Marvel’s Thunderbolts breaks the mold, uniting a misfit bunch of retired villains and antiheroes to rescue the world. Just as it is impossible to avoid comparisons with Suicide Squad, so the notion of misfit heroes being united has been in superhero movies for decades — and not always with surprisingly sentimental and laugh-out-loud results.
If you loved the sloppy charm of Thunderbolts, be sure to see these 10 underrated superhero team movies that are totally worth your time — all with unconventional heroes, dysfunctional partnerships, and unexpected heroism.
1. Defendor (2009)
Streaming: Tubi (Free with ads)
Woody Harrelson stars as Arthur Poppington, a deluded vigilante known as Defendor. Teamed with an exasperated prostitute (Kat Dennings), this dark comedy is a sentimental indie gem of heroism.
Streaming: Tubi (Free with ads)
Woody Harrelson stars as Arthur Poppington, a deluded vigilante known as Defendor. Teamed with an exasperated prostitute (Kat Dennings), this dark comedy is a sentimental indie gem of heroism.
2. The Return of Captain Invincible (1983)
Where to stream: Prime Video
A retired World War II hero returns to action in this Australian cult superhero musical starring Alan Arkin and Christopher Lee. Zany, campy, and packed with musical numbers.
Where to stream: Prime Video
A retired World War II hero returns to action in this Australian cult superhero musical starring Alan Arkin and Christopher Lee. Zany, campy, and packed with musical numbers.
3. Mystery Men (1999)
Where to watch: Tubi (Free with Ads)
A team of second-string superheroes steps up when the city’s champion vanishes. A satirical classic with a stellar cast including Ben Stiller and William H. Macy.
Where to watch: Tubi (Free with Ads)
A team of second-string superheroes steps up when the city’s champion vanishes. A satirical classic with a stellar cast including Ben Stiller and William H. Macy.
4. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Where to stream: Disney+
Literary legends like Allan Quatermain and Dorian Gray unite in this steampunk action movie. Sean Connery’s last on-screen role is worth revisiting.
Where to stream: Disney+
Literary legends like Allan Quatermain and Dorian Gray unite in this steampunk action movie. Sean Connery’s last on-screen role is worth revisiting.
5. The Specials (2000)
Where to watch: DVD/Digital rental
James Gunn and Craig Mazin deliver this mockumentary about a low-tier superhero team. A darkly funny look at egos, fame, and dysfunction, with a killer cast.
Where to watch: DVD/Digital rental
James Gunn and Craig Mazin deliver this mockumentary about a low-tier superhero team. A darkly funny look at egos, fame, and dysfunction, with a killer cast.
6. Sky High (2005)
Where to watch: Disney+
A high school for teenage superheroes provides the setting for this fun, family-friendly romp that blends teen drama with super-powered hijinks.
Where to watch: Disney+
A high school for teenage superheroes provides the setting for this fun, family-friendly romp that blends teen drama with super-powered hijinks.
7. Super (2010)
Where to watch: Pluto TV (Free with ads)
Rainn Wilson and Elliot Page star in this brutally dark superhero satire. Directed by James Gunn, it’s violent, odd, and unforgettable.
Where to watch: Pluto TV (Free with ads)
Rainn Wilson and Elliot Page star in this brutally dark superhero satire. Directed by James Gunn, it’s violent, odd, and unforgettable.
8. The Losers (2010)
Where to stream: Tubi (Free with ads)
A betrayed special forces team seeks revenge in this stylish action flick. Features Chris Evans, Idris Elba, and Zoe Saldaña.
Where to stream: Tubi (Free with ads)
A betrayed special forces team seeks revenge in this stylish action flick. Features Chris Evans, Idris Elba, and Zoe Saldaña.
9. 3 Dev Adam (1973)
Where to watch: YouTube / specialty DVD imports
Turkish cult madness as Captain America and El Santo battle an evil Spider-Man. Unofficial, bizarre, and outrageously entertaining.
Where to watch: YouTube / specialty DVD imports
Turkish cult madness as Captain America and El Santo battle an evil Spider-Man. Unofficial, bizarre, and outrageously entertaining.
10. We Can Be Heroes (2020)
Where to watch: Netflix
Kids save the day in this colorful, clever family superhero movie by Robert Rodriguez. With Pedro Pascal and plenty of heart.
Where to watch: Netflix
Kids save the day in this colorful, clever family superhero movie by Robert Rodriguez. With Pedro Pascal and plenty of heart.