As the number of successful Marvel and DC projects continue to grow, the casting decisions for their iconic characters become harder and harder. Back when Toby Maguire played Spider-Man for the first time, there was nothing to compare his performance against. When Michael Keaton played Batman in the original masterpiece, he was only being compared with the campy Adam West.

Since then, things have intensified quite a bit. The Avengers have set a new standard for box office numbers. The CW has brought a popular and extremely profitable superhero world to the small screen. Two of the biggest characters in comics, Batman and Spider-Man, have actually changed faces multiple times. It's a brave new world.

As we look through past casting decisions, some will stand out as being absolutely perfect, producing what looks like a perfect match between the original comic book character and the actor chosen to portray him. Not all the choices that were made along the way can measure up however, as evidenced by Ryan Reynolds pathetic attempt to play the Green Lantern. The following choices were much better than that:

10. Vincent D'Onofrio: The Kingpin

Netflix decided to jump into the superhero universe with both feet as they launched their series "Daredevil" this past year. The writing was superb and the production was beyond reproach. Yet through it all, the thing that absolutely made the entire project mesh was the outstanding casting of the main characters.

Bryan Cox pulled it off as a smaller version of the man without fear and the other supporting members did some very good work. But it was the scene stealing intensity of Vincent D'Onofrio as the main villain, the Kingpin, that completely stole the show.

He showed comic book fans everywhere that there could actually be a sympathetic side to one of the most ruthless villains in the Marvel Universe. He demonstrated the ability to be sensitive and caring and then turn lethally violent when the need arose. His performance made the audience pull for him to succeed at time. It was a fantastic performance.

9. Chris O'Donnell: Robin

The new version of Robin is not the guy from the old TV show with the yellow cape and the Lone Ranger mask. The new Robin is the one that takes up the mantle of Nightwing later on in the comic book world and goes solo in a new town.

This version of Robin is fiercely competitive, loyal and loves to get into a fight. The character is brought to life perfectly by Chris O'Donnell in "Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin."de  His athletic and introspective portrayal of the boy wonder came through bold and strong.

O'Donnell proved to be a great compliment to Val Kilmer's Batman in the third installment. The actors worked together well and the audience believed that they were forging a formidable alliance. In the George Clooney debacle, the boy wonder took on a much stronger persona in order to make up for the weaker portrayal of the caped crusader. While the role of Batman is undergoing yet another facelift these days, O'Donnell could jump onto any set and play Robin perfectly with no notice.

8. Bradley Cooper: Rocket Raccoon

The Guardians of the Galaxy may have been the surprise hit of the last few years, but Rocket Raccoon made the headlines. The furry little rodent with the really big gun made quite an impression on moviegoers, and the voice that drove his madness to purpose was provided by Bradley Cooper.

The star of Silver Linings Playbook certainly unleashed his inner beast in his portrayal of the smart mouthed and surprisingly heroic pilot and adventurer. Chris Pratt did a good job of playing the semi-serious "Star Lord" but the comic relief was regularly delivered by Cooper through brash one-liners.

This casting was great because Cooper has such an electric personality. When he decides to play a role over-the-top, like he did in Silver Linings Playbook, great things are bound to happen. This was no exception.

7. Grant Gustin: The Flash

The idea of bringing the scarlet speedster to life on the small screen is not a new one. Back in 1990, DC comics tried to use the special effects available to make John Wesley Shipp look like the fastest man on Earth. The acting was good, the story was passable, but the effects were terrible. They were so terrible in fact, that they simply could not be overcome.

The new incarnation of The Flash is played by Grant Gustin, who just might be the perfect guy for this role. He is sensitive and caring when the situation dictates. He is a reluctant hero, who doesn't embrace using his powers in anger. He is carefree and playful, but can be deadly serious and dedicated.

The comic book of The Flash is cut from the same cloth. This portrayal is as spot-on as any other in this list, but since he is only in his second season, we will leave him here at number 7.

6. Bennett: Slade Wilson/ Deathstroke

I once heard someone say that Deathstroke was so cool that it didn't matter who played him, especially since he wears a mask. Unfortunately, anyone who witnessed the ridiculously bad miniseries, "Nightwing" has seen that is not a true statement.

