Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
Once Upon a Time: The Super Heroes
TITLE DETAILS

Once Upon a Time: The Super Heroes

2001-12-23 · 100 min · ★ 6.9

Documentary · TV Movie · Animation

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.

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Michel Viotte
Production companies
Kalamazoo, Idéacom International, ARTE, 13ème Rue, Chum Television, Artv
Countries
France, Canada
Status
Released

Top Cast

Alex RossAlex RossSelf
Bill SienkiewiczBill SienkiewiczSelf
Carmine InfantinoCarmine InfantinoSelf
Dave GibbonsDave GibbonsSelf
Harry BrodSelf
Jim LeeJim LeeSelf
Joe KubertJoe KubertSelf
Joe QuesadaJoe QuesadaSelf
John BuscemaJohn BuscemaSelf
John Romita Sr.John Romita Sr.Self
Lauren Shuler DonnerLauren Shuler DonnerSelf
Mark EvanierMark EvanierSelf
Neal AdamsNeal AdamsSelf
Paul DiniPaul DiniSelf
Stan LeeStan LeeSelf
Tim BurtonTim BurtonSelf
Travis CharestSelf
Luis DeCespedesNarrator
Bob KaneBob KaneSelf (archive footage)
Jack KirbyJack KirbySelf (archive footage)

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Availability not listed for this country.

Recommendations

Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?
★ 6.9
Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?2013Documentary · Animation

A series of interviews featuring linguist, philosopher and activist Noam Chomsky done in hand-drawn animation.

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe
★ 6.9
Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe2014Documentary · TV Movie

A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."!

Who Are You, Charlie Brown?
★ 6.9
Who Are You, Charlie Brown?2021Documentary · Animation

Lupita Nyong'o narrates a documentary about Peanuts and its creator, Charles M. Schulz. Famous fans—including Drew Barrymore, Kevin Smith, and Al Roker—share its influence on them, and a new animated story finds Charlie Brown on a quest.

Adele One Night Only
★ 7.7
Adele One Night Only2021Documentary · TV Movie

A primetime special with performances from the superstar including Adele’s first new material in six years plus her chart-topping hits. The special will also feature an exclusive interview with Adele by Oprah Winfrey from her rose garden, in Adele’s first televised wide-ranging conversation.

Audrey
★ 7.1
Audrey2020Documentary · TV Movie

An unprecedented and intimate look at the life, work and enduring legacy of British actress Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993).

David Blaine: Real or Magic
★ 6.8
David Blaine: Real or Magic2013Documentary · TV Movie

David Blaine's signature brand of street magic mystifies the most recognisable celebrities in the world, such as Jamie Foxx, Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Ricky Gervais, Katy Perry, Woody Allen, and Robert DeNiro, to name a few. He goes to the homes of Kanye West and Harrison Ford, Will Smith and Olivia Wilde. He pays a visit to Stephen Hawking at his office in Cambridge University. Blaine also travels the world, astonishing people from all walks of life with never-before seen, inconceivable magic.

The Making of Star Wars
★ 7.1
The Making of Star Wars1977Documentary · TV Movie

Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2 which includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple
★ 7.0
Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple2006Documentary · TV Movie

Featuring never-before-seen footage, this documentary delivers a startling new look at the Peoples Temple, headed by preacher Jim Jones who, in 1978, led more than 900 members to Guyana, where he orchestrated a mass suicide via tainted punch.

Derren Brown: Pushed to the Edge
★ 7.2
Derren Brown: Pushed to the Edge2016Documentary · TV Movie

Derren Brown investigates the power of social compliance by persuading an unwitting member of the public into believing that they have pushed someone to their death.

Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration
★ 8.0
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration2001Documentary · TV Movie

Celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Michael Jackson's solo career, this legendary performance took place on September 10, 2001.

Louis Theroux: Louis and the Nazis
★ 7.2
Louis Theroux: Louis and the Nazis2003Documentary · TV Movie

Louis Theroux travels to California to meet the man dubbed "the most dangerous racist in America"; Tom Metzger. Louis meets him, his family and his publicity manager as well as following him to skinhead rallies and on a visit to Mexico.

Titanic: The Digital Resurrection
★ 7.8
Titanic: The Digital Resurrection2025Documentary · TV Movie

Using cutting-edge scanning technology and state-of-the-art CGI, a team of experts creates the first high-resolution 3D digital twin of the Titanic wreck. Through a groundbreaking immersive investigation, they uncover the ship’s final moments, shedding light on the acts of heroism and cowardice aboard—and revealing the true story behind the sinking of the “unsinkable” ship.

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows
★ 7.5
Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows1998Documentary · TV Movie

This documentary follows superstar Bret Hart during his last year in the WWF. The film documents the tensions that resulted in The Montreal Screwjob, one of the most controversial events in the history of professional wrestling, in which Vince McMahon, Shawn Micheals, and others, legitimately conspired behind the scenes to go against the script and remove Bret Hart as champion.

