New data from Parrot Analytics reveals the top 5 “most in-demand superhero movies” in 2023 so far in the United States, a ranking which includes major films from both Marvel and DC.
5.) Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse comes in at fifth place, the halfway point of the top 10 list, with demand 35.31 times the average. The Oscar-winning Multiverse story about developing your identity in the face of legacy and expectations was a huge hit when it released in 2018, and its highly anticipated sequel — Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse — debuts this June.
Like other entries on the list, the hype for the sequel is likely a contributor to the movie’s 2023 demand — especially given the delays that extended the wait for the already-anticipated movie.
Further, Spider-Verse can appeal to anyone, Spider-Man fan or superhero naysayer, thanks to its universally recognizable coming-of-age theme and compelling story.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is available to stream on Fubo.
4.) The Batman
The 2022 reboot of the World’s Greatest Detective, The Batman, is ranked fourth, with demand 47.63 times the average. Starring Robert Pattinson, the film took a new approach to Bruce Wayne’s character, forgoing the classic playboy for an isolated and seemingly depressed man learning to trust in others.
A sequel was officially confirmed in 2023, with both films being classified as Elseworlds stories in Gunn and Safran’s rebooted DCU. This was unsurprising to fans, given the box-office and critical successes of The Batman, with all of these factors being likely contributors to the movie’s continued demand.
Still fresh from its release just over a year ago, The Batman made waves in the superhero movie fan community, and will likely stay a favorite for a long time still.
3.) Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania
Moving into the top three of the list, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is taking the third place spot, with demand 47.84 times the average. The third movie in the Ant-Man franchise disappointed at the box office and with critics following its February 2023 release.
Despite this, anticipation was high for the Paul-Rudd-led movie, with it also ranking third in an anticipation poll at the end of 2022. Despite the criticisms, the movie did set up much for the future of the MCU. However, some of that set up has come into question following Jonathan Majors’ recent charges of alleged assault.
Regardless, the conversations surrounding this film and what it indicates for Marvel’s future are likely why it ranks so high, despite its more negative reception.
2.) Spider-Man: No Way Home
Coming in second place is 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, with demand 50.58 times the average. The third film in the MCU’s Spider-Man franchise was a massive hit financially, and more than satisfied fans with its continuations of not only Tom Holland’s Spider-Man’s story, but Tobey Maguire’s and Andrew Garfield’s as well.
Bringing in characters from several different franchises, including the aforementioned Spider-Man reboots, the MCU as a whole, the Venom movies and Daredevil, Spider-Man: No Way Home was filled-to-the-brim with scenes and references to watch over and over again.
Given all this, along with a compelling story, emotional performances, and funny script, it is no surprise that Spider-Man: No Way Home ranks so highly, even more than a year after releasing.
1.) Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In first place as the most in-demand superhero movie in the United States in 2023 so far is Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with demand 66.68 times the average. With a successful release in late 2022 and an Oscar win for costume design, the Black Panther sequel has certainly been fresh on fans’ minds.
The final film of the MCU’s Phase 4, Wakanda Forever was both a hit with fans and a financial success, while also being the first addition to the MCU on Disney+ this year. Additionally, it was the follow-up to arguably one of Marvel’s most successful films to date.
As such, it has definitely been a major player in the superhero movie community, contributing to the high demand reported.
Further, the film is an emotional tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who played T’challa in the MCU before passing away in 2020. With its recognition toward the beloved actor, this film will likely hold a special place in fans’ hearts for years to come.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is available to stream on Disney+.