10 Superhero Movies That Ended Iconic Eras

10 Superhero Movies That Marked The End Of An Era Thanos Wearing Full Armor Facing The MCU's Heroes in Avengers Endgame By  Richard Craig Published 52 minutes ago Richard Craig is Senior Author at Screen Rant, covering everything superhero related. Richard has also written extensively about horror and film soundtracks, contributing a chapter to the first major academic collection on the folk horror genre, The Routledge Companion to Folk Horror. Richard is also a performing musician and holds an MA in Music and Sound Art. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Superhero cinema has changed dramatically over the decades, with each era culminating with a movie that marks a critical point in the genre’s history. Much like comics, movie timelines eventually shift, and beloved iterations reach their natural endpoint. When Marvel or DC hits a wall or a hero’s story finds closure, it marks the end of a cinematic age.

Some endings feel triumphant, like a satisfying farewell to a character audiences have grown up with. Others arrive abruptly due to studio failures, audience fatigue, or rights changing hands. Each departure leaves a noticeable shift in tone and expectations across the genre and closes the book on entire eras of superhero filmmaking.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Ended The Reeve Era And Superhero Blockbusters For Over A Decade

Christopher Reeve's Superman flies in Superman IV The Quest for Peace

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was the last appearance of Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel. This concluded a franchise that once defined what superhero movies could be. Budget cuts and studio interference led to a disappointing film that struggled to maintain the magic of earlier entries.

As a result, Superman IV marked a downturn for the genre. Audiences were losing interest, and Hollywood shifted away from big comic book productions for many years. The film’s negative reception demonstrated that nostalgia alone couldn’t sustain a franchise without strong storytelling and innovation.

Its failure contributed to superhero movies nearly disappearing from mainstream cinema until 1989’s Batman. Superman IV therefore symbolized the end of an early era. It concluded Reeve’s beloved portrayal and left the genre dormant for more than a decade.

Batman & Robin Killed The Batman Franchise

The cast of Batman & Robin: George Clooney, Alicia Silverstone and Chris O'Donnell standing on a rooftop.

Batman & Robin arrived in 1997 and brought an abrupt end to the Batman franchise that began with Tim Burton’s darker vision. The film embraced campy humor, toy-like designs, and over-the-top performances. This clashed with what audiences had come to expect from the Caped Crusader.

Critics and audiences rejected the movie’s tone and storytelling, leading Warner Bros. to cancel planned sequels and spin-offs. The backlash forced the studio to reconsider how superhero films should balance spectacle and character. It prompted them to recognize that audiences still wanted emotional investment rather than pure silliness.

While Batman & Robin is often mocked, its failure directly paved the way for the franchise’s rebirth with Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. Batman & Robin therefore marks the moment when the studio realized a tonal shift was needed, ending the previous era in dramatic fashion. It was ultimately the perfect wake-up call to revamp the franchise.

The Incredible Hulk Was the Last Hulk Movie

Edward Norton As Hulk Tearing Through Harlem In The Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk was released in 2008 as the MCU was just beginning. Though nobody could have predicted it, it ultimately became the final solo Hulk movie due to complicated rights issues with Universal Pictures. As a result, Hulk’s MCU story continued primarily through team-up films.

For decades, Hulk was front-and-center in Marvel’s movies and television series. Lou Ferrigno’s Hulk was a cultural touchstone for all audiences, not just superheroes. He’s the only Marvel hero to boast seven live-action movies before the MCU began. Yet once it did, Hulk was quietly sidelined.

Edward Norton’s portrayal positioned Hulk as a darker, horror-tinged figure, exploring the destructive consequences of Bruce Banner’s transformation. With Mark Ruffalo taking over the role, Hulk transformed into a more comedic, collaborative character. The leaves The Incredible Hulk was the last time the Jade Giant had the spotlight he previously enjoyed.

