There are only a handful of legends in the comic book industry, andAlan Mooreis definitely one of them. His unparalleled storytelling abilities, distinct vision, and bold exploration of mature themes established Moore as a master of the medium. His comic book works, particularlyThe Ballad of Halo JonesandWatchmen, captivated readers andinfluenced all corners of pop culturefor decades.
It is only natural for Hollywood to be fascinated by Moore’s talent and attempt to translate his literary works to the big screen. The results, however, have been mixed, to say the least. While movies likeConstantineandWatchmenhave found cult success, others likeThe League of Extraordinary Gentlemenhave crashed and burned. But for fans willing enough to explore it all, we’ve made a definitive ranking of every movie based on Alan Moore’s works, as measured by their Rotten Tomatoes score.
7‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ (2003)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Based on Alan Moore’s award-winning first volume of the comic book series of the same name,The League of Extraordinary Gentlemenis set in an alternate Victorian-era London, where a group of contemporary fantasy, science fiction, and adventure characters form a team of heroes to save the world from an impending doom caused by the megalomaniac warmonger known only as the “Fantom.”
They’re led by Allan Quatermain, a legendary adventurer, and the team comprises Captain Nemo, Mina Harker, a vampire scientist, an invisible man named Rodney Skinner, the split personality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dorian Gray, and American Secret Service Agent Tom Sawyer.
A Spectacular Failure of Adaptation
Despite a star-studded cast including Sean Connery (who quit acting altogether after this movie), Naseeruddin Shah, Shane West, Jason Flemyng, and more, fans of Moore’s acclaimed novel were left bitterly disappointed by this big-screen adaptation. The movie bears little resemblance to the source material beyond the basic premise and is plagued by a slow pace, uninspired direction, and anarrative that goes wildly off the railsby the time the climax arrives. It received harsh criticism for failing to capture the essence of Moore’s work and resulting in a forgettable cinematic experience.
6‘Constantine’ (2005)
Constantine
A movie that tries to be both a gothic horror and a superhero action flick,Constantineis based on the character created by Moore, first featured inThe Saga of Swamp Thing #37in 1985. Starring Keanu Reeves as the titular character, it follows John Constantine, a cynical demon hunter with the ability to communicate with half-angels and half-demons, who finds himself embroiled in a supernatural conspiracy when Angela Dodson, a skeptical detective, seeks his help to investigate the death of her twin sister. The deeper Constantine delves into the mystery, the darker and more malevolent forces he confronts.
A Flawed but Entertaining Cult Classic
While it may not be the most faithful translation of Alan Moore’sHellblazercomics,Constantinegets a lot of love from fans and it’s garnered a cult following over the years since its release. The movie succeeds as a stylish, supernatural thriller in its own right. Its dark and gritty atmosphere paired with the visually striking aesthetic captures the occult-tinged sensibilities of the narrative.
The role is alsoa perfect bridge between Reeves’MatrixandJohn Wickfilms as it allows him to infuse it with a brooding, imperfect intensity. There’s little emotion at the core, but for the most part,Constantineworks as an engaging, action-packed adaptation.
Highest Rated Superhero Movies, According to Rotten Tomatoes
Superhero films have dazzled and delighted moviegoers for years, providing countless entertainment for fans of the action-packed subgenre.
5‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ (2016)
Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Jokeis an animated superhero film directed by Sam Liu and it explores the very origins of the Joker and his tainted relationship with Batman. It begins with The Clown Prince of Crime escaping from Arkham Asylum and hatching a plan to prove that a single bad day can drive a person mad. He sets his sight on Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Barbara, which leads to devastating results. The movie also interweaves flashes of Joker’s past as a failed comedian to explain his actions and draw parallels between him and the Dark Knight.
Explores Fascinating Comic Book Angles
As one of Alan Moore’s most divisive and psychologically complex works,Batman: The Killing Jokepresented a formidable challenge for the creative team behind the project and didn’t draw a great deal of appeal from audiences because of its extremely violent nature and certain problematic plot points like Joker’s paralyzing attack on Barbara.
While the movie remains faithful to the tone and themes of the original graphic novel, it suffers from the addition of an unnecessary romantic subplot and added emotional nuance.The Killing Jokealso marks the return of Mark Hamill to voice acting. His chilling turn as the Joker is solid because he nails the thin line between sanity and madness, which is what makes the film a suitable watch.
