10 Pre-MCU Marvel Movies You Should Check After ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’

With the arrival of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, Marvel’s First Family is back on the big screen, bringing a unique 1960s retro-futuristic style. The film introduces Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm as they balance their family life with the heavy responsibility of protecting Earth from cosmic threats like Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer. This movie carves its own path within the superhero landscape, standing apart from the sprawling timeline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that began in 2008.

Before the MCU created a massive, interconnected story, many Marvel characters had already made their way into cinemas. These earlier films explored different tones and styles, telling standalone stories that paved the way for the superhero movies we know today. For those who enjoyed the fresh yet nostalgic feel of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, looking back at these pre-MCU movies offers a chance to see the origins of Marvel’s cinematic journey. Here is a list of ten films that provide a glimpse into the world of Marvel movies before the cinematic universe was born.

Blade (1998)

‘Blade’ was one of the first successful films based on a Marvel character, and it helped set the stage for the superhero movie boom that followed. The story follows a human-vampire hybrid named Blade who protects humans from vampires. Possessing all of a vampire’s strengths but none of their weaknesses, except for a thirst for blood, Blade uses his abilities to hunt down the undead.

The film’s dark and serious tone was different from many comic book adaptations of its time. It showed that movies based on comic characters could be gritty and action-packed, appealing to a more adult audience. ‘Blade’ proved that there was a market for superhero films that took their source material seriously, opening the door for other Marvel properties to be adapted for the big screen.

X-Men (2000)

‘X-Men’ introduced audiences to a world where a small portion of the population possesses superhuman abilities, known as mutants. The story focuses on Wolverine and Rogue as they get caught in a conflict between two groups of mutants: Professor Xavier’s X-Men, who seek peace with humanity, and the Brotherhood of Mutants, led by Magneto, who believes a war between humans and mutants is inevitable.

The film dealt with themes of prejudice and acceptance, using the mutants’ struggle as a metaphor for real-world discrimination. It successfully brought a complex team of heroes to life, balancing multiple characters and their unique powers. The success of ‘X-Men’ demonstrated that audiences were ready for ensemble superhero films with serious themes, which had a major influence on the future of the genre.

Spider-Man (2002)

‘Spider-Man’ tells the origin story of Peter Parker, a high school student who gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a genetically modified spider. He learns to use his new powers to fight crime in New York City, driven by the lesson that “with great power comes great responsibility.” The film follows his journey as he becomes the hero Spider-Man and faces his first major villain, the Green Goblin.

This movie was a massive commercial and critical success, praised for its heartfelt story and groundbreaking special effects. It captured the spirit of the comics, showing the personal struggles Peter Parker faced while being a superhero. The film’s success proved that superhero movies could have both spectacular action and strong emotional depth, setting a new standard for the genre.

Daredevil (2003)

‘Daredevil’ follows the story of Matt Murdock, a lawyer who was blinded by a chemical accident as a child. While he lost his sight, the accident enhanced his other senses to superhuman levels. By day, he represents the innocent in court, and by night, he becomes the vigilante known as Daredevil, protecting the streets of Hell’s Kitchen.

The film adopted a darker tone, similar to ‘Blade’, and explored the gritty, street-level side of the Marvel universe. It focused on a hero dealing with his own limitations and the moral complexities of his double life. While it received mixed reviews, ‘Daredevil’ was another example of filmmakers exploring different genres within the superhero framework before the MCU was established.

Hulk (2003)

This film delves into the origins of Dr. Bruce Banner, a brilliant scientist who is exposed to a massive dose of gamma radiation in a lab accident. The event transforms him, and whenever he becomes angry or stressed, he turns into a giant, green-skinned monster with immense strength. Hunted by the military, Banner must confront his inner demons and his estranged father, who holds dark secrets about his past.

Directed by Ang Lee, ‘Hulk’ took a more psychological and dramatic approach to the superhero story. It focused on the internal struggle of Bruce Banner and the pain of his transformation, treating the material like a classic monster movie. The film’s unique visual style, which mimicked comic book panels, and its thoughtful exploration of trauma made it a distinctive entry in the genre.

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

In this sequel, Peter Parker struggles to balance his personal life with his duties as Spider-Man. His relationships are falling apart, he’s having trouble keeping a job, and his powers are beginning to fail him due to the stress. As he considers giving up his life as a hero, he must face a new and formidable foe, Doctor Octopus, a brilliant scientist with four powerful robotic arms.

‘Spider-Man 2’ is often regarded as one of the best superhero films ever made. It was praised for its emotional depth, compelling villain, and thrilling action sequences, particularly the memorable fight on a moving train. The film successfully explored the personal sacrifices and burdens of being a hero, making Peter Parker’s journey relatable and impactful.

Fantastic Four (2005)

This film introduces Marvel’s first family in their first major theatrical release. Four astronauts—scientist Reed Richards, his ex-girlfriend Sue Storm, her brother Johnny Storm, and pilot Ben Grimm—gain extraordinary powers after being exposed to cosmic radiation in space. They must learn to use their new abilities as a team to stop the villainous Doctor Doom, their former financial backer who was also affected by the cosmic storm.

‘Fantastic Four’ focused on the family dynamic of the team and the personal challenges of adapting to their new powers. The movie had a lighter, more comedic tone compared to other superhero films of the time, emphasizing the relationships between the characters. It provided audiences with a fun, action-filled introduction to these iconic heroes.

Ghost Rider (2007)

‘Ghost Rider’ tells the story of Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stuntman who sells his soul to the devil, Mephistopheles, to save his father’s life. Years later, Mephistopheles forces Johnny to become the Ghost Rider, a supernatural being with a flaming skull who serves as the devil’s bounty hunter. Johnny is tasked with hunting down demons that have escaped from hell.

The film blended supernatural horror with superhero action, creating a unique visual experience. Nicolas Cage’s performance as the tormented Johnny Blaze and the striking special effects of the Ghost Rider himself made for a memorable take on the character. The movie explored themes of damnation and redemption, adding another distinct flavor to Marvel’s pre-MCU cinematic offerings.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

In this sequel, the Fantastic Four return to face a new cosmic threat. A mysterious, silver-skinned being on a flying surfboard, known as the Silver Surfer, arrives on Earth, causing strange environmental disruptions. The team discovers he is the herald for Galactus, a planet-devouring entity. The Four must find a way to stop the Surfer and save Earth from being consumed.

The film expanded the cosmic side of the Marvel universe on screen, introducing iconic characters like the Silver Surfer and Galactus. It continued the lighthearted, action-oriented tone of its predecessor while raising the stakes with a global threat. The movie also featured improved special effects and focused on the team working together to overcome a seemingly unstoppable force.

The Punisher (2004)

‘The Punisher’ centers on Frank Castle, an undercover FBI agent who retires to live a normal life with his family. When his entire family is murdered by a crime syndicate he was investigating, Castle survives and becomes a one-man army. Driven by revenge, he declares war on all criminals and becomes the violent vigilante known as the Punisher.

Unlike other heroes, the Punisher has no superpowers. The film is a grounded and brutal revenge thriller, focusing on tactical action and intense shootouts. It stands out by showcasing a darker, more morally ambiguous side of the Marvel universe, where the line between hero and anti-hero is blurred. The movie demonstrated that Marvel’s characters could lead films in genres far from the typical superhero story.