Watchmen Marked The End Of The 2000s Deconstructed Superhero Trend

Watchmen team in Zack Snyder's 2009 film

Watchmen arrived in 2009 as a bold, uncompromising adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ groundbreaking comic. It offered a darker and more cynical perspective on superhero mythology. It represented the peak of the 2000s trend toward deconstructing comic book tropes and exploring heroes with flawed, controversial morals – examples include Unbreakable, Push, and Hancock.

Zack Snyder’s visionary aesthetics and graphic storytelling highlighted the era’s shift toward complex, mature narratives. While the film divided critics, it became a cult favorite franchise. Watchmen proved superhero adaptations could tackle weighty themes and push boundaries far beyond traditional blockbuster formulas.

However, the arrival of the MCU’s lighter interconnected storytelling soon changed the direction of the superhero genre. Watchmen therefore marked the end of the gritty deconstruction wave that dominated the 2000s. It closed a chapter of experimental superhero cinema before a new age of shared universes began flourishing.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past Reunited The Original Cast And Was The Last Acclaimed X-Men Movie

Magneto looking up in X-Men Days of Future Past

X-Men: Days of Future Past united the original cast with the newer prequel actors in a time-travel story that reset continuity. It celebrated everything great about Fox’s mutant franchise while rewriting controversial elements from earlier films, notably X-Men: The Last Stand. The movie’s critical success and strong ensemble brought renewed excitement to the franchise.

X-Men: Days of Future Past demonstrated that the X-Men still had major box office power. It became a nostalgic celebration of characters audiences had followed for years across multiple timelines. Yet, its success also represented the peak before the franchise’s final decline.

Later X-Men entries failed to recapture the acclaim or emotional resonance. Days of Future Past ultimately stands as the last widely praised X-Men film. While some of the original X-Men cast appear in Avengers: Doomsday, X-Men: Days of Future Past was the last time mutants dominated the genre.

Logan Was Supposed To Be Hugh Jackman's Last Movie As Wolverine

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine looking scruffy in Logan

Logan was intended to be the definitive final chapter for Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. It was supposed to close an unparalleled 17-year run that once helped launch the modern superhero boom. Taking a different direction, Logan offered a grounded, emotional farewell that embraced vulnerability over spectacle.

Logan became one of the most acclaimed comic book movies ever. It captured the sense of a hero at the end of his journey, delivering a heartfelt goodbye that felt conclusive and earned. Of course, Jackman has since returned in the MCU with Deadpool & Wolverine and Avengers: Doomsday.

Nevertheless, at the time, Logan represented the conclusion of the Fox-era Wolverine. Additionally, its gritty realism, violence, and dramatic tone marked a turning point in superhero filmmaking. It marked a move to character development rather than comic book spectacle.

Dark Phoenix Was The Last Fox X-Men Movie

James McAvoy as Professor X in X-Men Dark Phoenix

Dark Phoenix was the final entry in Fox’s long-running X-Men timeline. It was intended to spawn a new trilogy of X-Men movies based on the younger heroes introduced in X-Men: Apocalypse. However, Disney’s acquisition of Fox put these plans to bed, and perhaps doomed the movie itself.

Dark Phoenix attempts to deliver a more comic-accurate adaptation of Jean Grey’s iconic transformation into the Phoenix. However, behind-the-scenes reshaping and reshoots led to a muted finale. Dark Phoenix was released right in the middle of Disney’s acquisition and suffered because of it.

Many of the Fox team were lost in the process and Disney did not have enough time to integrate Dark Phoenix into their marketing plans. Regardless, the movie still symbolized the end of a franchise that had shaped superhero movies for nearly two decades. The X-Men movies helped trigger the whole Marvel movie boom, but quietly fizzled with Dark Phoenix.

Avengers: Endgame Ended The Infinity Saga And RDJ's Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man about to snap in Avengers: Endgame

Avengers: Endgame marked the emotional conclusion of the MCU’s Infinity Saga. It brought together heroes from across a decade of interconnected films for an unprecedented MCU team-up. It delivered closure to numerous character arcs while resolving Thanos’ universe-shattering conflict in an epic, time-spanning showdown.