4‘From Hell’ (2001)
Loosely based on Moore and Eddie Campbell’s graphic novel about theJack the Rippermurders,From Hellis a historical crime thriller/detective horror set in the late 19th century. It revolves around Inspector Frederick Abberline, a troubled police detective with psychic abilities, as he investigates the gruesome killings of sex workers in Whitechapel. With the help of Mary Kelly, Abberline navigates a web conspiracy that reaches the highest orders of society and uncovers the shocking identity of the killer.
Wins as a Gothic Mystery Thriller
Directed by The Hughes Brothers,From Hellis a sumptuous, visually striking, and atmospheric murder mystery that familiarizes viewers with thedark and foreboding tone of 19th-century Londonas per Moore’s vision. Johnny Depp leads the period piece with his compelling performance as Abberline and is accompanied by brilliant turns from Heather Graham, Ian Holm, and Robbie Coltrane. Even though the movie occasionally fails to fully translate some more fascinating and realistic aspects of the source material, it more than makes up for it with the production values and the captivating performances.
3‘Watchmen’ (2009)
Once deemed “unfilmable,”this complex DC Comics limited series got out of a two-decade-long development hell and finally made it to the big screens in 2009. Set in an alternate 1985 America, where superheroes have changed the course of history,Watchmenfollows a group of retired vigilantes as they’re forced to regroup after Edward Blake, also known as “the Comedian,” is brutally murdered. As they investigate his mysterious death, they also unravel a sinister conspiracy that threatens the fate of humanity.
Dives Into the Psyche of Costumed Heroes
Zack Snyder’s take on Moore’s novel polarized both critics and fans. As bold and intricate as the source material, it explores the moral quandaries and the deep, philosophical questions at the heart of Moore’s work and sets itself apart from typical superhero movies. The ensemble cast, including Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach, Patrick Wilson as Nite Owl, and Malin Åkerman as Silk Spectre, anchor this ambitious film quite brilliantly and fully commit themselves to each of their roles. Some criticize the movie for its narrative deviations and the characterizations, but Snyder’s adaptation is extremely cinematic and thought-provoking regardless.
All 5 ‘Watchmen’ Movies & TV Series, Ranked
‘Watchmen’ by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins has been adapted a few times for the screen.
2‘V for Vendetta’ (2005)
V For Vendetta
V for Vendettais set in a dystopian future where a totalitarian government rules Britain with an iron fist and certain masked vigilantes ignite a revolution. The story centers around Evey Hammond, a young woman who becomes entangled with V, a freedom fighter launching a calculated campaign to overthrow the government. As V’srevolutionary acts spread far and wide, he’s pursued by Chief Inspector Eric Finch.
A Rousing and Timely Adaptation
Written by the Wachowskis and directed by James McTeigue in his feature directorial debut,V for Vendettais perhaps the most popular and critically acclaimed adaptation of Alan Moore’s works. Celebrated for its powerful storytelling, political commentary, and striking exploration of themes that have only grown more relevant in the years since its release, it stands among the few films that align with Moore’s creative vision.
It remains anchored by Hugo Weaving’s charismatic and menacing portrayal of V, with Natalie Portman’s performance as Evey bringing emotion and depth to the story. Overall, the rebellious spirit and the edge-of-your-seat action makesV for Vendettaa standout in the genre.
1‘Watchmen: Chapter I & II’ (2024) – 92%
Watchmen: Chapter 1
Narratively similar to the 2009 film, this 2024 adaptation ofWatchmenis presented in two animated chapters to offer a fresh and timely take on Alan Moore’s iconic graphic novel.Watchmen: Chapter I, released on August 05, 2025, begins with the murder of Edward Blake, also known as the Comedian. As the police officers and Rorschach launch an investigation, Blake’s former colleagues step out of retirement to take matters into their own hands.
Released on August 20, 2025,Watchmen: Chapter IIcontinues the story and sees the heroes plunged in a conspiracy that threatens to unravel their past and shatter reality.
An Animated Reinvention
Helmed by director Brandon Vietti, 2024’sWatchmenstands out for its breathtaking visuals and faithfulness to the source material. It seamlessly combines hard-hitting action, psychological intrigue, and the piercing social commentary that made Moore’s work a landmark in the medium.
The voice cast, including Titus Welliver as Rorschach and Matthew Rhys as Nite Owl, bring nuance to this rich achievement and delve into their characters' ambiguity and angst incredibly well. Both the films have received praise for the bold and innovative animation style, which makes them a must-see for fans of the graphic novel and of Moore’s works.
