Best movies featuring people with special abilities
Explore a fascinating selection of films where ordinary individuals discover extraordinary powers. From classic origins to darker, more complex takes, these stories delve into the challenges and responsibilities of being different.



The concept of people possessing abilities beyond the norm has captivated audiences for decades, giving rise to some of cinema's most iconic characters and narratives. Unlike traditional superheroes who often operate in a clear-cut world of good versus evil, many stories about powered individuals explore the nuances of power itself.
Think about the burden of secrecy faced by characters in films like Unbreakable or the unforeseen consequences of emerging powers as seen in Chronicle. These films often ground their fantastical elements in relatable human experiences – fear, isolation, the struggle for control, and the question of what it truly means to be 'normal'.
The genre allows for incredible diversity, from the high-octane action of team-ups like The Avengers to the more intimate, character-driven dramas or even horror, as demonstrated by the terrifying potential in Carrie. It's not just about the cool abilities; it's about how these powers transform lives, challenge societal norms, and force characters to confront their own identities and moral compasses.
Whether they are born with it, acquire it through unusual circumstances, or are part of a hidden world, these individuals with powers offer a compelling lens through which to examine human potential, responsibility, and the impact of being an outlier in a world that often fears what it doesn't understand. This list showcases a range of approaches to this enduring theme, promising a mix of action, drama, and thought-provoking storytelling.
14. Carrie (2013)
This adaptation of Stephen King's classic horror novel tells the story of Carrie White, a shy, sheltered teenager who discovers she possesses telekinetic powers. Tormented by her fanatically religious mother and bullied relentlessly by her classmates, Carrie's burgeoning powers become intertwined with her emotional state, leading to a terrifying and tragic climax. The film uses her telekinesis not for superheroics, but as a manifestation of her rage and trauma, making it a powerful and unsettling exploration of supernatural abilities in a deeply human, albeit horrifying, context.

13. Push (2009)
'Push' dives into a hidden world of people with various psychic abilities, categorized by types like 'Movers' (telekinesis), 'Watchers' (precognition), 'Pushers' (mind control), and more. Set primarily in Hong Kong, the film follows a young man with telekinetic powers and a teenage 'Watcher' as they try to outrun a shadowy government agency that wants to weaponize their abilities. It's an action-packed sci-fi thriller with interesting concepts about different psychic powers and the struggle for freedom against powerful forces.

12. Jumper (2008)
Based on the novel by Steven Gould, 'Jumper' centers on David Rice, a young man who discovers he can teleport anywhere he can visualize. This power, known as 'jumping,' opens up a world of freedom and adventure, allowing him to travel the globe and live a life of luxury. However, he soon finds himself hunted by a secret society dedicated to killing Jumpers. The film offers exciting sequences showcasing the possibilities of teleportation, taking viewers from the Sphinx to the Colosseum, while exploring the burden and danger that comes with such a unique ability.

11. Brightburn (2019)
Imagine the Superman origin story, but twisted into a horror film. 'Brightburn' does just that, following a child from another world who crash-lands on Earth and is raised by loving parents, only to develop powers not for good, but for terrifying evil. It's a chilling take on the 'superpowered alien child' trope, exploring the darker implications of immense power in the hands of someone without humanity or empathy. Produced by James Gunn, it's a brutal and effective genre mashup that will make you look at red capes differently.

10. Hancock (2008)
What happens when a superhero is a total mess? 'Hancock' explores this question with Will Smith playing a super-powered being who is powerful but also irresponsible, cynical, and widely disliked. The film starts as a deconstructive comedy about a public nuisance hero who causes millions in damage, but takes an unexpected turn, revealing a deeper mythology behind his powers and origins. It's an interesting blend of satire and fantasy, offering a different perspective on what it means to have extraordinary abilities in the modern world.

9. Watchmen (2009)
Zack Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' iconic graphic novel is a dense, complex deconstruction of the superhero mythos. Set in an alternate 1985 where costumed heroes are either retired or outlawed, the film follows a group of former vigilantes investigating a murder. While some characters have inherent powers (like Doctor Manhattan, a god-like being), others rely on technology and sheer will. The film delves into the psychological complexities of its characters and the moral ambiguities of heroism, offering a grittier, more mature take on the subject matter. It's ambitious and visually striking, attempting to bring a truly epic and challenging story to the screen.

