Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
The Legends Behind the Comic Books
TITLE DETAILS

The Legends Behind the Comic Books

2007-09-15 · 56 min · Not rated

Documentary

This new documentary film recognizes the comic book as a true art form, as indigenous to American culture as jazz. It presents comic books as reflectors of a changing America from the 1930's to today, and it hails comic book superheroes as modern-day mythological figures. “THE LEGENDS BEHIND THE COMIC BOOKS” captures for posterity the living artists and writers from The Golden Age of Comic Books (1938-1951) and The Silver Age of Comic Books (1956-1973). Insightful comments are provided by the creative geniuses who were there at the beginning, including…

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

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

Production details

Directors
Chip Cronkite
Production companies
Stonebridge Productions
Countries
United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

Stan LeeStan LeeSelf
Andy KubertAndy KubertSelf
Joe KubertJoe KubertSelf
Adam KubertAdam KubertSelf
Dick GiordanoSelf
Greg HildebrandtSelf
Dennis O'NeilDennis O'NeilSelf
John Romita Sr.John Romita Sr.Self
Joe SimonJoe SimonSelf
Roy ThomasRoy ThomasSelf
Michael UslanMichael UslanSelf

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

Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics
★ 7.0
Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics2010Documentary

A look at the history of the comic book publication that launched such legendary characters as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

Marvel: 75 Years, from Pulp to Pop!
★ 6.8
Marvel: 75 Years, from Pulp to Pop!2014Documentary

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.

Marvel's Behind the Mask
★ 7.0
Marvel's Behind the Mask2021Documentary

A documentary special that explores the power of identity behind the iconic superheroes we know and love today. These legendary Marvel creations and stories have not only reflected the world outside our window – they have become a reflection of our own identities and who we truly are.

Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics
★ 6.8
Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics2013Documentary

A documentary detailing the epic Rogues' Gallery of DC Comics from The Joker and Lex Luthor, Sinestro, Darkseid and more, this documentary will explore the Super Villains of DC Comics.

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe
★ 6.9
Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe2014Documentary

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."!

Stan Lee
★ 7.2
Stan Lee2023Documentary

Celebrate the legacy of Stan Lee as the co-creator of such legendary characters as Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the X-Men, The Avengers, and hundreds more.

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
★ 7.0
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness2022Documentary

Join visionary director Sam Raimi and the cast of the film as they recount their experiences bringing Marvel’s darkest story to life. From world-building to universe-building, hear first hand accounts from the cast and crew on what it took to design, create and make each universe unique and believable.

Above Majestic
★ 7.4
Above Majestic2018Documentary

A look at the origins, history and conspiracies behind the "Majestic 12", a clandestine group of military and corporate figureheads charged with reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology.

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope
★ 6.9
Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope2011Documentary

A behind-the-scenes look at San Diego Comic-Con, the world's largest comic book convention, and the fans who attend every year.

Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20
★ 7.2
Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/202022Documentary

An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.

Batman & Bill
★ 7.2
Batman & Bill2017Documentary

Everyone thinks that Bob Kane created Batman, but that’s not the whole truth. One author makes it his crusade to make it known that Bill Finger, a struggling writer, actually helped invent the iconic superhero, from concept to costume to the very character we all know and love. Bruce Wayne may be Batman’s secret identity, but his creator was always a true mystery.

Come See Me in the Good Light
★ 7.0
Come See Me in the Good Light2025Documentary

In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.

Doomed! The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four
★ 6.8
Doomed! The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four2015Documentary

A history of the ill-fated 1994 production of “The Fantastic Four” that was executive produced by Roger Corman.

Harmontown
★ 6.6
Harmontown2014Documentary

A comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.

The Class of ‘92
★ 7.1
The Class of ‘922013Documentary

A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.

The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
★ 7.5
The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance2019Documentary

Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.

The Curse of the Dragon
★ 7.2
The Curse of the Dragon1993Documentary

A 1993 documentary film about Bruce Lee. The film includes interviews from some of his fellow students and opponents who worked alongside him in his movies.

Joker: Put on a Happy Face
★ 7.9
Joker: Put on a Happy Face2020Documentary

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.

Sidney
★ 6.9
Sidney2022Documentary

This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.

A Toxic Love Story
★ 6.5
A Toxic Love Story2026Documentary

A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.

Similar titles

Poster unavailable
Not rated
The Alchemy of Art: David Mack2007Documentary

This is an in-depth look at the writer and artist David Mack, who Entertainment Weekly designates "One of the true geniuses of the medium."

Poster unavailable
★ 10.0
Terry Moore: Paradise Found2004Documentary

An in-depth look at the life and art of the Eisner Award Winning creator of Strangers in Paradise. Features an in depth interview with Terry, a tour of his studio, a narrated peek into Terry's notebook and a look at Terry at work.

Hooked on Comix - Volume 1 - Life On The Cutting Edge Of An All-American Artform
Not rated
Hooked on Comix - Volume 1 - Life On The Cutting Edge Of An All-American Artform1994Documentary

"... It's heartening to see so much talent and dedication at work in the under-appreciated medium of personal, as opposed to corporate, comics. I also enjoyed watching so many introverts (I oughta know) squirming in front of the camera, valiantly trying to explain the unexplainable." - Bill Griffith, creator of Zippy the Pinhead

Poster unavailable
Not rated
KirbyvisionDocumentary

Comic legend Jack Kirby co-created Captain America, Avengers, Black Panther and more for Marvel and DC. From Depression-era roots through WWII service to his 60-year comics career, he shaped the medium as a major 20th century artist.

