Zack Snyder’s Watchmen remains one of the most remarkable comic book movies of the 21st century, despite the fact that the director himself continues to be a controversial figure in the film industry well into the 2020s. Snyder first made a splash with his 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead, which was produced on a modest budget of $26 million but grossed $100 million worldwide. This initial success set the stage for his next major project, the visually striking and commercially successful 300 (2007), adapted from Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s graphic novel, which grossed $450 million globally.
Recognizing his talent, Warner Bros. brought Snyder on board to help build the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). He subsequently directed Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). Yet, Snyder’s career has been marked by polarizing reception. Batman v Superman was widely criticized for its portrayal of the titular heroes, and personal issues forced Snyder to leave the production of Justice League partway through. His later projects, including the Netflix duology Army of the Dead, were also met with mixed to negative reviews. Snyder’s distinctive style — rough, semi-realistic, and often off-kilter — continues to divide critics and audiences alike. Nonetheless, Watchmen (2009) stands as his most acclaimed and arguably one of the finest comic book adaptations of its era.
Watchmen: A Controversial and Unique Masterpiece
Watchmen is a film that is both unique and deeply contentious. Unlike the sprawling, interconnected universes of the DCEU and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Watchmen is a standalone story focused on the golden age of superheroes. Based on the highly praised graphic novel by Alan Moore — who himself was famously dissatisfied with adaptations of his work — the film brings to life a grim, cynical world of heroes who have long since grown weary from years of fighting.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Cold War, featuring a group of former heroes who reunite after the murder of one of their own, the Comedian (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan). This investigation uncovers a tragic plot that could lead to the deaths of millions. The presence of Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup), a godlike being, adds a layer of complexity and detachment from humanity, intensifying the dark and tense atmosphere.
At the time of its release, Watchmen did not attract widespread attention or acclaim. Its critical reception was mixed, and audiences were divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a respectable but not outstanding score of 65%, while audience ratings hover around 71%. Esteemed critic Roger Ebert praised the film for its richness and rewatch value but admitted uncertainty over fully grasping all its nuances. Other critics condemned the movie for its heavy-handed themes and performances, finding it less entertaining than expected. The film’s box office performance was modest, grossing about $180 million against a budget of $140 million.
However, as time has passed, Watchmen has come to be seen as a pioneering work that pushed the boundaries of the superhero genre.
The Birth of Watchmen in a Different Superhero Era
When Watchmen premiered in 2009, the modern superhero movie explosion had yet to take full shape. While several comic book adaptations existed, the film industry was still grappling with how to treat superheroes seriously. Films like Spider-Man 3 (2007), Elektra (2005), and Daredevil (2003) had failed to impress both critics and audiences. These movies attempted to offer darker, more realistic takes on superhero stories but largely fell short.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe was just beginning, with Iron Man debuting in 2008, and it was not until 2012’s The Avengers that this universe truly consolidated its success. Prior to this, superhero films were unevenly received and lacked a consistent tone or approach.
Watchmen entered this landscape as a dark, mature exploration of heroism. Unlike the hopeful and straightforward superhero tales of previous decades, it portrayed its characters with moral ambiguity and psychological complexity. Its bleak vision and complex narrative were ahead of their time, demanding more from audiences than typical genre fare.
In the decade following Watchmen, shows like The Boys would adopt a similarly critical and gritty perspective on superheroes, but benefitted from an audience more familiar with superhero mythology, thanks to the MCU and DCEU’s massive influence. Watchmen thus occupies a unique place as an early attempt to deconstruct superheroes before their dominance in popular culture.
The Lasting Impact of Snyder’s Visual Style and Storytelling
Snyder’s Watchmen is visually striking, with a signature style that emphasizes mood and atmosphere. His mastery of visual storytelling brings the graphic novel’s intricate imagery to life with impressive fidelity. The film’s ending remains memorable and provocative, featuring a chilling monologue by the villain Ozymandias (Matthew Goode) that echoes the original comic’s themes of sacrifice and moral ambiguity.
Though Snyder did not fully capture all the nuances of Alan Moore’s original work — particularly the cult hero status of Rorschach, played by Jackie Earle Haley — his adaptation remains a powerful cinematic achievement. Over time, the film’s dark, reflective tone has gained greater appreciation, especially as real-world events and cultural moods have grown more somber.
Watchmen in Context: Competing with Other Iconic Superhero Films
Despite its initial mixed reception, Watchmen was released during an era rich with strong competitors. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy revolutionized superhero cinema and enjoyed immense critical and commercial success. Nolan himself praised Watchmen for being “ahead of its time” and acknowledged that its release date limited its impact.
Other notable superhero films around that period included Brad Bird’s The Incredibles (2004), the original Iron Man (2008), Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man series, and several X-Men installments. These films received high critical praise and strong audience support, often surpassing Watchmen in popularity and box office performance.
However, among these, Watchmen stands out for its bold thematic ambition and narrative complexity. It introduced a darker, more introspective superhero universe that challenged traditional archetypes. Though its commercial impact was limited, Watchmen breathed new life into the genre by injecting mature storytelling and emotional depth.
A Growing Legacy Amid Mainstream Success
In the years since its release, Watchmen has found a renewed audience, especially among dedicated comic book fans. Its themes of distrust, moral ambiguity, and the costs of vigilantism resonate in today’s cultural climate. The film’s unique approach helped pave the way for later works that explore the psychological and societal implications of superheroes.
If Watchmen were released today, it would likely receive greater acclaim and broader recognition, similar to the success of the recent Watchmen television series. It is regrettable that the film did not achieve its full potential during its initial run, but its influence continues to grow.
In sum, Zack Snyder’s Watchmen remains a groundbreaking and essential film in the superhero genre. It reshaped how comic book stories could be told on screen and helped elevate the medium to new artistic heights. Its legacy endures as a testament to bold filmmaking that challenges expectations and embraces complexity in a genre often dominated by formulaic narratives.
Related Topics
- What Did the Ending of Longlegs Mean?
- How Old Is Moana’s Sister in Moana 2?
- 10 Movie Characters Whose Deaths Were Too Predictable