Superhero movies have been everywhere for years, and these four heroes have carried a lot of them. Batman, Spider-Man, Iron Man and Captain America all have loyal fans and several actors who have played them. This One Gotta Go card asks which hero you would take out of the movies for good.
Think about your favorite version of each hero, the movie you'd rewatch tonight, and the one character you never need to see again. Then make your pick and see if the comic book fans at the table agree.
Batman vs Spider-Man vs Iron Man vs Captain America
A. Batman
Batman has no superpowers, just training, gadgets and a lot of money, and he's been rebooted many times with different actors. Fans love his dark side. The case against him is that we have seen so many Batman movies that it's hard to feel anything new.
Keep it if: You love a hero with no powers, a great villain lineup and the darkest stories in comics.
B. Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the young hero who has to balance superhero work with school, jobs and family. He's been played by several actors over the years. The case against him is how many times his origin story has been retold on screen.
Keep it if: Peter Parker's mix of heroics and everyday problems is why you love superhero movies at all.
C. Iron Man
Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr., launched the Marvel movie universe and made Tony Stark one of the most quoted heroes ever. The case against him is that his story already had a clear ending, so some fans think it's time to let him rest.
Keep it if: Tony Stark's jokes, the suits and the start of the Marvel movies mean everything to you.
D. Captain America
Captain America is the hero with a shield and a strong sense of right and wrong, played by Chris Evans in the Marvel movies. Fans love his loyalty. The case against him is that some viewers find him less exciting than the others.
Keep it if: You love a hero who always does the right thing, and the shield is the coolest weapon in comics.
Our take
We'd cut Batman, but only because he's had the most movies of the four by far, so taking him away would hurt the least. Spider-Man, Iron Man and Captain America each have a story that feels connected to the big Marvel saga people grew up with. Expect the most fun debate between the Batman fans and the Iron Man crowd. For a bonus round, ask everyone to name their favorite actor for each hero.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which superhero gets more movies than their story needs?
- Who is the best actor to ever play Batman or Spider-Man?
- Which hero would you want on your side in real life?
- Which superhero deserves a spot on this card instead?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Superhero Movies: quick answers
Who is the most popular superhero?
Spider-Man and Batman are often named as two of the most popular superheroes in the world, with Iron Man and Captain America close behind thanks to the Marvel movies. Each has fans for different reasons, which is why this card can split a group of friends.
Is Batman or Spider-Man more popular?
Both are among the best-known superheroes. Batman is DC's biggest name and is known for darker stories, while Spider-Man is one of Marvel's most beloved heroes and is known for humor and a younger point of view. Your answer usually depends on which comics or movies you grew up with.