Avengers: Endgame was unlike anything seen before in blockbuster cinema. One of the film’s most significant endings was Tony Stark’s sacrifice, closing Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic portrayal of Iron Man. His journey from self-centered weapons maker to selfless savior defined the franchise, and his final act ensured the future of the universe he helped build.

Endgame also represented a farewell to key Avengers like Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff, signaling a generational shift within Marvel. As Phase Four introduced new heroes and cosmic threats, Endgame became the definitive dividing line between eras of the MCU. It also marks a point when many viewers began reconsidering whether every Marvel release was strictly required viewing.

Deadpool & Wolverine Concluded Fox's Superhero Series

Hugh Jackman's Logan wears his comic-accurate mask in Deadpool & Wolverine's final battle

Deadpool & Wolverine served as the final goodbye to Fox’s long-running superhero franchise. As well as X-Men, this included the Fantastic Four movies, Daredevil, and Elektra. It offered the long-awaited team-up of the iconic Marvel rivals, on a mission to save the Fox universe.

Deadpool & Wolverine functioned as both a love letter and a send-off to characters who existed outside Marvel Studios’ main continuity for years. Rather than ignoring Fox’s history, the film embraced it. It boasted self-aware humor, cameos, and emotional reflection on the end of an era.

Deadpool & Wolverine celebrated everything viewers enjoyed about the old continuity. It ends a distinct era of filmmaking where different studios shaped beloved Marvel heroes in their own unique style. Its charming closing credits montage was one of the most unexpected and heartwarming moments in modern superhero cinema.

Aquaman And The Last Kingdom Was The Final DCEU Movie

Aquaman looking angry in Aquaman and the Lost KingdomWarner Bros. Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom became the final movie in the DCEU. It concluded a universe marked by constant retools, mixed reception, and creative shifts. Despite Aquaman’s earlier success, the sequel arrived during a transitional period as DC prepared to reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran.

The Lost Kingdom’s release signaled the official end of the Snyder-era continuity. It wrapped up some lingering storylines and offered some undeniably grand visuals and underwater action. However, its uneven execution feels emblematic of the whole DCEU timeline.

The Lost Kingdom was disjointed narratively and thematically, creating an underwhelming movie. Rather than celebrating the DCEU’s history, it perfectly demonstrated why the franchise needed fresh decisive direction. As new heroes and stories now take center stage, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom marks the moment the DCEU finally gave way to a more unified future.

• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed Superman IV: The Quest for Peace PG Action Adventure Science Fiction 16 5.1/10 Release Date July 24, 1987 Runtime 90 minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • Christopher Reeve Clark Kent / Superman
  • Margot Kidder Lois Lane
  Director Sidney J. Furie Writers Lawrence Konner, Mark Rosenthal Genres Action, Adventure, Science Fiction Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed Batman and Robin pg-13 Action Thriller Sci-Fi 5/10 18 5.3/10 Release Date June 20, 1997 Runtime 2h 5m

