A Fresh Take on The Toxic Avenger and the Gory World of Superhero Flicks
I recently watched the new adaptation of The Toxic Avenger, and it largely lived up to what fans of the original from 1984 might expect. I’ll admit, I never really warmed up to the original; its heavy reliance on gore overshadowed the fun. However, the latest version directed by Macon Blair brings a stylish flair and features a fantastic cast that elevates the experience.
This made me reflect on other superhero films that indulge in gore and violence—elements often missing from the more family-friendly productions that dominate the box office, thanks to Disney and DC. Some of these titles take the brutality up a notch beyond what you’d find in The Toxic Avenger.
Logan
You might be surprised to see Logan on this list. While it doesn’t feature the same level of gore as The Toxic Avenger, the violence is much more purposeful and resonates deeply. Set in a grim, dystopian future, the film takes itself seriously without crossing into pretentious territory. When the violence does occur, it’s impactful—leaving a lasting impression that speaks to why Logan is hailed as one of the greatest superhero films.
Super
Many fans might think James Gunn’s first superhero movie was Guardians of the Galaxy, but it was actually Super. This film shares the same absurdly violent spirit as The Toxic Avenger and boasts an impressive cast, including Rainn Wilson, Elliot Page, Kevin Bacon, and Liv Tyler. Although it didn’t receive much love at its release, Super has aged well, especially as a genre subverter. It’s refreshing to see Gunn’s early passion for superhero tales, even if it’s not his finest work.
Robocop
Is Robocop a superhero film? It’s subjective, but it certainly follows a familiar narrative: an ordinary man undergoes a transformative experience and, with new abilities, fights for justice. While he may be an advanced law enforcer rather than a caped crusader, his quest echoes the superhero trope. The film is noted for its over-the-top violence, especially in the director’s cut, and shares a tongue-in-cheek aesthetic that fans of The Toxic Avenger will likely appreciate. Plus, its themes remain strikingly relevant.
Kick-Ass
Kick-Ass might not outdo The Toxic Avenger in terms of shock, but it definitely occupies that same outrageous space. It’s crude and unapologetic, portraying characters who use questionable means to achieve their ends. However, its humor prevents the violence from spiraling into gratuitousness. Notably, the original film offers a compelling coming-of-age story, while its sequel falls flat. Director Matthew Vaughn knows how to balance intensity, keeping the first film a beloved classic.
Dredd
As a fan of the Dredd comics, the 2012 film was a breath of fresh air compared to the 1995 version starring Sylvester Stallone. Directed by Pete Travis, with key contributions from screenwriter Alex Garland, Dredd is an expertly crafted, violently engaging film. The action isn’t merely for shock; it’s integral to the story. If only we could have experienced more films from this creative team, especially with a planned reboot from Taika Waititi on the horizon.
A Shift in Superhero Violence
While Marvel popularized the family-friendly PG-13 superhero format to attract broader audiences, graphic violence has become increasingly common in the genre—thanks in part to the success of films like Deadpool. These earlier films paved the way for a more brutal portrayal of superhero narratives. If you’re in the mood for something different or simply tired of superhero outings, consider diving into some detective series that can fill your weekend binge-watching slot.
