Superhero movies have been making waves in the entertainment industry for the past few years. From Marvel’s Avengers to DC’s Justice League, these films have captivated audiences worldwide, grossing billions of dollars in the process.
Why do these movies continue to gain such a massive following? What creates such an attraction to them? Let’s explore the psychological reasons as to why superhero movies have become the new pop culture phenomenon.
1. Escapism and Fantasy
Most superhero movies take place in fictional cities, with futuristic technology, and extraordinary powers where people fly and teleport, and most importantly, they always save the day.
People want to escape from their mundane lives, responsibilities and take a journey through a fictional world where they can experience new things. Superhero movies provide them with the escapism they’re looking for, a chance to witness something impossible, and a world they can fantasize about.
2. Morality and Justice
The core concept behind superheroes is that they stand for morality and justice. They always stand up for the right thing, and their actions inspire people.
When superhero movies display heroes doing right and fighting against the evil, and succumbing to selfishness and greed, it instills a sense of hope and belief in the audience that good will overcome evil. Moreover, these movies showcase that even people with extraordinary abilities, they have limitations and needs that mirror ours.
3. The Hero’s Journey
Most superhero movies share a similar storyline: they follow a hero who is faced with insurmountable challenges, which he/she overcomes and transforms in the end. This concept is known as the hero’s journey and dates back to ancient times.
It is a concept used in storytelling for centuries. It is the story of human struggle, perseverance, hope, despair, and rebirth.
The audience is drawn to this journey because they can relate to the characters and their journey, and feel inspired by the idea that they too can go through such a journey in their personal lives.
4. Nostalgia and Familiarity
Superhero movies have been around for decades, and have a deep-rooted history in pop culture. People of all ages are fans of comic books, graphic novels and they have grown up with superhero movies being part of their lives.
This familiarity makes people feel nostalgic and reminds them of their childhood, and they want to relive those moments by watching these movies.
5. Special Effects and Cinematography
The advancements in technology and effects have made it possible for these movies to be more realistic and stunning than ever before.
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The attention to detail, the action scenes, the special effects, and the overall cinematography are all elements that draw people in. They want to witness an experience that they have never seen before, and this is what superhero movies provide.
6. Social Comparisons and Identity
Most people compare themselves to others and want to find identity and purpose in their lives. In superhero movies, each hero has a distinct personality, a specific set of abilities, and a unique backstory.
People find a sense of identity by relating to the heroes. For instance, someone who is socially awkward and feels misunderstood can relate to Spiderman who is known for his wit and charm but is still an outcast.
People identify with the struggles of the hero and the fight that he represents, and they find it cathartic.
7. The Sense of Community
Superhero movies create a sense of community among its fans worldwide. Fans connect with each other, either through social media, conventions, or discussion forums, and they develop a sense of camaraderie.
They feel like they belong to a specific group of people who share the same passion and interests, which creates a sense of belonging.
8. The Portrayal of Power and Fear
People are fascinated by the concept of power and how it affects people’s lives. Superhero movies use the concept of power and how it can affect individuals, society, and the world.
Moreover, these movies also showcase the fears that come with great power, such as the fear of losing a loved one, of being misunderstood or of turning evil. This portrayal of power and fear strikes a chord with audiences, and they find it intriguing and engaging.
9. Accomplishment and Satisfaction
Watching superhero movies can be a rewarding experience. When the hero finally saves the day, beats the villain, or overcomes insurmountable odds, the audience shares in the victory.
This triumphant moment leaves people with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It makes people feel that there is always hope, and no matter the struggle, one can always come out on top.
10. The Promise of More
The rise of the MCU, the DC universe and other superhero movies have shown no signs of slowing down. These films always leave room for a potential sequel, spin-offs, or a tie-in with other movies.
People want to know what is next for their favorite heroes and villains, and they want to see what new characters and stories will be introduced. There is always more to look forward to, which is why these movies remain popular, and fans remain intrigued.
