Steven Spielberg Shares Which Superhero Film Truly Won Him Over
Steven Spielberg has never been shy about sharing his mixed feelings on superhero movies. Over the years, the legendary director has often said that comic book films dominate the industry in a way that reminds him of older Hollywood trends.
He once compared the superhero boom to the Western era, explaining that even the biggest genres eventually lose their grip on audiences. That doesn’t mean Spielberg dismisses superhero films entirely.
According to comments he made during past interviews, there are a few movies in the genre that truly impressed him. While he has spoken kindly about classics like Superman and Iron Man, one modern film stands above the rest for him.
Spielberg revealed that the superhero movie that impressed him was James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy. He shared this opinion during a discussion about modern blockbusters, praising the film for its tone and attitude. “The movie that impressed me the most was Guardians of the Galaxy,” he said.
What Spielberg admired most was the film’s balance. He appreciated that it wasn’t afraid to be funny, emotional, or even dark when the story needed it. He liked that the movie didn’t take itself too seriously and avoided the heavy cynicism he feels has crept into many modern blockbusters.
His appreciation for Guardians of the Galaxy also connects to how he defines heroes on screen. Spielberg has explained that he prefers stories about ordinary people facing impossible situations. In his view, a hero is someone normal who is pushed into action by circumstances and chooses to help, even when they are afraid.
He once explained this idea by comparing heroes and superheroes in very simple terms. A hero, he said, might run toward a burning car to save someone trapped inside. A superhero, on the other hand, might simply flip the car over with super strength and solve the problem instantly. Spielberg has always felt more connected to the human struggle in the first example.
That idea runs through many of his own films. Even when his characters face dinosaurs, aliens, or massive global threats, they rely on courage, intelligence, and emotion rather than special powers. This is one reason Guardians of the Galaxy stood out to him, as its characters are flawed, emotional, and often unsure of themselves despite being in a superhero story.
While Spielberg has praised Gunn’s work, he has continued to express caution about the future of the genre as a whole. He believes audiences will eventually crave different kinds of stories, just as they did after the peak of westerns and musicals. Still, he has made it clear that strong storytelling can rise above any genre trend.
Looking ahead, Spielberg is returning to the type of filmmaking that made him famous. He is currently preparing for the release of his next science-fiction project, Disclosure Day, which is set to arrive in theaters on June 12. According to studio details, the film centers on a global reaction to a UFO-related event and marks a reunion between Spielberg and longtime collaborator David Koepp.
The movie features a major ensemble cast that includes Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, and Colman Domingo. Industry insiders describe it as a large-scale sci-fi event with a strong emotional core, something Spielberg is known for delivering.
Meanwhile, James Gunn, whose film earned Spielberg’s rare superhero praise, is busy reshaping the future of comic book movies himself. Gunn is currently leading the reboot of the DC Universe, aiming to bring a more character-driven and emotionally grounded approach to the franchise.
What do you think about Steven Spielberg’s favorite superhero movie choice? Share your thoughts in the comments.