On the other hand, the millions of fans that have tuned into "Arrow" for the last few seasons have seen the way that Deathstroke was always meant to be portrayed. Manu Bennett looks the part, acts the part and brings the part to life in a way that others can only hope for.

Perhaps it is the four seasons of "Spartacus" that make us believe that the former gladiator Crixus is a natural fit for playing this arch villain. Perhaps it is the Australian accent and finely tuned physique that make us picture him as Deathstroke whenever that name is mentioned. The dye has been cast, the people have spoken, and Manu Bennett is the only true Deathstroke.

5. Ryan Reynolds: Deadpool

The movie is not even out yet, but just from the trailers I've seen this will be a great movie. Reynolds is a comedic talent, and his place has always been where he can be surrounded by one-liners and sarcasm. The role of Green lantern didn't fit him at all, as Hal Jordan was a very serious and dedicated soldier who was bound by honor and duty to his cause.

Reynolds is a goofball who has a six-pack and great hair. Casting him as the Merc with the Mouth is a great move by the studio to bring the popular character to life on the big screen in his own solo film.

Deadpool is constantly telling jokes at his opponent's expense, wise-cracking about his opponents weaknesses and basically alienating any potential ally that he comes in contact with. Reynolds will play this perfectly and the role will be a great fit for him.

 

4. Ioan Gruffudd: Mr. Fantastic

Say what you will about the Fantastic Four, but they were one of the first superhero teams ever. They were incredibly popular when they first came out, years before anyone had ever heard of the Avengers or the X-Men. The first movie was quite good, no matter what the critics said.

The role of Mr. Fantastic was a hard one to fill. The actor had to be authoritative enough to be the leader of the Fantastic Four, but not be too overbearing as to overshadow the Thing. Gruffudd pulled it off beautifully.

He also keenly looked the part, from his build to his facial features. From the first scene, we believed we were watching Mr. Fantastic. The supporting cast was "fantastic" as well, and the teamwork that came from that movie should have forced the studio to make a better sequel. I think the studio owes Gruffudd an apology.

 

3. Chris Hemsworth: Thor

Seriously think about it for a moment, and ask yourself if there is any other actor that could ever play the God of thunder, from this point forward. Admit it, he IS Thor from now on. Hemsworth has spearheaded two solo movies and a couple of Avengers ensembles and is showing no signs of getting any weaker.

The bearded Thor that we have come to know recently is the closest thing you will ever get to a real live Norse God. He has the build and the stature to match the comic book legend and has the hair and good looks to make the role believable.

He has that mischievous look in his eye when he is planning on going rogue, and he has the smirk that was made famous by Thor's many adventures against his father's will. As long as they need a Thor, and as long as he still has his biceps, Hemsworth will keep this job.

2. Michelle Pfeiffer: Catwoman

No disrespect is intended towards Halle Berre here, but Michelle owns this role. There is something about her porcelain skin reflected against that black leather suit that simply makes you stop, look and take notice. It certainly worked on Batman anyway.

Her interaction with Batman was spot-on, as they tangled above the rooftops amid the palpable sexual tension. Catwoman's character in the comics was always challenging Batman's commitments, as well as his choices in regard to his dual personality, which caused him to constantly see his reflection in her eyes. Michelle and Michael Keaton perform this dance in perfect lock-step.

Michelle overacted deliciously and had a great time playing the ferocious feline in Batman Returns. Her thorough enjoyment of the role yet added to its believability. She will always be the first, as well as the best.

1. Robert Downey Jr.: Tony Stark/ Iron Man

The millionaire playboy returned from the dead to lead Stark industries down the path to righteousness. Throughout the comics, Tony Stark battled his demons, including a very public battle against alcohol that he almost lost on several occasions. Yet he was always seen as the carefree lady's man with the goatee and the sports car.

 

Robert Downey Jr. was a perfect ringer for the part. He has the right blend of humor, sarcasm, wit and charm to play this role for years to come. He also has the ultra-intelligent delivery of his lines and an air of genius about him that emanates throughout his performance that he is a man to be reckoned with.

 

The top spot on this list belongs to one of the leaders of the Avengers, and the man who takes sides against Captain America in the upcoming saga about the superhero Civil War. Robert Downey Jr. looks like Tony Stark and acts like him too, and will embody the iconic character on the big screen for as long as the franchise goes on.