  Cast

  See All
  • George Clooney
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger
  Director Joel Schumacher Writers George Clooney, Akiva Goldsman Genres Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed The Incredible Hulk PG-13 Science Fiction Action Adventure 49 7.3/10 Release Date June 12, 2008 Runtime 114 minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • Edward Norton Bruce Banner
  • Liv Tyler Betty Ross
  Director Louis Leterrier Writers Zak Penn Genres Science Fiction, Action, Adventure Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed Watchmen R Mystery Action Science Fiction 8/10 18 7.3/10 Release Date March 6, 2009 Runtime 163 minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • Malin Akerman Laurie Jupiter / Silk Spectre II
  • Patrick Wilson Dan Dreiberg / Nite Owl II
  Director Zack Synder Writers Alex Tse, David Hayter, Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons Genres Mystery, Action, Science Fiction Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed X-Men: Days of Future Past PG-13 Action Adventure Science Fiction 8/10 24 8.9/10 Release Date May 15, 2014 Runtime 132 minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • Hugh Jackman Logan / Wolverine
  • James McAvoy Charles Xavier
  Director Bryan Singer Writers Simon Kinberg Genres Action, Adventure, Science Fiction Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed Logan R Action Drama Sci-Fi Superhero 8/10 70 8.7/10 Release Date March 3, 2017 Runtime 137 Minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • Hugh Jackman Logan / Wolverine / X-24
  • Dafne Keen Laura Kinney / X-23
  Director James Mangold Writers James Mangold, Scott Frank, Michael Green Genres Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Superhero Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed X-Men: Dark Phoenix PG-13 Science Fiction Action Adventure 3/10 6.0/10 Release Date June 5, 2019 Runtime 114 minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • James McAvoy Charles Xavier / Professor X
  • Sophie Turner Jean Grey / Dark Phoenix
  Director Simon Kinberg Writers Simon Kinberg Genres Science Fiction, Action, Adventure Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed Deadpool & Wolverine R Action Sci-Fi Comedy Superhero 8/10 545 8.8/10 Release Date July 26, 2024 Runtime 127 Minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • Ryan Reynolds Deadpool
  • Hugh Jackman Wolverine
  Director Shawn Levy Writers Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Shawn Levy, Ryan Reynolds, Zeb Wells, Rob Liefeld, Fabian Nicieza Genres Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Superhero Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed Avengers: Endgame PG-13 Adventure Action Sci-Fi Superhero 9/10 288 9.3/10 Release Date April 26, 2019 Runtime 181 Minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • Robert Downey Jr. Tony Stark / Iron Man
  • Chris Evans Steve Rogers / Captain America
  Director Anthony Russo, Joe Russo Writers Keith Giffen, Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck, Jim Starlin, Joe Simon, Steve Englehart, Jack Kirby, Steve Gan, Bill Mantlo, Stephen McFeely, Christopher Markus Genres Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi, Superhero Powered by Expand Collapse
• 

  Your Rating

  close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review

  Your comment has not been saved

  Like Follow Followed Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom PG-13 Action Adventure Fantasy 5/10 28 6.7/10 Release Date December 22, 2023 Runtime 124 minutes

  Cast

  See All
  • Jason Momoa Arthur
  • Patrick Wilson Orm
  Director James Wan Writers David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, James Wan, Mort Weisinger, Paul Norris, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, Jason Momoa Genres Action, Adventure, Fantasy Powered by Expand Collapse

• Movies
• Marvel Cinematic Universe
• DC Extended Universe

Follow Followed Like Share Facebook X WhatsApp Threads Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Flipboard Copy link Email Close Thread Sign in to your ScreenRant account

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Be the first to post Images Attachment(s) Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.

Your comment has not been saved

Send confirmation email

This thread is open for discussion.

Be the first to post your thoughts.

• Terms
• Privacy
• Feedback

Recommended 10 hours ago

Quentin Tarantino’s Missing Chapter Of Kill Bill Releases Today

9 hours ago

Naruto’s Greatest Scene in History Didn’t Involve a Single Punch

8 hours ago

The Conners Already Has The Perfect Replacement Show With Another Sitcom Legend Like Roseanne Barr

4 hours ago

Creed 4 & Spinoff Show Addressed By Michael B. Jordan In Rocky Franchise Update

More from our brands

Here's How to Watch the X-Men Movies in Order (Chronologically and By Release Date)

The Best Marvel Comics Everyone Should Read

The Strongest Comic Book Characters, Ranked

Here’s How To Watch the Marvel Movies in Order (By Release Date and the MCU Timeline)

The 10 Worst Final Battles in Superhero Movies, Ranked

Marvel: 15 Strongest Comic Villains Of All Time, Ranked

Superman Movies in Order: How to Watch Chronologically and by Release Date

Trending Now Zootopia 2 Global Debut Shatters Box Office Record, Launches Movie Into 2025 Top 10 In Just 5 Days Robert Downey Jr's Latest Doctor Doom Post Makes A Major MCU Theory Look Even More Likely 10 Superhero Movies We Can't Live Without (Number 1 Is A 17-Year-Old Masterpiece)