Top 10 Movies You Didn’t Know Were Based on Indie Comics

Comic book movies dominate the box office, but most fans only recognize characters from Marvel or DC. However, the world of independent comics has quietly fueled some fantastic films. Get ready to broaden your cinematic and comic horizons!

For years, moviegoers have enjoyed films adapted from lesser-known independent comics. Here’s a list of ten of the best movies you probably didn’t know were based on comics outside the mainstream fandom.

From Hell (2001)

Starring Johnny Depp, From Hell might seem like a typical Jack the Ripper thriller, but its roots lie in Alan Moore’s acclaimed comic of the same name. This dark tale isn’t your average superhero flick.

Depp and Heather Graham deliver compelling performances, bringing depth to this visually stunning movie. However, the source material is a comic penned by Alan Moore and illustrated by Eddie Campbell, published by Top Shelf Productions between 1989 and 1998. It’s a lengthy series at 572 pages.

Moore, famously critical of adaptations of his work, wasn’t pleased with the film. Despite a mostly positive reception, he felt it strayed too far from his original vision.

RED (2010)

RED boasts an all-star cast including Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren. This action-comedy follows retired black-ops agents forced back into action. But did you know it comes from a three-issue comic series?

The WildStorm and Homage Comics series, written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Cully Hamner, inspired not one, but two movies. While the film takes liberties with the plot, the core themes of government overreach and trained killers remain.

Although the movie introduces characters not in the comics, the essence of explosive action mixed with dark humor remains consistent.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

Secret agents aren’t just a film trope; they’ve infiltrated comics too! Kingsman: The Secret Service, starring Taron Egerton, originated from a comic book series by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons.

Egerton plays Eggsy, who transforms from a street thug into a suave secret agent. While the movie diverges significantly from the source material, the underlying structure and themes are still present.

The movie, while inspired by the Icon Comics series, presents a vastly different story, making it a loose adaptation.

The Mask (1994)

The Mask launched Jim Carrey into superstardom and introduced Cameron Diaz. Earning over $350 million, this comedy has surprisingly dark origins in Dark Horse Comics.

Created by John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke, the comics are far more violent and satirical than the slapstick film. In the comics, the Mask, referred to as “Big Head,” drives its wearers to insanity, a stark contrast to the movie’s more lighthearted approach.

The tone is the biggest difference, with the comics embracing extreme violence and satire versus the film’s comedic style.

Road to Perdition (2002)

Tom Hanks in a comic book movie? Yes! Road to Perdition, a period crime drama set during the Depression, is based on a graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner.

Published by Paradox Press in 1998, the novel draws inspiration from The Godfather and real-life gangster John Patrick Looney. While the film largely remains faithful to the source material, it shifts the focus from Catholic sin and redemption to the bond between father and son.

Though the movie adapts only the first story arc from the graphic novel, it retains the core narrative and characters.

Oldboy (2003)

Oldboy, a neo-noir action thriller from South Korea, is celebrated for its exploration of the human heart. However, it’s based on a Japanese manga series written by Garon Tsuchiya and illustrated by Nobuaki Minegishi.

The story follows Oh Dae-Su, imprisoned for 15 years before seeking revenge on those who ruined his life. Unlike other adaptations, the movie intensifies the violence and harshness compared to the original manga.

Imprisoned for ten years in the comics, the protagonist faces a slightly different journey, but the themes of vengeance remain powerful.

The Crow (1994)

The Crow is remembered for the tragic on-set death of Brandon Lee. However, the film, based on James O’Barr’s comic book, tells a dark tale of love, vengeance, and resurrection.

O’Barr created the comic as therapy after losing his fiancée. The movie closely adapts the brooding dialogue and dark atmosphere of the source material.

While there are character differences, like Eric’s lack of a surname in the books, the movie remains a faithful adaptation, capturing the essence of O’Barr’s vision.

A History of Violence (2005)

David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence stars Viggo Mortensen as a diner owner with a hidden past. Based on a graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, this action-thriller explores identity and violence.

Published by Paradox Press in 1997, the comic and film are almost identical in the first half. However, the plot diverges considerably in the latter part, presenting different outcomes while retaining the central theme.

Despite the changes, both the movie and graphic novel offer a compelling narrative on violence and its repercussions.

Men in Black (1997)

Men in Black launched a major franchise, elevating Will Smith to superstardom. Surprisingly, this sci-fi comedy is based on a dark, humorless comic book series published by Aircel Comics.

Written by Lowell Cunningham and illustrated by Sandy Carruthers, the comics present the MiB as an extermination force rather than border patrol agents. Unlike the film, collateral damage is of no concern.

The adaptation transforms the source material into a comedy, making it vastly different and arguably superior to the original comics.

Ghost World (2001)

Ghost World, starring Scarlett Johansson and Thora Birch, explores teenage outsiders and modern life. Based on Daniel Clowes’ comic book series, the film won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Clowes helped adapt his work, ensuring the film retained much of the comic’s original theme and structure. While the character Seymour is absent in the books, the movie remains true to the spirit of the source material.

The movie offers a nuanced exploration of relationships and loneliness, echoing the themes of the original comic.

From dark thrillers to comedies, these movies showcase the diverse range of stories hidden within independent comics. Next time you’re looking for a film, remember these unexpected adaptations!

Which of these adaptations surprised you the most? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

Leave your comment below!