-Men
Chris Claremont's X-Men

2018

Search similar movies
Geek, and You Shall Find

After attending a local comic book convention, three filmmakers are so moved by the stories shared with them by cosplayers that they decide to investigate geek culture even further. Attending other conventions across the country and speaking with legendary creators such as Kevin Eastman, Stan Lee and George R.R. Martin, the trio not only begins to find answers to why people gravitate towards superheroes and stories about superheroes, but how being a geek could help them live deeper, richer lives. Geek, and You Shall Find tells the stories behind the creation of several popular stories including Superman, Star Wars, Game of Thrones and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In sharing how these characters and their worlds came to be, creators reveal how often they have been inspired by real-life social ills. Most importantly, by continuing to speak with fans who have been inspired by these creations, this film reveals how superheroes have the potential to combat these social issues as well.
Search similar movies
5.5
Geek%2C+and+You+Shall+Find
Geek, and You Shall Find

2019

Search similar movies
Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman

The history of the comic book superhero, Superman, in his various media incarnations.
Search similar movies
7.5
Look%2C+Up+in+the+Sky%21+The+Amazing+Story+of+Superman
Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman

2006

Search similar movies
Future Shock! The Story of 2000AD

A long overdue documentary that tells the story of 2000AD, the unsung cult hero of the comics industry. This film will celebrate and pay respect to the comic and explore its importance and influence on contemporary pop culture.
Search similar movies
6.7
Future+Shock%21+The+Story+of+2000AD
Future Shock! The Story of 2000AD

2014

Search similar movies
Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear

Explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and the challenges faced by the Lightyear crew along the way.
Search similar movies
7.0
Beyond+Infinity%3A+Buzz+and+the+Journey+to+Lightyear
Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear

2022

Search similar movies
Marcel Duchamp: The Art of the Possible

A remarkable walk through the life and work of the French artist Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), one of the most important creators of the 20th century, revolutionary of arts, aesthetics and pop culture.
Search similar movies
Marcel+Duchamp%3A+The+Art+of+the+Possible
Marcel Duchamp: The Art of the Possible

2020

Search similar movies
Pif, Behind the gimmicks

Taking stock of the extraordinary adventure of "Pif Gadget", a French publishing phenomenon of the 1970s-80s and even of the whole history of children's press. For the comic-strip magazine with the iconic dog, created in 1969 by the French Communist Party, often reached a million copies. With editions available for all of Europe (including Germany, under the title Yps), and on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
Search similar movies
5.7
Pif%2C+Behind+the+gimmicks
Pif, Behind the gimmicks

2015

Search similar movies
Disco and Atomic War

A different history of the Cold War: how Estonians under Soviet tyranny began to feel the breeze of freedom when a group of anonymous dreamers successfully used improbable methods to capture the Finnish television signal, a window into Western popular culture, brave but harmless warriors who helped change the fate of an entire nation.
Search similar movies
5.6
Disco+and+Atomic+War
Disco and Atomic War

2009

Search similar movies
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Join visionary director Sam Raimi and the cast of the film as they recount their experiences bringing Marvel’s darkest story to life. From world-building to universe-building, hear first hand accounts from the cast and crew on what it took to design, create and make each universe unique and believable.
Search similar movies
7.2
Marvel+Studios+Assembled%3A+The+Making+of+Doctor+Strange+in+the+Multiverse+of+Madness
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

2022

Search similar movies