8. Chronicle (2012)
This found-footage sci-fi thriller offers a fascinatingly realistic (and dark) look at what might happen if a group of teenagers suddenly gained telekinetic powers. Directed by Josh Trank, the film starts with the excitement and fun of discovering new abilities – flying, moving objects with their minds – but quickly delves into the dangers and corrupting influence that such power could have, especially on troubled youths. It's a character-driven story that feels raw and intense, showing the progression from wonder to terrifying power unchecked.

7. Doctor Strange (2016)
Step into the mystical side of the MCU! 'Doctor Strange' introduces us to Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon who seeks healing after a car accident ruins his hands, only to discover a world of magic and alternate dimensions. Benedict Cumberbatch perfectly embodies the character's journey from skeptic to Sorcerer Supreme. The film's visual effects are truly mind-bending, showcasing impossible architecture bending and reality folding in on itself as Strange learns to harness cosmic powers. It's a visually spectacular origin story unlike any other in the universe.

6. Deadpool (2016)
Ryan Reynolds IS Deadpool. After years in development hell, this R-rated superhero flick broke the mold with its meta-humor, excessive violence, and fourth-wall-breaking protagonist. Wade Wilson gains accelerated healing powers (among other things) but is left severely disfigured. The film leans heavily into the absurdity of the character and the genre, offering a refreshing and hilarious alternative to traditional superhero narratives. It proved that comic book movies could be successfully made for an adult audience, paving the way for others.

5. The Avengers (2012)
Joss Whedon accomplished the seemingly impossible: bringing together disparate heroes from different films for one epic team-up. 'The Avengers' is the culmination of years of storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, finally uniting Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye against a common threat. The film excels not only in its massive-scale action sequences but also in the witty banter and character interactions between the heroes, highlighting how their different powers and personalities clash and complement each other. It set the standard for cinematic universe crossovers.

4. Unbreakable (2000)
M. Night Shyamalan delivers a uniquely grounded take on the superhero origin story. Instead of capes and costumes, 'Unbreakable' explores the idea of a person discovering they might possess extraordinary abilities in the most mundane circumstances – surviving a horrific train crash as the sole survivor without a scratch. Bruce Willis gives a subdued performance as David Dunn, a man wrestling with the implications of being potentially 'unbreakable,' while Samuel L. Jackson is captivating as Elijah Price, a man with brittle bone disease obsessed with finding his opposite. It's a quiet, introspective film that feels more like a psychological thriller than a typical comic book adaptation.

3. The Matrix (1999)
Prepare to have your mind bent! 'The Matrix' wasn't just a sci-fi action film; it was a cultural phenomenon that blended philosophy, martial arts, and groundbreaking visual effects. The concept of gaining incredible powers – like defying gravity and stopping bullets – by simply understanding and manipulating the rules of a simulated reality was revolutionary. The film's 'bullet time' effect, achieved by using multiple cameras to capture a slow-motion shot from various angles, changed action cinema forever. Beyond the stunning visuals, its exploration of reality, choice, and rebellion resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. It's a film that demands rewatching to catch all the layers.

2. X-Men (2000)
Bryan Singer's original 'X-Men' is often credited with launching the modern superhero movie era. It took characters previously confined mostly to comics and animated series and brought them to life with a sense of gravitas and real-world relevance. The film smartly focuses on Wolverine and Rogue as entry points into the world of mutants, using their struggles with their powers as the central emotional core. Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto deliver iconic performances that instantly defined those characters for a generation. It tackled themes of prejudice and acceptance head-on, making the powers feel less like a spectacle and more like a metaphor for difference.

1. The Incredibles (2004)
Brad Bird's animated masterpiece isn't just a fantastic superhero film; it's a brilliant exploration of family dynamics, mid-life crises, and societal expectations, all wrapped up in thrilling action sequences. It gives us a world where supers are outlawed, forcing them into suburban obscurity, which leads to hilarious and poignant moments. Did you know that the character Edna Mode is reportedly based on the famous costume designer Edith Head? Her scenes alone are worth the watch! The film's score by Michael Giacchino is also a standout, perfectly capturing the retro-futuristic spy-fi feel. It's a true gem that appeals to all ages!
