Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao premiered her newest movie, Eternals, this past fall, which followed a cosmic team that set foot on Earth thousands of years ago to protect humanity from Deviants. Compared to other MCU projects, Zhao's Eternals became the most ambitious film that features a diverse cast.
Despite praises for its beautiful visuals, this superhero film became one of the lowest-rated MCU movies due to criticism of the overall writing and runtime. However, since it's now streaming on Disney+, more fans have come to appreciate the film for its different tone and creative style. Of course, MCU's Eternals is not the only film to feature superheroes or superhero team-ups.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
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In Guardians of the Galaxy, a team of five intergalactic criminals must save the universe from being eradicated by a power stone. They must work together and stop the villainous Ronin before he possesses the stone and executes his plans.
The MCU is no stranger to superhero teams, such as the Avengers. Therefore, it was no surprise when Marvel Studios soon introduced a cosmic team, Guardians of the Galaxy, under the direction of James Gunn. Like the Eternals, not many people were familiar with the Guardians when the movie came out. Still, James Gunn's superhero film surprised fans with the fun and lively atmosphere and hilarious characters, who have become favorites. Additionally, the Guardians of the Galaxy had several best team-ups since their introduction in the MCU.
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
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In Zack Snyder's Justice League, Bruce Wayne recruits superheroes as the world faces a dark threat from Darkseid. The team becomes known as the Justice League, and they are humanity's last hope to stop Darkseid and his army before it is too late.
This version of the film received an incredible reception from fans after long campaigns for the release of the "Synder Cut." In particular, Zack Snyder's Justice League properly introduces the powerful team with great action, brilliant dynamic, and better plotline. Of course, the Justice League is one of many DC teams adapted into a film, much like the Eternals over in Marvel.
Wonder Woman (2017)
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Wonder Woman follows Diana, an Amazonian who comes across an American pilot, Steve. After learning about a present war, she ventures into the world outside of her home of Themyscira, believing that she can end the massive conflict imposed by Ares, the God of War.
Although Wonder Woman is a standalone hero in her film, she does share one major thing in common with the Eternals. Much of the influence of the Eternals comes from Greek mythology, with some embodying the stories of their counterpart. Similarly, Diana or Wonder Woman is a counterpart of the Roman goddess, but her story is revised in the DC comics and DCEU. Nevertheless, the film references ancient mythology, such as her origins as the daughter of Zeus and Ares (God of War) as the main villain.
The Avengers (2012)
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In The Avengers, Nick Fury must recruit a group of superheroes to take down and stop Loki from invading Earth. Members like Tony Stark and Captain Steve Rogers join the team and learn to fight together to become Earth's mightiest heroes.
Although the Eternals predate the Avengers since they arrived thousands of years ago, the Avengers is the first superhero team introduced in the MCU and were around more when the world needed them the most - unlike the Eternals. It was the first time that fans watched their favorite superheroes unite and face a common threat. Of course, like the Eternals, the Avengers will do what it takes to protect Earth from cosmic threats. Since its release, fans have loved the dynamic between the superheroes and the incredible action sequences in The Avengers.
Thor (2011)
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In Thor, the titular character lands on Earth after being banished from Asgard by his father. Soon, he befriends a group of scientists to become a better person and the newest hero.
Although Thor is a singular hero in his film, he does have a lot in common with the Eternals, including their character influences from mythology. In particular, MCU sought the characterization of Thor from the Norse god of the same name. Like other superhero characters, his origin story is altered in Marvel Comics and MCU. Nevertheless, fans enjoyed this superhero film with its comedic tone and introduction of the mighty Thor.
Transformers (2007)
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In Transformers, the Autobots and Decepticons bring their latest battles to Earth. Soon, the Autobots seek the help of Sam Witwicky as humanity's last hope to avoid catastrophe.
Michael Bay's action film echoes some plotlines of Eternals. In particular, the Autobots have an engagement with the Decepticons that parallel the Eternals conflicts with the Deviant on Earth. Of course, as a Bay film, Transformers may have a weak plot, but the mindless action between robot enemies at least makes it entertaining for people to watch.
Watchmen (2009)
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Zack Synder's Watchmen follows the titular superhero group of which one member is murdered. Another superhero, Rorshach, hopes to solve his colleague's death, but he soon comes across secrets that change the prospect of history.
Like Eternals, Watchmen also follows a disbanded superhero team and eerily shares the team's reunion following recent chaos. Of course, the direction is more gritty, sophisticated, and stylish in portraying this superhero team. Although not a flawless superhero film focused on a team, it does have some great action and dark tones that resonate well with the audience.
Man Of Steel (2013)
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Man of Steel uncovers the origin story of Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman. Clark is an alien from a destroyed planet and has lived with humans on Earth. Soon, he becomes Earth's protector when another survivor wants to invade Earth.
Of course, when it comes to a character like Ikaris, people will instantly think about Superman. Both characters share immense influence and powers like flying and laser eyes. However, even Ikaris' intentions are not exactly heroic as Superman's. Therefore, Man of Steel showcases a gritty and visceral iteration of Superman's story that journeys through his difficult life as an alien to accepting responsibilities as Earth's savior.
Alien (1979)
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In Alien, a crew on Nostromo receives a distress call from a moon. They retrieve a frightening creature that attacks them and causes havoc.
Many people regard Ridley Scott's sci-fi film as one of the most groundbreaking movies that changed the scope of the genre today. In particular, the film showcases a menacing and terrifying creature, which echoes the energy and threat of the Deviants in Eternals. Furthermore, Alien brings the best sci-fi and horror aspects with these space themes and grotesque monsters.
X-Men (2000)
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The 2000's X-Men introduces a world where mutants exist. However, they are outcasts from society and experience discrimination and prejudice. It causes a division within those in the mutant community, with one group, led by Professor X, to protect the world.
The first X-Men film perhaps sets the foundation of superhero teams that most people are familiar with today. Of course, introducing many new characters in one film is no easy feat, yet X-Men accomplished it. The film does well to develop the character growth for each superhero and even remains a Marvel classic after its release 22 years ago.