Marvel Vs DC: Best Superhero Movies Of 2022

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the awesome world of superhero flicks from 2022? It was a fantastic year for both Marvel and DC, with some serious bangers hitting the big screen. We're going to break down the highlights, the surprises, and the overall impact these movies had on the superhero genre. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's get started!

Marvel's 2022 Lineup: A Mix of Cosmic Adventures and Grounded Stories

In 2022, Marvel Studios continued its reign with a diverse slate of films that expanded the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and introduced new characters while also giving us more of our established favorites. From cosmic adventures to more grounded, character-driven stories, Marvel aimed to cater to a wide audience. Let's break down the key releases:

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of 2022. This mind-bending sequel took us on a wild ride through alternate realities, showcasing the immense power and potential dangers of the multiverse. Benedict Cumberbatch returned as Doctor Strange, and Elizabeth Olsen reprised her role as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, now grappling with the aftermath of the events in WandaVision. The film was directed by Sam Raimi, known for his work on the original Spider-Man trilogy, and his signature style brought a unique horror-infused flavor to the MCU. The narrative explores the consequences of Doctor Strange's spell in Spider-Man: No Way Home, which tore open the fabric of reality. As he navigates the multiverse, Strange encounters various versions of himself and other heroes, including the powerful America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez, who has the ability to open star-shaped portals between dimensions. Wanda's journey is particularly compelling and tragic. Consumed by grief and the corrupting influence of the Darkhold, she becomes a formidable antagonist, driven to find a reality where she can be with her children. The film delves into the depths of her character, showcasing her immense power and the moral complexities she faces. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a visual spectacle, filled with breathtaking special effects and inventive action sequences. The exploration of the multiverse allows for creative and unexpected scenarios, making it a standout entry in the MCU. While the film received mixed reviews regarding its plot and pacing, it was widely praised for its visual style, performances, and Raimi's direction. It undeniably pushed the boundaries of what an MCU film could be, embracing darker themes and horror elements.

Thor: Love and Thunder

Thor: Love and Thunder marked the return of Chris Hemsworth as the God of Thunder, and this time, he was joined by Natalie Portman, reprising her role as Jane Foster, who becomes the Mighty Thor. Directed by Taika Waititi, who also helmed Thor: Ragnarok, the film promised a vibrant and humorous adventure. The story follows Thor as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with his purpose in the universe after the events of Avengers: Endgame. He teams up with the Guardians of the Galaxy for a brief stint before facing a new threat: Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale. Gorr's mission is to eliminate all gods, driven by his own tragic past and disillusionment. Bale's performance as Gorr is chilling and compelling, adding a layer of darkness to the otherwise lighthearted film. Jane Foster's transformation into the Mighty Thor is a highlight of the film, as she wields Mjolnir and fights alongside Thor. Her storyline explores themes of empowerment, sacrifice, and facing mortality. The film balances humor with emotional depth, delving into Thor's past relationships and his struggle to find meaning in his life. Thor: Love and Thunder is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and imaginative set designs. The action sequences are exciting and inventive, showcasing Thor's enhanced abilities and the Mighty Thor's power. While the film received mixed reviews regarding its tone and narrative choices, it was praised for its performances, visual style, and humor. It continued Thor's evolution as a character and expanded the cosmic side of the MCU. Ultimately, Thor: Love and Thunder delivers an entertaining and visually appealing adventure, solidifying Thor's place as a central figure in the MCU.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was perhaps the most emotionally charged and significant film of 2022 for Marvel. Serving as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who played T'Challa/Black Panther, the film navigates themes of grief, legacy, and resilience. Directed by Ryan Coogler, who also helmed the first Black Panther film, Wakanda Forever explores the aftermath of T'Challa's death and the challenges Wakanda faces in a world that sees them as vulnerable. The story introduces Namor, the ruler of Talokan, an underwater kingdom, played by Tenoch Huerta. Namor's character is complex and compelling, as he seeks to protect his people from the surface world, leading to a conflict with Wakanda. The film delves into the rich history and culture of Talokan, drawing inspiration from Mesoamerican mythology. Shuri, T'Challa's sister, played by Letitia Wright, takes center stage as she grapples with her grief and steps into a leadership role. Her journey is a central focus of the film, as she struggles to honor her brother's legacy while forging her own path. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a visually stunning film, with breathtaking cinematography and impressive special effects. The underwater scenes in Talokan are particularly striking, showcasing the beauty and majesty of the kingdom. The film is also notable for its strong female characters, including Shuri, Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), and Okoye (Danai Gurira), who all play pivotal roles in defending Wakanda. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever received critical acclaim for its emotional depth, performances, and cultural representation. It was praised for honoring Chadwick Boseman's legacy while also introducing new and compelling characters. The film is a powerful and moving tribute to Black Panther and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It stands as a significant and important entry in the MCU, exploring themes of grief, identity, and the importance of community.