8 Arms to Hold You
Not rated
8 Arms to Hold You2004Documentary

An "Ock-umentary" exploring the character of Doc Ock and the way he as well as his tentacles were brought to life on the silver screen.

Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
★ 7.4
Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles2014Documentary

In the spring of 1984, a strange new comic book sat beside cash registers in select shops, too big to fit in the racks, and too weird to ignore. Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles presented a completely original breed of super hero. It was too bizarre, too crazy. It broke all the rules and should never have worked. Until it sold out. Again and again and again. For 30 years. Now, peek under the shell and see how this so-called "happy accident" defied every naysayer to become one of the most popular and beloved franchises in the world.

Future Shock! The Story of 2000AD
★ 6.8
Future Shock! The Story of 2000AD2014Documentary

A long overdue documentary that tells the story of 2000AD, the unsung cult hero of the comics industry. This film will celebrate and pay respect to the comic and explore its importance and influence on contemporary pop culture.

The Story of Rock 'n' Roll Comics
★ 6.5
The Story of Rock 'n' Roll Comics2011Documentary

Todd Loren, whose scandalous series of unauthorized comic book biographies of rock stars enraged and sometimes charmed his subjects, provoked numerous lawsuit threats from the likes of Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses and Skid Row, and eventually led to a landmark First Amendment case, all before he was savagely murdered in 1992. Includes first hand accounts from many of the artists and writers who were inspired and exploited by Loren, along with interviews with Alice Cooper, Mojo Nixon and more.

Poster unavailable
★ 8.5
The Devil You Know: Inside the Mind of Todd McFarlane2001Documentary

A film about the life and career of the famed Canadian comic book talent.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Will Eisner: Profissão Cartunista1999Documentary

Documentary that explores the long and remarkable career of Will Eisner, a pioneering cartoonist whose work continues to have an impact on pop culture around the world. Includes interviews with Ann Eisner, Art Spiegelman, Bill Sienkiewicz, Denis Kitchen, Jerry Robinson, Angeli, Maurício de Souza, Ziraldo, Jano, François Schuiten and many other artists.

Malditos Cartunistas
Not rated
Malditos Cartunistas2010Documentary

Documentary that presents an overview of the production of cartoons and comics in Brazil.

Chris Claremont's X-Men
★ 6.8
Chris Claremont's X-Men2018Documentary

Chris Claremont’s X-Men takes an in-depth look at Claremont’s monumental run. Using high-profile interviews, the film explores the behind-the-scenes development of notable characters like Wolverine, Storm, and Phoenix, as well as the challenges of creating art within a corporate system.

Confidential File: Horror Comics
Not rated
Confidential File: Horror Comics1955Documentary

In 1954 the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency conducted an investigation into how the comic book industry was supposedly contributing to the moral decay of a nation's youth. The investigations were spurred on by a number of articles that blamed comics for the rise in juvenile delinquency in post-war America. Chief among the critics was Doctor Frederic Wertham, whose book, "Seduction of The Innocent" has been blamed for nearly single-handedly crippling the entire comics industry. "Confidential File" was aired in 1955, after the senate hearings and the formation of the Comics Code, but it serves as a perfect example of how the media reacted to the comic book industry, and sought a scape goat by blaming the comic book publications for society's own lack of responsibility in raising its children.

The Donald Duck Principle
★ 10.0
The Donald Duck Principle2014Documentary

The documentary tells why Donald Duck hit Europe like a bomb after the Second World War, creates a loving psychogram of the drake who’d love to be successful and eventually examines the question how our on self-optimization focused society deals with failure.

Derib, une vie dessinée
Not rated
Derib, une vie dessinée2025Documentary

Seth's Dominion
★ 7.3
Seth's Dominion2014Documentary

A 2014 National Film Board of Canada animated/live action documentary directed by Luc Chamberland about the Canadian cartoonist Seth.

My Comic Shop DocumentARy
Not rated
My Comic Shop DocumentARy2011Documentary

In 1992, Steve Oto embarked upon a journey from lawyer to comic book retailer. It has been a journey filled with accomplishment and disappointment, friendship and heartbreak, and a dream that would become a nightmare. This documentary shines a light on the unlikely community that has developed at Alternate Realities--one comprised of customers and employees more colorful than even the pages of a comic book.

Comics
★ 7.4
Comics1969Documentary

Documentary short that synthesizes the evolution of comic books since Yellow Kid until Spirit.

Babel - From Silence to the Explosion
Not rated
Babel - From Silence to the Explosion2020Documentary

Athens, February 1981. Motivated by their shared love for the so-called Ninth Art, a group of people introduces Greek readers to the culture of comic books that are not just for kids. This is the story of the legendary Greek comics magazine Babel and the international comics festivals it organized.

Sex in the Comix
★ 6.0
Sex in the Comix2012Documentary

Documentary exploring the colorful history of the erotic comic strip, including its current comeback and controversial place in society.

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.