Ever since the earliest days of swashbuckling adventure, superhero serials, and classic westerns, masked heroism has been a fixture of cinema. Best known for the treatment of superheroes from the worlds of Marvel and DC Comics, these films tell the tales of characters who hide their identities in the pursuit of justice or revenge. The dual persona trope remains hugely popular in fiction when it comes to heroes and villains alike, and these protagonists show this perfectly.

Masked heroes represent some of the best of Americana, with the trope being a common theme throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Though the likes of Batman, Spider-Man, and The Flash are among the best-known masked heroes, independent media and franchises also feature some brilliant masked Avengers. Disguise is key to a hero protecting those they love, and adds a layer of mystery to their story.

10 The Shadow Helped Inspire Batman

The Shadow was created as a radio character by Walter B. Gibson and is seen as one of the key precursors to Batman, so much so that The Dark Knight's first story actually plagiarized a Shadow story. In 1994, the dark avenger made his cinematic debut, played by Alec Baldwin in an origin story that follows his transformation from drug lord to New York antihero.

The Shadow's disguise is both physical and mystical, using a mask to conceal the lower half of his face and casting an illusion that distorts his appearance. As he saves people, Shadow enlists them in his service, turning to them when he needs their talents, making him a uniquely practical hero.

9 The Lone Ranger Protects The Old West

Based on the 1930s western hero, 2013's The Lone Ranger cast Armie Hammer in the titular role, with Johnny Depp landing the role of his Native American friend, Tonto. The film serves as an origin story for the hero, following John Reid as he looks into the murder of his brother. When his investigation leads to a conspiracy involving a corrupt military officer, a railroad industrialist, and an outlaw, he dons the mask and hat and fights for justice.

Despite being one of Disney's biggest cinematic flops, The Lone Ranger is an enjoyable Western adventure movie. Its hero, John Reid, has been a staple of the genre since the 1930s and has a rich history on TV and in comics. He and Tonto are committed to justice, and they travel the Old West righting wrongs and protecting the vulnerable.

8 Spawn Was One Of The Hottest Heroes Of The 1990s

Following his official debut in his 1992 solo comic series, Todd McFarlane's Spawn landed his own movie in 1997. The film retells his origin story, beginning as the special forces operative Al Simmons, who is murdered and sent to Hell, where he strikes a bargain with the demon Malebolgia to become a Hellspawn. After realizing he was deceived, and the demon wouldn't uphold his end of the deal to reunite the man with his wife, Simmons goes his own way, using his power for good.

Although the 1997 Spawn movie was one of the decade's more disappointing comic book adaptations, the character himself is fantastic. With his symbiotic suit, rippling red cape, and determination to get his revenge, Al Simmons did make for a compelling hero, even if his film wasn't great. However, he was redeemed in HBO's animated series, which was far more faithful to the source material.

7 Rocketeer Is A Skybound Hero

The Rocketeer was created by Dave Stevens as an homage to the classic adventure serials of his youth. The hero is Cliff Secord, a young stunt pilot who discovers a jetpack, which he uses for heroism against Nazis, gangsters, monsters, and more. As he fights crime and spies, he also juggles his personal life with his beloved Jenny Blake standing by his side.

The Rocketeer is an icon in the indie comics scene, as well as a cult favorite of cinema. With a Disney reboot on the way, the hero is set for a rebirth for modern audiences, and if given a good, comics-inspired story, could be propelled into fame. His 1991 movie cast him in a classic tale of espionage and action, with Billy Campbell cast in the role opposite Timothy Dalton as a Nazi sympathizer.

6 Darkman Uses The Art Of Disguise To Seek Revenge

Darkman tells the story of Peyton Westlake, a scientist who is on the verge of discovering a way to synthesize human skin. However, when his lab is destroyed and he is burned alive, he turns to his technology to build himself a new face, though each one fails within hours. Intent on getting revenge on the men responsible for his fate, Westlake impersonates whoever he must to work his way into the criminals' inner circle.

Darkman is one of the 1990s best antiheroes, with a tragic backstory that makes him immediately sympathetic, especially as he's forced into a life of solitude. Despite being prone to moments of rage and despair, the hero is a trustworthy one and goes to great lengths to save the people he loves.

5 The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Are Martial Arts Masters

Created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a beloved team of heroes since their comic book debut in 1984. They have since been adapted into film and animation. Their story is an interesting one: After four turtles were exposed to radioactive waste, they mutated into intelligent, human-like heroes in a half shell.

Each of the four is defined through distinct character traits: Raphael is the tough guy with a love of combat; Donatello is the smartest of the group; Michelangelo is the most juvenile of the team; Leonardo is the team leader, and most mature. The four have a great sibling dynamic, with each of them bringing something unique to the team.

4 Mr and Mrs Incredible Formed A Family Of Heroes

The Incredibles tells the story of a family of superheroes in retirement, when the father, Mr Incredible, secretly returns to his duties as a hero to make money and rekindle his sense of purpose. When he gets trapped on the island of the supervillain Syndrome, Incredible's family springs into action to save him, showing how well they work as a team.

The Incredibles is a fun satire and commentary on both suburban life and the superhero genre, exploring what makes a hero tick without fully deconstructing the genre. Mr and Mrs Incredible form a great husband and wife team, and when their kids are involved they resemble the likes of The Fantastic Four.

3 The Phantom Was The First Costumed Hero

Lee Falk's Phantom was originally created as a 1930s comic strip, detailing the weekly adventures of its costumed hero. In 1996, the hero of Bengalla was brought to life, with Billy Zane cast in the leading role. The movie combines the adventure of Indiana Jones with the masked heroism of Batman, turning into a fun swashbuckling superhero movie. It follows the Phantom as he rescues an old friend and visits New York in search of

The Phantom has only received one feature film from Hollywood, but Billy Zane made a great impression as the masked hero. A jack of all trades, Kit Walker is a skilled fighter, shooter, pilot, and detective, demonstrating that he is one of cinema's most capable heroes.

2 The Dread Pirate Roberts Has A Terrifying Reputation

The Princess Bride follows a story told by a man to his grandson. Set in the fantasy land of Florin, the story begins with the tale of the farmhand Westley and his beloved Princess Buttercup. After falling for one another, the young woman is left heartbroken at the news her love was slain by the ruthless pirate, the Dread Pirate Roberts. Buttercup is later kidnapped by a small band of criminals, who are pursued by Roberts -- later revealed to be none other than Westley, who was handed the mantle.

The Dread Pirate Roberts, at least in The Princess Bride, is a Zorro-inspired hero, who is driven by a sense of honor and shows skill in every area that makes a great warrior. While the mystery element of Westley's identity is soon revealed and the hero drops the mask, it does make for a compelling mystery and persona.

1 Zorro Was A Precursor To The Age Of The Superhero

Created more than a century ago, Zorro was one of the precursors to the superhero archetype. With his story set in California, the hero is a champion of the oppressed, one who tackles exploitative industrialists, brutal soldiers, and oppressive aristocrats. Although the character has been a staple of adventure cinema for decades, it was Antonio Banderas' performance as the pulp-age hero that made him relevant for a new generation.

Historically, Zorro was Don Diego de la Vega, a wealthy lord who would moonlight as the hero to protect the people of California from corruption and oppression. In the films, the mantle was passed on to Alejandro Murrieta, a young thief who, following the murder of his brother, seeks revenge. After meeting Diego, he is trained and shaped into a worthy successor, one with a heart of gold.