The Mask (1994)

Although the Mask is arguably Dark Horse comic books’ most popular character, comparing the main character to his Marvel and DC counterparts is kind of like saying that he’s the most famous shop owner in a small town. So when a movie based on the character was released in 1994, it was something of a surprise.

But it was fantastic. Jim Carrey’s breakout year saw him starring in the movie – as well as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber – and he totally nailed it. He was hilarious and he made the role in his own in a way nobody else truly could.

Subsequently, the movie was both a critical and commercial success, which was a massive surprise, given the relatively obscure source material – it really did come out of nowhere back in the mid-1990s.

Now for a MUCH more popular superhero, whose movie surprised everyone.