Behind the Planet of the Apes
★ 7.1
Behind the Planet of the Apes1998Documentary · TV Movie

Roddy McDowall takes you, film by film, from production meetings to make-up sessions, then right onto the movie set to see the actual filming of the science fiction masterpiece. The most comprehensive history of Planet of the Apes ever created, this fascinating 127-minute documentary explores one of the most imaginative and influential series in movie history.

Titanic: 20 Years Later with James Cameron
★ 6.6
Titanic: 20 Years Later with James Cameron2017Documentary · TV Movie

For the 20th anniversary of "Titanic," James Cameron reopens the file on the disaster.

Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special
★ 6.5
Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special2021Documentary · TV Movie

Winfrey speaks with Markle about everything from stepping into life as a Royal, marriage, motherhood, her philanthropic work and how she is handling life under intense public pressure. Later, the two are joined by Prince Harry as they speak about their move to the United States and their future hopes and dreams for their expanding family.

David Blaine: Beyond Magic
★ 7.1
David Blaine: Beyond Magic2016Documentary · TV Movie

In his most revealing performance yet, the one-hour special features an exploration into Blaine’s trademark style of street magic as he once again stuns his audience.

The Godfather Family: A Look Inside
★ 7.8
The Godfather Family: A Look Inside1990Documentary · TV Movie

A documentary on the making of the three Godfather films, with interviews and recollections from the film makers and cast. This feature also includes the original screen tests of some of the actors for "The Godfather" film, and some candid moments on the set of "The Godfather: Part III."

Louis Theroux: The Settlers
★ 8.4
Louis Theroux: The Settlers2025Documentary · TV Movie

Fourteen years after his first visit, Louis Theroux meets some of the growing community of religious-nationalist Israelis who have settled in the occupied West Bank.

The Green Book: Guide to Freedom
★ 7.8
The Green Book: Guide to Freedom2019Documentary · TV Movie

In 1936, Victor H. Green (1892-1960) published The Negro Motorist Green Book, a book that was both a travel guide and a survival manual, to help African-Americans navigate safe those regions of the United States where segregation and Jim Crow laws were disgracefully applied.

Similar titles

I, Tintin
★ 5.3
I, Tintin1976Documentary

The adventures of Hergé, or how Georges Remi created The Adventures of Tintin. Interviews, archive footage and animation clips tell the story of Tintin, which is the history of the 20th century.

Led Zeppelin: The Untold Story
★ 5.0
Led Zeppelin: The Untold Story2011Documentary

Led Zeppelin: The Untold Story reveals an often overlooked side of the saga. Using early performance footage, seldom seen interviews and previously unpublished photographs, as well as contributions from colleagues, friends, and associates who worked alongside the future members of Led Zeppelin, The Untold Story is finally made public.

The Rolling Stones: Satisfaction Interviews
Not rated
The Rolling Stones: Satisfaction Interviews2007Documentary

This film contains interview material and archival footage presented all on one film. It begins with very rare black and white Australian documentary from the 60s with Jagger looking like the rebel, and Keith, looking somewhat wasted, talking about Brian Jones in some depth. Also featured are press conferences, a classic interview with Mick, Ronnie and a hung over Charlie Watts, the Life Time Achievements awards, Bill Wyman interview, Keith on why he loves the Stones, Charlie speaking about touring etc, and a long Australian interview to finish.

The Albatross
★ 7.0
The Albatross1998Animation

A ship sets sail on an epic voyage through malignant natural and supernatural elements from which one man alone survives. An adaptation of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner illustrated by19th Century wood engravings which are animated by scratching directly into the surface of color filmstock. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner with its message of ecological redemption has a curiously contemporary resonance, but it is at the level of the mythic that the poem has lasting relevance; for this epic tale of extraordinary events simply mirrors the struggle that each human being faces on their own in his or her life. -VDB

L'Histoire Vraie Du Tatoueur D'Auschwitz
★ 9.0
L'Histoire Vraie Du Tatoueur D'Auschwitz2025Documentary

I Still Love Them
Not rated
I Still Love Them2010Documentary

Michel is the charismatic subject of this documentary about following your sex drive. Sharing unique life experiences with great verve, an aging lothario strikes an honest and simply unforgettable pose.

Sir David Attenborough – A Life on Earth
Not rated
Sir David Attenborough – A Life on Earth2014Documentary

Sir David Attenborough is larger than life, his distinctive voice as recognisable as his name. In this program, renowned Australian journalist Ray Martin turns the cameras away from the beloved wildlife Sir David has spent his life documenting and onto the man himself. The show is an edited interview culled from a series of sold-out events held in theatres across Australia in 2012 and 2013.