DC's 2022 Offerings: A Year of Evolution and New Beginnings

On the DC side, 2022 was a year of transition and anticipation, with Warner Bros. Discovery charting a new course for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). While the film slate was relatively smaller compared to Marvel, the releases were significant and aimed to set the stage for future projects. Let's take a look at the key highlights:

The Batman

The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves, was a dark and gritty take on the Caped Crusader, starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman. This film presented a younger, more raw version of Batman, early in his career as a crime fighter. Set in Gotham City, the story follows Batman as he investigates a series of murders committed by the Riddler, played by Paul Dano. The Riddler's character is portrayed as a twisted and intelligent serial killer who targets Gotham's elite, exposing their corruption and hypocrisy. The film is heavily inspired by film noir and detective stories, creating a dark and atmospheric world. Pattinson's performance as Batman is brooding and intense, capturing the character's inner turmoil and his struggle to balance his dual identity. Zoë Kravitz stars as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, and her dynamic with Batman is a highlight of the film. Their relationship is complex and nuanced, with both characters navigating their own moral codes and motivations. The Batman is visually stunning, with striking cinematography and a haunting score by Michael Giacchino. The action sequences are grounded and realistic, emphasizing Batman's detective skills and his physical prowess. The film also explores themes of corruption, justice, and the consequences of violence. Gotham City is portrayed as a decaying and crime-ridden metropolis, reflecting the social and political issues plaguing the city. The Batman received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and its unique take on the Batman mythos. It was praised for its dark and gritty tone, its complex characters, and its compelling story. The film is a standout entry in the Batman filmography, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on the iconic superhero.

Black Adam

Black Adam introduced Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the titular anti-hero, a powerful being from ancient Kahndaq who is unleashed into the modern world. The film aimed to expand the DCEU and introduce new characters and storylines. The story follows Black Adam as he clashes with the Justice Society of America (JSA), a team of superheroes consisting of Hawkman (Aldis Hodge), Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), and Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell). The JSA seeks to contain Black Adam's immense power and prevent him from causing further destruction. The film explores themes of justice, vengeance, and the morality of power. Black Adam's character is portrayed as a complex figure, driven by his own sense of justice and his desire to protect his people. The film delves into his backstory and his motivations, revealing the tragic events that led to his transformation. Black Adam is an action-packed film, filled with impressive special effects and intense fight sequences. Johnson's performance as Black Adam is powerful and charismatic, capturing the character's strength and his inner conflict. The introduction of the JSA is a highlight of the film, as they bring a new dynamic to the DCEU. Doctor Fate, in particular, is a standout character, with Brosnan delivering a compelling performance. Black Adam received mixed reviews, with some praising its action and Johnson's performance, while others criticized its plot and character development. The film aimed to set the stage for future DCEU projects and introduce new storylines and characters. Despite the mixed reception, Black Adam expanded the DCEU and introduced a powerful new anti-hero to the DC universe.

Comparing the Two Universes in 2022

Okay, so how did Marvel and DC stack up against each other in 2022? Both studios had their hits and misses, and it really comes down to personal preference. Marvel continued its trend of interconnected storytelling, building upon established storylines and characters, while DC attempted to forge a new path with darker, more standalone narratives.

• Critical Reception: Marvel's films generally received more consistent critical acclaim, though opinions were divided on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Thor: Love and Thunder. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stood out as a critical darling. DC's The Batman was a massive hit with critics, praised for its unique tone and direction, while Black Adam had a more mixed reception.
• Box Office Success: Both studios enjoyed box office success, with each major release bringing in substantial revenue. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever were particularly strong performers for Marvel. The Batman was a financial success for DC, proving that a darker, more grounded superhero film could resonate with audiences.
• Fan Engagement: Fan engagement was high for both universes, with social media buzzing with discussions, theories, and reactions to each film. The casting of Robert Pattinson as Batman and Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam generated significant buzz, as did the return of Natalie Portman as the Mighty Thor.

What's Next for Marvel and DC?

Looking ahead, both Marvel and DC have exciting plans for the future. Marvel continues to expand the MCU with new films and Disney+ series, introducing new characters and exploring different corners of the universe. DC, under new leadership, is charting a new course for the DCEU, aiming to create a more cohesive and interconnected universe.

For Marvel, fans can look forward to more cosmic adventures, grounded street-level stories, and further exploration of the multiverse. DC is teasing new interpretations of iconic characters, ambitious crossover events, and a renewed focus on storytelling.

Final Thoughts

2022 was a wild year for superhero movies, wasn't it? Both Marvel and DC delivered some memorable moments, introduced awesome characters, and gave us plenty to talk about. Whether you're a die-hard Marvel fan, a DC devotee, or just love a good superhero flick, there was something for everyone. What were your favorite moments from these movies? Let me know in the comments below, and let's keep the superhero conversation going! Can't wait to see what 2023 and beyond brings to the superhero genre. Excelsior!