The best Stan Lee’s documentary movies

Stan Lee

Stan Lee

28/12/1922- 12/11/2018
Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber, December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018)  was an American comic book writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher, television personality, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. In collaboration with several artists, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, the Avengers, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. In addition, he headed the first major successful challenge to the industry's censorship organization, the Comics Code Authority, and forced it to reform its policies. Lee subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation. He was inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1995.
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X-Men: The Mutant Watch

X-Men: The Mutant Watch
6.2/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 11/08/2001
  • Character: Himself
While Senator Kelly addresses a senate committee about the supposed mutant menace, we learn about the making of the movie, X-Men.

Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2

Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2
6.9/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 28/09/2010
  • Character: Himself
A four-part documentary that covers several film-critical elements in greater detail.

Once Upon a Time: The Super Heroes

Once Upon a Time: The Super Heroes
6.9/10
The historical saga of American superheroes. Born in the period between the Great Depression and the World War II to combat the hobgoblins of the modern world, these mutant human beings with superhuman powers colonized the funny papers, radio dramas, television and films, to become a truly national industry in the United States: they gave expression to the fears and obsessions of the twentieth century and bolstered American ideals.

X-Men: The Uncanny Suspects

X-Men: The Uncanny Suspects
5.6/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 11/02/2003
  • Character: Himself
The short documentary about X-Men movie is featured on the X-Men 1.5 DVD.

I Am Iron Man

I Am Iron Man
8/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 30/09/2008
  • Character: Himself
A documentary covering pre-production topics like suit design and construction, storyboards, animatics, and pre-viz, sets, working in the suit, casting, rehearsals, and preparation, and the start of the shoot. From there we look at performances, locations and production design, stunts, hardware and practical effects, and various sequence specifics. Finally, the program goes through post-production at Skywalker Ranch, the titles and a few visual elements, and wrapping up the flick.

Marvel: 75 Years, From Pulp to Pop!

Marvel: 75 Years, From Pulp to Pop!
6.9/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 04/11/2014
  • Character: Himself
In celebration of the publisher's 75th anniversary, the hour-long special will take a detailed look at the company's journey from fledgling comics publisher to multi-media juggernaut. Hosted by Emily VanCamp (S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sharon Carter), the documentary-style feature will include interviews with comic book icons, pop culture authorities, and Hollywood stars. The special also promises an "extraordinary peek into Marvel's future!" Might Marvel release the first official footage from next year's Avengers: Age of Ultron or Ant-Man? If they do, you'll know about it here.

Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman

Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman
7.8/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 12/06/2006
  • Character: himself
The history of the comic book superhero, Superman, in his various media incarnations.

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope
7/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 10/09/2011
  • Character: Self
A behind-the-scenes look at San Diego Comic-Con, the world's largest comic book convention, and the fans who attend every year.

Superheroes

Superheroes
6.4/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 08/08/2011
  • Character: Stan Lee
A journey inside the world of real life caped crusaders. From all over America, these self-proclaimed crime fighters, don masks, homemade costumes and elaborate utility belts in an attempt to bring justice to evildoers everywhere.

The Men Without Fear: Creating Daredevil

The Men Without Fear: Creating Daredevil
6.8/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 29/07/2003
  • Character: As Himself
From Stan Lee, to Frank Millar... Here are the nine men who put their names out in the comics history for one of Marvel's most prized properties... Daredevil!

Comic Book Confidential

Comic Book Confidential
7/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 14/06/1989
  • Character: Himself
In the 20th century, no artistic medium in North America with so much potential for creative expression has had a more turbulent history plagued with less respect than comic books. Through animated montages, readings and interviews, this film guides us through the history of the medium from the late 1930s and 1940s with the first explosion of popularity with the superheroes created by great talents like Jack Kirby and hitting its first artistic zenith with Will Eisner's "Spirit". It then shifts to the post war comics world with the rising popularity of crime and horror comics, especially those published by EC Comics under the editorshiop of William B. Gaines until it came crashing down the rise of censorship with the imposition of the Comics Code. In its wake of the devastation of the medium's creative freedom, we also explore EC's defiant survival with the creation of the singular "Mad Magazine" by Harvey Kurtzman.

Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked

Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked
7.7/10
Industry insiders like Stan Lee and Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) reflect on the way their colorful creations reflect society at large. They have spread from the pulpy pages of nickel comics to Saturday morning cartoons, the big screen and beyond. They have evolved from simple, All-American heroes to tortured, complicated characters reflecting the dreams, desires and fears of modern society. From Superman to The Sandman, Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked is a fascinating, feature-length look at the evolution of an art form that has proved remarkably adaptable and enduring. Filled with classic images from DC and Marvel Comics as well as extensive interviews with modern masters of the graphic novel like Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns), this documentary, originally aired on the History Channel, goes far beyond the superficial escapist fantasies to probe the forces that shaped the characters who have become legend...

Joker: Put on a Happy Face

Joker: Put on a Happy Face
6.8/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 18/08/2020
  • Character: Self (archive footage)
Featuring interviews with filmmakers and industry legends, discover the origins and evolution of The Joker, and learn why The Clown Prince of Crime is universally hailed as the greatest comic-book supervillain of all time.

Legends of the Dark Knight: The History of Batman

Legends of the Dark Knight: The History of Batman
7.5/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 15/11/2005
  • Character: Himself
A brief history of the DC Comics character Batman, created by Bob Kane in 1939.

The Roots of Wolverine: A Conversation with Stan Lee and Len Wein

The Roots of Wolverine: A Conversation with Stan Lee and Len Wein
6.5/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 15/09/2009
  • Character: Himself
Stan Lee and Len Wein talk about X-Men & Wolverine.

Spider-Man: The Mythology of the 21st Century

Spider-Man: The Mythology of the 21st Century
6.3/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 01/08/2002
  • Character: himself
The mythology behind Spider-Man

Clerk

Clerk
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 17/03/2021
  • Character: Self
A look at Kevin Smith's life and career from his childhood in New Jersey, to the day they cemented his footprints at the world famous TCL Chinese Theater, with a flock of famous folks testifying on Silent Bob's behalf!

How Bruce Lee Changed the World

How Bruce Lee Changed the World
7.7/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 17/05/2009
  • Character: Himself
More than just a biography, this film explores Bruce Lee's global impact to see how he has influenced all areas of popular culture including fitness, cinema, music, sport, dance, video games and philosophy. A journey across the United States, Asia and Europe, takes Shannon Lee on a trip back to her father's roots in Hong Kong and China. With unique access to the family's photographic archive, home movies and all material owned by the Bruce Lee Foundation.

Knight Immortal

Knight Immortal
A visual and visceral celebration of the Dark Knight’s 80 years of crime fighting, narrated by storytellers of the past, present, and future.

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story
7.1/10
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release: 24/07/2010
  • Character: Himself
At 89 years old, Stan Lee's name appears on more than one BILLION comics in 75 countries in 25 languages. Arguably the most recognized name in comics, Stan Lee has co-created over 500 legendary pop culture characters including Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Thor and The Hulk. Stan continues to create new material and entertain fans of all ages with fantastic stories and characters in all areas of entertainment. With Great Power: the Stan Lee Story, explores the vivid life and imagination of Stan Lee, from the early days of his Depression-era upbringing through the Marvel Age of Comics and beyond! The film uncovers original transcripts, illustrations, photographs and stories of Lee's fascinating journey from his early years at Timely Comics and World War Two, the comic book industry's censorship battle of the 1950's led by Dr. Fredric Wertham, the dawn of Marvel Comics and the legendary characters Stan co-created, to his current company POW! Entertainment.

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