Louis, Martin & Michael
★ 6.4
Louis, Martin & Michael2003Documentary · TV Movie

Louis Theroux sets out on a personal quest to meet the ultimate pop idol - Michael Jackson - and examine the often bizarre world that surrounded him and those that worshipped at his altar. The journey began in the summer of 2002 with a simple phone call to Uri Geller - a personal friend of Jackson's - to fix a meeting for Louis. What happened next resulted in a fantastical trek into a weird world of characters who orbited around the 'King of Pop'. Majestic Magnificent, Michael's personal magician, could be the gatekeeper to a meeting or just a fraud. Would Louis, a lifelong fan of Jackson, eventually meet his hero?

DC Showcase: Death
★ 8.4
DC Showcase: Death2019Animation

Vincent, an artist with unresolved inner demons, meets a mysterious girl who helps him come to terms with his creative legacy… and eventual death.

Profile of a Writer: Borges
Not rated
Profile of a Writer: Borges1983Documentary · TV Movie

This documentary examines Borges' extraordinary life and work, using dramatizations of his most memorable stories and rare interview footage with the author at his Buenos Aires home.

The Runners
★ 6.0
The Runners2013Documentary

As we run, the layers of responsibility and identity we have gathered in our lives, the father, mother, lawyer, teacher, Manchester United-supporter labels, all fall away, leaving us with the raw human being underneath. With nothing but our own two legs moving us, we begin to get a vague, tingling sense of who, or what, we really are.

Deep Purple: From Here To Infinite
★ 7.9
Deep Purple: From Here To Infinite2017Documentary

Feature length documentary about the story behind the pioneering and influential British heavy metal band as they enter the studio to record their new album.

Cracking the Shakespeare Code
★ 7.5
Cracking the Shakespeare Code2016Documentary

Norwegian researcher Petter Amundsen claims to have deciphered a secret code hidden in legendary playwright William Shakespeare's works that reveals a map leading to the location of certain treasures. British Shakespearean scholar Robert Crumpton embarks on a mission to prove he is spectacularly wrong. (A remake of “Shakespeare: The Hidden Truth,” including new discoveries.)

Nelson Mandela, Beyond the Myth
★ 8.0
Nelson Mandela, Beyond the Myth2019Documentary

Mandela’s legend is built on his absence, during his 27- year incarceration. In 1990, when Nelson Mandela is released, South Africa is waiting for their Messiah. But he doesn’t know it yet, he is the most famous political prisoner of the Planet. Will he be up to the challenge?

The Shell Collector
★ 6.0
The Shell Collector2022TV Movie

It follows a widow with two children who befriends some interesting characters in her small seaside town as she looks to move on ahead with her new life after the death of her husband.

Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary
★ 7.4
Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary2019Documentary

A feature-length documentary about the film Galaxy Quest and its legacy, celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary.

Alain Delon, a unique portrait
★ 7.2
Alain Delon, a unique portrait2015Documentary · TV Movie

Biography of a star and figure study : This fascinating portrait is for anyone who wants to know more about the man behind the mask. By the end of the film, you will view this famous French icon in a totally different light. Delon speaks in a series of surprising interviews, spanning nearly 50 years.

Jean Marais par Jean Marais
★ 8.0
Jean Marais par Jean Marais1995Documentary

An intimate documentary portrait of the legendary French actor. Directed by Carole Weisweiller and Jean-Christophe Rosé, the film centers on an in-depth conversation filmed in 1995 between Weisweiller and the aging star. Rather than a dry chronological career recap, the film offers a deeply personal retrospective. Marais candidly reflects on his multi-faceted artistic journey—spanning acting, painting, and sculpting. He reflects on his creative partnership and profound romance with director Jean Cocteau, which shaped postwar French cinema with masterpieces like Beauty and the Beast and Orpheus. He also addresses his transition into a swashbuckling box-office icon in popular action films. Blending reflective interviews with archival footage, the film acts as a moving artistic testament, offering a rare, vulnerable window into the life, passions, and enduring legacy of one of France's ultimate icons.

Shrek
★ 7.8
Shrek2001Animation

It ain't easy bein' green -- especially if you're a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot -- a wisecracking donkey.

The Treasures of Marie-Antoinette at Versailles
★ 8.7
The Treasures of Marie-Antoinette at Versailles2024Documentary

Over time, Queen Marie-Antoinette, who was the most hated woman of her time, experienced a spectacular return to favor. Today, historians and curators show another character: an independent and loving woman in constant search of intimacy who knew how to keep her secrets; a woman with refined, feminine and modern taste who marked her time. At Versailles, in this sublime setting cut off from the world where she barricaded herself, Marie-Antoinette cultivated her own style and influenced, throughout Europe, the tastes of her time.

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.