Top 6 Superhero Movies to Watch on St. Patrick’s Day!

I don’t think you understand how badly I want to include one of the Leprechaun movies on the list. If this was a list of the best horror movies to watch on St. Patrick’s Day it would go as follows: Leprechaun, Leprechaun 2, Leprechaun 3, Leprechaun 4: In Space, Leprechaun in the Hood, Leprechaun: Back 2 the Hood, Leprechaun Origins, and Leprechaun Returns. That’s right, a list so good that it’s impossible to make it just a Top 6. But, that’s not the reason you clicked on this article.

Pardon my tangent on the Leprechaun movies. You clicked on this article because you want to know what are the best superhero movies to watch on St. Patrick’s Day. It may come as a surprise, but there are a lot of great options! Which was originally surprising to me. I’m very happy I didn’t have to put Green Lantern on this list. I would’ve lost all of my credibility. Without further ado, here are the Top 6 Best Superhero Movies to watch on St. Patrick’s Day.

6. The Green Hornet (2011)

In this case, visuals speak louder than words. The Green Hornet is very much a love-hate film. And it definitely hinges on the pretty funny premise of Seth Rogen being a superhero. I never knew a guy who ends up doing shrooms in almost every movie he’s in, even when he’s a hotdog, could turn out to be a superhero. No judgment, of course, do your thing, Seth.

This movie is as green as it gets, which is the main reason it’s on this list for St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s an interesting note that would’ve put this film higher on the list. And I say this with all due respect to Christoph Waltz, who was killing it in movies like Inglourious Basterds and Django: Unchained at the time. But, at one point, Nicholas Cage was being considered for the film’s main villain Benjamin Chudnofsky, instead of Waltz. This film could’ve used Nick Cage being Nick Cage.

5. Kick-Ass (2010)

This is probably the most unique film on this list. While the green suit of our main character Dave Lizewski is one of the reasons that this film was selected, it’s not the only reason. Kick-Ass is an interesting film, depicting a common wish among children: to become a superhero. As well as the possible repercussions of following through on that wish. There are some risky and even brutal scenes in this film. And while some of them are funny, many play into the coming-of-age lessons learned by the main characters throughout.

Still, this is an enjoyable film for those into dark comedy. And with both some realistic and very, very unrealistic takes on vigilantism, it’s not meant to be taken too seriously. And, unlike The Green Hornet, Nicholas Cage is in this film! Which is one of the reasons it is at 5 instead of 6. That along with being a better movie. So if on St. Patrick’s Day you want to check out a very different superhero movie that’s both hilarious and pretty heady, check out Kick-Ass. You’ll never look at MySpace the same way again.

4. The Incredible Hulk (2008)

The forgotten movie of the MCU. Even more forgotten than Thor: The Dark World and, unlike that film, it doesn’t completely deserve it. The Incredible Hulk is a solid movie adaptation of a character that’s been very hard to master on the silver screen. Has anyone seen 2003’s Hulk? If so, why would you do that to yourself? I like Eric Bana but I don’t think anyone signed up to watch a film where the Hulk looks like a Looney Tunes character.

But this is a good origin story and while Edward Norton is not quite on the level of Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, he’s still pretty good. And this Hulk movie has some solid fight scenes with the equally formidable Abomination played by the great Tim Roth. This is the only stand-alone Hulk movie worth watching and in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day it’s not a bad choice at all.

3. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

What? How? Why? Yes, it’s true, Captain America: The First Avenger is a great movie to watch on St. Patrick’s Day. That’s because Steve Rogers is Irish American! Having been born to Irish immigrants in Brooklyn, Steve is a great embodiment of Irish culture. Despite, of course, being American. He’s modest, he’s a patriot, and he’s a loyal friend “till the end of the line.” These are heavy core concepts of Irish culture.

This is the movie that explores the foundation of Steve’s character and shows his humble beginnings. And it’s these traits of resilience, ambition, and loyalty that are some of the many traits that are supposed to be celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day. Overall, The First Avenger is a deep exploration of these themes, which makes it a solid choice to watch on St. Patrick’s Day.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

I was considering Deadpool for this spot but no one in it is green. Also, if I put Deadpool on this list, readers are going to begin to believe that I think Deadpool is the greatest movie ever. But that’s impossible in a world where we have Shaun of the Dead.

As a recent college student, I can say that St. Patrick’s Day is one of the more festive holidays of the year. And by festive, I mean young adults on many occasions end up forgetting much of what they did for this holiday.

So, here’s a great movie to watch whether you are sober or not or are not sure. Guardians of the Galaxy is definitely one of the most watchable superhero movies out there and doesn’t require any previous plot details to follow. Gamora, as the green representative in the film, is one of the more complicated and interesting characters with her past and her current relationship with her sister. Plus, Groot has green leaves and embodies the loyalty and modesty that Irish culture holds very dearly. Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy is a great St. Patrick’s Day pick.

1. Thor: Ragnorok (2017)

One of the most surprising and best movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This was the movie that made me a Thor fan and is also the best storyline involving the Hulk. Thor: Ragnorok is everything you want in a St. Patrick’s Day movie sans the clear references to Irish culture. But with great character development, three major green characters (I’m counting Loki and Hela), and hilarious dialogue, this is the clear-cut number one.

Also, the director Taiki Waititi, who will also be directing the next Thor movie Thor: Love and Thunder in 2022, is part Irish. So, there you go, it’s basically got it all. Other than a homicidal Leprechaun running around. But the MCU isn’t big enough for that kind of film, which would’ve been number 1 on everyone’s list for greatest movies to watch on St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe in competition with My Left Foot.